RTLS Fact Sheet
What is Real Time Location System (RTLS)?
Real Time Location System (RTLS) is a Wi-Fi location-monitoring system developed by IBM and AeroScout. It is being tested by the W21C (on Unit 36) in order to monitor patients in an effort to enhance patient safety and quality of care. The system is used by attaching Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags to mobile devices or people. The wireless system then detects the location of the tag as it moves about the ward.
Research Background
The primary objective of the RTLS project is to run a pilot test in an applied healthcare setting of Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity) location-monitoring technology. The study will involve various clinicians wearing an RFID tag for a shift. Data regarding movement in time is stored in a database, which will then be analyzed to determine the nature of workflow and interactions between clinicians, and between clinicians and patients. Potential applications would also include tagging a mobile device, such as an IV pump. Similarly, tags could be attached to confused patients, and if they walked outside a defined boundary (their room, or the ward) a nurse would automatically be notified.
Questions?
For more information about the Real Time Location System, please contact Alecia Greenough.