Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Research and Innovations (new projects / technology / innovations / service models)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service I (Projects aiming to improve efficiency and effectiveness of care delivery to meet international standards)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Lai SO (1), Lui CT (2), Heyman Tang(1), Chan WL(1), Mak KH(1), Li MK(1), Lui KY(1), Peter Chan(3), Rayon Chan(3), Jason Lo(4), Dennis Lee (4), Gary Jan(4), Ivan Ng(4) , Joseph Ng(5), CK Chan(5)
Affiliation :
(1) Accident and Emergency Department, Tin Shui Wai Hospital, New Territories West Cluster, Hospital Authority (2) Accident and Emergency Department, Tuen Mun Hospital, New Territories West Cluster, Hospital Authority (3 Information and Technology, New Territories West Cluster, Hospital Authority (4) Information Technology and Health Informatics Division, Head Office (5) The Hong Kong Baptist University
Introduction :
Efficient equipment and patient tracking are vital for ensuring optimal workflow and safety in emergency departments. Realizing the significance of RTLS, a pilot project was supported by the Innovation and Technology Commission with Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) – Public Sector Trial Scheme (PSTS). Collaboration included Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre (LSCM), Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hospital Authority Tin Shui Wai Hospital A&E, and IT Innovation Office. The pilot was conducted from 1st September 2023 and evaluated after one-month pilot.
Objectives :
To evaluate the impact of RTLS on workflow efficiency, patient safety, and staff satisfaction.
Methodology :
This project covered both equipment and asset tracking as well as patient tracking and geofencing for high-risk patient groups: (1) Disabled patients (non-communicable / hearing and visual disabled /language barriers). (2) Cognitively declined patients. (3) Mental illness patients. (4) Patients under isolation for quarantinable disease. The system utilized Bluetooth Low Energy(BLE) Received Signal Strength Indicator(RSSI) and Wi-Fi signals, with 17 signal gateways are installed throughout the department. Data on geofencing, efficiency in locating equipment and patients, time savings, and operational aspects were collected and analyzed.
Result & Outcome :
The quantitative findings revealed significant time savings, as the stocktaking burden on nurses and supporting staff was reduced from 125 minutes to 78 minutes per day, resulting in a daily saving of 47 minutes. 40 man-days of savings in clinical staff manpower would be projected if all equipment were tagged. During the pilot period, the patient tracking system effectively monitored 39 patients through the use of patient tags, ensuring their location was accurately tracked. Additionally, the system successfully prevented 4 patients from leaving the AED. These results demonstrate the system's efficacy in maintaining patient safety and preventing patient missing during the pilot period. Qualitatively, the RTLS system proved to be highly effective in preventing both patient missing and equipment loss. The results from the front-line survey showcased high levels of satisfaction, with 83% of respondents rating the accuracy of location as average to excellent. Furthermore, 90% of the respondents agreed that the system effectively prevents loss.
Conclusion
The Real-Time Location Tracking System (RTLS) was accurate in patient geofencing, prevented patients and equipment from missing, and improved patient safety. Staff surveys indicated the pilot solution was easy to use, highly-reliable on patient tracking, and reduced staff workload.These findings strongly support the wide adoption of the RTLS and Internet of Things (IoT) in hospital operation to enhance both efficiency and safety. System integration to the Clinical Management System (CMS) and eAED would further expand the benefit.
