Study identifies top five wireless challenges

From HealthcareITNews.com
May 20, 2009 | Molly Merrill, Associate Editor

CHICAGO – A new study identifies the top five challenges senior IT executives face when implementing wireless applications and devices in the healthcare setting.

HIMSS Analytics used two focus groups for the March study, ranging from large (1,000+-bed) urban health systems to small (100-bed) rural organizations.

According to the HIMSS Analytics Database, approximately one-third of U.S. hospitals use wireless technology.

"In theory, secure mobile access to medical records and imaging, prescriptions and even general administrative databases should allow doctors, nurses and medics to treat more patients faster, more accurately and with greater flexibility – from any location in a large hospital, during home visits or at the scene of an ambulance response," said Jennifer Horowitz, senior director of research for HIMSS Analytics. "However, often the anticipated productivity gains are hampered by a series of fairly common issues related to wireless networks. This report examines some of those key issues and identifies some approaches healthcare agencies are utilizing to address them."

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