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VUIT, HealthIT select radio-frequency identification solution to track infants, equipment

VUMC

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a wireless technology used to transfer data for the purposes of identifying, monitoring and tracking tags attached to assets. VUIT has implemented RFID modules for asset tracking and environmental monitoring and has assisted Health IT with its infant security module. The RFID system leverages existing Wi-Fi infrastructure and was selected based on its suite of modules for various applications and its ability to integrate with other clinical and management applications, including CareFusion and Tableau.

The asset management solution provides Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) a way to continuously monitor and proactively manage the location, status and condition of multiple classes of medical devices across the enterprise in real-time. The solution automates previously manual processes for managing a portion of capital and rental equipment assets providing access to entirely new levels of operational insight. This automation increases operational efficiency, enhances staff productivity, improves quality of care and decreases patient wait times because of improved equipment availability.

The first major project focused on tagging nearly 6,000 infusion pumps. Other devices currently monitored include various other pumps, beds, wheelchairs, and stretchers. In the supply chain arena, the organization has shown a substantial return on investment (ROI) in terms of locating lost equipment. Some of the rental pumps carry a $10K penalty for replacement, and since implementing RFID, the medical center has been able to locate the lost devices, resulting in significant cost avoidance. In the adult emergency department, wheelchairs have been tagged so that they can be returned to the ED in a more timely fashion—even if they are located across the institution.

Additionally, environmental monitoring has been implemented for Vanderbilt Pharmacy compounding spaces, refrigerators and freezers. The sensors in these tags monitor both temperature and humidity. The system collects environmental data at specified intervals and provides reporting and real-time alerts to assist with regulatory and compliance needs. This type of monitoring protects high-value drugs from spoilage in the event of equipment failure. The VUIT Windows Applications team provides guidance on the creation of alert procedures and notifications to Plant Services Delta group as part of the monitoring process.

The RFID product offers much more potential use for Vanderbilt. As a whole, it has additional features, such as hygiene, patient/staff workflow, and safety modules that have not yet been purchased. The institution is currently focused on temperature/humidity and assets; however, the product stands ready for future expansion and enhancement. An oversight committee reviews all new requests for RFID and evaluates against costs, goals and ROI. The modular design of the product allows the institution to determine needs and precisely align to the services and areas that are highest priority and greatest benefit.