Hospital-specific GPS aims to improve efficiency, patient flow

Navigating so many hallways, deciphering signs and going up and down flights of stairs—a hospital can be a tricky place to navigate, especially for the unfamiliar.

Connexient, a New York-based firm specializing in location-based services, has designed the MediNav Navigator Edition 2.0 specifically for healthcare settings.

Essentially a GPS for hospitals, the MediNav is a map that can be pulled up at any time through the mobile app. The app provides turn-by-turn directions and shows patient flow. By tracking patient flow and facility management, the app is capable of reducing costs and increasing efficiency to hospitals. If everyone knew exactly where they needed to go and avoid the traffic jams of overpopulated areas, there’s no doubt that hospitals will be able to deliver care more efficiently while improving patients' on-site experiences.

Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) health network in MIlwaukee is the latest to offer this mobile app to its patients.

"Like many large healthcare organizations, Froedtert & the MCW leaders want to enhance the experience of patients and simplify wayfinding for patients, visitors and even staff. MediNav brings the same benefits of outdoor navigation enjoyed by millions of users to the indoor world,” said Mark Green, Connexient CEO and co-founder. “In addition, improved wayfinding can also help to capture lost revenues by reducing late and missed appointments. Just as importantly."

Along with navigation, the app includes a section for parking, provides indoor and outdoor navigation tips and can integrate into other apps on a patient’s smartphone.