AmeriTech_Healthcare Technology Guide

1
Healthcare
Technologies
All information, images, content, opinions and information is the sole property of AmeriTech and/or Robert Gordon.
They cannot be copied, redistributed or utilized in anyway without express written consent.

2
Healthcare
Technology
-Multiple Networks-
is the Trusted Advisor in design and
deployment of Digital Hospital infrastructures

3
Benefits of a
Digital Hospital
Improved patient care
• Medication errors reduced 8%
• Prevented 1,241 wrong drugs
• Delays reduced 65%
Increased staff productivity
• Productivity in clinical services +25%
• Accuracy of billing +100%
• Decrease in phone calls to
obtain lab results -76%
Increased revenues
• Market share +15%
• More effective reimbursement
management
Reduced operating costs
• Laboratory test ordering reduced 7.5%
• Outpatient visits reduced 10%
• Transcription and dictation costs
reduced 45%
Patient care
improves
Staff
productivity
increases
Revenues
increase
Operating
costs
decline
Source:
U.S. General
Accounting Office
(GAO)
Digital
Hospital

4
Levels of
Convergence
Infrastructure Convergence
Shared cabling infrastructure
Network Convergence
Shared Ethernet / IP
networks
Data Convergence
Shared data formats
Operational Convergence
Shared staff and processes
Each level of convergence is an “enabler” to the level above

5
Typical Hospital
Communications
Infrastructure
Building Automation
Network
Nurse Call Network Security Network
Patient Monitoring
Network
Fire / Life Safety
Network
Audio / Video Network
Data / CIS Network
Wireless Network
Voice Network

6
This module focuses on network applications and services designed for
deployment in healthcare facilities
• Fire
• Access Control
• Security/Video
Monitoring
• Building Automation
• Data Network
Building Automation
Security
Fire/Life Safety
Data Network
Access Control
Healthcare
Technology
-Multiple Networks-

7
Non-Healthcare
Specific Application
-Fire Alarm-
 Fire alarm systems are a required part of any
commercial building
 Depending on the area, devices include smoke
detectors, strobes/bells, sprinklers, and central
monitoring panels
 Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications (EVAC)
systems notify staff, patients and guests of a fire
or emergency situation
 EVAC systems enable orderly movement of
people out of the building to alleviate life-
threatening situations
 Almost always on a dedicated infrastructure
 Can be IP-based for remote monitoring of
systems

8
Non-Healthcare
-Fire Alarm-
Analog

9
Non-Healthcare
-Access Control
The term access control refers to the practice of
restricting entrance to a Property, departments or areas
authorized persons only.
Although controlling access is not unique to the
healthcare industry, the items and information that they
secure is unique. Healthcare facilities have an obligation to
ensure patient safety and are bound by HIPPA to secure all
patient information. It is due to this responsibility that
healthcare facilities continue to place greater emphasis on
controlling access in the facility and retaining a record of
events.
Electronic access control uses computers to solve the
limitations of a mechanical lock and key system. By having
a central database and records system the facility can
ensure that only authorized personnel gain access to
specific areas and all events are logged.
Access control systems typically integrate with 3rd party
or other security systems the facility such as, fire alarms,
abduction and security personnel responsible for
implementation of code policies.
Access control systems are usually on their own network
and are either controller based using a RS-485 or 232 cable
infrastructure or are Ethernet based or are a hybrid
utilizing IP converters

10
Non-Healthcare
-Access Control-
Legacy

11
Non-Healthcare
-Access Control-
IP Solution

12
Non-Healthcare
-CCTV/Security-
CCTV/Security solutions in a healthcare environment are consistent with solutions
provided for most industries.
CCTV/Security solutions are utilized to provide constant observation and to retain a
visual digital record.
CCTV/Security solutions equipment usually includes a DVR and security cameras.
The cameras can be analog that utilize an RG6 and 18/2 power cable or IP solution
that utilizes CAT5 or 6 and POE switches
Camera locations in a healthcare facility are:
Interior
Lobby and public areas
Corridors
Entrance and Egress
Pharmacy
Materials Management
Nursery
Administration
Communications rooms
Exterior
Parking lots
Parking garages
Building entrances
Roof tops
Mechanical areas
Loading docks
Specialty Cameras
PTZ cameras in Operating Rooms with local and remote access and control

