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What is RTLS? 4 Ways It’s Transforming Healthcare

Real-time location systems (RTLS) technology is having its moment. In environments where lives are on the line and every second matters, RTLS is helping to shape a safer, more efficient and more patient-centered approach to care. Learn all about how hospitals are deploying it.

Whether it’s the safety of healthcare workers or the standard of care for patients, RTLS is very much about improving the human experience in healthcare environments, bringing confidence, agency and peace of mind for everyone. In this blog, we’re looking at the top four ways RTLS is transforming healthcare, including what it means for the people at its center.

Understanding RTLS

At its core, RTLS is a system that uses wireless technology to monitor the location of people, equipment and workflows in real-time. By providing precise data about the whereabouts of assets and individuals, RTLS makes it possible for hospitals to enhance safety, improve operational efficiency and elevate the overall quality of care.

While RTLS technology might seem complex at first glance, its benefits are straightforward. By monitoring the movements of staff and patients, hospitals can improve their responses to emergencies, prevent theft or misplacement of equipment and ensure patients are in the right place at the right time for their care. RTLS also integrates well with existing systems, providing hospitals with more insight and control over their operations.

Why Investing in RTLS is a Smart Choice

Investing in RTLS is a smart and forward-thinking decision for any healthcare facility. Not only does it help protect healthcare workers, but it also leads to greater operational efficiency and long-term benefits for the hospital. Prioritizing staff safety with this technology creates a supportive work environment that encourages retention, improves patient care and strengthens the hospital’s reputation. Here’s why investing in RTLS is such a valuable choice:

  • Boosts facility reputation — Patients and families trust hospitals that prioritize the safety of their staff, leading to higher satisfaction and loyalty
  • Reduces staff turnover — A safer work environment helps reduce staff turnover, as employees feel more secure and valued
  • Improves patient care — A safe and supported staff can focus more on delivering quality care rather than worrying about safety risks
  • Reduces liabilities — Proper safety measures help prevent legal, financial and operational risks related to workplace incidents
  • Increases operational efficiency — When safety concerns are minimized, hospitals operate more smoothly, reducing downtime and enhancing overall efficiency

Let’s look at what RTLS is helping hospitals solve.

The Human Impact of RTLS in Healthcare

#1 – Staff Safety

Healthcare workers face some of the most hazardous working environments, and they bear the brunt of many workplace assaults. In fact, healthcare workers account for 75% of all workplace assaults in the United States. This alarming statistic highlights the need for solutions that can prevent such incidents. 

With panic buttons and location tracking capabilities, RTLS makes it possible for healthcare workers to immediately call for help when needed, ensuring a rapid response from security teams. This is particularly vital in high-risk areas where healthcare professionals are vulnerable to aggression or violent incidents.

Furthermore, workplace safety is a critical factor in retaining healthcare staff. Research shows that 60% of nurses have left or considered leaving their positions due to unsafe workplace conditions. By investing in RTLS-powered safety systems, hospitals can create safer work environments that reduce staff turnover and enhance retention.

Additionally, RTLS-powered Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) solutions can improve patient care while lowering operational costs. By preventing injuries and integrating with existing hospital systems, RTLS can help optimize workflows, allowing staff to focus more on patient care rather than safety concerns. BLE solutions can also enhance patient outcomes by improving the overall coordination of care.

#2 – Infant Safety

Infant safety is one of the most critical aspects of healthcare, especially in maternity wards. With RTLS, hospitals can properly identify infants and prevent unauthorized movement. This technology can:

  • Prevent infant abductions — RTLS can lock down perimeters and track the movement of infants, ensuring they remain in secure areas
  • Avoid birth mix-ups — RTLS helps monitor newborns in real time, preventing dangerous mix-ups that can happen due to human error
  • Provide access control — The system ensures that only authorized personnel can handle or transport newborns, reducing the risk of abductions
  • Integrate with existing systems — RTLS solutions like TotGuard can easily be integrated into current hospital security systems, making implementation smoother

With statistics showing that 41% of abducted infants are taken from healthcare facilities, RTLS offers a critical layer of protection. By utilizing access control and location tracking, RTLS helps ensure that newborns stay safe from potential threats and mix-ups. 

#3 – The Patient Experience

One of the primary goals of any healthcare institution is to improve patient care and create a positive experience for those who seek treatment. RTLS enhances the patient experience by ensuring equipment is available when needed, minimizing delays and improving staff responsiveness.

For example, RTLS can help staff locate essential medical equipment in real-time, ensuring that vital resources like infusion pumps or wheelchairs are ready and accessible for patient care. By reducing delays caused by searching for equipment, healthcare staff can provide quicker responses to patient needs, ultimately improving care outcomes.

Another key benefit of RTLS is its wander management capabilities, which helps hospitals safeguard patients, particularly those at risk of wandering, such as those with dementia or behavioral issues. RTLS technology allows hospitals to monitor patients’ movements and prevent them from wandering into unsafe areas. This reduces operational costs while ensuring patients are kept safe, which ultimately leads to a more positive experience for patients and their families.

For wayfinding, RTLS systems can assist staff in navigating large healthcare facilities more easily, which helps patients get the care they need without relying on staff for directions. This also minimizes interruptions for healthcare workers, allowing them to concentrate on delivering quality care.

#4 – Asset Management

Efficient asset management is crucial for hospital operations and impacts everyone within a facility. This technology can:

  • Track medical equipment — RTLS ensures that equipment is always where it’s needed, reducing search times and ensuring availability
  • Prevent loss/theft — Location tracking prevents assets from going missing or being stolen, safeguarding expensive equipment
  • Boost efficiency — By tracking assets in real-time, hospitals can avoid the waste of resources and reduce downtime
  • Improve patient care — Fast access to necessary equipment leads to quicker response times and better patient outcomes
  • Reduce operational costs: Minimizing equipment loss and downtime lowers costs associated with replacing or searching for misplaced items

With RTLS in place, hospitals can ensure that medical equipment is always where it’s needed, improving the overall quality of care and optimizing workflows for better patient and staff outcomes.

Conclusion

From enhancing safety to improving patient experiences and streamlining asset management, RTLS provides a proactive solution for healthcare facilities. Investing in RTLS ensures a safer, more efficient environment, ultimately leading to better care for patients and better working environments for medical staff. 

Take the next step toward improving safety and efficiency in your facility with RTLS. Contact HD today to get started.