Affiliations: Opus College of Business, University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Sameer Kumar, Opus College of Business, University of St. Thomas, Mail # TMH 343, 1000 LaSalle Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403-2005, USA. Tel.: +1 651 962 4350; Fax: +1 651 962 4710; E-mail: skumar@stthomas.edu.
Abstract: Objectives:The use of radio frequency identification device (RFID) technology within the healthcare industry was researched and specific instances of implementation of this technology in the hospital environment were examined. Methods:The study primarily makes use of ideas from operations and supply chain management, such as work flow diagrams, value stream mapping, and poka-yokes (mistake proofing measures) for investigations of processes, failures, and solutions. Results:This study presents a step-by-step approach of how to implement the use of RFID tracking systems within the entire hospital. A number of poka-yokes were also devised for improving the safety of the patient and cost effectiveness of the hospital to insure the success of the hospital health care delivery system. Conclusions:Many players in the hospital environment may be impacted. This includes patients, doctors, nurses, technicians, administrators, and other hospital personnel. Insurance and government agencies may be impacted as well. Different levels of training of hospital personnel will be required based on the degree of interaction with the RFID system. References to costs, Return On Investment, change management, ethical and legal considerations are also made to help the reader understand the benefits and implications of the technology in the hospital environment.
Keywords: Healthcare quality improvement, information technology, process mapping, effectiveness, continuous quality improvement
