RFID, RTLS technology use in hospitals can improve patient care and safety

Feb 10 2011

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) and real-time location system (RTLS) are emerging forms of technology used in healthcare to improve patient care and safety. For example, the use of RFID and RTLS enabled wristbands connected to security systems within hospitals can prevent babies and small children from being removed without authority from their area of care.

Now, at the 2011 Annual HIMSS Conference & Exhibition, The RFID & RTLS showcase, co-hosted by HIMSS and the RFID Healthcare Consortium, will debut on Monday, Feb. 21, to give attendees the opportunity to learn more about the many applications of RFID and RTLS technologies. The Showcase, booth 7381 on the HIMSS11 exhibit floor, presents a first-hand review of how these technologies can deliver real-time data from the patient's room or bedside to the clinician's smart mobile device.

"The RFID in Healthcare Consortium, in collaboration with HIMSS, has developed the symposium and pavilion programs to help medical professionals gain exposure to the evolving landscape of wireless technologies in healthcare," said Dr. Suraj Kapa; President and Chief Medical Officer of the RHCC. "We look forward to the opportunity to bridge government, industry and medical experts via these forums in advancing a new age of medical practice - one in which technology and patient care are married to reduce costs and improve safety via seamless interface and open discourse."

The hours for the RFID & RTLS Pavilion are:

A HIMSS11 pre-conference session on Sunday, Feb. 20, The RFID and RTLS Symposium, RFID & RTLS in Healthcare Symposium: The Business and Technical Essentials of RFID and RTLS Technologies for the Life Sciences Industry, offers a full day of education sessions. Topics include:

• A comparison of different RFID and RTLS technologies;
• Best practices for implementing these technologies;
• Limitations in implementing these technologies; and
• Strategic planning guidelines for RFID and RTLS technologies.

Registration is still open for the RFID & RTLS in Healthcare Symposium. Use or update the HIMSS11 online registration form to sign up for the symposium.

"Quality education is a primary focus for HIMSS in general and, of course, for HIMSS11. The addition of the RFID & RTLS in Healthcare Symposium plus the RFID/RTLS Showcase on the exhibit floor gives conference attendees the chance to learn more about these technologies in healthcare," said JoAnn Klinedinst, CPHIMSS, PMP, FHIMSS, Vice President, Professional Development, for HIMSS. The collaboration between HIMSS and RFID Healthcare Consortium gives those interested in RFID and RTLS technologies an avenue for learning and networking.

Source: HIMSS