RFID in Healthcare
Presented byFrancis DiDonato, RN
Objectives1. Describe RFID in Healthcare2. Describe RFID hardware and
software3. Describe RFID software usability 4. Describe RFID Information System
Objectives, continued
5. Describe advantages and disadvantages of RFID
6. Describe the ethical and legal issues of RFID
7. Describe RFID nursing informatics competencies
8. Describe the nursing functions and responsibilities
What is RFID?Radio Frequency IdentificationTags transmit identification to readerStores up to 2 kilobytes of dataCan be used on people, animals, or objects
RFID in Healthcare
Hospitals adopting RFID to track:
PharmaceuticalsBlood ProductsEquipmentLab SpecimensPatients
Why RFID in Healthcare?
“RFID enables healthcare facilities improve overall safety and operational efficiency because it operates without line-of-sight while providing read/write capabilities for dynamic item tracking.”
(Reiner, 2005, p. 1)
RFID HardwareRFID TagRFID AntennaRFID Reader
RFID TagsUnique IdentifierTwo types: Passive and ActiveReceive dataTransmit data
RFID SoftwareRFID AnywhereBarTenderGuardRFIDAlvin Healthcare
Alvin Healthcare Software
Designed specifically for healthcare industryAllows user access to patient data
Name, medical record number, blood type
Allows user to access/input patient data
Vital signs, blood type, medications administered
Software UsabilityThree Axioms for developing effective human-computer interactions:I. Users must be an early and continuous focus
during interface designII. The design process should be iterative,
allowing for evaluation and correction of identified problems.
III. Formal evaluation should take place using rigorous experimental and/or qualitative methods.
(McGonigle & Mastrian, 2009)
RFID Information Systems
Clinical Information SystemMost commonly used type of patient care support systemDesigned to collect patient data in real timeProvides data at clinician’s fingertipsEnables decision making at the bedside
(McGonigle & Mastrian, 2009)
Information System Review
Clinical Information SystemUsed by nurses and physiciansFunctions include documentation, identification, and trackingMicrocomputer configurationElectronic Product Code Information Services data sharing standard
RFID AdvantagesEnsures patient safetyImproves medication administrationProvides tracking of suppliesProvides tracking of patients
(MacIver, 2006)
RFID Disadvantages
CostSecurity ConcernsDead areas
Ethical and Legal Issues
Privacy and Security
Informatics Competencies
Computer CompetenciesInformation LiteracyInformation Management
Nursing Functions and
ResponsibilitiesMaintain RecordsMaintain Patient PrivacyHave a Backup System in place
SummaryFuture of NursingPatient SafetyDocumentationEasy to Use
ReferencesAlvin Systems. (2005). RFID and Wireless Solutions for Healthcare Service Providers. Retrieved October 7, 2009, fromwww.alvinsystems.com/resources/pdf/healthcare_rfid.pdf.
Banks, J., & Thompson, L. G. (2007). The Principles of RFID: Hardware Basics. Retrieved October 5, 2009, from http://
www.rfidnews.org/2007/04/02/the-principles-of-rfid-
hardware-basics
ReferencesMcGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. (2009). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge. Sudbury: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
Reiner, J. (2005). RFID in Healthcare. Retrieved September 19, 2009, from www.ups-scs.com/solutions/white.../wp_RFID_in_healthcare.pdf.
ReferencesRFID Journal. (2002). What is RFID? Retrieved September 18, 2009, from http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/
1339/1/129
RFID Update. (2007). RFID Sharing Standard EPCIS is Ratified. Retrieved October 30, 2009, from http://www.rfidupdate.com/articles/index.php?id=1339
ReferencesMcIver, J. (2006). RFID: Real Solutions in Healthcare. Retrieved November 17, 2009, from www-304.ibm.com/easyaccess/fileserve? contentid=74696
IDAutomation. (2009). RFID FAQ & Tutorial. Retrieved November 17, 2009, from http://www.idautomation.com rfid_faq.html#RFID_Advantages.
ReferencesAlliance for Nursing Informatics. (2009). Future of Nursing: Acute Care, Focusing on the Area of Technology. Retrieved November 20, 2009, from journals.lww.com/.../ANI%20Response%20to %20RWJ_IOM%20on%20The%20Future%20of %20Nursing.pdf