Carolina’s largest medical institution CHS adopts RTLS system in 20 hospitals
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Carolinas HealthCare System (CHS) is now installing an RFID real-time location system (RTLS) to track thousands of medical devices, such as infusion pumps and air conditioners. CHS has 20 hospitals in South Carolina and North Carolina. It uses a real-time positioning system to track equipment to ensure that when there is an application demand, medical staff can get the equipment in time.
The RTLS system uses CHS’s existing Cisco 802.11 Wi-Fi access control network, which is spread across hospitals and is used for multiple purposes. The system also uses Ekahau’s active 2.4 GHz RFID tags. The label conforms to the 802.11 protocol, and the power supply battery is a CR2 lithium battery with a lifespan of about 5 years.
When the tag is close to the reader, its unique ID number will be transmitted. The nearby Wi-Fi access point receives the tag signals and forwards them to a central server in Charlotte, North Carolina via the WAN. The Ekahau positioning engine software based on Java technology runs on the server to analyze multiple factors, including the strength of the tag signal, to determine the location of the object. According to Ekahau, the software can track more than 10,000 objects on a server, and it can locate 600 objects per second within a distance of 1 meter.
The unique ID number of the label corresponds to the information of the labeled equipment, such as the warranty period and location, and the information is stored on the central server. CHS employees can use a Web browser to obtain the real-time status of a tracking area, the location of the labeling equipment in the area, or search for a specific equipment and their related information. For example, the technician can enter the serial number or other descriptive information to locate the equipment that needs to be repaired.
CHS did not start considering various RTLS solutions last year. When CHS decided to adopt the Ekahau system, it started a pilot project at the Carolina Medical Center early this year. A few months ago, CHS officially adopted this system in its 20 hospitals. Once the entire system is implemented, CHS will be able to track 5000 sets of medical equipment.
“Many medical equipment requires regular preventive maintenance,” a CHS official said. “The RTLS system provides visibility, and staff can quickly locate the equipment location and perform repairs in a timely manner.” Knowing the location of the equipment also helps CHS maintain the most reasonable inventory reserves to meet the needs of the hospital; it is also for the medical staff. Save a lot of time. ”
Introduction to Carolinas HealthCare System
Carolinas HealthCare System (
http://www.carolinashealthcare.org
) Is the largest health care system in Carolina and the third largest public health care system in the United States. CHS owns, leases or manages 20 hospitals in North Carolina and South Carolina, and employs approximately 900 doctors in more than 150 locations. CHS also operates nursing homes, mobile surgery centers, family health facilities, radiotherapy facilities, and physical therapy facilities. In total, these operating departments have approximately 4,900 licensed beds and employ more than 33,000 full-time or part-time employees.
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