Improving Patient Turnaround Time in Malaysian Hospitals with Real-Time IoT BLE Location Tracking

This study aims to address challenges faced by Malaysian public hospitals in optimizing Patient Turnaround Time (PTAT) by implementing a Real-Time Patient Location Monitoring and Tracking System. Objectives include improving patient tracking to reduce delays and procedural inefficiencies, thus enhancing overall service quality and staff productivity. Methods and analysis involve designing a Proof of Concept (POC) based on Internet of Things (IoT) technology, specifically utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) values to estimate patient proximity to strategically positioned Access Points (APs) within hospital facilities. Through pilot tests, this system allows healthcare providers to monitor and locate patients in real time, facilitating timely service delivery. Findings indicate that the BLE-based location tracking system significantly reduces PTAT, minimizes patient movement delays, and boosts staff efficiency in handling patient flow. Novelty and improvement lie in leveraging BLE’s low-power, cost-effective nature, offering a practical solution for real-time tracking that aligns with the unique operational needs of Malaysian hospitals. This IoT-based approach is a promising development for healthcare settings striving to enhance patient care standards through efficient resource and time management. Doi: 10.28991/HEF-2025-06-01-08 Full Text: PDF