Product Spotlight: Mobile Computing

From the August 2009 print issue

Software boom to follow adoption

The wheel-around mobile cart is “one of the killer applications out there,” said Gregg Malkary, managing director of Spyglass Consulting. “But the idea of convergence is really tantamount.” Software for mobile devices is therefore due for a boom, as organizations look to deliver a wide array of communications, alerts and patient information to doctors and nurses in a simplified way. “This is not an easy task,” said Malkary, “but I think the answer clearly is around smartphone technology.” It’s also the integration of medical devices, he noted.

Click to enlarge A nurse uses a Panasonic Toughbook to record patient data at the bedside. Analysts say the mobile computing field will grow rapidly as new applications are introduced.

3 TRENDS TO WATCH

Gregg Malkary, managing director for Spyglass Consulting, sees these trends emerging in mobile computing:

1.RENEWED FOCUS ON PATIENT SAFETY: Nurses should be able to spend as much time as possible at the bedside. Mobile carts allow them to receive communications and manage care with a tighter focus on the patient and treatment.

2.CHRONIC LABOR SHORTAGES: As hospitals struggle to operate with smaller workforces, mobile devices can be a key component to improving communications and getting the most efficiency out of each provider. “If you can leverage devices such as the iPhone and BlackBerry for communications, it can help,” said Malkary, who notes nurses are inundated with information and need simplified mobile solutions.

3.EXPLODING HEALTHCARE COSTS: The cost of delivering care is out of control and requires healthcare organizations to find efficiency in all areas. Mobile IT allows providers to accomplish more in less time and reduces reliance on administrative procedures such as nurse call systems.

Click to enlarge

Mobility is a must in healthcare
Fujitsu LifeBook T5010 convertible tablet PC The versatile 4.5-pound LifeBook T5010 convertible tablet PC with a large bright 13.3 inch widescreen display is ideal for healthcare professionals who require both inking and pen driven navigation for forms, along with a keyboard and a built-in modular bay for an optical drive, bay battery, or second hard drive.	ST6012 slate tablet PC The ST6012 tablet PC with a semi-rugged sleek exterior features the first embedded, biometric pre-boot authentication available on a slate adding another layer of data security to an already robust arsenal. With its multifunction pen, 12-inch indoor/outdoor display and optical webcam, the Stylistic ST6012 works like pen and paper – only better.	LifeBook U820 convertible mini-notebook With all the functionality of a traditional notebook, but a quarter of the size, the 1.32-pound LifeBook U820 convertible mini-notebook with a 5.6-inch touch screen display features optional integrated Garmin Mobile PC navigation software. Advanced security features including fingerprint sensor, BIOS lock and Kensington lock slot keep data safe and deter physical theft. Contact: Mike Rice, 937-435-8231, MRice @ us.fujitsu.com
HP HP EliteBook 2730p The HP EliteBook 2730p is an ultra-thin, convertible tablet that – with a twist of the screen – transforms from an ultra-light notebook PC into a pen-based tablet. This high-performing tablet sports an innovative design and weighs in at only 3.7 pounds. Rotating the screen transforms it into a pen-based tablet measuring only 1.11-inches thin. New features include an integrated touchpad, tablet buttons and a jog dial. Frequent travelers can take advantage of the optional ultra-slim battery accessory that offers up to 12 combined hours of battery life. The HP EliteBook 2730p also supports a convenient, ultra-slim docking solution with an integrated DVD+/-RW drive. The HP EliteBook 2730p is priced at $1,670. Contact: Luisa Montes, 650-762-2972, luisa.montes @ edelman.com	Panasonic Toughbook H1 The Panasonic Toughbook H1 is the first fully-rugged mobile clinical assistant. Engineered for medical professionals, the H1 maximizes efficiency and alleviates clinical workloads. With an industry leading battery life, exceptionally low failure rates and a host of integrated features, the H1 helps to improve patient safety, while providing a solid ROI.
User Reviews
"The Toughbook H1 has made a significant impact in the efficiency of our nursing staff. With the H1, nurses can access critical patient information and document a patient’s condition and vital signs at the bedside, eliminating the need to manually input hand-written nursing notes into a computer, search for patient files and possibly repeat work that may have already been completed. Not only has the H1 increased productivity, it has also improved the quality of patient care, which is most important to us. Since patient information gets stored in our system in real time, nurses no longer have to worry about lost information, delay in data input or miscommunication of critical information – all of which are common causes of medical errors. We looked at other MCAs but selected the H1 for its superior durability, hot-swappable batteries, un-tethered wireless G capability and fully-sealed design and dual-touch screen. We are very happy with our choice.”" Doug Darby, director of information systems, Pioneers Memorial Hospital