Streamlining Computer Replacement Management at WakeMed Hospital
The Challenge
WakeMed Hospital Systems is the largest health system in North Carolina’s largest county, employing around 12,000 people. Since 1961, this not-for-profit organization has delivered high-quality care for everyone who calls Wake County home.
Recently, WakeMed recognized the need to enhance its computer replacement management system to support patient care and operational efficiency. In a healthcare environment, reliable and up-to-date technology is essential for patient care, data management, and operational effectiveness. WakeMed Hospital’s IT department managed a mix of outdated computers, leading to frequent breakdowns and decreased productivity amongst staff. Aging computers caused downtime and affected workflow and patient care. The previous contractor could not keep up with the growing demand for a structured replacement schedule that was proactive instead of reactive.
WakeMed Hospital Systems is the “largest health system in the state’s largest county” that employs 12,000 people across most of Wake County, North Carolina. WakeMed has been serving Wake County since 1961 and is a not-for-profit organization that delivers high quality, excellent care for everyone who calls Wake County home. WakeMed recognized the need to enhance its computer replacement management system to support patient care and operational efficiency.
In a healthcare environment, reliable and up-to-date technology is essential for patient care, data management, and operational effectiveness. WakeMed Hospital's IT department managed a mix of aging and outdated computers, leading to frequent breakdowns and decreased productivity among staff. At WakeMed, aging computers caused downtime and affected workflow and patient care. The previous contactor could not keep up the the growing demand for a structured replacement schedule that was proactive instead of reactive.
For the past 15 years DDN went from a contract company to an integral part of the WakeMed family. We don’t know how we could do the things we do without their support and attention to detail.
The DDN Solution
DDN worked with WakeMed Hospital to implement several strategies that improved computer replacement management. We developed a structured replacement policy that set a five-year cycle for desktops and a four-year cycle for laptop replacements. We also implemented a standardized upgrade process that included assessments, budget approvals, and scheduled replacements. DDN staff were trained on the methods and various software programs used to make sure replaced computers were 100% operable.
The Outcome
WakeMed Hospital IT management staff report, “For the past 15 years, DDN went from a contract company to an integral part of the WakeMed family. We don’t know how we could do the things we do without their support and attention to detail.”
DDN helped WakeMed decrease system downtime, leading to smoother operations and improved patient care. Staff satisfaction surveys improved as the technology the staff used on a daily basis became more reliable. Budgeting is now more efficient, as the hospital can buy, build, and plan for each year’s warranty replacements more effectively.
WakeMed Hospital successfully streamlined its computer replacement management system, resulting in enhanced operational efficiency and improved patient care. This outcome underscores the importance of proactive management in technology replacement, particularly in critical healthcare settings.
