Keeping patients, staff, and assets safe is an ongoing challenge for healthcare settings of all sizes. With hospital environments growing more complex and patient expectations on the rise, real-time locating systems (RTLS) have evolved from a technological luxury to a mission-critical solution.
This comprehensive guide unpacks how RTLS can transform patient safety, power more efficient operations, and create peace of mind for everyone involved.
By the end of this blog, you’ll know what RTLS is, where and how it’s used, and what to consider for successful implementation.
We’ll also spotlight McRoberts Technologies, a leading innovator in RTLS solutions with decades of hands-on experience.
Understanding RTLS in Healthcare
What Is RTLS and How Does It Work?
A real-time locating system (RTLS) is a technology platform that continuously tracks the location and status of people and objects within a predefined area.
Using a combination of wireless receivers, tags, sensors, and custom software, RTLS instantly pinpoints the position of patients, infants, staff members, or assets across a hospital, clinic, or care facility.
The result is a live operational map that administrators and clinicians can use to react faster, safeguard vulnerable populations, and reduce inefficiencies.
Why RTLS Matters Now More Than Ever
Healthcare organizations are under unprecedented pressure to meet strict safety standards, comply with regulations, and ensure the best possible care.
RTLS empowers these goals by automating vital safety protocols, helping prevent errors before they occur, and freeing staff to focus on what they do best.
McRoberts Technologies stands at the forefront of these advancements, providing customizable, risk-specific RTLS solutions.
Major Benefits of RTLS in Healthcare
Next-generation patient wandering systems and wander management systems are at the heart of the smartest hospital safety strategies. Here’s how RTLS makes a measurable difference:
Elevating Patient Safety
- Infant Protection: Anti-abduction solutions, like McRoberts’ MyChild system, instantly register when a vulnerable patient leaves a secure zone. Automatic unit lockdown protocols ensure infants remain safe within designated care areas.
- Patient Elopement: With WanderWatch and similar wander management systems, hospitals gain a proven way to prevent patient wandering, ensuring individuals with memory issues or special needs remain within safe boundaries.
Boosting Staff Safety
- Rapid Security Response: Wearable staff duress systems like StaffWatch and UrgenTag-Ultra enable immediate security notifications and support. Features like multi-button functionality and ultrasound technology further tailor security responses to the situation’s urgency.
Smarter Asset Management
- Real-Time Tracking for Critical Equipment: AssetWatch delivers on-demand asset location, minimizing lost items and equipment shortages. Hospitals can locate lifesaving devices at the click of a button, maintain compliance with audits, and reduce unnecessary procurement costs.
RTLS Across Diverse Healthcare Environments
The adaptability of RTLS is one of its greatest strengths. Here’s a breakdown of its impact in various settings:
Hospitals
Hospitals deploy RTLS for:
- Infant and pediatric protection: Preventing abductions, elopements and unauthorized movements via MyChild.
- Staff protection: Mitigating workplace violence and providing immediate response to victims’ locations with StaffWatch.
- Patient monitoring: Keeping tabs on patients at risk of elopement using wander management systems such as WanderWatch.
- Asset tracking: Locating pumps, monitors, wheelchairs, and other assets with AssetWatch to reduce delays and loss.
Assisted Living Facilities
These environments use anti-elopement systems to:
- Keep residents safe: Prevent vulnerable patients from leaving supervised areas.
McRoberts Technologies RTLS Solutions
With years of experience, McRoberts Technologies offers a suite of targeted RTLS solutions designed to address real-world healthcare challenges:
MyChild Anti-Abduction System
- Provides granular location tracking and automatic lockdown protocols for infant security.
- Used by hospitals to monitor over half a million babies annually.
StaffWatch for Staff Duress
- Wearable panic button for instant security notifications.
- Allows discreet alerts in emergencies, ensuring help is always within reach.
AssetWatch Asset Tracker
- Delivers real-time asset location for equipment and supplies.
- Reduces search times and supports informed purchasing decisions.
UrgenTag-Ultra Advanced Duress System
- Adds ultrasound-powered location accuracy and multi-button functionality.
- Enables tiered response levels for different incident types.
WanderWatch for Elopement Prevention
- Specialized patient wandering system for keeping high-risk individuals securely within care areas.
- Real-time alerts empower staff to intervene before incidents occur.
Challenges and Considerations for RTLS Implementation
Adopting RTLS brings immense value, but a few challenges deserve attention:
- Integration with Existing Systems: RTLS should connect seamlessly with EMR, access control, and security platforms for cohesive facility management.
- Staff Training: Success is rooted in user adoption, so investing in staff education is crucial.
- Scalability and Flexibility: Your chosen RTLS should grow with your facility’s needs and enable custom configurations.
- Data Security: Handling sensitive location data demands robust cybersecurity protocols and compliance with healthcare regulations.
Thoughtful planning, the right technology partner, and responsive support are essential for a smooth transition.
Future Directions in RTLS Technology
Cutting-edge RTLS systems continue to evolve, with several trends set to shape the sector:
- Enhanced Location Precision: Newer tags and sensors use advanced algorithms and radio frequency technology for pinpoint accuracy, even in challenging indoor environments.
- Analytics and Predictive Insights: Big data integrations will enable facilities to not only track events but also predict and prevent them.
- Mobile Interoperability: Expect more staff and family-oriented apps that connect directly with RTLS infrastructure, enabling rapid communication and remote monitoring.
- Green Technology: Efficient power management and eco-friendly materials are making RTLS more sustainable for long-term use.
As these advances unfold, providers who stay ahead with the latest RTLS innovations will see exponential gains in safety, efficiency, and care quality.
Building Safer and Smarter Care Environments
RTLS is making hospitals, pediatric clinics and assisted living facilities more responsive and secure. By implementing patient wandering systems and wander management systems, healthcare providers can prevent avoidable incidents, minimize risk, and deliver higher-quality care.
McRoberts Technologies continues to lead this field, creating robust RTLS solutions designed for real-world needs. From infant security to asset management and beyond, our products empower healthcare teams to work smarter, respond faster, and keep their communities safe.
Take the Next Step Toward Smarter Safety
Explore how McRoberts Technologies’ RTLS solutions can help your organization transform patient care and operational efficiency.
Whether you need to implement a patient wandering system, enhance staff safety, or streamline asset management, McRoberts has a solution tailored for you.
- Connect with Us: Contact McRoberts Technologies
- Learn More: Discover our full suite of RTLS solutions
Empower your team with technology purpose-built for today’s healthcare demands.
