Real-time location systems are gaining traction in the healthcare market

According to a study by KLAS, an independent healthcare research firm, approximately10% to 15% of the healthcare market is currently using a real-time location system (RTLS) solution.

Some providers may initially view RTLS as a specialty investment that is only helpful at certain types of organizations. However, the KLAS Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) 2011: Maximizing the ROI study finds that 95% of responding organizations (ranging from facilities with 25 beds to large facilities with thousands of beds) that use RTLS cite operational efficiency gains.

More than 150 organizations shared their RTLS experiences, outlining differences in depth/breadth of deployment and vendor performance. Respondents in this study shared their experiences working with AeroScout, Awarepoint, Ekahau, GE, Intelligent InSites, Radianse, and Versus. An update on the RTLS solutions offered by CenTrak, Cerner, Hill-Rom, Sonitor, and TeleTracking is also provided. 

“Providers using RTLS solutions reported finding success when automating the monitoring of refrigerator temperatures; tracking assets, patients, or staff members; assessing hand-hygiene compliance; and engaging in a variety of other uses. However, not all RTLS deployments are created equal,” said report author Steve VanWagenen. “Much of a facility’s success with RTLS depends on the breadth of the deployment, the variety of ways RTLS is being used, and the level of integration between RTLS and other solutions.”

Customer satisfaction scores related to contracting, implementation, product quality, support, and overall vendor relationship highlight some of the key vendor strengths and weaknesses. Some of the key differentiators are total cost of ownership, reporting/analytics tools, and depth of use.

Providers also shared the lessons they have learned while deploying RTLS and what they would do differently if given the chance to start fresh. Specifically, respondents noted the need to adjust staff workflow to incorporate RTLS use, build organizational awareness of the many RTLS-use cases, and strengthen RTLS infrastructure before the go-live, in order to improve adoption and maximize the ROI.

To purchase the report Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) 2011: Maximizing the ROI, visit www.KLASresearch.com

Reported Overall Impact of the RTLS System on Operational Efficiency