In our series exploring the insights from the ASHP Foundation report, “RFID TECHNOLOGY IN MEDICATION-USE SYSTEMS: CONSIDERATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO ADVANCE IMPLEMENTATION,” we previously navigated the challenges facing RFID technology in healthcare. Our first post, “Overcoming the Barriers to RFID Adoption in Healthcare,” highlighted the significant hurdles. Now, we pivot to the vast opportunities RFID presents.
Despite the roadblocks, RFID is primed to transform healthcare operations. Its application in medication trays and kits underscores a future where meticulous organization and tracking are not just goals but everyday realities. Its ability to automate inventory management, reduce errors, enhance accountability, facilitate timely medicine replenishment, and offer deep data insights represents a leap towards exceptional operational efficiency and patient safety. [Read: A Focus on Safety and Efficiency: Elevating Medication Management in Hospitals with RFID Technology]
The strategic advisory group (SAG) from the ASHP Foundation’s report points to tangible benefits that RFID has already begun in healthcare settings. Notably, using RFID to manage drug shortages and recalls. Other benefits included the ability to track medication expiration dates, pointing to the 2022 ASHP Foundation report, where 72% of survey respondents reported a decrease in expired medications post-RFID implementation. Moreover, the report mentioned RFID’s capacity for seamless integration with electronic health records (EHR) at the unit-of-use level, ensuring the accuracy of inventory and patient records.
UnitVisID Alliance identifies six key areas where RFID technology is set to make a significant impact:
- Enhanced Supply Chain Management
- Drug Tracking and Inventory Management
- Streamlined Asset Tracking
- Simplified Patient Monitoring
- Improved Medication Adherence
- Enhanced Patient Safety (Minimizing medication errors and improving patient identification processes)
Read more in Pharmaceutical Commerce, “Exploring Uses of RFID Technology”
As we continue to delve into the transformative potential of RFID in healthcare, it’s clear that the technology holds the key to not just overcoming current challenges but also unlocking new opportunities for efficiency and safety.
Joining Forces for a Brighter Healthcare Future
The UnitVisID Alliance is at the forefront in advocating for a collaborative approach to overcome the initial barriers to RFID adoption. By uniting stakeholders from across the pharmaceutical supply chain we can leverage RFID’s full potential to not only streamline healthcare workflows but also significantly enhance patient outcomes.
Discover the advantages of joining the UnitVisID Alliance. Whether you’re a hospital, healthcare provider, pharmaceutical manufacturer, or technology vendor, your participation is crucial in driving the healthcare industry toward a safer, more efficient future. Learn more about our membership options and join ushttps://www.unitvisid.com/membership/join/.