Industry:
Healthcare
Digital transformation of hospital cleaning in the Norwegian healthcare sector
Cleaning in hospital environments is crucial for patient safety and preventing infections. High hygiene standards must be maintained in a hectic daily life characterised by large numbers of patients, visitors, and staff. Effective cleaning not only creates a safe environment but also supports the healing process and reduces the risk of hospital-acquired infections. Nevertheless, this is a demanding task that places high demands on organisation and execution.
Cleaners often have to manage tight deadlines, long distances between tasks, and unforeseen events that require immediate attention. For example, rooms may suddenly need cleaning after a patient incident, or rooms must be ready for post-operative patients. Such situations require flexibility and good coordination to ensure that resources are used efficiently and that hygiene standards are maintained.
Facts
Location:
Norway
Number of patients per year::
100 000
The challenge
One of the larger hospitals in Norway, which we worked with through our partner Sykehuspartner, faced a cleaning operation of considerable scale. With around 200 cleaners working across many buildings, the hospital needed to simplify daily routines to maintain high hygiene standards and keep operations running efficiently.
The work environment was marked by tight deadlines, long walking distances between tasks, and unexpected challenges in both planning and documentation. A hospital workday is far more complex than an office environment. A room may suddenly need immediate cleaning after a patient incident; post-operative patients must be moved to prepared rooms, and priorities can change in an instant. To manage this complexity, the hospital needed a digital solution that offered real-time visibility and helped cleaners prioritise tasks throughout the day.
This led the hospital to launch a pilot phase using role-based iPads equipped with CleanPilot, a digital solution designed specifically for cleaning operations. After about six months of testing, this solution was rolled out to the rest of the hospital areas.
The solution
Cleanpilot combines user-friendliness with advanced features, giving both cleaners and management a comprehensive overview of tasks and cleaning needs. With iPads distributed at various area stations around the hospital, cleaners can easily pick up an iPad before starting the day's tasks. The iPads are equipped with sufficient accessories and protection, making them robust against drops and damage, as well as frequent cleaning and disinfection, which are essential in a hospital environment. The iPads are set up with Apple Business for easier rollout, as well as Mobile Device Management (MDM).
With this solution, cleaners get a full overview of planned tasks and can document their work throughout the day. This dynamic system makes it easy to adjust and update instructions and work routines according to needs or priorities. Using CleanPilot, managers can quickly re-prioritise tasks based on urgency, which ensures optimal use of room capacity and maintains high standards of quality and efficiency. Any deviations can be quickly reported via the camera function and sent directly to cleaning management. The iPads also act as an important tool for internal communication, ensuring immediate dialogue between colleagues, regardless of where they are in the hospital.
The iPads are leased over a two-year period, and the units are later returned to Techstep. Apple products are built to last for many years, and the units have a significant residual and trade-in value on the second-hand market, which is beneficial for the hospital's finances. By leasing, the hospital avoids costly one-time expenses, and the residual value is utilised immediately. Responsible returning of the units saves the hospital costs, protects against sensitive data going astray, and is in line with the hospital's sustainability guidelines.
Cleaners report a simpler workday using mobile technology. Previously, training could be time-consuming, but now new employees report that they quickly feel confident with their new tasks. Regardless of age or previous experience with digital tools, the iPads are simple and intuitive to use.
- iPads are very easy to use, even for employees without experience with Apple products. They give cleaners a good overview of both their own and others' work schedules, so they can help each other if needed. CleanPilot on the iPad also allows managers to identify the right staffing levels and reduce sick leave by balancing the workload.
— Quality Manager, Cleaning Department
Benefits
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Faster training of new employees
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Significant time savings before, during, and after cleaning work
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Easier to adjust the frequency and intensity of cleaning
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Improved employee experience for cleaners, regardless of background
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Sustainable and economical device management of iPads
Contact us
Techstep is a leading supplier of mobile hardware and managed services across the Nordics. In Norway, we serve as the exclusive national supplier of mobile phones, tablets, services, and relevant accessories for the specialist health service. Our framework agreement with Sykehusinnkjøp HF also offers the opportunity to utilise Techstep’s extensive expertise in the rollout, operation, and management of mobile devices.
We would be happy to answer your questions regarding the products and services included in our agreements.