Title: Qualitative analysis of RFID technology applications for healthcare management

Authors: Muhammad Arslan; Maajid Maqbool; Zainab Riaz; Adnan Khalid Kiani

Addresses: National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan ' National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan ' National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan ' National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan

Abstract: Managing facilities effectively is crucial for healthcare organisations. Acquisition of relevant data from the facilities is essential not only for reliable building operations but can also help in monitoring of various tasks which are associated with the health and safety management of the patients. The usage of evolving technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID) offers comprehensive solutions in information tracking for operations and maintenance works for improved services in the healthcare sector. RFID systems along with other communication technologies increase effectiveness in healthcare operations by reducing costs. Researchers around the globe have presented various solutions based on RFID technology to assist the healthcare professionals in monitoring their patients and assets in the hospital environment remotely to ensure safety and enhancing the working efficiency of healthcare centers' staff. A qualitative analysis of RFID enabled management systems has been presented in this paper along with a brief introduction of operating principles, advantages and limitations of the RFID technology. This paper also outlines the major barriers to RFID adoption in healthcare environments.

Keywords: radio frequency identification; RFID; healthcare technology; health and safety; applications; limitations; barriers; healthcare management.

DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2015.073816

World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, 2015 Vol.12 No.2, pp.95 - 110

Received: 30 Jan 2014
Accepted: 01 Dec 2014
Published online: 23 Dec 2015 *

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