Benefits of Wireless for Inpatient Facilities Described
A presentation at the HIMSS conference by Kevin McKeand from Wayport Healthcare described the benefits of implementing a wireless network for use by staff members and patients alike. He suggested that the potential benefits outweigh both technical and regulatory challenges.
Wireless networking systems can significantly alter the practice of healthcare and the entire healthcare environment. Updated systems can move from a shared service application to broader applications which improve the level of focus on individual patients. Benefits noted from an advanced system include mobile patient monitoring, bedside charting, and radio frequency identification (RFID).
Importantly, healthcare facilities require the necessary hardware and software components in order to effectively deploy new solutions across a wireless system. In addition, there are specific networking requirements to maintain HIPAA compliance.
Many patients utilize wireless systems for communication and as a means to search for information on a daily basis. In order to compete with other healthcare facilities and improve brand image, more hospitals are beginning to offer patients access to WiFi services.
Offering patients access to Wi-Fi can increase patient volume, but requires attention to the networking across a facility. Public and private applications need to be clearly separated. This may be challenging for information technology staff members in a hospital, who are more experienced managing private applications.
Networking compliance is one of the most significant challenges for hospitals that intend to adopt a wireless environment. In addition to following HIPAA regulations, facilities must also meet the standards associated with the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA) and the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA).
Additional information about the recommendations were included on the Health Imaging website.