Deploying RFID medication management system for efficiency, accuracy and patient safety

The team at University of Illinois (UI) Health has embedded nearly 30,000 pharmacy items into their radio frequency identification (RFID) medication management system in the first quarter of 2024. They report the tool as offering extreme value, improving efficiency and patient safety in operating theatres. However, the manual tagging process is time-consuming, despite RFID-enabled medications and pre-tagged items streamlining the process and reducing errors. Employees have denied concerns that the system will diminish technician roles, instead arguing it provides opportunities for specialisations and more complex responsibilities.