Staffing and Location-Based Analytics As advances in analytics upon information within medical telemetry progress, events requiring intervention can be detected faster. In addition to an RTLS being used for patient tracking, when it is applied to staff monitoring, location-based analytics can be used in con-junction with other staff information to assist with inter-vention and code coordination and presenting relevant information on displays or other local devices as applicable. Asset Tracking RTLS systems can be used to track the location of medical equipment, such as infusion pumps, wheel- chairs, ventilators, and mobile monitoring devices within a hospital or clinic. By integrating RTLS with medical telemetry systems, healthcare providers can easily locate essential equipment needed for patient care, reducing search time and optimizing resource utilization. Workflow Optimization RTLS enables hospitals to stay abreast of the movement patterns of staff members, patients, and equipment
Near Field Communication (NFC), and other specialized medical telemetry protocols. Additionally, wireless technologies allow for remote monitoring of patients that extends beyond the walls of the hospital such as in a patient’s home or another care facility. Wireless technologies play a critical role in enabling communication between many medical devices and platforms. Dedicated Wireless Services Wireless Medical Telemetry Service (WMTS) is an exclusive wireless communication service dedicated to healthcare facilities. It enables the wireless transmission of medical data between monitoring systems and medical devices typically operating within the 608-614 MHz, 1395-1400 MHz, and 1427-1432 MHz frequency bands. As WMTS bands are regulated and allocated to the specific site, WMTS helps to ensure reliable and interference-free transmission of vital patient data. Medical Device Radiocommunications Service (MedRadio) is another example of a regulated wireless communication service that operates within several specific bands between 413–457 MHz. This allows for communication with diagnostic and therapeutic implanted devices, such as pacemakers, as well as integration into a medical body area network (MBAN) allowing for remote reporting. Central Monitoring Station The central monitoring station is where patient data is received, processed, and displayed for the healthcare staff to monitor. It typically includes viewing real time data, setting alarms for abnormal readings, and historical data analysis. Remote Monitoring Platforms The development of cloud-based remote monitoring platforms has enabled centralized management and analysis of patient data collected through medical telemetry systems. These platforms offer healthcare providers remote access to comprehensive patient dashboards, real-time alerts, and advanced analytics tools, enabling proactive intervention and personalized care delivery.
and decision-making. These systems regularly involve wearable sensors, monitors, and data transmission devices. On the other hand, real-time location systems (RTLS) are designed to track the location of medical equipment, supplies, patients, and personnel to improve operational efficiency, asset management, and patient flow. RTLS systems share common wireless comm- unication and sensor protocols as medical telemetry such as RFID-based RTLS, Wi-Fi-based RTLS, Bluetooth- based RTLS, Ultrasound-based RTLS, Infrared-based RTLS, GPS-based RTLS, Hybrid RTLS, and rapidly growing ML-based RTLS. Here are a few ways in which RTLS can relate to and complement medical telemetry: Patient Tracking In most hospital and care facilities, RTLS can be imp- lemented to track the location of patients, particularly those at risk of wandering or those who need constant supervision, such as dementia patients or infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Integrating RTLS with medical telemetry allows healthcare providers to track patients’ movements while simultaneously monitoring their vital signs, enhancing patient safety and security.
Other common medical telemetry components and considerations include database storage, alarm systems, and security. REAL-TIME LOCATION SYSTEMS (RTLS) A Real-Time Location System (RTLS) is a technology that tracks and monitors the location of objects, people, or assets within a specified area, using various tracking technologies to locate the precise location of tagged it- ems or individuals. The collected location data is then processed and displayed on a central system, allowing users to monitor and manage the movement and where- abouts of the tracked objects or personnel in real time. A range of different types of RTLS systems span across various industries including healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, retail, and security, where accurate and timely location information is crucial for operational efficiency, safety, and security (Figure 1). In healthcare settings, RTLS systems are not typically considered part of the hospital’s medical telemetry system. However, advancements in IoT and integration capabilities are leading to increased convergence be- tween these systems. Medical telemetry systems pri- marily focus on monitoring and transmitting physio- logical data from patients, such as vital signs for analysis In healthcare settings, RTLS systems are not typically considered part of the hospital’s medical telemetry system. However, advancements in IoT and integration capabilities are leading to increased convergence between these systems.
Figure 1: Wireless patient, staff, and asset tracking systems are being integrated into the healthcare ecosystem which can enhance overall safety and security operations in hospitals and treatment facilities.
I
I
38
ICT TODAY
October/November/December 2024
39
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs