The ULS Guarda comprises two hospitals (Guarda and Seia), 30 health centres and carries out research, training and teaching activities.

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ULS Guarda faced significant challenges in monitoring the cold chain for pharmaceutical product storage. Without a real-time monitoring system, ensuring the safety and efficacy of medications was a daunting task. Enter ViGIE, a revolutionary platform that redefined how ULS Guarda manages cold chain logistics.

Challenges Before ViGIE

Before implementing ViGIE, ULS Guarda struggled with fragmented and manual monitoring processes. “We didn’t have a platform that provided real-time information on the conditions of our refrigerators,” recalled the head of the IT department. The institution often suspected problems, especially with medications, but lacked real-time evidence to address these issues as they arose.

Inconsistent monitoring methods worsened the situation. Some areas used data loggers, manually downloading temperature records, while others used domestic refrigerators without effective temperature control. This fragmented approach left significant gaps in the institution’s cold chain monitoring.

Discovering ViGIE

In search of a comprehensive solution, ULS Guarda explored various market options. “We were looking for integrated solutions with a promising development curve,” noted the head of the department. ViGIE stood out, particularly for its potential to extend monitoring capabilities to mobile applications. This marked the beginning of a transformative journey for ULS Guarda.

The Impact of ViGIE

The implementation of ViGIE had profound implications for ULS Guarda. The platform provides real-time alerts and comprehensive data, enabling immediate responses to temperature fluctuations. This was crucial in ensuring the safety of pharmaceutical products. “We have detected non-compliance situations in storage and transportation that could have gone unnoticed, putting users at risk,” explained the department head.

For the team, real-time monitoring highlighted the importance of their roles in maintaining pharmaceutical safety. The head commented, “Everyone recognizes the value of having real-time data at their disposal.”

Quantifying the Benefits

Quantifying the financial savings brought by ViGIE is challenging, but the value in terms of patient safety is immeasurable. “It’s hard to put a price on the safety of our patients,” emphasized the department head. The exponential increase in pharmaceutical safety, both in terms of quality and assurance for patients, is invaluable.

Support for Audits and Certifications

Real-time data provided by ViGIE is critical for audits and certifications. Many services within ULS Guarda are in the process of accreditation, which requires rigorous temperature monitoring. “Without this real-time monitoring, achieving certification would be much more difficult,” pointed out the department head.

Real-Life Impact

One of the most compelling success stories involves the storage of COVID-19 vaccines. During vaccination campaigns throughout the district, power outages or electrical issues in refrigerators could have resulted in significant losses. Thanks to ViGIE, immediate alerts allowed the team to transfer vaccines to operational refrigerators promptly, saving these critical doses from spoilage.

Implementation Challenges

The implementation of ViGIE revealed numerous pre-existing problems in the cold storage infrastructure. Comprehensive system monitoring highlighted areas that needed urgent attention. “The arrival of ViGIE made us realize the extent of our cold storage problems,” stated the department head. This led to a significant review of refrigeration systems, ensuring they met the necessary standards for effective temperature control.

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