For Seamless Healthcare Delivery

Diverse technologies like tracking software, mobile user devices, multi-agent systems, coordination, databases and computing technologies are being used in modern healthcare facilities. The development of RFID can be traced back to late 1960s, but the usage increased since 2001, when Hitachi introduced a micro RFID chip, which identifies a passive resource (medical equipment, a hospital bed, a patient document or the physical presence of a patient) and conveys information of the location and movement of a mobile resource. Because they are miniature in size, these chips can be sewn into textile material, glued on or laminated under surfaces. The physical objects are usually symbolised in the information system by a shadow object. The shadow object holds data and methods which can be attached to the device, but which cannot be physically stored. What Is RFID? Radio Frequency Identification is a generic term that is used to describe a system that transmits the identity (in the form of a unique serial number) of an object or person wirelessly, using radio waves. It is grouped under the broad category of automatic identification technologies which include bar codes, optical character readers, retinal scans etc. Passive RFID requires manual scan of a label or tag to capture the data, while active RFID automatically transmits data or location information. Active RFID technologies are useful in reducing the amount of time and labour needed to manage data manually and to improve operations and data accuracy. Ultimately, RFID technology is designed to enable readers to capture data on tags and transmit it to a computer system—without manual intervention. Advantages of RFID RFID is claimed to improve communication, productivity and information, but it cannot deliver the promise unless it is supported by development of computer networks (both internet and intranet)and wireless data networks. RFID solutions have been present for some time, but their potential has been under-utilized till now. Integration with networks for instant transmission of data has unlocked the latent utility of the system with a constant stream of fresh applications. Unlike bar code, RFID’s data transmission can be read even if not in direct line of sight, through and around human body or articles like clothing, bed coverings and non-metallic materials. An integrated solution including Wi-Fi based active RFID technology and wireless infrastructure will enable hospitals to track assets, patients and staff in all the facilities and use this position information to improve and increase asset utilisation and patient safety. RFID applications work directly with wireless infrastructure, enabling hospitals to use their wireless access points as active RFID readers. More...

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