Trends in Wireless Healthcare Technologies

Trends in Wireless Healthcare Technologies provides insight into the current wireless technology strategies used in hospitals, healthcare delivery networks, health plans and ambulatory care centers. It explores the pervasiveness of technologies such as:

• Wireless Computers
  
• Computers/Workstations on Wheels
  
• Handheld tools and devices
  
• Point- of-Care Devices
  
• Identification, Tracking and Security Devices
  
• Communication Tools and Technologies
  
• Telehealth Services

This research reveals the implementation plans that support healthcare organizations' goals to deliver higher quality of care, improve efficiency, and decrease medical errors, as well as the challenges organizations face in doing so. Using data from hundreds of healthcare information technology information professionals, Trends in Wireless Healthcare Technologies reveals the obstacles organizations face as they strive to:

• Maintain security across the network
  
• Control rogue devices
  
• Overcome physical barriers inherent to aging buildings
  
• Minimize wireless interference from ever-growing types and numbers of transmissions

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Introduction
Types of Networks
Drivers and Benefits
Devices Currently in Use
Technology Strategies and Budgets
Architecture and Network Management
Tools and Technologies
Methodology

SECTION 2: DEMOGRAPHICS
Types of Organizations
Hospital-Based Care Providers
Non-Hospital-Based Care Providers
Health Plans
Executives and Professionals

SECTION 3: OVERVIEW OF WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES CURRENTLY IN USE
Introduction
Types of Wireless Technologies in Use
Wireless Drivers and Benefits
Improvements Attributed to Wireless
Wireless Devices Currently in Use
Changes in Usage of Wireless Tools and Devices

SECTION 4: WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY BUDGETS AND STRATEGIES
Introduction
Wireless Budgets and Projects
Wireless Meets Strategic Goals
Wireless Tools for Clinicians
Clinical Documentation
Strategies for Handheld Distribution to Clinicians

SECTION 5: WIRELESS NETWORK MANAGEMENT
Architecture and Wireless Installations
Access and Interference Issues
Security and Wireless Networks
Strategies for Handheld Distribution to Clinicians
Challenges to Implementing and Expanding Wireless Technologies

SECTION 6: WIRELESS TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Wireless Computers
Computers on Wheels/Workstations on Wheels
Personal Handheld Tools and Devices
Point-of-Care Devices
Identification, Tracking, and Security Devices
Communication Tools and Technologies
VoIP
Cell Phones and Smart Phones

APPENDICES
Appendix A: Write-In Survey Responses
Appendix B: Organizations Mentioned and Companies Cited in Report
Appendix C: List of Charts and Tables
Appendix D: Survey Questionnaire