Streamlining the management of surgical supplies with the use of RFID technology
Integrated theatre 'kitting' solution.
Using passive RFID labels on all theatre consumables means that all items used for operations can be tracked, enabling hospitals to accurately record usage for each operation and ensure reliable replenishment of required inventory.
Centralization
Traditionally clinical staff in the local theatre areas prepare all inventory required for the next day’s operations. Centralizing this process using the theatre kitting solution means that clinical staff are freed up to spend more time on patient care.
Picking process
The knowledge of clinical staff about the required consumables for specific types of operations is captured on the system in the form of pick-lists. For each type of operation, central staff download the relevant list to a handheld scanning device which indicates which location in the central store each item can be picked from. Items are then scanned and added to a tote box specific for each patient, which is sealed and delivered to the local theatre area.
Tracking process
Containers are monitored via RFID during transit to surgical theaters. Antennas installed along the corridors scan and track all movements in real-time, integrating with the security system. This ensures that the location and movement of the containers are continuously monitored, providing an additional layer of security and preventing any unauthorized access or loss of items during transit.
Replenishment
In order to record the use of consumables from local theatre stock, clinical staff simply add the empty wrappers of any inventory used to the tote box. Post operation the tote box is received back in the stores where the RFID labels on these wrappers are then scanned by the central inventory team. This means all consumables used can be accounted for, those unused replaced and an accurate overall material cost of an operation is recorded and stock correctly replenished.
Managing High-Value Surgical Items with RFID and Smart Tunnel Readers
- When valuable items arrive, our ERP system sends instructions to print RFID labels.
- Each item is tagged with a unique RFID label, including a fragile tag for lot and expiration date tracking.
- The ERP system sends a material list for upcoming surgeries.
- Staff prepare a box or crate with all necessary controlled materials.
- Using the Smart Tunnel, the software aggregates all materials with the box, ensuring accurate tracking.
- The box is moved to the surgical theater.
- Another Smart Tunnel confirms all materials using RFID, ensuring nothing is missing.
- After the surgery, any unused material is scanned.
- The Smart Tunnel aggregates the unused items, which are then sent back to the warehouse for future use.
Benefits Summary of Asset Inventory Management:
Optimised Stock Levels: The use of RFID coupled with the new processes means that stock replenishment has moved to consumption-led, which means only those items used are re-ordered, eliminating the need to carry a high volume of just-in-case stock.
Reducing stock at theatre level has resulted in a space saving for example Neurosurgery have reduced their store rooms from three to just one..
Accurate Data: Provides up-to-date and precise inventory information, eliminating outdated results.
Patient Safety: The central kitting solution means that Operating Department Practitioners and nurses don’t have to leave the theatre area throughout the daily list. This releases valuable clinical time and improves patient safety as staff can focus on patient care..
Improved Decision-Making: Accurate data leads to better stock management decisions.
Non-Intrusive: No line of sight required for counting assets, streamlining the process.
Cost Savings: Decreases unnecessary purchases and rentals by improving asset tracking and utilization.
