​Some health systems are developing smart phone apps that can help visitors navigate sprawling health complexes from their car to their appointments and back again, according to a June 8, 2017, article in the Houston Chronicle. The article focused on a pilot program at a Houston hospital that "literally takes [visitors] from their front door, through traffic and to the parking garage closest to their appointment." Further, the app guides them through the hospital's campus to their appointment and back to their parked car. Goals of the program include increased patient satisfaction and a reduction in late arrivals for appointments. About 1,900 Bluetooth beacons were installed across the hospital's campus. In the first month, the app had more than 1,000 downloads, the article said. Developed by a New York-based company that makes directional software, the app is free to download. A representative from the hospital declined in the article to say what the app cost to develop, noting only that "it's expensive."

HRC Recommends: Healthcare organizations should ensure that patients and family members can find their way around the facility and campus. Strategies include patient-friendly signs and maps, clear direction signs, universal symbols for wayfinding, and even apps. The organization should consider involving patients and family members in identifying difficulties in wayfinding and goals of wayfinding strategies, as well as developing and evaluating proposed strategies.