Location-Based Infection Tracking Solution at Yongin Severance Hospital: Revolutionizing Epidemic Management in Healthcare
- AuthorElodie
- DateDec 18, 2024
- Views415
Yongin Severance Hospital, which opened its doors on March 1, 2020, has announced the development of a location-based infection tracking solution designed to facilitate precise epidemiological investigations within the hospital.
The system, which utilizes Bluetooth-enabled wristbands to collect real-time location data of patients, allows infection control teams to monitor the movement and location of patients across the hospital in real time. The data is displayed on screens in the infection control office and hospital wards, providing critical insights for managing potential outbreaks.
“This infection tracking and management solution visually identifies and explains possible points of contact between infectious patients and healthcare workers, helping minimize the spread of diseases,” said Professor Seong-Won Kim, Director of the Digital Healthcare Center at Yongin Severance Hospital (April 22, 2020, press release).
A Digital-First Hospital Built for Innovation
Yongin Severance Hospital is recognized for its innovative use of digital technology, integrating cutting-edge solutions from the design phase. Its robust network infrastructure and IoT RTLS (Real-Time Location System) capabilities make such advanced solutions possible.
The IndoorPlus+ platform by People and Technology, operational since the hospital’s opening, powers the real-time location tracking component of the infection management system. The hospital’s location-based infection tracking solution was patented in December 2019 and successfully tested through a simulation on April 14, 2020. The test accurately identified the movements and contacts of a simulated patient, validating the system’s effectiveness.
Transforming Infection Control
Traditional infection tracking methods, which relied on verbal reports from patients and CCTV footage, often fell short in rapidly evolving situations where seconds mattered. By combining real-time data collection and visualization, the new system overcomes these limitations and provides precise and actionable insights.
Building on the successful test results, Yongin Severance Hospital plans to enhance the infection tracking solution for broader use, including tracing COVID-19 patient pathways and contact networks.
Key Features of IndoorPlus+
Since its launch on March 1, 2020, IndoorPlus+ has delivered the following capabilities to Yongin Severance Hospital:
Asset Protection and Monitoring:
- Real-time alarms when assets leave designated zones.
- Simplified asset location tracking through mobile apps for nursing staff.
Operational Efficiency:
- Data-driven asset utilization for demand forecasting and redistribution across wards.
Patient Safety:
- Prevention of patient wandering or unauthorized absence.
- Emergency SOS devices for patients, enabling immediate assistance and real-time location updates for healthcare teams.
Emergency Response:
- Rapid identification of doctor locations during emergencies.
Optimized Patient Flow:
- Minimization of wait times for patients, healthcare providers, and equipment.
Enhanced Resource Utilization:
- Reduction in waiting times for diagnostic equipment and improved efficiency in inpatient wards.
Paving the Way for Smarter Epidemic Management
Yongin Severance Hospital’s success in implementing this solution underscores the potential of IoT-based technologies in transforming healthcare. As hospitals continue to face challenges from global pandemics like COVID-19, the integration of real-time location systems and smart sensing tools will play a pivotal role in safeguarding patients and healthcare workers alike.
People and Technology’s IndoorPlus+ platform remains at the forefront of these innovations, driving smarter, more efficient healthcare systems.
