Implementation and Use of Real-Time Location Systems in Hospital Environments – Rapid Scoping Review of Human Factors Considerations

Abstract

Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) are rapidly being adopted in healthcare environments to monitor or track patients, workers, equipment, supplies and more, with numerous studies discussing the impact of this emerging technology. However, a more global view of such studies, those focused on human factors considerations in implementing RTLS is lacking. In response, we present preliminary findings from a rapid scoping review of factors related to implementing RTLS in healthcare environments, with a specific focus on impact to healthcare workers. We conducted keyword searches of databases such as CINAHL, EI Engineering Village, Scopus, IEEE, Web of Science, and several ProQuest journals between July and September 2022. The results were screened to identify results pertaining specifically to the experience of implementing RTLS in recent years. The extracted studies offer insight into the human factors that affect the implementation and use of this technology. Namely, the literature points to undesirable outcomes that occur when organizational efficiency is emphasized over providing demonstrable benefits to workers. Conversely, successful implementations are shown to feature increased worker involvement in the design process and increased communication and training following implementation. Further, the reviewed literature supports the involvement of human factors practitioners in future research activities investigating RTLS implementation and its impact on hospital infrastructure and operations.