Using RFID tags for tracking patients, charts and medical equipment within an integrated health delivery network

Tracking patients, charts and equipment in hospitals and across integrated health delivery networks is mostly done manually on white boards or manual entry within health information systems. Some health delivery networks have adopted systems using a combination of infrared and radio frequency (RF) technology to help manage the tracking process. This paper proposes an approach that can improve the operational efficiency of a health delivery network by automating this process through the use of RF identification (RFID) tags. RFID tags are low power communication devices that can be embedded in a patient's ID bracelet, inside a patient chart and medical equipment, and can help track their location and status.