Sep 20 2010
RadarFind, a subsidiary of TeleTracking Technologies, has created a tamper-proof adaptation of the RTLS (Real Time Location System) Plug-in Tag Readers, to look after hospital in-patient safety requirements.
These readers include a shutter system, which discourages patients from stuffing in, pins, paperclips and other objects, into slots meant for plugs. This product fulfills the standards set up by NEC (National Electrical Code). They can be placed all over the hospital, and especially in high-risk regions of the hospital, such as examination rooms, psychiatric units, pediatric units, waiting rooms and alcohol and substance abuse units, where there would be minimum supervision. The RTLS tags are in constant touch with the readers distributed throughout the facilities, to transmit data such as status, location, environmental conditions and contextual awareness, about the patients and the medical devices monitoring them. Their physical design can adapt to most electrical outlets, while conserving the sockets to be used by other medical appliances. These tags are available in varied colors, to match the outlets already present in the facilities. Red holder are also offered, to signify that these outlets have back-up generators, to be used in the eventuality of a power failure.
According to RadarFind’s Chief Technology Officer, Steve Jackson, RadarFind was initially developed after a qualitative research analysis was done in 60 hospitals. The company’s products have extended their range of RTLS products, to include the tamper-resistant plug-in readers. The company would strive to put all their engineering know-how and provide lasting, real-time solutions, to help meet the hospital’s taxing requirements.
The RTLS utilizes an array of sensors, and a patented technology, to attain room-level accuracy. They can be installed easily even while patients are present in the room, and is highly scalable to hold thousands of tags all over the facilities. It functions wirelessly using a frequency suitable for tracking people and their assets, without affecting the WiFi network in the hospital. RadarFind also provides data regarding the status of a tagged object, to indicate if it is being used, or if it needs cleaning, or if it is available to be used. Upcoming models may also indicate barometric pressure and humidity levels. The company’s future plans include installing RTLS in five hospitals, belonging to the Methodist Healthcare in San Antonia. The company also offers customized applications, such as miniature asset tags, a NIST-traceable temperature sensor tags that is water and dustproof, and also tag brackets suitable for tiny, handy cardiac telemetry devices.
Source: http://www.teletracking.com/