We are proud to highlight the successful implementation of RFID system in Dangerous Drug (DD) Management at Tin Shui Wai Hospital (TSWH), featured in the publication by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority.
Enhancing Efficiency and Patient Safety in Dangerous Drug Stock Inspection
All dangerous drugs (DD) require routine examination at least once monthly. Given the large volume of DD handled by hospital pharmacies, the Hospital Authority mandates that DD stock checking in pharmacy be performed by pharmacists at least once weekly. This process is typically labour-intensive and time-consuming.
Since December 2021, Tin Shui Wai Hospital has applied Radio-frequency Identification (RFID) technology to improve the efficiency of DD stock inspection. Upon receipt of a DD item from suppliers, a unique RFID label containing drug identity, batch number, and expiry date is generated and affixed to the outside package of the DD stock item.
When an RFID sensor reads the tagged drug items, the system automatically detects their presence and records the corresponding information. This automation has reduced pharmacist time spent on DD stock checks by at least 30%, allowing pharmacists to dedicate more time to clinical services and patient care.
RFID Management System for Dangerous Drugs
The RFID Management System also assists pharmacy staff in handling various DD transactions with wards. Through RFID scanning, the quantity and identity of DD supplied to wards are recorded in real time. After pharmacist counter-checking against requisitions, transaction data are stored in the RFID Management System and are readily traceable for future needs, such as drug recalls.
This “track-and-trace” capability significantly enhances medication safety by ensuring accurate and accountable DD management throughout the supply chain.
Looking ahead, there is hope that pharmaceutical companies will provide RFID-enabled products with embedded medication data in original packaging. This advancement could further enhance overall medication management efficiency and safety.
Professional Insight
Dr Carmen Chan, Deputy Service Director (Quality & Standards), Hong Kong West Cluster, highlights the importance of technology in medication safety:
“The advance in technology facilitates the healthcare providers in their various daily practice. Among all, our colleagues from Tin Shui Wai Hospital have a nice demonstration on utilizing the RFID in dangerous drug management which has proven improvement in both the efficiency and patient safety.”
At Howood International, we are committed to delivering innovative IoT solutions that enhance healthcare operations and patient safety. Our RFID system implementation in Dangerous Drug Management at Tin Shui Wai Hospital exemplifies our dedication to driving digital transformation in pharmacy workflows.
