December 12, 2001
St. Vincent Hospitals and Health Services of Indiana has implemented a new program that allows physicians to take advantage of the functionality handhelds offer by integrating the use of PDAs into their patient computing and scheduling models. Clarinet Systems, Inc., a global provider of wireless network connectivity for laptops and handheld PC devices, has been chosen to provide the secure synchronization hardware to enable unimpeded and instant network connectivity for St. Vincent's staff physicians. Using Clarinet Systems' EthIR LAN(TM) wireless connectivity device, physicians can access the organization's network via the built-in infrared (IR) ports on their handheld computers and PDAs. From convenient locations throughout the hospital, physicians will have fast and easy access to patient records, which saves time and ultimately, improves overall patient care.
Prior to implementing the new program, St. Vincent Hospitals and Health Services was restricted to using Palm devices with their cradles at specific desktop locations within the organization, which limited a physician's ability to quickly access information. The inefficiency created an increasing need for mobile devices to access the hospitals' more extensive software applications from a variety of locations. Clarinet Systems' EthIR LAN provides the secure wireless connection, versatile interface and low cost solution needed for a successful implementation. By placing the EthIR LAN IR stations in the physicians' lounges, doctors have instant connectivity to the applications that help them manage their patient record keeping.
"We needed portable device access that wouldn't limit us to one device or cradle. The IR ports provide a connection to the LAN that was consistent with conventional networking," said Jeffrey L. Bowman, M.D., M.S. "With Clarinet Systems, we could use a Palm device, we could use a CE device and we could use a Windows device. The IR ports did not require a specific interface, software setup, cradle, hardware or even a PC Card. The easy setup and configuration had us connected to our network in no time."
Physicians enrolled in the mobile program at St. Vincent Hospitals and Health Services can access general hospital census, individual physician census, group physician census, transcripts, test results and notes from their handhelds.
"Our project has increased satisfaction and has addressed the needs of the physicians by providing quick and efficient access to vital information," said Dr. Bowman. "Increasing the time available physicians have to actually see patients rather than tracking down data puts us on the right track."
Additionally, Federal patient confidentiality regulations set forth by HIPAA (The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) are going to force physicians, nurses, executives, human resources personnel and other specific healthcare workgroups to have secure wireless access to the hospitals' networks. Unlike RF (radio-frequency) wireless solutions, Clarinet Systems' infrared technology allows network access to handhelds without expensive software, hardware or cradles and, more importantly, provides an open, secure HIPAA compliant solution.
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