RFID good for clinical environments, says new research
Urgent care facilities, hospitals, and health centers will enjoy numerous paybacks when RFID becomes part of the care plan, says Chainlink Research.
The company’s latest report, “RFID in Clinical Settings: New Dimensions in the Chain of Care” evaluates potential uses of RFID, examining benefits and risks of the technology within a clinical environment.
Among them, the ever-controversial surgical procedural uses, dispensing of drugs, and pharmaceutical control.
New Research Sheds Light on Uses and ROI for RFID in Clinical Environments
July 14, 2006 – North America, BUSINESS WIRE –
Study by ChainLink Research Explores the Challenges, Risks, and Benefits of RFID in Clinical Processes Such as Admissions/Discharge, Drug Administration, Surgical Procedure Control, Patient Monitoring, and Asset Utilization
There are numerous high-payback opportunities for using RFID within clinical settings, according to a new report from ChainLink Research. The report, “RFID in Clinical Settings: New Dimensions in the Chain of Care”, evaluates potential uses of RFID, examining both the benefits and risks across the full spectrum of key functional areas within a clinical environment, such as:
– Admissions and discharge
– Patient monitoring and tracking
– Dispensing of Drugs–ensuring right drug/dose, to the right patient, at the right time.
– Surgical procedure control–ensuring correct procedure on the right patient
– Asset Control–optimizing the use of expensive diagnostic, surgical, and other assets.
– Pharmaceutical control
– Control of Supplies
– Diagnostics
The research examines which data can be auto-captured in clinical processes and the value of that data to various constituents, such as hospital administrators and caregivers, pharmaceutical and device manufacturers, insurance carriers and of course the patient. It explores the potential for RFID to improve safety, reduce administrative burdens on care givers, shorten patient wait times, and increase asset utilization. For example, one conclusion of the research is that RFID, combined with other information technology, can help reduce errors in prescribing, transcribing, dispensing, and administration of drugs. It also examines challenges and risks (for example exposure of people and drugs to radio frequency energy).
The report can be obtained at http://tinyurl.com/r7d37, or by sending an email to [email protected], or calling 617-762-4040 x486.
ChainLink Research has also created an eLearning module called “RFID in the Clinical Environment”, which is based on this research. For more information on the eLearning module go to http://tinyurl.com/pej9m.
About ChainLink Research
ChainLink Research is a supply chain research organization dedicated to helping executives improve business performance and competitiveness. ChainLink’s unique approach to actionable research and high-impact decision-making allows their clients to enter new markets, expand market share, and achieve peak performance in their markets. For more information: www.chainlinkresearch.com.