Case Story: Aarhus University Hospital

The largest RFID based item location installation in the world

Breaking boundaries with world's largest healthcare RFID-Installation! Explore how Aarhus University Hospital (AUH) leveraged RFID technology to streamline workflows, reduce search time, and optimize logistics.

Optimizing workflows using RFID

Discover how Aarhus University Hospital (AUH) successfully addressed logistical challenges, streamlined workflows, and improved patient care through the implementation of cutting-edge RFID technology. By leveraging state-of-the-art solutions, AUH revolutionized its operations, optimizing the allocation of resources, and ensuring real-time insights into its logistic processes. Read on to learn how AUH's visionary approach transformed the hospital into a model of efficiency and productivity.

Aarhus University Hospital (AUH) is the biggest hospital construction project in Denmark in current history. Connecting the existing Aarhus University Hospital Skejby into one large new hospital complex. AUH is the size of a small Danish city, with streets, neighborhoods, and green areas. AUH is designed to be flexible meeting future demands regarding techniques, treatments, and work methods. The hospital finished construction in 2019.

The Challenge:

Getting ahead of the logistical challenges

AUH faced a significant logistical challenge, with hospital staff spending an average of 12 minutes per shift searching for essential resources. As one of the new generation super hospitals, AUH's vast size and scale amplified the risk of increased time wasted locating beds, equipment, patients, and staff. With an extensive campus covering 375,000m², with state-of-the-art equipment and systems it has more than 800 beds and an annual capacity for 100,000 inpatients and 900,000 outpatients, AUH needed to find a solution to mitigate these challenges and optimize resource allocation.

Our Solution:

Quickly locate assets, equipment and resources using RFID-technology

AUH had a clear vision: to establish an environment that facilitated the easy location of assets, equipment, and resources through an accessible IT-based solution. Leveraging our extensive expertise and proven concepts, we introduced a comprehensive RTLS (real-time location system) tracking platform with cutting-edge identification technologies, including barcode, RFID, Wi-Fi, and BLE. This innovative RTLS software was seamlessly integrated with the Columna Service Logistics from Systematic, offering a hospital-wide RTLS solution.

To achieve this, all items, including equipment, beds, and staff, were equipped with RFID tags, while an array of fixed-mounted antennas (Readers) were strategically deployed throughout the hospital's infrastructure. As a result of these implementations, the solution provided accurate real-time location data, easily accessible to the staff.

The Benefits:

Real-Time Insight for Enhanced Efficiency

The implementation of the RFID-based RTLS solution brought about remarkable benefits for AUH, revolutionizing its logistics and operations:

  1. Reduction in Time Wasted: Hospital staff experienced significant time savings by efficiently locating assets and colleagues. The 12-minute search time per shift was drastically reduced, allowing them to focus more on patient care.

  2. Optimized Resource Utilization: The real-time insights into asset and equipment locations enabled AUH to effectively utilize medical devices, beds, consumables, and space. The hospital could now make informed decisions, ensuring resources were where they were needed most.

  3. Streamlined Workflows: With improved real-time insights into actual workflows and logistic processes, AUH could identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies. This streamlined approach enhanced overall productivity and responsiveness.

Further results:

Reducing Costs through Improved Resource Management

Beyond the immediate benefits, AUH expects the RTLS solution to optimize workflows further, enabling the identification of delay points and potential areas for cost reduction. By making it easier to locate required items, the hospital minimizes losses and the need for frequent reordering, resulting in substantial cost savings over time.

The advanced and comprehensive real-time tracking system implemented by Lyngsoe Systems and Systematic ensures that AUH's logistics are secure well into the future. Patient care heavily relies on the prompt availability of equipment and personnel, especially during emergencies. With Lyngsoe LIVE Logistics™, AUH gains complete visibility, creating value for both staff and patients alike.

Empowering the Future of Healthcare Logistic

Aarhus University Hospital's successful implementation of RFID-based RTLS technology showcased how innovation can transform healthcare logistics. By rapidly locating assets and streamlining workflows, AUH achieved enhanced efficiency, cost savings, and improved patient care. Embracing cutting-edge solutions is the way forward for modern hospitals, ensuring they stay ahead in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

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