RFID/RTLS
The healthcare industry will be among the first to reap the benefits of emerging four-dimensional printing technology, according to a new report from Frost & Sullivan.
The supply chain represents about 25 percent of a healthcare facility's operating budget, and industry trends strongly indicate that this percentage will continue to grow. Thus, supply chain optimization is not an option, it's a must.
Amazon.com revolutionized the online buying experience for millions while giving sellers an expanded market. Now a new online direct contracting service called Aptitude is attempting a similar coup, letting healthcare organizations negotiate with suppliers in an attempt to speed up the contracting process and reduce costs.
In opening its new, flagship hospital in the state capital last month, MaineGeneral Medical Center took a bit of a gamble promoting the $312 million Alfond Center for Health on Facebook.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has tapped HP Enterprise Services and Intelligent InSites for a $543 million contract to deploy real-time locating system technology in VA medical centers nationwide.
Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, and real-time location systems (RTLS) offer big savings and ROI for hospitals, and hold the promise for big improvements in patient safety. They also happen to be really cool.
One of the most intriguing areas at HIMSS12 this past month was the Intelligent Hospital Pavilion. Presented in partnership with the RFID in Healthcare Consortium, HIMSS' walk-though mock-up offered an up-close look at the myriad ways radio-frequency identification (RFID), real-time location system (RTLS), sensor and wireless technologies – developed by companies such as AeroScout, AwarePoint, Intelligent InSites and RFID Global Solutions – can optimize inventory management, improve patient safety, streamline clinical workflow and more.
Former Microsoft Health Solutions Group executive Peter Neupert will join Health Evolution Partners, a venture capital firm launched by former National Coordinator for Health IT David Brailer, MD, as an operating partner.
University of North Carolina Hospitals has implemented the RF Assure Detection System, from Bellevue, Wash.-based RF Surgical Systems, in its surgical suites. The system uses radio-frequency detection technology to prevent surgical items from remaining inside a patient post-surgery.
Intelligent InSites, which develops real-time location systems (RTLS) technology for hospitals, has partnered with Secure Care Products to expand the latter’s portfolio of patient safety solutions.