In what can be seen as a major convenience for the patients and their attendants at country's premier health institution AIIMS Delhi, Union health minister J P Nadda launched a mobile app, AIIMS Disha- meant for indoor navigation in the vast premises.Besides patients, visitors this app is meant to help internal staff find their way more easily within the hospital.
App has been created because many visitors find it difficult to navigate the building maze to find the appropriate treatment location. Patients seeking treatment at the AIIMS in Delhi as well as at the NCI in Jhajjar will both benefit from the application.A real-time indoor navigation system would significantly enhance the experience of patients and visitors in the hospital. It would empower the clinical and other staffs of the hospital to be more productive and diminish the risk of patients or guests getting lost.
Based on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons and AI routing algorithms, these interactive digital maps allow uninhibited real-time turn-by-turn navigation, AIIMS authorities said.Whether it is visiting the OPD room, the diagnostic centre, the pharmacy or the billing counter, this navigation system would ensure that patients and visitors reach their destinations without confusion, stress, or delay, they added.
"The concept of AIIMS Disha stands to represent our vision of leveraging next-generation AI and IoT technologies for patient-centric services. Thus positioning AIIMS not only as a healthcare institution but also as a pioneer for digital infrastructural purchases for hospital navigation," said Dr M Srinivas, director, AIIMS Delhi.
The technology used is the BLE Beacon Network, as part of which beacons strategically located transmit location signals for room-level accuracy. The application provides 2D maps of the hospital portraying detailed floor plans and points of interest. Intelligent algorithms recommend the shortest or most accessible path based on user location and mobility needs, an AIIMS statement said.Navigation is possible even without an internet connection.
Officials said that AIIMS Disha will help increase operational efficiency, reduce wait times and ensure a stress-free experience.
The key features of the application include customised routes for personal wheelchairs for patients with some form of mobility issues, turn-by-turn voice and visual navigation (multilingual and accessibility-on-demand) facility and multi-floor and multi-building navigation routing. Through the app, one can search for doctors, labs, pharmacies, billing counters, and amenities, officials said.Crowd flow management can be done through live heat maps. Android- and iOS-operated kiosks are also available inside the premises.
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