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Case Study | Tracking & Tracing Healthcare
INDUSTRY Health
About Case Study
Optimized management of patient records for a transition to paperless processes and increased efficiency in document management
Key Benefits
- Increased efficiency through faster and more precise localization of patient files
- Cost reduction through increased automation and improved utilization of human resources
- Increased data security and protection against data misuse
KATHREIN PRODUCTS
- ARU 3500 RFID reader
- CrossTalk software
PARTNER BENEFITS
Optimization of processes through improved efficiency and increased safety
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Intelligently manage four million patient files
The challenge
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust is the largest health and care trust in the UK, providing health services to 340,000 people in the Belfast area. The Trust manages four million patient records in six archives and with external storage providers. In 2015, the Trust commissioned a digitization strategy for the documents in its archives.
Initial situation
The Trust operates various IT systems that store patient health information. Overarching records continue to be stored in paper form. Due to increasing numbers and volumes of patient records, manual retrieval and identification of records by barcode has become increasingly inefficient. The aim is to make the Trust independent of manual processes and outdated systems. Innovative RFID technology is needed to create more efficient access to document management.
Solution
With the Kathrein ARU 3500 RFID reader IoT gateway of the latest generation, in combination with the Kathrein CrossTalk software suite a digital bridge function was designed. Isolated solutions and data silos can be avoided by using a uniform middleware layer The time-consuming process of scanning barcodes on files and filing locations has been replaced by a GS1-certified intelligent tracking solution. Every file has an RFID tag and every archive, file trolley and hospital corridor has been equipped with RFID readers. Kinsetsu has integrated this document management with the CrossTalk software suite so that staff can easily monitor where patient files are located within the hospital via the document management system.
Result
IoT solutions help organizations with digital transformation by making data available more efficiently and, above all, faster. In addition, the costs associated with manual processes are reduced. Deriving strategic benefits from the use of IoT requires careful planning and analysis. In this way, isolated solutions, data silos and the use of unsuitable technologies can be avoided. The requirements for security and interoperability also increase with the entry into the IoT. Another goal is to make the management, storage and use of patients' health information completely paperless by 2020.
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