13
Legacy
Non-Healthcare
-CCTV/Security-

14
Non-Healthcare
-CCTV/Security-
IP Solution

15
Healthcare Specific
Application
-BAS-
– Building Automation Systems
• Regulate the building’s HVAC and lighting
systems for optimum comfort and
convenience
• Regulate and monitor water usage
• Facility-wide IP-based synchronized clocks
• Temperature sensors in pharmaceutical
refrigerators
• Parking control systems
– BAS is increasingly adopting IP-based
protocol for communication and remote
monitoring
• The maintenance person can be alerted on
his PDA of a temperature failure
• Reduces the need for manual system checks

16
Healthcare Specific
Application
-Network-
 A healthcare network infrastructure
comprises of the same basic solutions
found in most enterprise implementations
 Category 5, 5e, 6 and 6A – Plenum and
non-plenum
 Multi Mode Fiber
 Coax
 Data Racks
 Wire Managers
 Ect.
 The main differentiator is the critical nature of the content and technology
that relies on the infrastructure. In most businesses, if their communications
or data network go down they are inconvenienced and it will cost them in the
terms of lost productivity and lost revenue. In healthcare you have the same
inconveniences plus the potential for loss of life. Because the stakes are so
much higher in healthcare, facilities take every precaution possible to insure
uptime and speed.
 Another differentiator falls into the adds, moves or changes category. In a
healthcare environment you can not go into a patient room and say “excuse
me while I add or move a cable”. And because they are a 24x7x365
environment there is no after hours. Having to do MAC work can take an
entire unit down causing the facility lost revenue due to un-occupied beds
and/or loss of procedures.

17
Healthcare Specific
Application
-Voice-

18
Healthcare Specific
Application
-LAN & WLAN-

19
Our Focus
This module focuses on network applications and services
designed for deployment in healthcare facilities
• Clinical Information System (CIS)
• Nurse Call
• Patient Monitoring
• Wireless
• Audio / Video

20
• Healthcare facilities are
becoming more digital with
the advancement and
integration of multiple
Clinical Information Systems
• The capability to access
these technologies from
wired and wireless devices
has increased the
bandwidth and stability
required of the data
network
• Digitalization has
increased the amount of
data storage that is
required to support the
variety of
CIS solutions
• Access to files is critical to
patient care and staff
productivity
Medical
Research
Nurses
Patient
and
3rd party
billing
Hospital
Logistics
Physicians
Regulatory
Agencies
Other
Providers
Pharmacists
Technicians
EMR
CPOE
CDSS
PACS
Pharmacy
ADT
Healthcare Specific
Application
-Clinical Information System-

21
• Specialty solutions are
integrating with CIS
technologies, requiring
additional network
bandwidth and security
• RTLS
• Nurse Call
• Security
• Fire Alarm
• Each of these systems
generally have their own LAN
EMR
CPOE
CDSS
PACS
Pharmacy
Integration Servers
RTLS Nurse Call Security Fire Alarm
ADT
Healthcare Specific
Application
-Clinical Information System-

22
– Primary use is to alert specific staff of an event,
situation, or need at a specific location in the
facility
– Provides a means for communications
between staff members and patients
– Nurse Call buttons provide specific information
based on their programming and device type
• Nurse Call – General need request by patient
• Staff Assist – Additional staff requested by clinicians
• Code – High priority situation, additional staff needed
• Emergency Pull – Generally located in restroom (request
assistance)
• Corridor Light – Provides visual indication of room/event
status
Healthcare Specific
Application
-Nurse Call-

23
– Most can integrate with ancillary devices
• Marquees
• LCD displays
• Wireless phones
• Pagers
– Almost always on a dedicated infrastructure
– Can be IP-based with wired and wireless devices
– Most systems currently in place use legacy technologies
Healthcare Specific
Application
-Nurse Call-

