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| Digital signage in err action at Pembury Hospital |
Shiny new hospital, so you would expect state of the art well, everything! I still can't believe how many TV screens I see running without content on them.
Someone went to the trouble of specifying a signage system, deciding what should be displayed, securing budget (which is already tight in the NHS) and then commissioning a company to install the hardware.
However, what's happened to the content management? This wasn't the only screen sitting idle (on a power consuming white image no less) in the hospital. ALL of the screens were in the same state.
It could be an anomaly you say? Just opened so teething problems? We went back weeks later for a follow up scan and guess what? The TVs were still showing the blank white screen. The time wasn't right or even consistent between screens.
If you're going to spend thousands of pounds of public (or private for that matter) money on hardware and software to inform patients, clients and staff then please put some relevant engaging content across the system or simply turn them off.
It's interesting that there are hundreds and possibly thousands of digital signage vendors and it seems not many can get it right! I've seen mouse pointers, error screens, circles displayed as ellipses, screens that are off or content that's out of date.
When you're shopping for a vendor, do yourself a favour; make sure the software to push content to the displays is easy to use and intuitive.
Sounds like the content management team or person didn't go around to check the content or didn't use any way to check whether content is playing correctly.
ReplyDeleteSounds about right, but very strange that in a new place they weren't keen on at least playing an information reel if they didn't have time to add content.
DeleteHi Ray,
ReplyDeleteThe screens you are referring to are used to show/call patient appointments, similar to an airport screen showing flights and the gate you need to attend.
This particular photo is displaying a screen at 7:33am, most clinics/outpatient appointments start at 8/8:30am - the screen is blank as there are no patients to call at this time.
These screens are linked to our patient check in kiosks and the screens are used only for the purpose of patient appointments.
We have a screen in main reception that is currently switched off while we implement a new information and advertising system with a digital provider. There are other screens around the hospital also in the process of being updated in the same way.
Regards
Paul Newman
e-Communications Manager
Hi Paul, you're quick on the draw! Thanks for the comment. It's just that I've never seen it in action or been "called" for an appointment via the screens - not a big deal, just seems like a waste of a great communications channel.
DeleteHave you thought about showing other relevant NHS news on the screens when they are idle? Patient call could reside in a section of the screen rather than take up the whole lot!
Ray
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ReplyDeleteI think they need to implement a digital Signage scheduling system. During the day when patients are attending appointments, this screen could can populated with the patient information as intended. OOH, scheduled information could be displayed - For example, in the maternity ward, information for expectant mothers such as obtaining the flu jab.
ReplyDeleteOliver Candy
Sabercom Digital Signage
http://www.sabercom.co.uk
Hi Ray,
ReplyDeleteI believe the screens only show outpatient appointments, if you checked in via the kiosks when you attended the appointment your name(unless you opted out when checking in) would appear on the screen confirming time, location etc.
At the moment the screens are turned off at night by our reception staff and back on again in the mornings before clinics start.
You make a very good point, the kiosk system/screens are managed by our ICT department so I will certainly forward your comments on from this blog, although I'm not sure if the current system allows for this.
We are looking at using a number of alternative screens around the hospital to show relevant updates/advice to patients and visitors - we hope to roll this out over the next few months.
Thank you for your comments.
regards
Paul