Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
04:13
Using a Real-Time Locating System to Measure Walking Activity Associated with Wandering Behaviors Among Institutionalized Older Adults
Published on: February 8, 2019
Tracking technology: lessons learned in two health care sites
Mary Elizabeth Bowen1, Chadwick A Wingrave, Angel Klanchar
1James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, HSR&D/RR&D Center of Excellence, Tampa, FL 33637, USA. mary.bowen3@va.gov
Summary
Implementing a real-time locating system (RTLS) in healthcare requires careful planning to overcome adoption barriers. Successful deployment hinges on considering existing workflows, policies, and stakeholder needs for effective staff and patient tracking.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Healthcare Management
- Technology Adoption
Background:
- Previous research focused on the technological feasibility of real-time locating systems (RTLS) for staff and patient tracking.
- Limited studies have addressed the critical adoption challenges and barriers to deploying RTLS in healthcare settings.
- RTLS offers potential benefits for improving workflow, patient outcomes, and reducing healthcare costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the adoption and compliance process of a real-time locating system (RTLS) among staff and patients.
- To present key lessons learned from implementing RTLS in two distinct healthcare environments.
- To identify and address technological, work-related, and social barriers encountered during RTLS deployment.
Main Methods:
- A real-time locating system (RTLS) was implemented in a long-term care setting and a polytrauma transitional rehabilitation program (PTRP) within a Veterans Hospital.
- Staff and patient locations were tracked using the RTLS.
- Experiences and responses to emergent barriers were documented to derive lessons learned.
Main Results:
- Five key lessons were learned regarding the adoption and compliance of RTLS.
- Technological, work-related, and social barriers emerged during the implementation process.
- Successful tracking necessitates addressing these multifaceted challenges.
Conclusions:
- Successful real-time tracking in healthcare demands significant time and meticulous consideration of existing work processes.
- Policies and stakeholder needs are critical factors influencing the efficacy of RTLS technology.
- Overcoming adoption barriers is essential for realizing the full potential of RTLS in healthcare settings.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Health Information Technology and Healthcare Information System
Health Information Technology (HIT)
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include:
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include:
01:29Issues And Trends In Healthcare Delivery System
The issues and trends in healthcare delivery are constantly changing. The COVID-19 pandemic is one recent issue that wreaked havoc on healthcare systems, causing a shortage of healthcare workers, high demand for medicines and supplies, and increased medical expenditure due to a lack of insurance. Other issues include rising healthcare costs and care fragmentation.
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
01:29Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Documentation in long-term care facilities and home healthcare settings is crucial for ensuring continuous, coordinated, and comprehensive care for patients. Each setting has its specific documentation processes and tools:
Long-Term Care Facilities
Long-Term Care Facilities
01:20Integrated Healthcare System
An integrated healthcare system (IHS) is a set of organizations that provides for or arranges to provide coordinated and continuous service to a defined population. The IHS takes responsibility for that particular population's health status and outcome, both clinically and fiscally. An integrated healthcare system is a well-organized, well-coordinated, and collaborative network. The integrated delivery system is a network that connects different healthcare providers to deliver organized,...