Healthcare companies have been implementing IoT solutions in hospitals for a variety of use cases. One of our customers, Hurley Medical Center, has greatly benefited from the implementation of the Link Labs’ AirFinder asset tracking system. Let’s take a deeper look at how Hurley and other healthcare facilities can benefit from the implementation of Real-Time Location System (RTLS) solution.
Working in a fast-paced environment such as a hospital requires organization, efficiency, and reliability. With patients coming in and out constantly, it can be difficult for hospitals to maintain such high standards and compliance. As technology continues to evolve to provide greater workplace productivity to various industries, hospitals can leverage such IoT systems directly within buildings for immediate impact. One such technology that provides many benefits for hospitals are equipment tracking systems. Depending on the size of the hospital, you might have hundreds to thousands of medical devices in the building. These high-value pieces of medical equipment need to be found quickly in emergency situations and to provide care right when it’s needed. So how do asset tracking solutions help? Let us look at some ways Link Labs AirFinder has been helpful.
One pitfall for many companies looking to launch an asset tracking system can be the difficulty of implementation. When integrating new technology within current operations, it’s critical that it not only happens quickly and smoothly, but also that the system has the ability to integrate with existing technology when necessary. That was one of the requirements that Hurley Medical Center was looking for when they considered replacement options for RTLS. Once they discovered AirFinder, they were able to see how easy it was to implement in their facility. Because the AirFinder system is a Plug-n-Play network, there is no need for additional wiring or electrical.
AirFinder also runs independently from the hospital’s WiFi network through a mesh network. The mesh network allows minimal operational disruption since AirFinder doesn’t have to take up some of the hospital network’s bandwidth. Not only that, but they also didn’t have to worry about importing equipment identifiers because AirFinder integrates with some of the asset management systems that were currently in use at Hurley.
In healthcare, efficiency is one of the key indicators of success. Fast service to patients builds trust with those in need. With medical equipment constantly in motion 24/7, it can be tough to track where they are stored, hoarded, or left behind. With the implementation of AirFinder, Hurley Medical Center has cut their search times since they no longer have to search each floor for equipment. AirFinder provides a cloud-based online map where they can find what they need when they need it. The solution’s ability to provide efficiency doesn’t stop there. The AirFinder software interface also sends notification alerts for maintenance tasks, zone reporting, and more.
One of the main reasons Hurley chose Link Labs is the cost. The tags and equipment come at an affordable price, and the battery life of the tags can last up to 7 years depending on update frequency.
When Hurley Medical Center underwent the search to find a replacement RTLS, they needed a solution capable of meeting all of their criteria. The solution (AirFinder) would have to ensure room-level accuracy at an affordable cost and be WiFi independent. Moreover, the ideal RTLS solution would ultimately improve patient care by:
The Link Labs team wanted to ensure that AirFinder would meet all of Hurley’s RTLS needs. We helped cut search times for equipment, like infusion pumps and telemetry packs, from 15-20 minutes to five or less. Security, reliability, WiFi independence, ease of use, cost and the ability to integrate with existing, mission-critical systems were all important factors in Hurley’s decision. All that to say, the partnership between Link Labs and Hurley Medical Center has been a successful one. If you are interested in learning more about Link Lab's solutions and how they can benefit your hospital, book a demo today!