North Fulton Hospital Implements New Technology to Ensure Patient Safety

In an ongoing effort to ensure patient safety and quality care within the hospital, recently implemented RF Detection Technology within the Operating Room of its Surgical Services Department. 

The equipment is designed to reduce the risk of medical errors by utilizing radio-frequency technology to detect retained surgical items within the body.

“Despite strict protocols within hospital operating rooms, there is still the risk of unintentional human error,” says Rhonda Perkey, RN, Director of Operative Services at North Fulton Hospital. “Now we have a technology that will scan the body before surgery is over to ensure that foreign materials such as surgical sponges are removed."

RF Detection Technology is one of the most advanced safety features that can be provided within the OR. The system includes a soft detection mat that is installed on the surgical table. When activated, the mat scans the surgical site and alerts the surgery team if a surgical sponge or other RF-tagged material is remaining inside a patient’s body. 

The addition of the RF Detection Technology is just another step at North Fulton Hospital to ensure quality patient care in a safe environment. In 2011, the hospital implemented an annual patient safety fair where hospital leadership provided education to staff on patient safety protocols ranging from fire/disaster safety and infection control, to communication and clinical documentation.  Later that year, the hospital partnered with Kimberly-Clark to provide education on Hospital Acquired Infections.

“Ensuring that our patients receive the best care possible in a safe environment is a commitment that my leadership team and I do not take lightly,” says Deborah Keel, Chief Executive Officer at North Fulton Hospital. “This commitment is why we continue to review protocols, educate staff and invest in the safety of our patients.”

Tactics such as the addition of the RF Detection Technology is how North Fulton Hospital continues to be recognized for its clinical quality scores. This past year, hospital was awarded Gold Plus Status for Heart and Stroke by the American Heart Association and was recognized by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations as a Top Performer for Key Quality Measures.

For more information on North Fulton Hospital, its commitment to patient safety, and its quality scores, go online.