Guide to Choosing the Right RTLS Technology for Your Healthcare Facility

Selecting the optimal Real-Time Location System (RTLS) for your healthcare facility involves balancing accuracy, cost, scalability, and integration. Below is a structured approach to help you decide:

1. Assess Your Facility’s Needs

Start by identifying your priorities:

Accuracy Requirements: Do you need sub-meter precision (e.g., locating infusion pumps in real-time) or broader zone-level tracking (e.g., patient flow)?

Use Cases: Asset tracking, staff safety, patient monitoring, or workflow optimization?

Budget: Are there constraints that favor cost-effective solutions over high-end systems?

Facility Size: Single-site clinic, multi-building hospital, or a sprawling campus?

Existing Infrastructure: Do you have Bluetooth/Wi-Fi networks in place?

2. Compare Key RTLS Technologies

Technology	Accuracy	Cost	Best For	Limitations
Bluetooth AoA	0.1–0.5m	Moderate	High-precision tracking (e.g., crash carts, staff duress)	Requires specialized hardware
RSSI Beacons	3–5m	Low	General asset tracking, patient flow	Prone to signal interference
UWB	0.1–0.3m	High	Critical equipment, emergency response	Expensive; complex deployment

3. Address Market Challenges

Cost Constraints: Opt for BLE (AoA) or RSSI if budget is tight. Sentrax’s BLE leverages existing Bluetooth infrastructure, reducing upfront costs.

Integration Complexity: Ensure the RTLS vendor offers APIs/compatibility with your EHR, nurse call, or CMMS systems.

Security: Prioritize encrypted systems (e.g., Bluetooth AoA’s directed signals reduce eavesdropping risks).

Scalability: Choose modular solutions (e.g., Sentrax) that grow with your facility.

Interference: Avoid RSSI in dense environments; UWB/AoA perform better in metal-rich areas.

4. Why Sentrax BLE (AoA) Stands Out

Precision: Delivers 0.1m accuracy for tracking high-value assets or monitoring patient movements.

Cost-Effective: Delivers 0.1m accuracy for tracking high-value assets or monitoring patient movements.

Energy Efficiency: Long-lasting tags (years vs. months with active RFID/UWB).

Security: Reduced signal spillover enhances data privacy.

Seamless Integration: Compatible with EHRs, staff safety systems, and IoT platforms.

5. Decision Framework

• High-Accuracy Needs (OR, ICU): Choose Sentrax BLE (AoA)..
• Budget-Conscious General Tracking: Deploy RSSI Beacons for non-critical assets.
• Large/Multi-Site Facilities: Prioritize scalable solutions like Sentrax.

Implementation Tips

• Pilot the technology in one department (e.g., emergency room) to test accuracy and workflow impact.
• Involve IT teams early to address integration and cybersecurity.
• Train staff on RTLS workflows (e.g., automated equipment check-in/out).

Conclusion

For most healthcare facilities, Sentrax’s BLE (AoA) strikes the ideal balance of accuracy, affordability, and scalability. It addresses critical challenges like interference and data security while enhancing operational efficiency.

Next Step: Contact Sentrax for a facility assessment or pilot program to see how AoA can transform your asset management and patient care workflows.

(Need help comparing vendors or designing a rollout plan? Ask about Sentrax’s tailored healthcare solutions!)