New CHRISTUS Health RTLS Platform Drives Patient-Flow Efficiency

Paul Generale serves as executive vice president and chief strategy and network officer at CHRISTUS Health, a nonprofit in Dallas that ranks as one of America’s leading Catholic health systems. As reported in Healthcare IT News, Dallas executive Paul Generale’s organization recently piloted a new cost- and time-saving approach at the 150-bed CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital-Westover Hills.

The pilot program involves linking real-time locating system technology (RTLS) with a patient-flow-technology platform and other supporting workflow processes. This provides accurate information on when rooms have been vacated, are ready for cleaning, and are clean and able to accept the next waiting patient. It also addresses persistent patient flow inefficiencies at a facility that has many moving parts and specialized departments.

The RTLS technology system involves installing hardware at multiple entrances/exits and issuing patients bracelets embedded with RTLS technology upon entering the hospital. The bracelets are scanned at certain points throughout their stay, including discharge. Beyond the real-time connectivity, the key innovation is on moving the focus to the patient physically leaving the patient room rather than on completing documentation. This results in quicker availability of beds and increased admission rates and revenue potential.

The RTLS technology can notify staff members of bed availability 2 hours and 40 minutes earlier than can electronic health record manual entry systems.