RFID, QR Codes and Healthcare Communications

We are proud to display a guest post by Evelyn Anne. She is the Marketing Communication Specialist at MDnetSolutions. MDnetSolutions provides “a patient care management system aimed at improving patient satisfaction and reducing healthcare costs throughout the continuum of care.” Their solutions include medical call centers, a patient care navigator, as well as marketing services. To learn more, visit their website at www.mdnetsolutions.com. 

The idea of using RFID in healthcare is not new.  For the past few years, hospitals and practices of all sizes and specialties have been starting to use this convenient coding system to transmit all kinds of information, from tracking patient location to monitoring pharmaceuticals.  Experts expect the use of RFID technology to increase as more healthcare professionals move toward the use of electronic medical records (EMR). However, can this technology be used before a patient even gets in the door?  Are there other practical healthcare applications for RFID technology outside of the hospital or doctor’s office? Yes there are, and the future of RFID in healthcare is very exciting.

6 reasons why Lisa Cuddy (boss of House M.D.) desperately needs RFID

If you are like most Americans, you are familiar with House, the witty and sardonic doctor on Fox TV. You are probably also familiar with poor Cuddy, boss of House. She is constantly immersed with House in battles of wit and motivation. Cuddy urgently needs RFID, and here are six reasons why:

RFID, reducing wear and tear on nurse walking shoes

In case you have not heard, RFID is being used widely throughout the hospital industry. There are hand-hygiene compliance systems, surgical inventory management systems, and equipment location systems among many others. Celebration Health, a hospital in Florida, is now using a combination RFID and Wi-Fi real-time location system (RTLS) to track nurse movement.

Patient tracking

It is becoming commonplace for hospital ID bands to include RFID tags and for readers to be placed near elevators and exits to prevent kidnapping or unauthorized movement within a facility.  While such an event may be unthinkable, these systems have prevented numerous abductions since they’ve been in use.

1. Mechanical delivery of medication to those who need it. An automated robot has already been programmed to deliver medication, with RFID embedded in the label, to the test subject, wearing an RFID equipped wristband or nametag. Could this robot start putting pharmacists out of jobs? Maybe, but at this point the cost and hardware are not quite there yet. Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FwpgAgJG4c for more information.
2. Anti-wandering devices. Those of us who have seen loved ones go through some sort of dementia or Alzheimer’s know how difficult taking care of them is. However, with RFID technology, care-takers can ensure loved-ones do not wander to unsafe places. With a RFID wristband on the patient and readers covering strategic doorways, caretakers can be notified immediately when a patient is going somewhere they are not supposed to be. Research “Vuance” for more information.
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If you are struggling with a simple inventory management system for your surgery room because you would prefer spending more time with patients, we have a solution.  Our healthcare inventory management system.

Author: Bharat Book Bureau

RFID in Healthcare Industry 2008-2012 Report

By: Tom Gruich

Whether your office is large and busy or small and growing, making use of RFID tracking and the latest healthcare software can improve your office manager’s ability to track assets, ensure patient safety and control access to patient records. 

Overall, your office will run more efficiently and your patients will be better satisfied.  As time goes by, the cost of implementing these systems is recouped numerous times through increased profits. 

Security and inventory tracking are big issues for all kinds of companies these days.  Most companies are making use of standard UPC bar codes and other electronic devices.

By: anaya

Before studying inventory management one should know what the word inventory means. The word inventory is derived from a French term ‘inventaire’ which means a detailed list if goods. Inventory can be assumed to be a list of materials and goods that are made to be available in a stock by any business. Inventory is not limited to a business only; this term also denotes a list of contents of any household for testamentary purposes of a dead person’s possessions. In accounting the word inventory means an asset.

Inventory management involves the controlling of assets that are being produced for sale keeping intact the normalcy of the company’s day to day operations. Minimizing the total direct and indirect cost is the primary goal of the inventory management. However, the extent of investment is the main criteria upon which the importance of inventory management actually depends.

It appears that each physician has certain preferences. Sharing this information with the physicians and associates before the next case, will result in inventory improvements.

When your team is able to see what case is coming to their room next, they are able to start pulling the supplies for the case. Knowing what preferences the physician displays will speed response for the next case.

A scheduling system based on prior procedures aids staff in securing the proper inventory.

Why not find a system that performs that function for you?

Wouldn’t it be great to know the inventory you have on hand before any procedure?

Creating an application that describes your physical inventory in the surgery room is now a reality. Up to date information from a reader that is synced up with a central database can be valuable in checking out of control items.