Transcript Advancements of RFID in the Healthcare System

Advancements of RFID in the
Healthcare System
Jesse A. Evans
3/25/07
Overview
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What is RFID
How RFID Works
Benefits to the Healthcare System
Challenges of RFID in the Healthcare System
RFID Applications Healthcare
Sample RFID Scenarios
A Visual Guide to RFID in Healthcare
Questions
RFID is. . .
RFID
(radio frequency identification) is an automatic
identification and data capture (AIDC) technology that transmits
information about an object wirelessly using radio waves. It is a
way to collect information on products, places, times, and
transactions.
RFID
differs from other AIDC technologies in that RFID:
is an automatic process
does not required line of sight
can capture multiple data points simultaneously
can store more data per tag/label
is more durable and works in harsh environments
standards are not yet universally adopted
typically costs more per tag/label
A passive RFID System:
Tag enters the Magnetic Field
Magnetic Field powers the tag
Tag transmits ID (plus Data)
Reader Captures data
Reader sends data to computer
Computer determines action
Computer instructs reader
Low Frequency RF-ID (<100MHz)
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Source: Scientific American January 2004
RFID Benefits in Healthcare
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Increase safety
 70% of dangerous medication errors occurs at the ordering stage
 Drug Tracking...match individuals to their prescribed medications by computerized
scanners, has the potential to cut in half the 7,000 hospital deaths attributed to
medication error every year. Washington Post Article, February 2004
Improve efficiency
 Staff can become more efficient in diagnosing a patients symptoms; the staff will
instantly have all of the patients current and past records available either on their own
personal devices when they enter a room, or the screens in the room will constantly
update with the most current patient information
Increase patient satisfactions
 Only 27% of the first OR cases of the day start on time, and the best performers
average a 76% on-time start. Late starts delay subsequent cases, risking diversions and
overtime costs.
Reduce costs
 Hospitals cannot find 15-20% of the devices they own. Arthur Gasch, Medical Strategy
Planning
Increase revenue
 HCOs frequently have problems locating patients and doctors, causing delays in
clinical workflow. These delays are particularly acute in the PACU, radiology, and ER.
What are the challenges in RFID?
Privacy Issues
 Does not show immediate financial results
 Budgets
 A Limited number of companies providing
systems integration (one stop shopping)
Note: This is changing every day
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RFID Applications in
Healthcare RFID
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People Tracking
Asset Tracking
Drug Distribution
Point of Care Service
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Process Centric
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Sample RFID Scenario: Preparation
for Surgery
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Patient RFID Bracelet Checked to Insure Correct
Individual
Patient Transported to Operating Room and RFID tag
verifies correct procedure
Equipment Located via RFID Location Tag
Physician Located via RFID Id Badge
Physician Reviews Patient Electronic Medical Record
Procedure Performed
Physician Scans RFID Id Badge to Record Procedure
Completion
Patient Transported Back to Room with RFID Bracelet
Scan
Sample RFID Scenario:
Medication Administration Sample
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Caregiver Verification
Individual RFID tags,
difficult to duplicate,
ensuring secure, automatic
clinician login, speeding
delivery process
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Medication Verification
Individually labeled
medication doses correctly
matched with physician
order using less expensive
RFID technology
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Patient Verification
RFID wristbands scanned
without line-of-sight,
requiring fewer physical
touches, speeding process
and increasing medication
efficiency
Questions