In healthcare, patient comfort is king, and small improvements can already make a world of difference in daily routine. At Stichting Vincent van Gogh, part of the VIGO Group based in Venray, a recent innovation has significantly improved the way care is provided.
Angelique van Stokkem, ward leader of the psychogeriatric residential groups, shares her experiences with the purchase of the Innocare® smart warmer for heating packs of wet washcloths and hair washcloths.
De challange
The challenge the foundation faced was inconsistent heating of these essential care products. The old method, using a microwave oven, was far from ideal. “The products were either getting too hot or not hot enough,” Angelique explains. The breakthrough came when colleague Michelle learned about special heating devices at a meeting on grooming. After some research, Innocare®'s smart warmer came to mind, a device designed specifically for the care sector.
The implementation
The implementation of the smart warmers has significantly changed daily life at the Vincent van Gogh Foundation. No longer are employees dependent on the whims of a microwave in the kitchen. The warmers are strategically placed in the hall, close to the residents' rooms, and are filled twice daily with the required packets. “It's a matter of turning it on in the morning and ready,” Angelique says.
The warmers are used for products from both Swash and Abena, and the staff hardly needed any instructions on how to use them. The only area of concern was properly placing the packets in the unit. Since installation, there have been no technical glitches other than a minor problem with the control panel of one warmer, which was quickly resolved.
The effect on the residents is definitely positive. The comfort of a precisely heated washcloth or hair-washing cap is greatly appreciated. “It's just nice that one is no longer startled by a product that is too cold or too hot,” Angelique adds.
The question of sustainability and ecology was also raised. Although the ecological footprint was not specifically considered when purchasing the warmers, sustainability is definitely on the radar for future improvements.
Experiences
The Vincent van Gogh Foundation's experiences with the smart warmers are so positive that they are not only being recommended to other healthcare facilities, but also shared within the VIGO Group network. Innopart Medpro, the supplier, even offers a free trial to experience the benefits for yourself.
Healthcare is all about the people, and sometimes a relatively small innovation like the Innocare® smart warmer can make a big difference in the well-being of patients. The Vincent van Gogh Foundation took this step and is already seeing the positive impact.
