A Designated Caregiver (DCG) is someone who is linked to a patient with special privileges to both allow and restrict visitors to the patient. Essentially if a DCG is not signed in to a patient at the time a new visitor tries to sign in, they will not be admitted unless they are on the “Approved Visitor” list, which is controlled by the Designated Caregiver. This is a perfect solution for hospitals with pediatric and children centers who want to add another level of customer service for patients and caregivers.
An important factor of utilizing something like a Designated Caregiver feature is not only for security, but also to maintain customer service levels for both Patients and Caregivers which can be done at a self-service kiosk.
The way this is achieved is by providing DCGs with an extended use badge or wristband printed with a barcode or QR code. Instead of having the DCGs sign in and out at a front desk throughout the duration of their patient’s hospitalization, all they have to do is simply scan in and out at the self-service kiosk stations. Kiosks are also the perfect solution for DCGs checking in/out to the Patient’s unit as well, thus keeping accurate visitor limit counts and audit trail details.
This self-service kiosk is also where the DCG can manage their own lists for approved and restricted visitors. Utilizing the DCG feature allows for approved and restricted Visitor lists to be Patient-specific. Rather than the DCG having to spend time at a front desk managing these lists, they all can be managed at the kiosk level on one simple and easy to use screen.
Utilizing a self-service kiosk with your visitor management system is advantageous on many different levels. When it comes to designated caregivers being apprehensive throughout their Patient’s hospitalization, utilizing a self-service kiosk can provide exemplary customer service that can ease the situation.