Patient-friendly testing environments

For Philips, patient needs are paramount. The challenge is to use developing technology in a way which enhances the quality of patient care, while still conserving costs.

For example, cardiac patients suspected of heart attack must be monitored in hospital and have a number of tests. This is stressful as this is a potentially life threatening, and they have to wait until a decision on appropriate treatment. Also, bed occupancy is increased and medical teams involved, reducing facilities for other patients.

There is already a trend away from centralised treatment and testing to one which delivers care in a more patient-friendly way. At Philips, we are convinced that improving point-of-care testing in acute settings in the hospital and at home is in the best interest of patients.

Philips starts with the needs of the patient and their care provider and focuses on their specific medical problems through all aspects of their care. We then apply our technology competence to improving healthcare quality and reduce cost.

Magnotech’s biggest impact is likely to be on improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

Dr Joris van den Hurk, Vice President of Cardiology Programs (Philips Healthcare).