Smart straps introduced in A&E to safeguard high-risk patients

(From left) Kevin Chu and Lo Ka-yee demonstrate the RFID initiative currently being trialed at Queen Mary Hospital. The strap is numbered, water resistant and reusable.

As part of our ongoing commitment to implement the smart hospital development strategy, the Hospital Authority (HA) is progressively introducing the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) straps across all 18 Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments in public hospitals to bolster patient safety measures. These RFID straps will be utilised by healthcare professionals on patients deemed to be at higher risk, alongside the installation of motion sensors at A&E exits. In the event that a patient wearing an RFID strap attempts to leave the A&E department, an alarm will be triggered at both the exit and nursing station, alerting staff to the patient’s departure from the hospital without prior notification.

The RFID strap initiative is currently undergoing trials at hospitals including Queen Mary Hospital. Lo Ka-yee, Department Operations Manager of A&E, emphasises that nurses will assess various factors such as the patient’s condition, cognitive ability, and risk level during triage. Straps will be applied to patients deemed to be at higher risk, with clear explanations provided. Lo further explains, “we may also consider using straps for patients with missing records, or for elderly patients who seek medical advice independently.” The implementation of RFID straps commenced in January, with an average of two to three patients per day requiring them. Patients have generally been cooperative with the process.

If a patient wearing the strap attempts to leave A&E without prior notification, an alarm will be triggered at both the exit and the panel at the nursing station where the patient’s strap number and the exit location will be displayed.

If a patient wearing the strap attempts to leave A&E without prior notification, an alarm will be triggered at both the exit and the panel at the nursing station where the patient’s strap number and the exit location will be displayed.

Motion sensors have been installed at three A&E exits, requiring staff to disable the sensor after the alarm is triggered. Kevin Chu, Ward Manager of A&E, notes “our colleagues are willing to take this additional step to confirm the patient’s condition and understand their needs. We have factored in response time, ensuring that the location of motion sensors allows adequate time for our colleagues to intercept a patient when the alarm is activated.” Lo anticipates that RFID technology will be expanded to newly constructed hospital buildings and eventually integrated into inpatient care, with the possibility of real-time tracking being considered in the future to further enhance patient safety.