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Behind the Times: The Struggles of Rural Hospitals with Outdated Technology

Rural Hospitals play a vital role in providing healthcare services to a remote region with a sparse population. However, the hospital struggles with several significant obstacles, primarily stemming from outdated and unreliable computer systems and software.

The hospital's computer network is slow, and the software is outdated, leading to delays in patient care. When clinicians enter orders into the electronic health record (EHR) system, it often takes a long time for the system to process the information, leading to delays in treatment. These delays can harm patients, especially those with severe conditions that require immediate attention. Providers and staff can easily believe these issues are EHR related, when in fact they are network related.

Moreover, the hospital's administrative tasks, such as billing and record-keeping, are prone to errors due to the outdated software. For example, the hospital staff must manually enter billing information into the system, which is time-consuming and error-prone. These errors can lead to lost revenue and financial losses for the hospital. In addition, it is highly likely the hospital's outdated network infrastructure is vulnerable to cyber threats.

To address these issues, Rural Hospitals need technical support to upgrade its computer systems. Upgrading the software and hardware will also improve the hospital's administrative tasks and billing processes, reducing errors and improving efficiency. Pioneer Technology provides hospital assistance in network infrastructure and cybersecurity to protect patient data from cyber threats. Implementing appropriate cybersecurity measures will ensure that patient data is secure and confidential, instilling confidence in patients that their data is safe with the hospital. Overall, without technical support, Rural Hospital operations would continue to be inefficient and prone to errors, putting patient care at risk, and causing financial losses for the hospital.

Pioneer Technology comes along side current IT teams in rural hospitals to help assist with network upgrades. During the upgrade, the Pioneer team will go through several steps to ensure accuracy in the transition. Here are some of the main steps included in a network revamp / upgrades at rural hospitals:

Assessment: One of the most important steps in the transition is the assessment, providing a clear roadmap of where the hospital needs to move. Pioneer Technology would begin by assessing the hospital's existing network infrastructure, hardware, and software. They would identify the areas that need improvement and determine the scope of the project.

Planning: After the assessment, Pioneer Technology would develop a plan that outlines the steps required to upgrade the network. This plan would consider the hospital's needs, budget, and timeline. They would collaborate with the hospital staff to ensure the plan aligns with their workflow and clinical needs.

Design: Pioneer Technology would then design a new network architecture that meets the hospital's requirements. This design would consider factors such as security, bandwidth, and redundancy. They would also identify the hardware and software required for the upgrade.

Installation: Pioneer Technology would install the new hardware and software and configure the network according to the design. They would also test the new network to ensure it is working correctly.

 

Data migration: Pioneer would transfer the hospital's data from the old system to the new system. This process would ensure that the hospital's patient records and other data are preserved.

Training: Once the installation and data migration are complete, the Pioneer Technology team would train the hospital staff on how to use the new network and software. This training would ensure that the hospital staff can use the new system effectively and efficiently.

Maintenance and support: Pioneer Technology would provide ongoing maintenance and support to ensure the network and software continue to function correctly. They would also provide technical assistance to the hospital staff if any issues arise. We are here to serve local hospitals, we are an extension of your current team, and we are here for all your questions!

 

Rural hospitals face significant challenges when it comes to upgrading their network infrastructure, which can negatively impact patient care and hospital operations. However, Pioneer Technology is well-equipped to provide the technical expertise and resources required to help hospitals upgrade their networks effectively. With their years of experience, Pioneer Technology has a proven track record of helping hospitals improve their network infrastructure, enabling them to provide better patient care, improve operational efficiency, and enhance their cybersecurity posture. By partnering with Pioneer Technology, rural hospitals can rest assured that their network upgrades will be executed efficiently, with minimal disruption to hospital operations, and will position them for future growth and success.

 

Contact our Pioneer Technology team today! 423-777-5500  / Support@PioneerIT.com