A Proof of Concept Using BLE to Optimize Patients Turnaround Time (PTAT) in Health Care

Abstract

In 2022, Malaysia's Ministry of Health (MOH) acknowledged that government hospitals continue to face challenges in delivering high-quality patient care. A significant issue is the absence of a Real-Time Patient Location Monitoring and Tracking Solution, which prevents doctors from efficiently tracking patients within medical facilities. This lack of real-time tracking contributes to a decline in service quality, creating an urgent need for optimization in patient monitoring and tracking solutions. Implementing an effective tracking system can significantly enhance patient care quality, improve resource utilization management, and boost staff productivity, ultimately saving costs, time, and resources for hospitals. One critical area for improvement is the Patient Turnaround Time (PTAT), which refers to the duration a patient spends being processed at a hospital before being discharged. PTAT is currently prolonged in many hospitals due to the complex processes involved and patients becoming untraceable while waiting for their turn. To address these challenges, we have developed an Internet of Things (IoT) solution utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to optimize PTAT. This solution enables hospital staff to track patient movements and localize them in real-time. By using wearable devices, the system measures the distance from patients to various Access Points (AP) spread throughout the hospital based on the dBm value. This paper presents comprehensive experimentation for the Proof of Concept (POC) and pilot testing of this BLE-based solution. The results demonstrate the accuracy of using the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) to optimize patient turnaround times in hospitals. By implementing this BLE solution, hospitals can reduce the time patients spend waiting for treatment, thereby improving overall patient satisfaction and hospital efficiency. The ability to monitor patient locations in real-time will ensure that patients receive timely care, reducing the likelihood of them wandering off and becoming untraceable. This technology represents a significant step forward in modernizing patient care and streamlining hospital operations in Malaysia.