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

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

doi:10.1016/j.cmpb.2010.08.017

« Previous Next »Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine
Volume 104, Issue 3 , Pages 435-442, December 2011

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

Charles C.H. Liu
- Information Technology Department, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
Chia-Huang Chang
- Outcomes Research Unit, Cathay Medical Research Institute, Taipei, Taiwan
Mu-Chun Su
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
Hsueh-Ting Chu
- Information Technology Department, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
Sheng-Hui Hung
- Quality Management Center, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
Jau-Min Wong
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
Pa-Chun Wang
- Outcomes Research Unit, Cathay Medical Research Institute, Taipei, Taiwan
- Quality Management Center, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Corresponding author at: Quality Management Center, Cathay General Hospital, 280 Sec. 4, Jen-Ai Rd., 106 Taipei, Taiwan. Tel.: +886 2 27082121x3364; fax: +886 2 66362836.

Received 4 December 2009; received in revised form 16 August 2010; accepted 27 August 2010.

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.