Evaluation of real-time location system (RTLS) application in radiology departments- an empirical study on enhancing equipment management efficiency and patient safety

Introduction

The radiology department is crucial in medical diagnosis and treatment but faces challenges like managing costly equipment and ensuring patient safety. Traditional models often lead to resource misallocation, scheduling delays, and safety risks. Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) provide solutions by tracking equipment location, status, and usage, enhancing management efficiency, patient safety, and offering insights for innovative hospital management.

Methods

This study used an on-site empirical research method, deploying RTLS on mobile digital X-ray machines in the radiology department. Over six months, data were collected on metrics such as equipment scheduling time, idle rate, and system stability. A Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) assessed system performance, user satisfaction, and workflow impact.

Results

RTLS implementation significantly improved scheduling efficiency, reducing average scheduling time from 12 to 5 min (58.3 %). The idle rate decreased from 16 % to 12 % (25 % improvement), enhancing resource utilization. System stability was high, with a data loss rate under 1 %. Signal stability improved to over 95 % after reconfiguring nodes, ensuring reliable operation even in challenging environments.

Conclusion

RTLS technology enhances operational efficiency and patient safety, serving as a strategic asset for smart hospitals. It optimizes radiology equipment management, reduces scheduling delays, and improves the work environment for radiographers. By using POE and dynamic optimization strategies, a standardized management model was established. However, challenges like high costs, integration issues, and signal interference persist. Future research should focus on improving signal stability, reducing costs, and exploring more clinical applications.

Implications for practice

RTLS strengthens equipment management, improves patient safety, boosts operational efficiency, and supports smart healthcare systems integration. It lays the foundation for sustainable medical institution development and offers a model for future hospital-wide digital transformation.