Vic hospital launches indoor digital navigation tool

The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre has implemented an indoor digital wayfinder for patients, staff and visitors of the hospital through the launch of software company BindiMaps’ mobile application.

The BindiMaps app uses a network of Bluetooth beacons and smartphone sensors with the aim of providing an accurate depiction of the user’s location. The design looks to cater for those with vision impairment or a disability in particular, helping them to navigate the hospital.

BindiMaps claims that around 1 in 8 (or 12%) of Australians with a disability report difficulty in accessing medical facilities and buildings.

Anna Wright, founder and CEO of BindiMaps, said: “Upon arrival at a hospital, patients and visitors often face confusing corridors and unfamiliar medical lexicon that can bewilder and intimidate. Naming conventions, layouts and definitions also vary from one hospital to another, while departments can move around with the expansion and addition of buildings, resulting in out-of-date signage.

“This is challenging enough for those who do not have a disability or vision impairment. But when you add a disability or vision impairment into the mix — which is the case for a high proportion of hospital users — it can lead to heightened frustration and significant difficulty in accessing essential services.”

The service’s function has been likened to Google Maps for indoor navigation of locations. The service allows users with the app to navigate the Peter Mac hospital through audio directions, text or map view to provide step-by-step directions to a required destination in the building.

BindiMaps has also partnered with St. Vincent’s Hospital Sydney and the Sydney Eye Hospital in New South Wales to improve accessibility for patients, staff and visitors.

Image credit: iStock.com/grapestock