Technology and Logistics in Health Care Services : A Case Study of Länssjukhuset Ryhov

Abstract: Background: Swedish hospitals face intensified challenges due to elevated demands from patients, demographic changes and cost constraints. Furthermore, patient safety is negatively affected by the relatively high rate of health care associated infections (HAIs). Thus, enforced preventive measures have to be undertaken to improve medical institutions’ ability to provide a qualitative and safe health care. Hence, logistics and technology solutions are gaining presence in modern day medical institutions in order to deliver improved health care.  Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore how a central automatic bed disinfection system could be implemented at a hospital, and investigate if this would improve the patient safety by minimiz-ing the health care associated infections while enhancing the working environment for health professionals.  Method: This study takes the form of an exploratory single case study through the investigation of a Swedish hospital. Qualitative data was compiled through semi-structured interviews and observations, which were analyzed inductively.  Conclusion: The findings reveal that introducing a central automatic bed disinfection system may improve patient safety and the working environment for health care personnel. Additionally, more consistent hygiene standards and improved cleaning quality result in an augmented minimization of bacteria, which as a consequence reduces transmissions of HAIs. Through the implementation of an automatic bed disinfection system, the cleaning capacity is increased, thus the supply of beds becomes more responsive, which indirectly affects the patient flow. By developing a sound logistics system through a flow perspective, a more effective bed management at the hospital is enabled, which optimizes the patient throughput. Moreover, cost efficiencies may be obtained through a more efficient qualitative health care.