Introduction to Smart Hospitalization in Mexico
Mexico is making significant strides in connected care and smart hospitalization, a trend that enables healthcare institutions to optimize operations, save time for staff, reduce clinical errors, and improve patient care.
Investment in Technology
Luis Carlos Solano, Baxter’s Interoperability Manager for Latin America, North America, and the Caribbean, stated that more healthcare institutions in Mexico are investing in software, digital infrastructure, and connected medical devices.
Electronic Health Records Adoption
Solano noted the growing adoption of electronic health records for better clinical data integration. He mentioned that private hospitals are now installing electronic health records, a change not seen five years ago. The goal is to base clinical decisions on data consistently.
Federal Initiative for Unified Clinical Records
The current federal administration is pushing for a unified clinical record for Mexicans, which Solano considers a positive sign. Hospitalization is a complex process requiring data integration from various sources.
Benefits of Hospital Digitalization
Reduced Time for Vital Signs Monitoring
Digitalization reduces nursing staff time dedicated to taking vital signs by up to 58%. This leads to operational savings and increased healthcare staff productivity.
Minimized Medication Administration Errors
Connected infusion pumps to intelligent systems decrease medication administration errors by 75%. This results in less waste, fewer adverse events, and reduced costs from medical complications.
Decreased Emergency Code Activations
Digitalization decreases emergency code activations in hospitals by 46%, a significant cost factor for healthcare institutions.
Gradual Implementation in Public Sector
In the public sector, where budgets are limited, digitalization solutions can be implemented gradually. Starting with automating vital signs, then infusion, and eventually other devices.
Challenges in Smart Hospitalization
Technological Infrastructure and Cybersecurity
Solano emphasized the importance of cybersecurity as the first step in any technological project and highlighted data protection as a crucial ally.
Cultural Change
Another barrier to smart hospitalization in Mexico is cultural change, as indicated by the World Health Organization (WHO). Overcoming this resistance allows for long-term investment in systems that improve patient care and accelerate recovery.
Baxter’s Role in Mexico
Mexico is currently Baxter’s most important market in Latin America, North America, and the Caribbean due to its population size and growth potential.
Baxter has a plant in Tijuana, Baja California, where they manufacture smart beds.
Primary Goal of Digitalization
Beyond financial benefits, Solano stressed that the central goal of digitalization is to enhance patient care. Data-driven decisions help save, sustain, and improve lives while optimizing hospital workflows.
