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The global RFID market in healthcare is undergoing significant growth, driven by increasing regulatory requirements in the pharmaceutical sector, technological advancements, and the rising demand for efficient health services.
RFID technology has been applied to many sectors and industries, many of which carry essential information through many different channels and locations. One of the more fast-paced industries is healthcare and the medical sector, which constantly evolves and emphasizes the importance of caring for and storing important patient information and details involving products and services. So how exactly can RFID technology improve workflow and support the growing healthcare industry? We’ll take a look at how these processes change the future outlook and why the public health sector should embrace RFID technology even more.
The Importance of Asset Tracking in Healthcare
There’s little debate that the primary goals of the healthcare industry are to focus on streamlining workflows, cutting costs, and utilizing assets better. In hospitals, RFID technology — specifically asset tracking — can do all this and more. It allows for better patient prioritization, as it can cut down on wait times and give medical professionals the ability to provide the proper care to their patients.
RFID technology in hospitals also helps you precisely locate equipment and information, as these tools can identify misplaced items and leave workers more time for the things that matter. Additionally, asset tracking allows for system-wide information sharing, so everyone knows where products and information are. This can also help streamline maintenance and safety methods, as each segment of your facility will be better equipped to service critical medical tools.
How RFID Improves Workflow and Streamlines Medical Processes
RFID medical processes can include tags placed on products and services that use readers that communicate where products and equipment are. It can also include big data warehouses and firewalls that securely transfer data from one source to another. The processes occur as follows:
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- RFID tags transmit information to RFID readers located in hospital corridors and walls that collect the info and send it to a firewall.
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- Once the information bypasses the firewall, it’s stored in a cloud server that contains a streaming data processor, a data lake, and a big data warehouse that holds and filters unprocessed data.
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- Data analytics collect information on patterns, usage rates, and other important information that can help alert hospitals of anything working well or lacking.
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- This then leads to staff and admin applications allowing medical staff or patients and visitors to view specific information pertaining to their standing within the facility.
Applying RFID Technology in Hospitals
Applying RFID technology leads to improvements in managing patient flow, tracking important patient assets, understanding where staff is and the location of visitors, and a combination of other enhancements in major hospital sectors. This is broken down below:
| Key Area | Description |
| Patient Flow |
RFID technology aids in understanding and predicting patient flow, helping manage workload and resource allocation in hospitals.
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| Asset Tracking |
RFID tags help monitor expensive medical equipment, ensuring availability and preventing loss.
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| Medication Inventory |
RFID asset management software helps hospitals track medication quantities, streamline delivery, and maintain accurate dosages.
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| Patient Tracking |
RFID is used to track and identify patients in various hospital departments, particularly in neonatal units, mental health facilities, and pediatric departments.
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| Medical Staff Tracking |
RFID bracelets worn by staff track their movement, optimize interactions, and help manage staffing requirements.
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| Visitor Tracking |
Monitoring visitor locations is crucial for ensuring the safety of patients and staff, allowing for security alerts and proper guidance when necessary.
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Make Use of RFID Technology in Medical Equipment With Asset Vue
RFID technology offers tons of benefits, and whether you’re attempting to streamline your inventory management techniques or manage patient tracking, you can drastically improve operations. The data shows that this technology is promising, and the investments show that improving patient safety and care is on the mind of many important figures in the RFID sector. As such, you can step your game up with medical RFID equipment from Asset Vue. Options like our RFID smart cabinet make life easier for medical professionals looking to handle the constant flow of critical information headed their way. Team up with Asset Vue today!
The RFID technology in healthcare is especially instrumental in tracking medications, medical devices, and disposable goods like bandages and needles, which is crucial for patient safety and efficient care delivery.
RFID's impact extends to equipment tracking. See how it complements equipment inventory software in healthcare settings for optimal asset management.
Conclusion
Incorporating RFID technology in healthcare is proving to be a game-changer in ensuring patient safety, optimizing healthcare processes, and managing inventory efficiently. As the market continues to expand, driven by regulatory demands and technological advancements, healthcare facilities adopting RFID can expect enhanced operational efficiency and improved patient care outcomes.
