Enhancing Caregiver Safety with Midmark's CareFlow RTLS Staff Duress Solution

In an era where caregiver welfare and safety are paramount, healthcare technology is evolving to offer innovative solutions. Midmark RTLS, a frontrunner in real-time locating system (RTLS) technology, is once again leading the way with its new offering, the CareFlow RTLS Staff Duress solution. Recently added to the Epic Toolbox, this state-of-the-art system represents a significant leap in ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals on the front lines.

What is CareFlow RTLS Staff Duress?

CareFlow RTLS Staff Duress is an advanced system designed to provide healthcare workers with immediate assistance when they face critical situations. By streamlining the process of alerting security teams to potential workplace violence, this solution enables caregivers to call for help discreetly while conveying vital information about their location and identity. With just the press of a button on their existing RTLS badges, staff can notify the appropriate teams, ensuring that help is on the way faster than ever.

Integration with Epic

The solution's integration with Epic electronic health record (EHR) systems marks a decisive step towards intertwined health workflows. Utilizing HL7 FHIR-based APIs, the CareFlow Staff Duress functionality allows caregivers to seamlessly send real-time alerts directly into the Epic system. As soon as an alert is activated, Epic immediately receives detailed information about the caregiver in distress and their precise location. Following this, designated security response and informational groups are promptly notified to assess and respond to the incident efficiently.

HT Snowday, the Senior Director at Midmark RTLS summarized the essence of this innovation: "Protecting caregivers requires more than a panic button—it requires connected technology that delivers the right information to the right people at the right time." This statement encapsulates the notion that, in emergencies, access to pertinent information can significantly affect response times and outcomes.

Key Advantages of CareFlow Staff Duress

1. Single Badge, Multiple Functions: Caregivers can use the same Midmark RTLS badge for both staff safety alerts and clinical workflow automation. This consolidation reduces the need for multiple devices, simplifying the workflow for healthcare professionals.

2. Real-Time Alerts: The system delivers location-aware alerts straight to the Epic platform, allowing for rapid and efficient emergency responses.

3. Actionable Intelligence: Responders receive instant details about who is in trouble and where they are, enabling them to act swiftly and effectively during critical situations.

4. Flexible Deployment Options: The system supports a variety of technologies, including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Infrared (IR), allowing healthcare facilities to use existing RTLS technologies while expanding capabilities as needed.

Conclusion

The integration of CareFlow Staff Duress within Epic's ecosystem is a noteworthy development in healthcare technology, reflecting Midmark RTLS's ongoing commitment to enhancing caregiver safety and streamlining clinical workflows. This recent addition underscores the importance of combining traditional workflow processes with the latest innovations in technology to foster a safer working environment for healthcare professionals.

Since its first integration with Epic systems back in 2012, Midmark RTLS has consistently aimed to enhance patient flow, streamline workflows, and now, protect its caregivers. By ensuring that emergency protocols can be handled efficiently, the organization is paving the way for a more secure and resilient healthcare landscape. For more information about CareFlow RTLS and how it can improve your healthcare facility's safety protocols, visit midmarkRTLS.com.