Our employees and staff are always collaborating on innovative ways to improve efficiency while keeping the safety of others in mind. Recently, Texas Children’s implemented new technology for temperature screening that has improved the organization’s COVID-19 employee/patient screening processes.
“We are now implementing the use of thermal imaging cameras for temperature screening,” said Bert Gumeringer, senior vice president for Facilities Operations. “We deployed 10 thermal cameras at our employee screening, and patient and visitor screening locations, at the Medical Center Campus. We plan to install these thermal cameras at West Campus and The Woodlands once they become available.”
Currently, a total of 10 thermal cameras have been installed at these Medical Center campus locations:
- Garage 19 – three cameras
- Pavilion for Women – two cameras
- Legacy Tower – two cameras
- Wallace Tower, West Tower, and Feigin – one camera each
The thermal imaging cameras measure temperature on the skin’s surface using infrared light to generate a thermal image and temperature reading in a fast, non-invasive and precise method. By leveraging this new technology, screeners can simply and accurately detect elevated skin temperatures. If an elevated temperature is identified, the employee is promptly directed to receive appropriate follow up guidance and care.
Since implementing screening protocols on March 23 as part of our COVID-19 response, the employee screening process has undergone several evolutions to adapt to the changing environment, all while maintaining a continual focus on ensuring safety and providing a positive employee experience.
“The introduction of the thermal cameras was a giant leap in advancing the efficacy and efficiency of the screening process,” said Julie Griffith, director of Patient Support Services. “Integrating thermal cameras within the screening process has been seamless. We adjusted the screening workflows and staff training relatively quickly and employees, patients, and families have become accustomed to the new process.”
While it’s been over a week since the thermal cameras were integrated into the system, employees have expressed intrigue and gratitude towards this new technology. They understand that it is a necessary advancement to support the number one goal of protecting the health and safety of our patients, families and workforce.
“There is a higher level of confidence among staff now that we are screening more effectively,” said Aimee Jackson, director of Ambulatory Clinical Practice. “The new cameras allow us to process more people in a shorter amount of time while maintaining social distancing throughout the screening process.”