RFID/RTLS

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.

Supply chain executives at the Premier Breakthroughs conference in Nashville this week agreed that materials management departments are often the IT stepchild in their organizations – although EMR innovations are making their jobs a lot easier.

For the healthcare industry, real-time location system (RTLS) technology represents one of the most useful and potentially transformative tools for patient safety and cost reduction. It also remains one of the most under-penetrated health IT markets.

Good Samaritan Medical Center and West Boca Medical Center are the first two hospitals in South Florida to use radio frequency (RF) detection technology in their operating rooms to prevent and detect foreign items inadvertently left inside a patient during surgery.

Six technologies, whose impact has been measured by hospitals, can improve workflow and communication for nurses while boosting patient care, according to analysts.

InfoLogix, Inc., a provider of enterprise mobility and wireless asset tracking solutions for the healthcare industry, announced Thursday that it will be acquired by Stanley Black & Decker for approximately $61.2 million.

APP Design, a software development firm specializing in the design, development and integration of healthcare systems, announced that it has been selected to design and develop a real-time patient consent interface for WNYHealtheNet through its RHIOnet product.