Wireless Technology in Healthcare

As more and more hospitals embrace wireless technology, medical professionals are realizing the incredible benefits it affords, like improving hospital and medical professional efficiency, increasing doctor and patient mobility, and saving lives. The

elimination of computer cables alone allows hospitals to more efficiently use space because they have more options when it comes to equipment placement. Medical professionals are also more efficient because they can update patient records or research and choose proper medications at bedside. Laboring women can shorten their labors by moving around while doctors and nurses wirelessly monitor fetal heartbeats. Electrocardiogram results can be wirelessly sent to a patient’s physician on his or her handheld, wherever he or she is, which leads to reduced treatment times. Wireless technology can also save lives by preventing medical professionals from giving the wrong medication to patients. By using a handheld device to scan a barcode on the patient’s bracelet and another on the prescription, doctors and nurses can ensure that they are administering the proper medication. Wireless technology is also indispensible in emergency situations. Paramedics can send medical information to the hospital while the patient is en route so emergency personnel are already prepared for the patient when he or she arrives.

There is a downside to this technology, however. Many have expressed concern over patient confidentiality. Not only does a hospital have to have a protected network to be able to use wireless devices safely, it has to have a secure method of disposing of the wireless devices once their lifetimes are over. Protecting patient information is of paramount concern to the healthcare industry. The Department of Homeland Security recently warned of the risks associated with using wireless technology in medicine in its report titled, “Attack Surface: Healthcare and Public Health Sector,” which medical professionals likely are taking seriously.

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