UC Irvine Health's new mobile wayfinding application will help patients navigate the "maze" of the Orange, Calif.-based health system, according to Sriram Bharadwaj, senior director of applications and CISO.
The app, which is scheduled to launch in late 2019, will integrate directly with UC Irvine Health's Epic MyChart patient portal app, so patients can receive turn-by-turn indoor navigation features and access their health information all on a single platform.
As senior director of applications at UC Irvine Health, Mr. Bharadwaj said one of his top priorities is improving access to patient care. Here, he discusses how the app will help enhance patient care experiences by providing navigation around the health system, which comprises the 417-bed, Orange, Calif.-based UCI Medical Center as well as primary and specialty care offices.
Editor's Note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: How will the new wayfinding app help improve patient experiences?
Sriram Bharadwaj: There are quite a bit of people who struggle to walk around our hospital system because it's large. The average patient walking into our hospital system — or any hospital system for that matter — is going to think, 'Oh my god. How do I get to my physician's office?' even though the buildings are named, numbered and they have signs, etc. The app gives them the opportunity to know where they are, how they can navigate the maze and how we can help them get to their destination.
Another benefit is that when patients electronically check in for appointments through MyChart, which is the Epic patient portal app, they can then see what the location is they are coming to. Once they know the desired location, they can navigate through wayfinding to that location using common maps available or the UC Irvine Health environment navigation through the wayfinding app.
Q: What other technology initiatives has UC Irvine Health implemented to enhance patient engagement?
SB: We built an app to streamline physician access for our donors. The app provides some level of concierge service for donors and their families who are struggling with care scenarios. We also developed an app that allows patients to choose their nursing home from the hospital based on important care factors, such as staffing or whether it's close to the hospital. Once they choose their preferred factors, our app provides them with a list of relevant nursing homes to choose from.
Q: What is your No. 1 priority as senior applications director for UC Irvine Health Information Services?
SB: Our No. 1 priority today is patient care. Improving access to care and of course helping physicians avoid physician burnout. We strive to provide them with expedience when using our technologies and also help nurses with their day-to-day activities.
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