With this research, I get the opportunity to truly connect theory and practice by applying analyses to real hospital data.
How do you translate medical alarm data into concrete improvements in clinical practice? Since February, Ying Laan has strengthened the itemedical team with exactly that ambition. As a fourth-year Biomedical Technology student at the Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA), she investigates how data analysis contributes to safe and effective alarm management in hospitals.
From data to insight
During her graduation project, Ying analyzes and interprets data to assess the performance and safety of itemobile, an Alarm Distribution System (ADS) and mobile app, as part of a Medical Alarm System (MAS). The focus is on optimal distribution and escalation scenarios, and later on response times. The data comes from a realistic hospital environment and forms the basis for further certification and practical application of this solution.
“I’m looking forward to the learning curve,” Ying says. “Which analyses can I apply? What do the data even look like? And how do I interpret it? I need to understand how everything works and what the outcome will be. I’m excited: learning something new is always great.”
Why itemedical?
Through her studies, Ying had already come into contact with itemedical. At the time, the internship position was already filled, but her interest remained. In September, she reached out again, and the process started.
During her minor, she worked extensively with data analysis and wanted to apply that knowledge in practice. What stood out most to her was the impact of alarm fatigue in hospitals. “I realized how big this problem is and how important your medical alarm solution is in preventing it. It’s fascinating to see how data analysis helps gain insight to reduce unnecessary alarms.”
Creative and analytical
Ying describes herself as creative in her thinking. “I often visualize the end result first and then figure out the best way to get there.” She applies this approach directly during her internship. While working on fictitious cases at school, she now analyzes real datasets and executes a concrete action plan. “This feels much more realistic, and you see the real impact for hospitals.”
Looking ahead
Through her research, Ying wants to contribute to the further application and certification of itemobile. “As an intern, it’s amazing to think that I’m contributing, even a little, to this.” She also wants to gain more insight into the field of medical-technical innovation.
A glimpse into Ying’s world
Besides her studies and internship, Ying works in hospitality and combines sports challenges, like running, with creative hobbies. “This helps me relax and use my creativity because I can’t sit still.” Her interest in technology and healthcare came from home: her father is an engineer, and her mother is a nurse. This combination led her to choose Biomedical Technology.
Welcome, Ying! We look forward to your sharp analyses and new insights.