Investigation of real-time locating systems technologies in the healthcare field: A review study

The advanced technologies in hospitals promises the entry into a novel era. Real-time locating systems are one of such technologies which could enable the tracking of patients, physicians, nurses and valuable equipment. The purpose of this study is to presenting the technologies used in real-time locating systems in healthcare field.
 

This study was a review-descriptive type and the research population was included documents related to the healthcare real-time location system. The search of databases (IEEE Xplore, Elsevier, Springer, Wiley online library, Science Direct, Emerald, PubMed, DOAJ, Web of Science, Taylor) and google scholar search engine between 2005 and 2018 was performed. 652 sources were retrieved, and then 19 sources were studied. For this purpose, the initial draft of data gathering form was designed in Excel software and the validity of the final form was confirmed after receiving the experts' comments and making necessary corrections. Then, the selected resources based on the objectives of the study were entered into the data gathering form and narrative synthesis was performed.
 

At present, different technologies are employed in real-time locating systems which could reduce costs and increase speed in the process of presenting healthcare services. These systems rely on radio communications and their positive dimensions include precise exchange of data and control of processes. Tracking patients and physicians as well as moving equipment in emergency cases, having access to information, satisfying the patients and staff, and reducing medical errors are among other fundamental applications of such system. 
 

According to the findings, the importance of using real-time location systems in healthcare field is very impressive and its performance is reliable. Thus, the necessity of using modern technologies in order to improve these systems is highly required.