Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for Naval Medical Treatment Facilities (MTF)
Abstract
The application of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in hospitals is modest primarily due to cost and policy issues. Similar to the evolution of other electronic technologies, unit costs for components have been dramatically reduced in the past few years. Despite the reduction in costs, RFID technology has not yet achieved the tipping point of economic rationality for adoption at most healthcare organizations. Although the technology has been primarily applied to asset management and supply chain applications, Navy Medicine stands to gain tremendous benefit if this technology could be successfully implemented for staff and patient tracking in addition to inventory management. The purpose of this thesis was to conduct a review of RFID technology and components that could fit into the Navy Medicine's structure. The study explored the implementation requirements associated with the deployment in other industries that could be used as benchmarks for Navy Medicine implementation. Different technological architectures were described to illustrate the various techniques that could be used for creating the opportunity to automate administration, reduce errors and improve security for both patients and staff.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA457286
Entities
People
- Eduardo C. Macalanda
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School