Optimizing Staff Workflows in Healthcare with Real-Time Location Systems

July 29, 2024
Categories:

IoT Solutions

RTLS systems

The workdays of healthcare professionals consists of demanding tasks, including managing patient care, communicating status updates, handling administrative duties and dealing with the possibility of staffing, resource or supply shortages. Vivian Health asked over 1,000 U.S. workers to rate their jobs from one to 10, with 10 being “very stressful.” Nearly half of respondents, regardless of industry, said their job was stressful and 50% are considering switching industries or taking another job. Worker stress averaged 6.23, with healthcare workers scoring the highest rank at 6.88. RTLS Systems can improve relationships between patients and caregivers and improve operational efficiency at a low cost, creating a more seamless and compassionate healthcare experience for everyone.

The number of manual administrative and non-clinical tasks healthcare workers perform daily contributes to stressful workloads. According to a survey by McKinsey & Company 31% of nurses intend to leave their current role due to an excessive workload. 

To improve and streamline workflow management, RTLS technology uses IoT technology and location sensors to provide immediate, comprehensive enterprise visibility for the precise location of equipment, colleagues and patients using active-RFID wearable badges and tags. These location technologies automate staff workloads and provide insights to reduce bottlenecks and inefficiencies, allowing staff to spend more time treating patients. Mapsted’s real-time analytics solutions offer actionable insights into traffic patterns and healthcare workflow optimization. 

Challenges in Healthcare Staff Workflows

A study by McKinsey found that nurses spend a staggering 25% of their time on non-value-added tasks, such as charting and documentation,  searching for equipment or searching for colleagues. This translates to billions of dollars in wasted resources annually.

But the problem goes beyond wasted time. Inefficient workflows lead to:

  • Delayed Patient Care. According to this 2022 study, prolonged wait times are responsible for increased patient mortality rates.
  • Staff Burnout. The World Health Organization recognizes burnout as an occupational phenomenon. Healthcare workers are particularly vulnerable due to long hours and high-pressure situations.
  • Financial Strain. As per the report by American Hospital Association, hospital labour costs have increased from $42.5 billion to $839 billion between 2021 and 2023. Considering nearly 60% of average hospital expenses.

RTLS: The Digital Lifeline for Overwhelmed Healthcare Workers

With the right digital technology in place, healthcare technology systems can alleviate staff stress and cut costs by more than 10% per year. This is when RLTS comes in. With this technology, healthcare organizations can analyze actionable data to optimize resources like staffing departments adequately according to the busiest windows. Platforms that automate workflows significantly reduce the workload associated with manual documentation. In order to improve care, reduce burnout, increase satisfaction and invest in retention, it is essential to reduce healthcare workers’ workloads and ensure a seamless healthcare optimization. Mapsted’s minimal hardware RTLS solutions customized for healthcare facilities provide precise location tracking and detailed analytics, enabling smarter resource allocation and workflow automation​​.

How RTLS Optimizes Staff Workflows

RTLS can transform staff workflows management. For example, A nurse receives an automated alert on her mobile device, guiding her to the nearest available wheelchair for a patient discharge. No more frantic searching, no more delays. 

  • Automated task assignment: RTLS algorithms can assign tasks efficiently based on staff availability and proximity, reducing response times and workload disparities.
  • Optimized shift scheduling: RTLS can efficiently predict the staffing requirements and create ideal schedules by analyzing past data. Therefore, preventing understaffing or overstaffing issues. 
  • Streamlined communication: Staff can communicate seamlessly through RTLS-enabled devices. It eliminates the need for time-consuming phone calls or pagers.

Elevating the Patient Experience with RTLS

In the patient-centric era of healthcare, RTLS plays a major role in enhancing the patient experience.

  • Reduced wait times: Patients can be located and monitored in real time which helps in minimizing wait times for procedures and consultations.
  • Enhanced safety: RTLS can send alerts for patient falls or wandering. This leads to prompt intervention and accident prevention.
  • Personalized care: By integrating with electronic health records (EHRs), RTLS can provide clinicians with real-time patient data, enabling personalized care plans.

