RFID tracking systems
Medway RFID is a single system for active, passive and GPS tracking in real-time. The system has been specifically developed for the healthcare sector by healthcare professionals.
The easy-to-use interface allows users to locate, monitor, track and alert/automate many processes to deliver efficiency and increase patient safety across the entire healthcare spectrum.
Passive Tags
Passive RFID Tags are cheap / disposable with typical costs in the
pence range. The Passive Tag contains no battery and responds when
in the vicinity of a radio transmitter/aerial. These Tags are often
contained within a label which would typically be printed with
Patient / Sample / Notes identification information and they
provide an electronic link to that identification information
through the RFID system. The Passive Tags used fall into two
groups; HF (High Frequency) for short range (near field) reading
and UHF (Ultra High Frequency) for longer range reading.
Uses for Passive RFID
Passive UHF RFID tags can be used in many areas
where a location of an item is required through either door/ceiling
mounted aerials (approximate location to within 5m2) or
hand held readers (precise location to within 50cm). Below is an
example of the use of passive RFID:
Medical Records Tracking
By applying a passive UHF tag to a file of patient notes it is
possible to locate and track the file automatically throughout a
hospital as it passes through RFID gateways and readers. To
precisely locate a file (in the Medical Records Filing System for
example) a hand held reader can also be used. This application
removes the need for manual scanning of records into and out of
locations and allows quick and efficient location within large
storage areas. Patient notes are used throughout hospitals and
health centres by multiple departments - knowing the exact location
of these notes can streamline appointments and ensure treatments
are carried out on time.
Active Tags
Active Tags are larger and more expensive than Passive Tags and
contain their own battery power supply to allow them to generate
their own radio signal. This results in a greater range of
detection; the ability to locate using triangulation; and the
ability to capture and transmit information (i.e. movement,
temperature, alarm activation, status, readings etc). Active Tags
fall into two groups; Active UHF which communicate with special
Readers and Active WiFi which communicate with 802.11 Wireless
Network Access Points.
Uses for Active RFID
Active tags can be used to locate and monitor a
wide range of 'assets' including equipment, staff and
patients, below are two examples of their use:
Patient Tracking
Tracking a Patient location can play an important role within a
healthcare facility. Using the latest tagging technology, Medway
RFID is able to track and record the movements of patients to
enable departments to better understand and control their
activities whilst they are attending the facility. Using the
location system, Medway RFID is able to track where a patient is
and for how long - for example calculating patient waiting times
within departments. The system can also be used to improve patient
safety by locating them should they have had a fall or have left a
specific location. The latter example allows hospitals to create
their own alerts and actions based on when a patient attempts to
leave a designated area such as Maternity, SCBU, Paediatrics, EMI
etc.
Asset Tracking
Asset location can play a vital role within a facility in
accelerating staff access to important pieces of equipment both for
use and essential maintenance. By reporting, in real-time, where
every vital piece of equipment is located, Medway RFID can
dramatically reduce the time spent searching for required equipment
and significantly improve equipment inventory control - thus saving
cost.
In particular, essential equipment maintenance can be extremely time consuming when you do not know where the equipment is located. Medway RFID can alert when maintenance is due and where the item is in real-time.
Furthermore Medway RFID can improve the security of equipment by setting an invisible perimeter around your buildings and grounds. The appropriate members of staff are alerted the instant an asset has left the building.
All these features are backed up by a comprehensive library of reports / search queries on the location history and current status of your assets.
RFID can be used in almost any setting to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical care.
Latest News
- 9th March 2010System C exhibits at World of Health IT ConferenceRead more +
- 8th March 2010System C wins Sunday Times Top 100 AwardRead more +
- 8th February 2010Social care dashboard from LiquidlogicRead more +
Did You Know?
System C can implement any clinical / patient management system - not just our own.