Cancer center's RFID system puts comfort first

Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, Burbank, Calif., built a new outpatient cancer care facility that reflects the spiritual values of the center's primary donors, Roy E. Disney, nephew of Walt Disney, and his wife.

The new 55,000-square-foot Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center emphasizes a patient-first philosophy that makes a personal, comfortable atmosphere a high priority. Technology plays an important role in making the experience patient friendly.

A radio-frequency identification (RFID) system was installed so that a patient's preferences in music, lighting and temperature are adjusted immediately and automatically upon entering the patient room and other designated areas in the cancer center. Clinicians greet patients upon entering the facility.

To enhance workflow automation, notifications are dispatched to clinical staff to inform them that patients are ready for procedures such as radiation or a weekly examination. This enables patients to visit the center's garden while they wait.

The technology is tied together by vendor-neutral software from Connexall, Boulder, Colo. This provides a single virtual platform within a hospital's existing communications system that links all stationary and mobile systems and devices in the health care facility.

"By connecting RFID with phone systems and smart phones, this solution ensures better care coordination at the moment it matters," says Mary Baum, chief health care officer, Connexall.