Keesler Medical Center tests RFID system Published Oct. 28, 2009 By 81st Medical Group 81st Medical Group KEESLER AFB, Miss. -- Keesler Medical Center tests RFID system (81st Medical Group) Keesler Medical Center will test a state-of-the-art tracking system during six-week pilot programs starting Oct. 27. The 81st Medical Group at Keesler will review the potential uses of radio frequency identification technology across the Air Force Medical Service and then pilot RFID systems to improve clinical operations at Keesler Medical Center. The medical group will implement the first two of their pilot programs that will provide real-time tracking for patients and medical equipment. Proof of concept for each pilot will run six weeks, then the 81st MDG executive team will decide whether to continue into production, discontinue or expand the proof of concept further. Keesler's emergency room will be the first patient-care location using the unique RFID system. When a patient checks into the ER, he or she will be provided with a small RFID device attached to the patient ID wristband. When the patient is discharged from the hospital, the small RFID device will be returned to the ER staff. RFID technology is already very commonly used in everyone's daily life. Among other things, it is utilized to identify cars using a toll-road, prevent theft of expensive items in stores and locate lost pets. Keesler's RFID tags will wirelessly transmit information, enabling the ER staff to locate a patient throughout the medical center and dental clinic. This technology can also provide vital feedback on how long patients are waiting or how long they are in a treatment room. The information collected will enable 81st MDG personnel to readily identify bottlenecks with patient workflow and improve patient care delivered in the ER. In addition to patients, tagging medical equipment will allow equipment custodians, biomedical equipment technicians and clinicians to instantly view the real-time location of all their medical equipment. This technology is expected to have a huge impact on the time previously spent trying to locate and track critical medical equipment for maintenance, inventory or patient-care activities. 3 events launch Keesler observance Three events next week start Keesler's celebration of the Year of the Air Force Family. Nov. 6 -- 5 p.m., youth center, Family Pride Night spaghetti dinner and family and teen talent show. Nov. 6 -- 5-9 p.m., beach bonfire at foot of White Avenue for single permanent-party Airmen; food, drinks, games. Nov. 7 -- 4-7 p.m., Keesler Wipeout on parade field; flight competition, individual and team events, trophies awarded.