The goal of the Phase I study is to determine the feasibility of piloting a low cost Real Time Location System (RTLS) for use in healthcare based on a novel technology known as Near Field Electromagnetic. The proposed QHealth system promises to support a number of healthcare applications such as equipment management, workflow optimization, hand-hygiene compliance, patient safety, and medical billing. We address current deficiencies of RTLS used in healthcare by improved performance and lower cost. The Phase I hinges on the ability to deliver an inexpensive locator while maintaining high accuracy of 1m or better. A further innovation is in the use of a RTLS-RFID fusion in a prototype QTag, allowing for the management of large number of healthcare assets at a low cost. The Phase I will include prototyping, characterization, and system testing. If successful, the project will create a RTLS enabling a return on investment of at least $4,000 per bed per year. Factored over the 800,000 registered hospital beds in the U.S., the savings could be as much as $3.2 billion per year.
The healthcare system in the United States suffers from ineffective logistics management, patient safety concerns and escalating costs. This effort will explore if an inexpensive, high resolution Real Time Location Systems can reduce operating and capital expenses within hospitals.
