Hospital Indoor Navigation: An Implementation Checklist

Phase 1: Architectural & Scope Assessment

• check_circleAudit Floor Plan Formats: Gather current architectural CAD files, PDF blueprints, or fire egress drawings for all clinical blocks. Identify any recent renovations that have not yet been reflected in the base drawings.
• check_circleDefine Phase 1 Boundaries: Prioritize high-traffic public zones: outpatient registration, major diagnostic labs, imaging suites, blood bank, and emergency triage.
• check_circleIdentify Entrance Checkpoints: Map all main entry gates, ambulance drops, outpatient counters, and parking exit lobbies where physical QR placards will be installed.

Phase 2: Destination Taxonomy & Department Indexing

• check_circleIndex Clinical Synonyms: Collect colloquial and vernacular terms. Patients rarely search for official titles like "Clinical Pathology"; they search for "Blood Test" or "Doctor Radhakrishnan".
• check_circleMultilingual Requirements: Ensure department names and directional labels are available in regional languages (e.g. Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil) alongside English.
• check_circleVerify Clinic Operating Hours: Confirm morning token desk schedules, sample collection windows, and visiting hour restrictions for inclusion on destination cards.

Phase 3: Ground-Truth Corridor & Accessibility Audit

• check_circleWalk Every Corridor Trajectory: Physically walk each corridor with facility coordinators to ensure corridors are unobstructed and accessible to the public.
• check_circleCertify Public Lift & Elevator Paths: Confirm that designated elevators are operational and accessible for visitors, avoiding service-only or staff-restricted elevators.
• check_circleCoordinate with Physical Signage: Ensure digital turn-by-turn prompts reference physical signage, overhead color-coded lines, and wing names visible on the walls.

Phase 4: Launch & Ongoing Change Management

• check_circleInstall High-Durability QR Placards: Mount physical QR placards at eye level near main entrances, lift lobbies, and registration counters with clear "Scan to Navigate" callouts.
• check_circleBrief Frontline Staff: Provide receptionists, security guards, and patient volunteers with orientation materials so they can guide visitors to scan the QR codes. See our live demonstration at Government Medical College Kozhikode.
• check_circleEstablish Maintenance Cadence: Appoint a hospital liaison to notify the mapping team whenever OPD rooms are relocated or temporary maintenance detours are required.