HIMSS11:  Improve Efficiency and Patient Safety with RFID and RTLS Technologies

HIMSS and RFID in Healthcare Consortium (RHCC) collaborate to offer new education and emerging technology exhibits with the RFID & RTLS Pavilion and pre-conference symposium

Chicago (Feb. 8, 2011) - Radio-frequency identification (RFID) and real-time location system (RTLS) are emerging forms of technology used in healthcare to improve patient care and safety. For example, the use of RFID and RTLS enabled wristbands connected to security systems within hospitals can prevent babies and small children from being removed without authority from their area of care.

Now, at the 2011 Annual HIMSS Conference & Exhibition, The RFID & RTLS showcase, co-hosted by HIMSS and the RFID Healthcare Consortium, will debut on Monday, Feb. 21, to give attendees the opportunity to learn more about the many applications of RFID and RTLS technologies. The Showcase, booth 7381 on the HIMSS11 exhibit floor, presents a first-hand review of how these technologies can deliver real-time data from the patient’s room or bedside to the clinician’s smart mobile device.  

“The RFID in Healthcare Consortium, in collaboration with HIMSS, has developed the symposium and pavilion programs to help medical professionals gain exposure to the evolving landscape of wireless technologies in healthcare," said Dr. Suraj Kapa; President and Chief Medical Officer of the RHCC.  "We look forward to the opportunity to bridge government, industry and medical experts via these forums in advancing a new age of medical practice - one in which technology and patient care are married to reduce costs and improve safety via seamless interface and open discourse."  

The hours for the RFID & RTLS Pavilion are:

Monday, Feb. 21  11:30 am – 5:30pm EST
Tuesday, Feb. 22  9:30 am – 5:30pm EST
Wednesday, Feb. 23  9:30 am – 5:30pm EST
Thursday, Feb. 24  9:30 am – 12:30pm EST

 A HIMSS11 pre-conference session on Sunday, Feb. 20, The RFID and RTLS Symposium, RFID & RTLS in Healthcare Symposium: The Business and Technical Essentials of RFID and RTLS Technologies for the Life Sciences Industry, offers a full day of education sessions. Topics include:

  • A comparison of different RFID and RTLS technologies;
  • Best practices for implementing these technologies;
  • Limitations in implementing these technologies; and
  • Strategic planning guidelines for RFID and RTLS technologies.

Registration is still open for the RFID & RTLS in Healthcare Symposium. Use or update the HIMSS11 online registration form to sign up for the symposium.

“Quality education is a primary focus for HIMSS in general and, of course, for HIMSS11.  The addition of the RFID & RTLS in Healthcare Symposium plus the RFID/RTLS Showcase on the exhibit floor gives conference attendees the chance to learn more about these technologies in healthcare,” said JoAnn Klinedinst, CPHIMSS, PMP, FHIMSS, Vice President, Professional Development, for HIMSS.  The collaboration between HIMSS and RFID Healthcare Consortium gives those interested in RFID and RTLS technologies an avenue for learning and networking.

About HIMSS

HIMSS is a cause-based, not-for-profit organization exclusively focused on providing global leadership for the optimal use of information technology (IT) and management systems for the betterment of healthcare. Founded 50 years ago, HIMSS and its related organizations have offices in Chicago, Washington, DC, Brussels, Singapore, Leipzig, and other locations across the United States. HIMSS represents more than 30,000 individual members, of which two thirds work in healthcare provider, governmental and not-for-profit organizations. HIMSS also includes over 470 corporate members and more than 85 not-for-profit organizations that share our mission of transforming healthcare through the effective use of information technology and management systems. HIMSS frames and leads healthcare practices and public policy through its content expertise, professional development, and research initiatives designed to promote information and management systems’ contributions to improving the quality, safety, access, and cost-effectiveness of patient care. To learn more about HIMSS and to find out how to join us and our members in advancing our cause, please visit our website at www.himss.org.

About The RFID in Healthcare Consortium

The RFID in Healthcare Consortium, (RHCC) is a global, not for profit, educational, vendor neutral and technology agnostic organization serving the end user needs of the healthcare, assisted living, and nursing home industries.   The RHCC advocates for improved Patient Safety, Real time Visibility, and Operational efficiencies through the use of AIDC, RFID, RTLS, Sensors, and Wireless technologies in not only healthcare but also in the assisted living and nursing home industries around the world.

Consortium efforts include: delivering educational programs, support for standards, development of benchmark specifications, working with all members of the life sciences community for the creation and support of Interoperability standards, best practices, and sponsorship of educational programs and events for all interested parties.  Please visit our website at www.rfidinhealthcare.org.

For more information, contact:

Joyce Lofstrom/HIMSS
312-915-9237   jlofstrom@himss.org