These are excerpts from the recent article in Advances for Health Information Executives http://health-care-it.advanceweb.com "Investing in Cellular Infrastructure", "System mirrors strong committment to technology in providing state of the art patient care.
While there is still various degrees of education needed regarding the use of cellular/PCS, and public safety radios within the healthcare environment, the previous article on EMI that was written should dispel this. (see attached). However, this article by Micheal Gleason firmly validates the rationale why and the model for healthcare.
- Support for carrier independent cellular services
- Include ideally all the carriers since the healthcare provider cannot control the market (their customer), so this should include Verizon, ATT, Sprint/Nextel, maybe even T-Mobile.
- Need to have the implementer and equipment be approved by the carriers.
- Imperative that the new construction requirements meet new building public safety ordinances for police and fire as well as security personnel.
Final comment " The investments we've made in best in class technology have enabled our physicians, residents, staff, patients, and visitors to communicate more efficiently through our carrier independent cellular infrastructure. And, because our facilities accomodate the use of mobile laptops, PDAs and other mobile data devices, we're well equipped to handle emergencies due to the introduction of a separate fire and police frequency."
