Taking care of business when it comes to mobile device management

Keeping accurate and timely records in healthcare these days is more than just an essential for good practice and patient care.

The healthcare sector is subject to a minefield of regulation to protect patient privacy and avoid the potentially large penalties that can come with breaches of GDPR and Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations – to say nothing of the associated reputational damage.

Many care organisations still rely – partially or in some cases completely – upon paper-based recording of patient interactions and treatment.

Not only is this cumbersome and inefficient, as it means notes have to be written up then inputted separately later on, it brings into play inaccuracies and errors resulting from misinterpretation of handwriting, and allows the possibility for documents – and therefore vital information – to be lost. The use of paper-based systems also means that records are not readily searchable.

In an era where ‘real time’ information has become the norm, the expectation really is that treatment should be recorded as it happens. Many care providers have already taken steps to address this through the introduction of activity recording via mobile devices, usually dedicated apps on smartphones when care is provided remotely, and tablets or similar devices in dedicated care settings.

This approach addresses many of the challenges listed above. Information is uploaded in real time and less subject to misinterpretation, while it provides a central searchable dataset, ready for audit, with faster access to the information therein. As long as the devices are secure and well maintained, with data stored securely in the cloud, the risk of data breaches is far lower even if a device is lost or stolen.

Nonetheless, this approach still comes with some challenges of its own.

Not all carers may be comfortable using technology when they’ve become accustomed to paper systems over years or even decades.

Meanwhile, there are still technological challenges to ensure best practice in data protection and access.

This is where an independent enterprise mobility management (EMM) provider can really add value across a number of key areas. This is especially the case when compared with leaving the management of mobile devices to an individual or team responsible for IT – in some settings, these people may have many other pressing calls on their time, are unlikely to be available out of hours (when many devices may still be in use due to the round-the-clock nature of care work) and in any case are unlikely to be experts in managing mobile devices.

Security and compliance

EMM systems enable organisations to enforce encryption, provide secure access (via either PIN policies, or role-based access on a tablet) and even remotely wipe data in the event of a loss of a device in order to prevent breaches. Most EMM dashboards also contain extensive logging capabilities for auditing purposes.

Cost and Operational Efficiency

EMM software allows system and app updates to be controlled, with new devices provisioned directly with all relevant apps and configurations. This ensures compliance and is far easier and safer than relying on the end user to download whatever apps they need themselves.

Shared Device Capabilities

Shared devices are widely used in specialist care settings and can play a key role in reducing hardware overhead. However, risk can be introduced if user-specific data such as email and app logins remains associated to the device.

However, a robust ‘Shared Device’ setup via EMM can help ensure data of this kind remains secure via integration into an IdP system such as Microsoft Entra ID.

Scalability

EMM systems enable care companies to easily roll out secure app-based solutions to an extensive user base, wherever they are located.

As an organisation grows, this approach offers even greater benefits compared with a paper-based approach; a digital approach is almost infinitely scalable.

Simplification

Not all users are tech-savvy. ‘Kiosk mode’ hugely simplifies the user experience, restricting it to a few apps – the ones they actually need to use in the course of their work – helping to drive acceptance and adoption of digital solutions.

Remote Troubleshooting

Some EMM systems include native remote support solutions which allow administrators or support teams to access devices from anywhere to make any necessary updates or changes. This is particularly useful for a scattered workforce such as in-home care providers.

In short, for care organisations of all kinds, engaging with a specialist EMM provider will rapidly pay dividends in terms of device availability, suitability and overall compliance – ensuring your carers can work efficiently and consistently, while reducing the risks posed by human error and the overall burden on your administrators.