RFID

From HMCwiki

RFID (radio frequency identification) is an automatic identification method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags which are very small and can be attached or incorporated into any product. Unlike barcode technology, RFID technology does not require contact or line of sight for communication.

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Uses

The most obvious use for RFID technology is in a hospitals supply chain. RFID is useful in difficult working conditions because identification does not require a product to be in sight. RFID can be leveraged to provide an automatic inventory tracking method.

Not only can RFID tags be placed on supply items but can be placed on pieces of clinical equipment allowing an organization to easily find equipment and determine if repairs are needed. This increases efficiencies in biomedical preventive maintenance work.

Hospitals can also use RFID technology in wristbands issued to patients containing information such as name, age, sex, drugs and the dosage to be administered. Not only does this lead to faster and easier patient identification but helps ensure the proper level of care, thus reducing medical errors ^[1]

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Costly alternative

Though the attraction to leading edge technologies such as RFID can be very tempting for a hospital it is currently more costly than barcode technology. While RFID technology can significantly improve the materials management function, barcode technology may be all that is needed to gain the necessary efficiencies. If an organization has not yet implemented barcode technology it may be useful to investigate RFID as an alternative inventory management technology, bypassing barcode technology in favor of a new and more penetrating ID source.

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