RFID-initiated workflow control to facilitate patient safety and utilization efficiency in operation theater

  • Authors:

  • Charles C. H. Liu;Chia-Huang Chang;Mu-Chun Su;Hsueh-Ting Chu;Sheng-Hui Hung;Jau-Min Wong;Pa-Chun Wang

  • Affiliations:

  • Information Technology Department, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan;Outcomes Research Unit, Cathay Medical Research Institute, Taipei, Taiwan;Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan;Information Technology Department, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan;Quality Management Center, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan;Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan;Outcomes Research Unit, Cathay Medical Research Institute, Taipei, Taiwan and Quality Management Center, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan and School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, ...

  • Venue:
  • Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine
  • Year:
  • 2011

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Abstract

Objective: To control the workflow for surgical patients, we in-cooperate radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to develop a Patient Advancement Monitoring System (PAMS) in operation theater. Methods: The web-based PAMS is designed to monitor the whole workflow for the handling of surgical patients. The system integrates multiple data entry ports Across the multi-functional surgical teams. Data are entered into the system through RFID, bar code, palm digital assistance (PDA), ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), or traditional keyboard at designated checkpoints. Active radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag can initiate data demonstration on the computer screens upon a patient's arrival at any particular checkpoint along the advancement pathway. Results: The PAMS can manage the progress of operations, patient localization, identity verification, and peri-operative care. The workflow monitoring provides caregivers' instant information sharing to enhance management efficiency. Conclusion: RFID-initiate surgical workflow control is valuable to meet the safety, quality, efficiency requirements in operation theater.