Use of RFId technology and CCOW standard for patient traceability

Patient identification is one of the scopes where bar codes technologies and radiofrequency identification systems are mainly applied. In Italy, there is strong debate about which tools should be used for correct patient identification. In the last few years several feasibility and technologic experimental studies were carried out demonstrating how the use of bar codes and RFId systems in clinical facilities can reduce the hospital risk and improve processes. In order to verify and quantify the advantages deriving from the use of RFid technology in the clinical environment, the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS - the leading technical and scientific public body of the Italian National Health Service) started an experimentation, in cooperation with ISMETT, that allowed evaluating the impact of a progressive patient traceability electronical system based on the integrated use of RFId technology and CCOW standard.