Introduction

In the fast-paced environment of healthcare facilities, keeping track of medical equipment is crucial. The loss or misplacement of assets can lead to significant operational inefficiencies and increased costs. This is where exit monitoring comes into play. By implementing a robust exit monitoring system, healthcare providers can ensure the security of their valuable assets. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of exit monitoring, how Blyott’s exit monitoring workflow works, and a real-world case study of its implementation at AZ Oostende.

Section 1: Understanding Exit Monitoring

What is Exit Monitoring?

Exit monitoring is a system designed to track and monitor the last known location of assets within a facility. It involves continuously tracking assets and identifying their last recorded position before they go missing. This system is crucial in healthcare settings where the loss of medical equipment can disrupt patient care and lead to substantial financial losses.

Challenges Addressed

Healthcare facilities often face challenges such as equipment loss, theft, and misplacement. These issues not only incur financial costs but also affect the availability of essential medical devices. Exit monitoring helps mitigate these challenges by providing real-time visibility into the last known locations of assets, ensuring that equipment can be quickly recovered if misplaced. Additionally, accounting for lost equipment as actually being lost is crucial for accurate inventory management and budgeting.

Section 2: Blyott’s Exit Monitoring Workflow

How Blyott Implements Exit Monitoring

Blyott’s exit monitoring system leverages Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) tags and existing network infrastructure to provide accurate and efficient tracking. The system is easy to integrate and does not require additional access points, making it cost-effective and scalable.

Step-by-Step Workflow

1. Tagging Assets with Blyott T-1 Tags: Each piece of equipment is tagged with a Blyott T-1 tag, which transmits location data in real-time.

2. Real-Time Location Tracking: The BLE tags continuously send location updates, allowing the system to monitor the movement of assets within the facility.

3. Setting Up Virtual Zones: Virtual zones are established within the hospital premises, defining the areas where assets are typically located.

4. Monitoring Asset Movement: The system tracks the movement of assets across these virtual zones.

5. Identifying Last Known Location: If an asset goes missing, the system uses the recorded data to identify the last known location of the asset, helping staff quickly locate it.

Data Analysis and Reporting

Blyott’s exit monitoring system also includes comprehensive data analysis and reporting features. It provides detailed reports on asset movement, last known locations, and usage patterns, enabling hospital staff to make informed decisions and quickly address any discrepancies. From a budgeting perspective, it allows for more accurate forecasting for missing or replacement items.

Section 3: Benefits of Blyott’s Exit Monitoring

Enhanced Security

Blyott’s exit monitoring system significantly enhances security by preventing equipment loss. By identifying the last known location of assets, staff can quickly respond to potential security breaches and recover misplaced items efficiently.

Operational Efficiency

The system allows for the quick recovery of misplaced equipment, reducing the time spent searching for assets. This efficiency translates into better resource allocation and improved operational workflows.

Cost Savings

By reducing the need for frequent equipment replacement and optimizing the usage of existing assets, Blyott’s exit monitoring system helps healthcare facilities save on costs. The system’s ability to provide detailed usage data also supports more informed investment decisions.

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Section 4: Case Study Highlight: AZ Oostende

Implementation at AZ Oostende

AZ Oostende, a forward-thinking general hospital, implemented Blyott’s exit monitoring system to enhance their asset management. The system was integrated seamlessly with their existing Wi-Fi network, avoiding the need for additional infrastructure.

Specific Challenges and Solutions

AZ Oostende faced challenges such as frequent equipment misplacement and the financial burden of replacing lost items. By deploying Blyott’s system, they were able to monitor the real-time location of their assets and identify the last known locations of any missing items, effectively addressing these issues.

Results

The implementation of Blyott’s exit monitoring system at AZ Oostende resulted in improved asset security, significant time and cost savings, and enhanced operational efficiency. Staff could quickly locate and recover misplaced equipment, ensuring that critical medical devices were always available when needed.

In several use cases, it was found that most assets went missing in the ER, indicating that they were likely given to patients being transported to another hospital. This insight allows for better asset management and recovery processes.

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Conclusion

Exit monitoring is a vital component of asset management in healthcare facilities. Blyott’s exit monitoring workflow provides enhanced security, operational efficiency, and cost savings by leveraging advanced BLE technology and real-time tracking. The successful implementation at AZ Oostende highlights the tangible benefits of this system. Accurate inventory management and precise budgeting for replacements are additional benefits that support the overall efficiency of healthcare operations.