T-Systems presents RFID solutions for hospitals and geriatric care

At the T-Systems booth in Hall 16, F22, visitors at this year’s MEDICA trade show witnessed the live application of RFID solutions. Identification systems based on RF technology can, for example, be used to protect expensive medical equipment against theft. Another application shows how hospital and residential homes for seniors can prevent at-risk patients and home residents straying from secure areas.

To protect against theft, hospitals can fit so-called active transponders (RFID chips) to their expensive equipment. At the other end, these RFID chips are complemented by receivers with RFID readers. These RFID readers automatically register the radio waves broadcast by the RFID chips and forward the information to a connected software system. To protect against theft, the system can set off an alarm.

For example, hospitals can install compact antennas/RFID readers at the exits leading from wards, hallways or buildings. If a person removes a piece of equipment fitted with an RFID chip without authorization and crosses a virtual boundary, the T-Systems solution will send a message to that effect. For reception of the transmission, the system can target any end receiver connected to the corporate network. This includes, among others, PC workstations, laptops, PDAs or telephones. All equipment fitted with theft protection can be recorded in a database; additional information or photos can also be included.

Integration into standard hospital systems
The T-Systems solution can be integrated into a hospital’s existing IT system. To receive the alarm, employees don’t necessarily have to activate the corresponding alerting software on their PCs. In case of an alarm, a window automatically opens on their monitor, requesting that certain designated persons take appropriate action. These individuals must record the action taken. It can thus be checked at any time who reacted to the alarm and how. The software is easy to use, enabling authorized employees to specify the recipients of alarms and other messages themselves.

For the duration of MEDICA, T-Systems has fitted a ward cart and a series of tablet PCs with RFID chips. If anyone moves the cart or the computers beyond a certain point, the system will set off an alarm. The receiving antenna is fixed under the floor of the booth and is connected to an RFID reader.

Protection of at-risk persons
For residential homes for seniors and for medical wards in hospitals caring for at-risk patients, T-Systems is showing an RFID solution with escape control. Care institutions are facing the problem that they want to allow even demented residents as much freedom of movement as possible within one building or outdoor area. However, confused persons are likely to lose orientation and leave, putting themselves in danger.

With the help of RFID, managers of residential homes are able to extend the area of free movement for their residents without having to have them accompanied at all times by a caregiver. For this purpose, T-Systems will fit an outdoor area, e.g. a garden or yard, with receiving antennas, or lay antennas in loops underground. With the consent of the person’s relatives, caregivers will attach an active RFID chip to the clothing of a resident who is at risk of wandering off. Alternatively, residents can also be given armbands to wear containing active RFID chips.

If a person steps outside the permitted boundary, the system will alert the responsible caregiver, either at their station or in the entrance areas. Information on the respective residents is stored in the database. This includes photos and tips on how the caregiver can approach the resident. The T-Systems solution can be connected to any corporate LAN, including wireless LANs.

Contact:
T-Systems
Media & Investor Relations
Phone: +49 (0) 69 665 31-126
Fax: +49 (0) 69 665 31-139
E-Mail: presse@t-systems.com