SOLUTIONS

RTLS in Healthcare

Real-time location systems (RTLS) play a crucial role in improving patient care, optimizing workflows, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of clinicians and staff in healthcare settings. The technology has the potential to transform healthcare operations by providing real-time insights and facilitating data-driven decision-making.

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Location Services for Healthcare

HID Location Services is a solution enablement platform that delivers real-time location of clinicians, patients and devices. It also monitors temperature-sensitive assets and unifies healthcare systems and applications through a scalable cloud architecture thus improving clinician accountability, patient throughput and asset management.

Traditional RTLS are outdated, labor intensive and do not scale to meet the digital demands of today’s healthcare IT mission — which is improving cross-functional collaboration, reducing operational costs and delivering the IoT promise.

Real-Time Location as a Service

HID’s location platform is an Internet of Things (IoT) networked service that provides real-time visibility of everything — clinicians, patients and assets. Designed using an open standard Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) to Wi-Fi network and cloud platform, healthcare organizations can easily lay out the long-term foundation for future IoT applications, management, and everyday use. Hospitals can track everything, not just the expensive assets, under the same ecosystem without abandoning current application investments. 

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Achieving the IoT Mission

Unifying healthcare systems and applications through HID Location Services improves clinician accountability, patient throughput and asset management. Extended benefits include:

  • Automated clinical processes, compliance with regulators and improved patient experiences
  • Instant location of peers and other clinical staff members during emergencies with immediate notification to authorities if in duress
  • Real-time patient alerts and notifications to adhere to security best practices
  • Immediate location and tracking of medical assets and rental equipment
  • The ability to engage with patients & visitors through mobile wayfinding and other mobile communications
  • Environmental monitoring of temperature sensitive or perishable assets

How it Works

BLE WiFi IoT Solution Enablement. One System, Seamless Experience
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Aruba Integration

HID’s certified integration with Aruba leverages existing Aruba WiFi access points to enable location based value-added services. This optional Aruba utilization means facilities can streamline their installation making zonal visibility possible from day one. This allows access to all of the benefits offered by HID Location Services, including a secure, extensible solution that supports multiple use-cases, utilizes the power of Bluzone Cloud and offers the lowest total cost of ownership.

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RTLS in Healthcare Key Features

RTLS have become indispensable tools in the healthcare industry, offering a wide range of benefits that directly impact patient care, asset management and overall operational efficiency.

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Precision Location Accuracy

RTLS systems provide precise location data, often down to the room or even sub-room level. This accuracy is essential for preventing errors, optimizing workflows and improving response times during emergencies.
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Historical Data and Analytics

RTLS solutions store historical location data, which can be used for performance analysis, process improvement and resource optimization. This data-driven approach helps healthcare facilities make informed decisions and adapt to changing demands.
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Alerts and Notifications

RTLS technology triggers alerts and notifications when predefined criteria are met. This includes patient alerts, equipment maintenance reminders, and compliance checks, ensuring timely responses to critical events.
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Customizable Solutions

RTLS systems can be tailored to suit the unique needs of different healthcare environments. Whether it's a small clinic or a large hospital, these solutions offer flexibility to adapt and scale as requirements evolve.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the primary applications of RTLS in healthcare?

RTLS is widely used in healthcare for applications such as patient tracking, asset management, staff monitoring and security. These systems help improve patient care, enhance workflow efficiency and optimize resource allocation.

2. Is RTLS only suitable for large hospitals, or can smaller healthcare facilities benefit from it as well?

RTLS solutions are adaptable and can be customized to suit the needs of various healthcare settings. This technology is not limited to large hospitals; smaller clinics, nursing homes, and outpatient facilities can also benefit from RTLS.

3. What kind of RFID tags are used in RTLS, and how are they attached to assets or individuals?

RTLS tags can come in various forms, including wristbands for patients, badges for staff, and labels for equipment. These tags are typically attached using straps, clips, or adhesives, making them easy to affix and remove when necessary.

4. Is patient data and privacy protected when using RTLS in healthcare?

Yes, patient data and privacy are of utmost importance. RTLS systems are designed to comply with healthcare privacy regulations, such as HIPAA in the United States. Data is often anonymized, and access is restricted to authorized personnel.

5. How does RTLS improve patient safety in healthcare facilities?

RTLS enhances patient safety by providing real-time location information. It helps prevent patient elopement, reduces response times during emergencies and ensure that patients are receiving the right care in the right place.

6. How can RTLS technology help improve patient experience and satisfaction in healthcare settings?

RTLS can enhance the patient experience by reducing wait times, preventing delays in care, and ensuring that patients are attended to promptly. It can also help locate staff members quickly when assistance is needed, leading to higher patient satisfaction.

7. How does RTLS impact the workflow of healthcare staff, and can it lead to increased productivity?

RTLS can significantly impact healthcare staff workflows by providing real-time information about the location and status of patients and assets. This can lead to more efficient resource allocation, reduced downtime, and increased productivity among healthcare staff by streamlining processes and reducing manual tracking efforts.

8. What is the typical range of coverage for RTLS systems in healthcare facilities?

The range of coverage for RTLS systems can vary depending on the specific technology used and the facility's size and layout. In general, RTLS systems can cover a single room, a floor, an entire building, or even larger areas, depending on the system's scalability and infrastructure. Coverage can be customized to meet the facility's requirements.

9. How do I choose the right RTLS solution for my healthcare facility?

Selecting the right RTLS solution involves considering your facility's specific needs, budget and goals. It's essential to work with an experienced provider who can provide customized solutions and offer support throughout the implementation process.

Related Documents

Executive Brief: Are you moving patients around your healthcare facility efficiently? Executive Brief Executive Brief: Are you moving patients around your healthcare facility efficiently? Achieving Healthcare Optimization Through Real-Time Location Services Executive Brief Achieving Healthcare Optimization Through Real-Time Location Services

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