Maximizing Resources: RTLS-Driven Efficiency in Asset Management

Medical equipment is the lifeblood of healthcare, but it’s often underutilized or misplaced. RTLS can organize and track medical equipment efficiently.

  • Asset tracking: RTLS tags can be attached to medical equipment, enabling real-time tracking and utilization monitoring. Mapsted’s compact, long-lasting tags ensure continuous asset monitoring, reducing loss and improving utilization​​.
  • Preventive maintenance: RTLS can track equipment usage and predict maintenance needs. Therefore, preventing costly breakdowns and ensuring equipment availability.
  • Theft prevention: By alerting staff to unauthorized asset movement, RTLS can deter theft and save hospitals millions of dollars.

Transforming Healthcare Delivery with RTLS’s Potential for Research and Innovation

The impact of RTLS extends beyond operational efficiency. It has the potential to transform the very fabric of healthcare delivery.

  • Predictive Analytics. By analyzing vast amounts of data, RTLS can predict patient flow patterns, staffing needs and even potential outbreaks, enabling proactive decision-making.
  • Integration with AI: RTLS can work with AI algorithms to automate challenging tasks like resource allocation and scheduling, improving workflow efficiency.
  • Research and innovation: Data from RTLS can support research efforts, revealing fresh perspectives on healthcare delivery and fostering innovation.

The Future of RTLS in Healthcare: A Promising Horizon

As technology advances, the future of RTLS in healthcare shines with possibilities and promises transformative advancements. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more sophisticated applications, such as:

  • Wearable RTLS devices for staff and patients
  • Integration with augmented reality (AR) for navigation and training
  • Real-time patient monitoring with physiological sensors

The possibilities are endless and the impact on healthcare is undeniable. Mapsted’s innovative solutions, like their interactive maps and wayfinding technology, exemplify the future potential of RTLS by offering seamless navigation and enhanced user experiences​​. RTLS is not just optimizing workflows; it’s revolutionizing the way healthcare is delivered.

Conclusion: Empowering Healthcare with Real-Time Insights

Improving staff satisfaction, patient outcomes and the facility’s financial health can be significantly enhanced by empowering healthcare professionals with advanced technology like RLTS and real-time insights, while reducing their engagement in non-patient activities. Healthcare professionals and decision-makers can prioritize tasks that support high-quality patient care, a better work-life balance for staff and everyone’s safety by using automation in non-clinical tasks and reporting, which guarantees efficiency and accuracy.

Mapsted, a leader in location-based services, offers cutting-edge, hardware-free RTLS solutions and provides comprehensive visibility into healthcare operations. Their groundbreaking technologies like real-time analytics, interactive maps and advanced asset tracking, enable healthcare facilities to streamline workflows, reduce costs and improve both patient and staff experiences​​​​​​. By leveraging Mapsted’s powerful location intelligence, healthcare organizations can make data-driven decisions that enhance operational efficiency and ensure optimal patient care.If you found this blog helpful, do check out our blog on IoT Asset Tracking Benefits for Hospitals in 2024 and videos on Transform Patient Care and Healthcare Facility Efficiencies With Location-Based Technology, Mapsted Location Technology for Hospitals and Healthcare and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What technologies are used in RTLS?

Ans. RTLS can utilize various technologies like RFID, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ultrasound, or a combination for accurate tracking.

Q2. How does RTLS protect patient privacy?

Ans. RTLS systems are designed with strict privacy protocols and encryption measures to ensure patient data is secure. Reputable RTLS solutions prioritize data security and adhere to privacy regulations like HIPAA, using encryption and access controls.

Q3. Is RTLS expensive to implement?

Ans. The cost varies depending on the scale and complexity of the system. However, the ROI is often significant due to improved efficiency and cost savings.

Q4. Can RTLS be integrated with existing healthcare technology systems?

Ans. Yes, most RTLS solutions are designed for seamless integration with EHRs, nurse call systems and other hospital infrastructure.

Q5. What is the future of RTLS in healthcare?

Ans. RTLS is set to play an even bigger role with advancements like wearable devices, AI integration and real-time patient monitoring on the horizon.

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