Facing the Challenges Associated with Wireless Technology

With about two-thirds of healthcare organizations tapping into wireless technology to access a variety of applications such as electronic medical records, picture archiving and communications systems and nursing documentation systems, these unplugged systems are becoming as ubiquitous as the stethoscope in medicine. And, some might say, just as — or even more — vital.

The problem? Utilizing wireless technology is not quite as easy as using the omni-present, around-the neck device. And, as the demand for wireless applications grows, healthcare CIOs need to get busy finding ways to overcome some of the more common hurdles.

A recent survey conducted by HIMSS Analytics, Chicago, points to five challenges that continue to plague healthcare CIOs as they attempt to implement wireless systems – and offers some suggested solutions as well.

Here’s a brief recap of the problems and potential fixes:

· Connectivity issues. Many health care organizations struggle to provide strong wireless signals throughout their buildings—particularly in older buildings or when trying to beam signals out to basements or lower floors. Possible solutions: Universal repeaters, survival remote gateways and distributed antenna systems, mobile virtual private network software.

· Technology connectivity issues. Limited bandwidth, in some cases, can hamper access to patient information, particularly when working with large files—such as PACS images. Possible solutions: Additional access points, segmenting networks, management software that enables centralized control of access to the network.

· Meeting user demand. Clinicians and other users want the same performance on their wireless devices as they get on their wired systems. Simply put, they don’t care about the technical limitations; they want the experience to be the same. Possible solutions: Policies outlining which devices will be supported, limiting bandwidth to certain users.

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