A Next Generation, Low Cost Tracking System for Healthcare

DESCRIPTION provided by applicant The goal of the Phase I study is to determine the feasibility of piloting a low cost Real Time Location System RTLS for use in healthcare based on a novel technology known as Near Field Electromagnetic The proposed QHealth system promises to support a number of healthcare applications such as equipment management workflow optimization hand hygiene compliance patient safety and medical billing We address current deficiencies of RTLS used in healthcare by improved performance and lower cost The Phase I hinges on the ability to deliver an inexpensive locator while maintaining high accuracy of m or better A further innovation is in the use of a RTLS RFID fusion in a prototype QTag allowing for the management of large number of healthcare assets at a low cost The Phase I will include prototyping characterization and system testing If successful the project will create a RTLS enabling a return on investment of at least $ per bed per year Factored over the registered hospital beds in the U S the savings could be as much as $ billion per year PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE The healthcare system in the United States suffers from ineffective logistics management patient safety concerns and escalating costs This effort will explore if an inexpensive high resolution Real Time Location Systems can reduce operating and capital expenses within hospitals