RTLS – Minimize the Risk of Healthcare-associated Infections (HAI)

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RTLS – Minimize the Risk of Healthcare-associated Infections (HAI)

Posted on by Waed Os

Healthcare facilities constantly strive to enhance patient safety and minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) have emerged as a valuable technology in this quest, offering innovative solutions to monitor and manage various aspects of hospital operations.

 

The Burden of Healthcare-Associated Infections

HAIs pose a serious threat to patient well-being, adding to the complexity and cost of healthcare delivery. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in 31 hospitalized patients in the United States acquires at least one HAI [1]. These infections not only compromise patient recovery but also strain healthcare resources.

Read more about the CDC guidelines

 

How do RTLS Solutions Operate? And which technology is the most suitable?

Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) employ various technologies to implement location-based solutions. Each technology has its merits and drawbacks primarily based on the accuracy at cost tradeoff (initial investment and operational). Example RTLS technologies include Ultra-wideband (UWB), Ultra-sonic, Infra-Red and RFID.

In our pursuit of an optimal solution, PenguinIN has developed its own RTLS solution using Bluetooth Low Energy 5.1 (BLE 5.1) with healthcare in mind. Today, PenguinIN’s sub-meter positioning accuracy is the underlying enabler for HAI prevention solution offered by PenguinIN.

Learn more: BLE 5.1 vs UWB

 

RTLS applications for minimizing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)

 

Asset Tracking:

RTLS systems assist in monitoring the movement and usage of medical equipment, ensuring that devices are properly cleaned and disinfected between uses. By maintaining a digital record of equipment locations and usage, healthcare facilities can implement stringent protocols for equipment hygiene, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

 

People Tracking

Real-time location tracking of patients allows healthcare providers to monitor their movements throughout the facility. This is particularly crucial in quarantine scenarios where isolating patients with contagious diseases is necessary. RTLS systems enhance the ability to implement effective isolation measures, limiting the spread of infections within the hospital environment.

 

Staff Monitoring:

Healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in preventing the transmission of infections. RTLS systems enable the tracking of staff movements, ensuring that hygiene protocols are adhered to consistently. This includes monitoring hand hygiene compliance and optimizing workflows to minimize unnecessary exposure to infectious agents.

 

Workflow Optimization:

RTLS technology helps streamline hospital workflows by providing real-time insights into the movement of patients, staff, and equipment. By optimizing the flow of people and resources, healthcare facilities can reduce congestion, improve response times, and ultimately enhance infection control measures.

 

 

PenguinIN

By leveraging the capabilities of real-time location tracking, hospitals can implement proactive measures to reduce the risk of infections, improve patient safety, and enhance overall operational efficiency. This is where PenguinIN comes in. Our adopted technology (PenTrack) is mastered to ensure swift and affordable solutions. We provide the hardware, and grant accesses to our state-of-the-art algorithms that insure efficient and accurate results. Integrating seamlessly into physical and software environments to accommodate our solutions with near zero-overhead.

 

Get a free consultation today: [email protected]

The Impact of Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) on Emergency Department Operations

Posted on by Waed Os

Efficiently managing emergency department (ED) wait-time is a global healthcare challenge. Statistics reveal the extent of the issue: In the US approximately 78.3% of all patients and 66.9% of those needing immediate attention within one hour are seen by a physician within the recommended time frame in the median ED. Furthermore, only 30.5% of EDs manage to consistently meet triage targets for over 90% of their patients, with a mere 13.8% achieving this benchmark for patients triaged for a one-hour window. [1]

These delays could have profound consequences, affecting patient outcomes, hospital reputation, and financial viability. However, PenguinIN offers an innovative solution: Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS), PenTrack.

RTLS technology optimizes resource allocation, streamlines patient pathways, and improves operational efficiency, enhancing ED management to help hospitals not only meet but exceed triage and admission targets while simultaneously boosting their bottom line.

Here is what RTLS Solutions offer to hospitals, resolving ED problems and enhancing patient experience:

1. Enhanced Patient Flow: Optimizing Processes

RTLS offers precise patient tracking within the ED, minimizing bottlenecks and reducing wait times, thereby streamlining patient flow.

2. Reduced Patient Length of Stay (LOS): Faster Care Delivery

Through streamlined processes and timely care, RTLS contributes to shorter patient LOS, enabling quicker bed turnover and increased ED capacity.

3. Resource Allocation: Efficient Utilization

Real-time monitoring of staff, equipment, and patient locations through RTLS ensures the efficient allocation of resources, preventing overstaffing and optimizing resource usage.

4. Improved Patient Satisfaction: Elevating the Experience

Enhanced ED efficiency, facilitated by RTLS, fosters patient satisfaction, fostering trust and loyalty among patients.

5. Billing Accuracy: Precise Financial Transactions

Accurate tracking of patient movements and treatments via RTLS ensures precise billing, reducing the risk of revenue loss due to errors.

6. Data-Driven Decision Making: Informed Optimization

RTLS generates valuable data for analysis, allowing hospitals to make informed decisions, optimize processes, and improve patient care.

7. Reduced Diversions: Efficient Patient Management

Effective patient flow management with RTLS reduces the need for diversions during peak times, ensuring continuous ED operation and revenue generation.

8. Improved Compliance and Documentation: Meeting Standards

RTLS enhances compliance with regulatory requirements and documentation standards, reducing the risk of penalties and revenue loss due to non-compliance.

9. Enhanced Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Coordination: Seamless Transitions

RTLS facilitates improved coordination with EMS providers, leading to faster patient transfers and better communication, ultimately optimizing ED resource utilization.

 

In the healthcare domain, RTLS stands as a valuable tool, streamlining ED operations and improving patient care. While the benefits are evident, successful implementation requires careful planning and tailored monitoring to align with each hospital’s unique needs and objectives.

 

To learn more about our services for Healthcare, visit: https://penguinin.com/industries/healthcare-facilities
Request a call with us to know more at: [email protected]

1 Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2830619/