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SpaceMed Newsletter                                                                               

Winter 2008

Volume 1, Number 1

RFID Gaining Momentum in Hospital

OVERVIEW

Hospitals are increasingly using radiofrequency identification (RFID) technology to optimize equipment and supply management, improve patient flow, streamline hospital operations, and improve patient safety. RFID uses radio waves to automatically identify and track the movement of items or people. The basic hardware includes an RFID tag (consisting of a microchip with an antenna) and a reader or receiver. RFID can be either passive or active. With passive RFID, the small RFID tags must be within a one-meter range of a reader ― making it a good choice for inventory management. Active RFID tags transmit at higher power levels and have ranges of 30 feet with a battery life of up to 10 years. Transmitting a constant signal, they can provide continuous tracking of people or items that move frequently and over large distances throughout the hospital.

ACTIVE RFID IN HOSPITALS

Some uses of active RFID in hospitals include the following:

• Track patients. A disposable active RFID tag can be attached to a patient’s wristband to track him/her from admission through discharge. The tag’s signal, combined with location analysis software and the hospital’s information system, provides real-time information to locate patients, alert nursing staff, and assemble metrics for management (e.g., length of stay, occupancy).

• Find equipment and supplies. Instead of spending time looking for equipment and supplies, nurses can simply glance at a computer screen. Nursing staff can also be automatically alerted when equipment is transported to a non-clinical area.

• Streamline operational processes. By tracking patients and staff, work processes can be documented and data collected to facilitate operations reengineering.

• Improve patient safety. Patient tracking can alert clinical staff when a patient leaves a specific area or whether the patient is in the correct procedure room in addition to improving the communication and coordination among caregivers.

These and other benefits of active RFID enhance the efficiency of caregivers while improving patient safety and the quality of care. back to top

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