RFID Technology in Healthcare

RFID (radio-frequency identification) is in use all around us . If you have ever had your pet micro-chipped with an ID tag, or used EZPass through a toll booth, you have used RFID technology.Unlike UPC bar-code technology, RFID technology does not require contact or line of sight for communication, and can be read through the human body, clothing and non-metallic materials.

As I explored this topic further after class one evening, I was very surprised at the many applications this technology has in the hospital setting. For instance, patient and equipment management tracking systems are based on RFID technology. I was aware of how operating room instrument tracking had RFID applications , as our hospital is currently investigating implementing this technology, however found many other interesting applications available for useage in healthcare. With RFID technology, instruments can be tracked by either complete kits , or down to the individual instrument used during a surgical procedure. Could this technology end incidence of instruments being left behind. In this article , RFID technology is not only applied to instruments, but sponges as well. Currently , we have radio-paqued sponges that show up on an x-ray if there is any question of a missing item after the surgical team checks the count. Patient safety is always at the foreront of operating room staff, and other healthcare workers.

RFID is being used to track patients on some units at our hospital, with specialy armbands . Currently utilized for elderly patients who tend to wander, in the future, we couldhave the ability to track every patient at all times , ensuring their safety , particularly in case of a fire.

Another usage I see as being very advantageous and may have potential cost savings, is tracking our equipment assets. Medical equipment comes with a very high price tag and to have the potential to track these high cost items at all times would make them not only more accessible, staff would spend less time searching for it! How many lap top computers grow legs and walk out of health care and other facilities?

It is exciting to see how technology will impact the way we work and enhance patient care and safety. It is also important to keep abreast of changes and embrace technology, and what it can do for us.

Are you Connected?

About 5 years ago I bought my husband a cell phone for Christmas. At that time he didn't really know if he needed one or would use it ! Just a few months later it was glued to his ear. Constant phone calls about soccer and work , it was soon his main way of communicating with friends, family and business.

Technology has allowed us to be mobile , and yet still connected to our work ,family and friends. Do you ever feel like you just need to turn your phone or other telecommunications device off? Just like this cartoon depicts , some people have trouble letting go of technology. Today carrying a cell phone is common place and sometimes rude. The 10 commandments of cell phone etiquette, covers those topics we have all been exposed to: that catchy ring tone going off at a restaurant or movie theater, or perhaps in the middle of a conversation; text messaging others during a conversation; being cut off by someone who is busy dialing their phone instead of watching the road. Technology is great , but it can also be dangerous! I read somewhere that approximately 75% of accidents are caused by distractions, cell phones steadily rising to the top of those distractions.

When spending time with family and friends, we should just disconnect for a while and take a break. Staying connected 24/7 through emails, cell phones and PDA's and other devices, doesn't allow us the quality time we need with family and friends .

I think technology does become addictive, and because we have the technology at our fingertips, we feel obliged to use it. We really don't have an excuse for someone not to be able to reach us anymore do we? Technology is wonderful when used appropriately, just remember to "control the technology, not have it control you!".

Technical Difficulties?

I have to admit I was both excited and apprehensive to take this course. Although some days I feel I have embraced technology, I have also shyed away from it as well. In my work life, at SERHA, The Moncton Hospital I use email and my outlook calendar daily. What did we do before email anyway? I have not spent a lot of time surfing ( no time at work) and I have a teenager at home ( no computor access for parents!).However I am learning new skills I have already put to use in creating my Blog! Programs such as Excel and Powerpoint are on my list of "to do's" to further advance my skills and knowlege this coming year.

I am continually amazed with the technological advancements in healthcare and particulary in the operating room. We no longer view X-ray films, they are digital images sent to the flat panel screens in the OR. Think of the space we save , and the space we have used storing films! These films are now stored and archived in digital format.

Digital capture devices are used so patients can take home a picture of how their knee looked when they had their arthroscopy procedure, and the surgeon can place an additional picture in the patients file for reference in the future.

Integrated OR suites are becoming more common as OR's redevelop and upgrade and as new OR's are designed. These suites have technology where the lights can be dimmed for surgery, or the table can be raised , all through voice activation. Video links of the surgery can be watched around the world. This technology can be esspecially helpful in remote areas for consultations with other specialist. Technology is enhancing the care we give to our patients through connectivity.

No longer can we use the excuse " Oh, I'll be retired before that happens". Technology is here to stay and we must jump on board so as not to be left behind!