According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 29 states have already reported high levels of “influenza-like illness” this season. In some cities, these levels are 10 times higher than at this same time last year.
Can technology help?
Yes! With real-time location solutions (RTLS), clinics, hospitals, and healthcare systems can track exposure to infectious diseases—like the hard-hitting H3N2 flu strain—among patients, staff, visitors, and even specific rooms, beds, and medical equipment.
Here is how it works:
When a patient tests positive for a contagious disease, staff can instantly access a report that identifies all of the locations, patients, staff, and equipment that the infected patient came into contact with. Care providers can then use this information to take appropriate actions to reduce the chances for an outbreak – such as notifying, testing, and treating exposed individuals.
This infection control solution is also helpful beyond the hospital setting. Since H3N2 has a reputation for causing severe illness among the elderly, using RTLS can be especially important in a senior care environment, such as nursing homes and assisting living communities, helping to protect both residents and staff.
Sincerely,
Marcus Ruark, Vice President
Intelligent InSites
