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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/221870
Transforming Hospital Clínic de Barcelona Logistics through RFID: An In-Depth Study of Implementation, Validation and Economic Assessment
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Abstract
fficient supply chain management plays a critical role in intrahospital logistics.
Radiofrequency identification (RFID) technology has emerged as a powerful tool to
optimize the supply chain across multiple industries, including healthcare. Its
application in hospitals is rapidly expanding due to its ability to automate inventory
tracking, reduce human error, and improve data accuracy.
This final degree project is framed within the context of the RFID implementation
project at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona (HCB), where the technology has been
deployed in surgical and interventional areas. The system includes RFID tagging of
high-value consumables, prostheses, and medical devices; with fixed RFID readers
installed throughout operating rooms, storage areas, and waste disposal zones, and
corridors.
Implementing RFID in a complex hospital environment like HCB presents
considerable logistical and technical challenges. As part of this thesis, I actively
contributed to the implementation process. One of the main contributions was the
successful validation of the shielding paint in adjacent rooms, which effectively
eliminated signal interference. Moreover, a material compatibility study identified
specific packaging types that interfered with radiofrequency signal propagation,
allowing for corrective measures.
Although the system is still in the final phase of implementation, early results are
promising. The integrated RFID solution has demonstrated robust performance,
significantly reducing non-value time spent by clinical staff on logistical tasks. An
economic analysis conducted in one of the pilot sites showed a favourable return on
investment (ROI), further supporting the system’s viability and potential scalability
across the hospital.
Description
Treballs Finals de Grau d'Enginyeria Biomèdica. Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut. Universitat de Barcelona. Curs: 2024-2025. Tutor: Neus Vidal ; Directors: Lluís Mañes. Manel Sanz
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IGLESIAS YEPES, Judit. Transforming Hospital Clínic de Barcelona Logistics through RFID: An In-Depth Study of Implementation, Validation and Economic Assessment. [consulted: 8 of August of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/221870