24
Paging
Controller
Healthcare Specific
Application
-Nurse Call-
Nurse Call
Legacy Installation

25
Paging
Controller
Healthcare Specific
Application
-Nurse Call-
Nurse Call
IP Layout

26
• Telemetry is a technology that allows remote
measurement and reporting of information
• The term commonly refers to wireless data transfer
mechanisms (e.g. radio or infrared systems)
• Also encompasses data transferred over other media
(e.g. telephone or computer network, optical link or other
wired communications)
• A multitude of devices fall within this category
• Heart / Pulse / Oxygen (O2) / Infusion / Fetal monitors
• These devices are wired and/or wireless and require
connectivity at all times, including periods of patient
mobilization
Healthcare Specific
Application
-Patient Monitoring-

27
Healthcare Specific
Application
-Patient Monitoring-

28
• Wireless networks (WLANs) increasingly common
in hospitals
• Most new APs optimized for 802.11g/n coverage specifications
• Possible gaps in coverage for legacy (802.11b) healthcare technologies
• A typical deployment will have multiple VLANs
• Public access
• Wireless telephony
• Clinical access / Mobile computing
• Telemetry
• Locator
• As more technologies utilize the WLAN for transport,
emphasis will need to be placed on:
• Redundant power
• Failover at the port and/or switch level
• Increased bandwidth
• Cabling infrastructure capable of supporting current and future data rates
Healthcare Specific
Application
-Wireless-

29
– Today’s healthcare facilities procure
technologies to make them smarter
and more efficient
– RTLS and RFID are the backbone for
a variety of applications
• Asset location
• Patient location
• Staff location / presence
– Wireless solutions and infrastructure
are generally proprietary
• RS-232 / RS-485 cable (Legacy
deployments)
• Ethernet cable (Current deployments)
Healthcare Specific
Application
-Wireless-

30
Healthcare Specific
Application
-Wireless-
• Advanced and emerging uses of wireless
technologies
– Infant security (mother/infant matching)
– Patient EMR updates
– Patient EMR information in the OR
– Narcotics control
– Smart cards for:
• Access
• Illumination
• Credentialing
• Intelligent integration with multiple technologies

31
Healthcare Specific
Application
-Video/Audio-
Patient room television
• Specialty TV’s designed to integrate with
Nurse Call Pillow Speakers
• Market controlled by only a few
manufacturers
• Samsung is the newest to the market
(Health Care TV, late 2010)
• Specialty Plate needed to connect each
manufacturer’s TV
• Cabling generally consists of:
• Coax
• Category 5 from Specialty Plate to Nurse Call
Patient Station
• Specialty jumper cable from Plate to TV
• New installations may need both coax and
Category-rated cabling for IPTV and other
new technologies

32
• Interactive TV - iTV (Nurse Call + TV)
• High-definition video
• Interactive educational & entertainment
• Deliver on-demand health videos, latest
movies, and video games
• Can be used to order meals, schedule
appointments, make purchases or order
non-clinical items like pillows and blankets
• Many are equipped to connect to the Internet
for patient web browsing
• Has not become common practice due to
keyboard/mouse manipulation and infection
control issues
• With the entrance of LG & Samsung to the
market, we will likely see hybrid TV/PCs in the
near future
Healthcare Specific
Application
-Video/Audio-

33
• High quality A/V systems are becoming commonplace
throughout hospitals
• High-resolution monitors in the OR
• Music systems
• Videoconferencing and distance learning
• Remote physician collaboration
Audiovisual presentations and lectures
• Digital signage
• Advertising
• Security
• Room status
• Patient location
Healthcare Specific
Application
-Video/Audio-

34
Basic Display
Implementation
Healthcare Specific
Application
-Video/Audio-

35
Healthcare Specific
Application
-Video/Audio-
Advanced Display
Implementation

36
The Critical Role
of Infrastructure
Convergence
• Getting all of these systems to a
single uniform physical layer may
never be achieved
• Network infrastructure should be
designed to support current and
future Ethernet / IP / SIP / wireless
networks
• Adhering to a common architecture
for switching and management is
the primary step towards network
standardization and convergence
• Although a converged network on
its own is possible, it is much more
difficult and costly without a
converged infrastructure
• Planning and implementing new
networks and upgrades becomes much
easier

