Instrument tracking

[debbie]

Our hospital group (4 sites) is trying to write a business case to get a instrument tracking system.
I was wonding if those of you who may have a system could give me some feedback.
Do you like your system and what company do you have?
What issues did you have with it if any? Installation, handhelds, software, staff education, ease/difficulty of use?
What features do you love
What features do you wish you had?
What features do you wish you didn't have?
Does you OR work with you on the process and any tips.
How long did it take to get up and running?

I welcome any feedback and appreciate your expertise.

[Francisco]

My hospital is currently using Microsystems (SPM). It is a wonderful system. It has simplified loaner instrumentation, missing instruments, count sheets, etc. Moreover, it has the ability to document education records, sterilizer load records, and employee information among other things. The system can generate extremely useful reports. It is a very good system. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions at all.

[debbie]

Is microsystems the only one you looked at? I have seen the presentation and it does look like a nice system but seems to be the most expensive out there.
I think a company called Censitrc took over Pillings old system and that seems nice as well. Anyone have comments on that?

Francisco could I have your e-mail address?

[Angelique S.]

We are using TGX Medical's Alex Gold system. It has many capabilities that are useful. Some of the features include:individual instrument tracking, set tracking, tracking for repair items, notification for items that are ready for refurbishment, etc.
Personally, my favorite feature is the set building module. This is a feature that most tracking systems have, but Alex's is as simple as it can be. This is a true asset for any personnel who are uncomfortable with computer work. It is very simple Windows based software. Furthermore, they give you many possibilities to identify an individual instrument with which you might be unfamiliar.
TGX is constantly opening new options in the system, so I can't say that there is any one feature I wish that Alex offered that they don't already have. They have also been great with follow-up. Whenever we have any difficulties, TGX has been available and ready to help in any way. In addition, they have been open to our suggestions and requests. If the system has not worked in a way we would like, they have customized the software to adapt to our needs.
Our surgery manager and team leaders also have access to our system. They are using it in many ways and integrating it more and more into their routines. This has been particularly helpful in tracking exactly where an item comes up missing.
We are continually adding new processes that Alex offers, so I cannot say that we have had any particular timeline on when the system is up and running. The basics of the system did not take long to install. The only part that was truly time consuming is typing in each set and each instrument that belongs in each set. However, TGX did help us by sending people to input that data when we started up.
The only possible downside to the system is that you need 100% participation from your team members to make Alex work to its full potential. But I would assume that would be the case for any tracking system.

As I mentioned before, I would say the best part of our Alex system is that we have had such wonderful support and help from TGX Medical.

If you have any other questions, let me know. Our point person with Alex is Michael Mancebo. I am sure that he would be willing to answer any questions as well. The TGX Medical phone number is 1 (800) 732-1070.

Good Luck With Your Choice!