RFID role in efficient management of healthcare systems: a system thinking perspective

Abstract Purpose of this paper: This paper presents an analysis toward understanding the business value components that a health care organization can drive by adopting RFID technology into its system. This researcher proposes a framework for evaluating the business value of RFID technology. To do so, emphasis is put on delivering business value through refining business processes and expanding the business model. Author illustrates the concepts drawing on the experience of nine case studies already presented on the health care topics and service industries. Thereafter, a framework, as a set of propositions based on relevant literature, case studies from the field, and author's intuition, is formulated. The proposed propositions need to be validated through empirical evidence. To fully understand this topic some applications of radio frequency identification in health care management and other industries are briefly discussed and nine cases from health care industry are studied. Design/methodology/approach: Identifies key elements of radio frequency identification through the review of healthcare management literature and case studies. For this purpose, nine cases are reviewed from the health care industry and then key features of those cases are employed to determine four proposals for further studies. Findings: To make healthcare management systems functional and successfully operational we can use radio frequency identification solutions to reduce operating costs through decreasing the labor costs, including automation, improving tracking and tracing, and preventing the lost of materials under any circumstances. Practical implications (if applicable): What is original/value of paper: The emphasis is put on delivering business value through refining business processes and expanding the business model. A framework, as a set of propositions based on relevant literature, case studies from the field, and author's intuition is formulated and presented for further studies using true case studies.