37
Healthcare Specific
Future
The future will bring a major shift in healthcare
technologies, from “stand-alone proprietary” to
“shared infrastructure IP-based”. We are already
seeing this migration in applications like Nurse Call
(moving to the SIP protocol) and Telemetry
(embracing 802.11 WLANs).
As we gaze into the crystal ball, here are some the
changes we are likely to see:
Nurse Call – Most manufacturers either offer a SIP-based solution or will have one
available shortly. Even though this technology is not new, legacy systems (70%)
greatly outnumber SIP systems (30%). In the next few years, the numbers will
equalize at 50% legacy and 50% SIP. After that, SIP will rapidly become the dominant
solution and legacy systems will be relegated to parts-only availability.
Telemetry – In the United States, the FCC has designated a portion of the radio
spectrum for Wireless Medical Telemetry Services (WMTS). Most Telemetry
deployments (90+%) operate over these dedicated frequencies — only a few have
been implemented over integrated 802.11 WLANs. In the coming years, we will see
more systems designed to function over existing hospital WLAN infrastructure, as
telemetry vendors acknowledge the reliability of these networks and optimize their
content delivery protocols.

38
Display & Patient Entertainment – This technology
has been stagnant for years. Deployment was
(100%) — and in most cases still is (90%) — confined
to patient rooms and waiting rooms, with the sole
purpose of entertaining people with basic TV.
Although patient room TV’s differ from consumer
TV’s through their pillow speaker feature, the biggest
advancement to date has been the migration from
tube TV’s to flat-panel LCD units.
However, as is the case with other technologies in healthcare, things are changing.
Displays are being distributed throughout facilities and are being used to market
products and services, provide directions, and display patient alarms or room status
information in nursing areas. We are going to see an increase in the deployment and
capabilities of displays as technologies like RTLS, RFID, Staff Presence, EMR, and CIS
systems become more integrated. This will allow for a more automated environment
capable of rule-based routing of selected information to specific displays.
The patient room TV has already started the migration from basic display to a display
capable of delivering facility information, health education, marketing messages,
discharge instructions, and Internet access. In the years to come, we will see new
capabilities as manufacturers incorporate PC functionality into TV’s, enabling the
delivery of advanced services and high levels of interactivity to patient rooms.
Although we do not have a 100% accurate crystal ball that will show us exactly what
the future will bring, one thing is certain — healthcare applications are rapidly
evolving, and the presence or absence of a converged infrastructure will mean the
difference between a “minimally-invasive procedure” and an “all-out transplant”
when it comes to application upgrades in healthcare facilities.
Healthcare Specific
Future
All information, images, content, opinions and information is the sole property of AmeriTech and
cannot be copied, redistributed or utilized in anyway without the express written consent of AmeriTech.

39
Reference
-Nurse Call-
GE Healthcare Nurse Call
Austco MediCom
Hill-Rom NaviCare
Rauland Responder
West-Com Novus

40
Dräger Medical / Siemens
Welch Allyn
GE Healthcare
Philips
Reference
-Patient Monitoring

41
Versus Technology
AeroScout
Airista
Hugs Infant Protection
Pedz Pediatric Protection
RoamAlert Wander Management
Reference
-LBS-
All information, images, content, opinions and information is the sole property of AmeriTech and
cannot be copied, redistributed or utilized in anyway without the express written consent of AmeriTech.

42
TIGRNET
Skylight ACCESS
GetWellNetwork
LodgeNet
HCI
PDi Communication Systems
Reference
-Video/Audio-

AmeriTech_Healthcare Technology Guide

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (7)

Similar to AmeriTech_Healthcare Technology Guide

Similar to AmeriTech_Healthcare Technology Guide (20)

AmeriTech_Healthcare Technology Guide