On Wednesday, May 17, 2023, UnitVisID Alliance presented the “Powering Solutions with Interoperability” webinar with Fierce Pharma. The discussion focused on roles, experiences, and use cases of RFID systems in hospital settings and offered insights from both sides of the aisle – hospitals and manufacturers – on the benefits of RFID and its potential to enhance interoperability within healthcare facilities.
The webinar was moderated by our president Nick Petersen. Panelists included Leah Barber O’Shaughnessy, Director of Business Information Systems at Nephron Pharmaceuticals, David Mason, Director of Supply Chain Compliance and DSCA at Sandoz, Les Louden, Pharmacy Manager at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and Nilesh Desai, Chief Pharmacy Officer at Baptist Health System.
The discussion is timely as RFID adoption grows in healthcare. According to a recent ASHP study, 89% of pharmacists are considering RFID in the near future to tackle a variety of their operational needs. More than 210 million RFID-tagged products utilizing the UnitVisID platform have been scanned – exponentially more than any other RFID system in the US healthcare space.
Panelists addressed vital issues such as:
- Benefits and Challenges of RFID Implementation: The uses and benefits of RFID technology in healthcare including patient safety, inventory control, materials tracking, and recall management. Panelists also acknowledged the challenges of implementing RFID, such as cost, interoperability, and validation efforts.
- Cost Considerations and Cost Savings: The conversation revolved around making RFID technology cost-effective for manufacturers and hospitals. Speakers emphasized the need to keep costs low while maximizing the benefits of RFID. They also explored the potential for cost savings in supply chain management and inventory control.
- Integration and Interoperability: Panelists emphasized the importance of integrating RFID technology with existing systems and ensuring interoperability throughout the healthcare supply chain. They discussed the value of data exchange, accurate tracking, and traceability of products for improved efficiency and patient outcomes.
- Decision-Making Process and Collaboration: Speakers shared insights into the decision-making process for implementing RFID technology in manufacturing and healthcare settings. Collaboration with vendors, thorough testing, equipment, and cost evaluation were also crucial steps in the decision-making process.
Patient safety, compliance, inventory control, and potential cost savings are driving forces behind RFID adoption. As RFID technology continues to be implemented, UnitVisID Alliance is playing an essential role in fostering accuracy, performance, and interoperability in RFID technology and unifying the healthcare industry. Collaborating among various stakeholders, including manufacturers, hospitals, automation vendors, and label converters, is vital to drive innovation and improve patient outcomes.
View the full recorded webinar.
