Real-Time Localization System for Clinical Pathway Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current healthcare systems face inefficiencies in managing patient pathways and resource localization within and across medical facilities, leading to time-consuming and resource-intensive processes, especially when emergencies or equipment failures require rescheduling and re-routing of patients and resources.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a real-time localization system using RFID technology, cameras, or other contact-less devices to accurately track patients and resources, enabling automated or semi-automated rescheduling and optimization of clinical pathways, and informing patients and staff about changes through graphical displays or mobile devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual tracking and scheduling methods are used, then staff can manage patient pathways, but time consumption and resource intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with automated electronic localization systems using RFID tags and readers. The system automatically detects patient positions and resource locations, eliminating the need for staff to manually track and manage patient pathways, thereby reducing time consumption and enabling automated rescheduling when emergencies occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The localization system enables the facility to automatically monitor and manage patient pathways without continuous human intervention. The RFID-based system self-updates patient locations and resource positions, allowing the scheduling system to autonomously detect changes and initiate rescheduling processes when emergencies or equipment failures occur.
2Measurement precision
If real-time localization systems are implemented, then patient and resource tracking is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the localization function into a separate, modular RFID system that operates independently from the clinical workflow. RFID tags are attached to patients and resources, and readers are distributed throughout the facility, creating a standalone tracking infrastructure that provides precise location data without complicating the core medical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID localization system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it tracks patient positions, monitors resource locations, enables automated scheduling, and provides data for emergency response coordination. This multi-functional approach justifies the system complexity by delivering comprehensive benefits across various operational areas.
3Productivity
If automated rescheduling is implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but adaptability to unexpected changes may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously receives feedback from RFID readers about patient locations and resource availability, and from emergency notification systems about unexpected changes. This real-time feedback enables the automated scheduling system to dynamically adjust clinical pathways, reschedule examinations, and reallocate resources in response to emergencies, equipment failures, or changing patient needs, thereby maintaining both efficiency and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system to control and optimize clinical pathways of a plurality of patients within a medical facility as well as across several medical facilities. The method of controlling and optimizing pathways uses real-time localization devices for patients, resources, such as clinical images and employees of the medical facility (e.g. a service technician, a senior consultant or the like). Based on the local position of patients, staff members and/or resources, the system proposes a medical system that generates clinical pathways for patients, is adapted to change clinical pathways and to provide schedules for patients as well as the use of resources.The invention provides further means of real-time information of patients about changes in their schedule. The method provided enables a medical facility to streamline their processes and to increase patient throughput.