​Revolutionizing healthcare: Inside Hospital Pakar Kanak-Kanak UKM (HPKK), a smart medical facility

April 30, 2024
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Hospital Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani Hospital Pakar Kanak-Kanak UKM (HPKK), also known as UKM Specialist Children's Hospital, situated adjacent to Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM), stands as a testament to Zecon Medicare's commitment to innovation in healthcare. This establishment transcends the conventional hospital model, emerging as a beacon of excellence in the realm of medical care. Dr Bhavani Devi Balakrishnan (pix), Head of Healthcare Informatics at Zecon Medicare Sdn Bhd, provides us with a glimpse into the intricate workings of this remarkable institution.

Empowering special needs care
The inception of Hospital Pakar Kanak-Kanak (HPKK) stems from the visionary initiative of Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, the wife of a former premier, who envisioned a hospital dedicated to serving children with special needs. This visionary endeavor led to the establishment of a dedicated child development center within HPKK, catering exclusively to children with conditions such as autism, dyslexia, and various other special needs.

Datin Rosmah sought the collaboration of Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM) to develop a blueprint for the hospital's construction and development. Subsequently, the blueprint was entrusted to Zecon Medicare Sdn Bhd, the chosen company for the construction project, marking the commencement of a journey towards realizing this ambitious vision. Since 2013, Zecon has served as the concessionaire for HPKK, overseeing its construction and subsequent operations. 

A paradigm of smart healthcare
HPKK epitomizes the concept of a smart hospital, where cutting-edge technology intertwines seamlessly with patient care. Driven by a vision of automation and efficiency, every aspect of this facility is meticulously designed to enhance the healthcare experience. From the moment patients step foot into the hospital, they are enveloped in a world of innovation and comfort.

Transformative patient journey
The patient journey commences with a captivating lobby experience, designed to evoke a sense of wonder and joy, especially among young visitors. Dr Bhavani elucidates that the lobby's ambiance resembles a playful Legoland structure, setting the tone for a memorable experience. Upon arrival, patients are greeted by a concierge and guided to the registration department, a spacious oasis of relaxation. This deliberate design ensures that patients feel welcomed and at ease, free from the congestion often associated with traditional hospital lobbies.

Seamless automation
Automation lies at the heart of HPKK's operational ethos, facilitating swift and efficient healthcare delivery. The registration process is fully automated, enabling real-time communication between various departments. As patients navigate through the specialist clinic, their journey is seamlessly coordinated via computerized systems, eliminating the need for cumbersome paperwork and minimizing wait time to below 10 minutes.

Pediatric-centric design
A hallmark of HPKK is its unwavering dedication to pediatric care, evident in every facet of the hospital's design. Specially sourced furniture from China ensures optimal comfort for young patients, while amenities such as pediatric-friendly laboratory spaces prioritize their well-being. Dr Bhavani underscores the importance of creating a conducive environment for both children and their caregivers, thereby fostering a sense of reassurance and tranquility.

Strategic specialty allocation
The hospital's layout is meticulously designed to accommodate diverse medical needs and optimize resource utilization. This includes the rotational scheduling of specialty clinics, ensuring efficient use of the 45 consultation rooms to serve different patient demographics such as neurology, cardiology, and orthopedics.

Additionally, the center court is arranged like a family living room, complete with sofa sets, in contrast to the conventional hospital setting. This design acknowledges the need for children to have space to move freely and encourages them to explore the indoor park accessible through the door within the center court. 

Subsidized cost of treatments and medications
"The essence of a smart hospital transcends mere reliance on high-tech gadgets; it hinges on the promptness of medical decisions," says Dr Bhavani. This initiative falls under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education, ensuring that subsidies are available to make treatments and medications more accessible to all - irrespective of socioeconomic status, race or color.

"We don't withhold medication if a patient's mother expresses financial constraints. Instead, we provide the necessary medication and guide them to our social service department for subsidy assessment. Our fundamental belief is that healthcare should be accessible to everyone, especially in a government hospital committed to delivering top-tier care.

Subsidization is extended to all referred patients, supported by documents such as referral letters or school notices. Specific ailments receive government subsidies, with associated charges kept minimal and affordable.

For those unable to afford medical expenses, the social services department at HPKK offers assistance to prevent any potential abuse or misuse of resources.

"While some parents may have the means to cover costs, our rigorous vetting ensures that deserving individuals receive free or subsidized treatment. Medication is provided prior to the formal subsidy process, ensuring uninterrupted care." 

Resilient infrastructure
In the realm of smart hospitals, resilience is paramount. Dr Bhavani sheds light on HPKK's robust infrastructure, fortified against potential disruptions through a comprehensive Data Recovery Center (DRC).

"Here at Zecon, we ensure minimal downtime for our systems. To achieve this, we replicate the system every 5-10 minutes. In the event of a system failure, we can swiftly restore it from Cyberjaya, ensuring a maximum waiting time of five minutes for repairs. Within this timeframe, our business continuity plan comes into action, with Zekon ICT providing necessary support to maintain uninterrupted patient care. Our team is trained to offer 24/7 support, ensuring seamless operations year-round.

Holistic patient experience
HPKK's commitment to holistic patient care extends beyond medical treatment.

"We believe in nurturing the whole person, which includes education and emotional support hence educational opportunities for patients aged six to 18 are provided to pediatric patients admitted to the hospital. Regardless of their illness, we ensure that these children can continue their education by covering the curriculum, including STPM level studies.

"Our teachers, provided by the Ministry of Education, are well-trained professionals dedicated to supporting our patients' academic needs. To ensure continuity in their studies, patients receive a timetable tailored to their hospital stay. Beforehand, the attending doctor assesses if the patient is healthy enough to attend school within the hospital premises.

This educational process is seamlessly integrated and automated. Nurses, working alongside the doctor, select eligible students based on predetermined criteria and facilitate their participation in classes. This initiative, orchestrated by the government, streamlines the educational process for hospitalized children, ensuring they receive comprehensive care during their stay.

RFID patient tracking device
In addition to educational support, the safety and security of patients are prioritized through innovative measures such as RFID-enabled patient tracking.

"In our hospital, we prioritize patient safety with RFID technology. Upon arrival, each patient receives a special RFID tag. If someone attempts to leave without permission, a buzzer alerts us immediately. This system is particularly crucial in Malaysia, where sick children may become involved in custody disputes.

"We understand the concerns of parents, who may act out of worry or desperation. While our nurses regularly check on patients, we also have security guards on duty to assist. Utilizing RFID technology at all entry and exit points, we track patient movements closely. Should a child leave the pediatric ward, the system promptly alerts us, allowing us to locate them through the system and take necessary action to ensure their safety. We are committed to safeguarding our patients, even if it means temporarily closing off areas as needed. 

Innovative digital solutions
The integration of electronic medical records (EMRs) and digital imaging systems streamlines clinical workflows, empowering healthcare professionals with real-time access to patient data. 

"In our electronic medical record system, doctors input all notes and orders, including new medications and food allergies such as nuts, eggs, and seafood. This meticulous documentation ensures that patients receive the correct food and care. Even dietary preferences are recorded here, guaranteeing a personalized experience. We also post notes and memos within the system for easy access," says Dr Bhavani. 

The doctors' notes are thorough, legible, and accessible across multiple visits, providing a comprehensive view of the patient's medical history, including visit dates. Some notes are extensive, particularly for chronic conditions like leukemia or tumors. Additionally, the system flags patients under medical social welfare cases, ensuring they receive appropriate support.

"Our system is seamlessly integrated with third-party systems, facilitating end-to-end processes like billing and pharmacy medication. If a patient's parents opt for treatment elsewhere, we provide a detailed discharge summary for continuity of care. Furthermore, all aspects of medical documentation, including legal cases and historical records, are centralized within the system."

Even procedures like office rights, which involve post-mortem protocols such as embalming and certification, are managed digitally. This comprehensive approach exemplifies the concept of a smart hospital, where efficiency and patient care are paramount.

Creating a safe and eco-friendly environment
A smart hospital encompasses not only the transition to a paperless environment but also considers every aspect of its surroundings. This includes ensuring that the hospital setting is not only relaxing but also safe, free from rocks and other hard materials.

"We pay special attention to the selection of plants, as children may have a habit of plucking them and putting them in their mouths. For example, there is a type of lily plant that is poisonous.

"When the landscaping vendors presented their proposals, the Zecon and hospital teams collaborated to choose appropriate plants. After several rounds of discussion, we decided to include plants such as 'Kumis Kuching,' which has medicinal properties, and Eucalyptus. Even if children happen to ingest these plants, it is safe. Additionally, we prioritize energy efficiency by using solar lights in the hospital gardens, conserving electricity while providing illumination at night," added Dr Bhavani. 

Towards a brighter future
As HPKK continues to spearhead innovations in pediatric healthcare, Dr Bhavani expresses optimism for the future. By embracing technological advancements and prioritizing patient-centricity, HPKK is poised to redefine standards of excellence in healthcare delivery. In closing, she emphasizes that HPKK's journey exemplifies the transformative potential of smart hospitals in revolutionizing the healthcare landscape.

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