Pei-Ying Wu, Doctor, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Su-Rong Zhang, Head Nurse, Dept. of Nursing  Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit

In healthcare settings, Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) play a crucial role in personnel tracking (such as preventing patient wandering and optimizing workforce allocation), equipment management (including tracking medical devices, scheduling maintenance, and managing consumables), and workflow optimization. Hospitals can identify inefficiencies, refine workflows, and significantly enhance operational efficiency and patient safety by analyzing location data.

In 2024, RTLS was introduced and implemented in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology ward at the National Chen Kung University Hospital(NCKUH). A real-time location tracking system was established by integrating tags, readers, networks, maps, and a management system. This system lets medical staff quickly locate equipment and monitor personnel flow, streamlining daily operations.

The implementation process was divided into two phases. The first phase focused on object management, displaying the locations of medical instruments and supplies via a computer interface to reduce search time and streamline shift handover. The second phase addressed personnel tracking, utilizing a dynamic real-time tracking system to locate staff instantly, improving response times and reducing communication time.

Results from the system's deployment showed a dramatic improvement in efficiency, with the time required for daily shift handovers dropping from 35 minutes to just 22 seconds. Additionally, nurse satisfaction with shift handover processes improved significantly. Beyond enhancing equipment management and ensuring the safety of both patients and staff, the RTLS also provides valuable insights into equipment utilization, supporting data-driven decision-making. By optimizing system resource allocation and refining management workflows, this system marks a step forward in the evolution of smart healthcare, ultimately improving the working environment for healthcare professionals and the quality of patient care.
 

Figure 1