Authors: (including presenting author): :
Leung PH(1), Cheung TW(1), Yeung SF(1), Tsang LY(1), Tai YFC(1), Fung CH(1), Wan SY(1)
Affiliation: :
(1) Physiotherapy Department, PYNEH
Keyword 1: :
Mobile Application
Keyword 2: :
Equipment Management
Keyword 3: :
Resource Utilisation
Keyword 4: :
Eco-Friendly
Introduction: :
In modern healthcare settings, the integrity and readiness of medical equipment are crucial to maximising resource utilization and operational efficiency. In addition to yearly preventive maintenance, equipment in the physiotherapy department requires daily inspections. However, paper-based equipment checking may compromise staff productivity and create unnecessary waste. To address these challenges, we developed i-SCAN (System for Checking Assets and Notification) aiming to improve staff productivity through digitalised workflows and minimise environmental footprint by reducing physical documentation. Additionally, the application facilitates redeployment of equipment by providing visibility into availability and location, allowing staff to quickly identify and relocate assets within department guided by demand. i-Scan aligns with the HA “Smart Hospital 2.0” direction and improves healthcare sustainability, both operationally and environmentally.
Objectives: :
To develop and implement a mobile system for optimizing utilization of resources through real-time digital checks and drive operational sustainability by establishing a green and efficient workflow.
Methodology: :
i-SCAN was developed using the Google Appsheet™ development environment and is available on Apple and Android platforms. Key features of the application include: (1) Equipment Safety Checking: A QR code scanning module that allows staff to log inspections with checklists tailored to equipment types via their mobile phone; (2) Early Notification to Managers: Real-time push notifications for malfunction logs and monthly equipment reports; (3) Equipment Details: A cloud-based, centralised database, providing equipment location, specifications, maintenance history and warranties containing over 700+ equipment.
Result & Outcome: :
i-SCAN was piloted in July 2025 in the physiotherapy department of PYNEH. An 80% reduction was seen in printed safety check documentation, proving the effectiveness of the app in cutting waste. Satisfaction surveys revealed that more than 90% of staff “strongly agreed” with the convenience of the application and its ability to alleviate daily workload. System Usability Scale averaged 9.5/10, highlighting the application's intuitive interface and reliability. The application achieves a triple win in optimizing resources utilization, relieving the burden on clinical and non-clinical staff and contributing to environmental sustainability. The application is flexible and scalable across different settings and situations, and the possibility of further deployment to other departments or hospitals is to be explored. In the future, enhancements may include AI-driven predictive maintenance for smarter resource forecasting.
