Title: Radio frequency identification: a case study of healthcare organisations

Authors: Susana Garrido Azevedo, Joao J. Ferreira

Addresses: Management and Economics Department and Research Unit – NECE, University of Beira Interior, Polo IV – Edificio Ernesto Cruz, 6200-209 Covilha, Portugal. ' Management and Economics Department and Research Unit – NECE, University of Beira Interior, Polo IV – Edificio Ernesto Cruz, 6200-209 Covilha, Portugal

Abstract: RFID technology is actually considered a hot topic in all scientific areas and has been described as a major enabling technology for the automation of many processes. Although it is not a new technology it has only recently come to the awareness of the public and is widely used in many sectors and particularly in healthcare. This paper aims to illustrate the utilisation of the RFID technology in healthcare, more precisely in infant security systems within the hospitals. To achieve this objective a case study about the experience of Portuguese hospitals in this system is presented and highlighted the main advantages reached with its utilisation.

Keywords: RFID technology; radio frequency identification; healthcare technology; case study; infant security systems; hospital security; Portugal.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSN.2010.032213

International Journal of Security and Networks, 2010 Vol.5 No.2/3, pp.147 - 155

Published online: 17 Mar 2010 *

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