Improving Healthcare with Data-Driven Track-and-Trace Systems

Abstract

This chapter illustrates the potential of data-driven track-and-trace technology for improving healthcare through efficient management of internal operations and better delivery of services to patients. Track-and-trace can help healthcare organizations meet government regulations, reduce cost, provide value-added services, and monitor and protect patients, equipment, and materials. Two real-world examples of commercially available track-and-trace systems based on RFID and sensors are discussed: a system for counterfeiting prevention and quality assurance in pharmaceutical supply chains and a monitoring system. The system-generated data (such as location, temperature, movement, etc.) about tracked entities (such as medication, patients, or staff) is “big data” (i.e. data with high volume, variety, velocity, and veracity). The chapter discusses the challenges related to data capture, storage, retrieval, and ultimately analysis in support of organizational objectives (such as lowering costs, increasing security, improving patient outcomes, etc.).