The use of RFID technology in the healthcare sector is expanding quickly, as it is now being welcomed by the sector. From patient tracking to hospital inventory management, RFID in healthcare is taking care of everything and making the medical process smoother for both patients and doctors.
In fact, according to a report by Grand View Research, the market for RFID in healthcare is projected to be worth USD 14.65 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 17.85% between 2023 and 2030.
Small electronic devices called RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) cards and tags are used to store information and send it to readers via radio waves. RFID cards and tags play important functions in hospitals.
RFID Cards: Similar to regular cards, but with an antenna and a small chip. Patients may be given them for identifying purposes. The card's instant access to the patient's medical information when scanned enables medical professionals to give more effective and precise care.
RFID Tags: These are affixed to equipment such as medication carts and wheelchairs in hospitals. These things can be easily tracked and located thanks to the tags, reducing theft or loss. This makes operations more efficient and guarantees that equipment is accessible when needed.
All medical instruments (disposable and/or reusable) and durable assets (beds, medical equipment) are outfitted with RFID tags, and their availability is tracked in the IoT tracking system. The medical staff may monitor their whereabouts by using a mobile or online application with a facility map.
To ensure a patient's safety and the continuity of care, medical personnel can locate any patient in the hospital with the use of RFID tagging. In newborn units, pediatric departments, mental health institutions, or for monitoring geriatric patients, patient tracking is particularly important.
Due to usage instructions contained in the monitoring system, RFID in healthcare-enabled pharmaceutical inventory tracking enables hospitals to quickly identify drug shortages and expiries, prevent theft, and guarantee the intended use of medications. This RFID protection system saves hospitals from a lot of blunders.
Medical supervisors can see the whereabouts and interactions of medical professionals who are wearing RFID-enabled wristbands or badges by using IoT tracking software. The supervisors can use this information to locate physicians or nurses in an emergency.
Hospitals may monitor the whereabouts of visitors to maintain patient security, bar visitors from entering operating rooms or inventory, etc. Patients and visitors are connected, and hospital security is notified if the visitor is not near the patient or in public areas of the hospital.
Hospitals can forecast patient flow, acquire medical supplies and equipment, and determine the general load of the hospital, the load of its departments, and the load of specific physicians and nurses by analyzing data gathered in the RFID tracking system. The hospital administration can modify staff workflows, patient treatment schedules, surgery plans, etc. based on the analytics data.
Moreover, RFID-enabled access control systems enhance security by ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive areas. This RFID protection adds an extra layer for both patients and staff.
Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, infection control has become a top priority in healthcare settings. RFID in healthcare plays a crucial role in this aspect, as it enables the monitoring of healthcare workers and simplifies hospital tasks.
