Asymmetric digital subscriber line-based live interactive teleconsultation technology is beneficial in many rural hospitals that do not have a dermatologist.

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Fully computerized hospital information systems (HIS) are spreading in Japanese hospitals. Most HIS consist of server computers, terminals, a database, and a LAN. The introduction of HIS has enabled quick communication between doctors and staff and the immediate dissemination of patient information. Installation of a wireless data communication system compatible with a HIS has been reported to improve efficiency. However, also necessary is a voice communication system that can transmit instructions quickly in emergencies, such as a sudden change in the health status of an inpatient. In the Japanese medical community, "An environment in which access and the sharing of information are possible anywhere and at all times" is called a "ubiquitous environment." In order to attain such an environment, a telecom infrastructure with a mobile communications network is very important to voice and data communication. Here, we show the "ubiquitous environment" realized in Shimane University Hospital and how it has improved efficiency.

In large hospitals, collaborative clinical practice is currently emphasized, with members of various departments expected to work as a team. The importance of accurate communication among the team members is of utmost importance. To improve such communication, the introduction of mobile voice communication systems has received much attention in Japan. Shimane University Hospital also introduced a Personal Handy-phone System (PHS) for doctors. In the traditional setting, much time was wasted searching for doctors through multiple calls on fixed-line telephones. In order to measure the effectiveness of our system, the change in the number of calls made on fixed-line telephones before and after PHS installation was compared. The total number of calls was reduced by more than 35%, and the number of calls to the wards on weekdays was reduced by half. Mobile telecommunication systems with small output power, such as PHS, are known to cause little interference with medical devices which makes it possible to use mobile voice communication safely in hospitals. The improvement in communication by this systems resulted in an improvement in labor efficiency.

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Light-emitting diode (LED) lamps have been widely introduced in clinical settings for energy conservation and cost reduction However, LED lamps radiate electromagnetic noise and they cause poor reception of broadcasting and wireless communications. In this study, we investigated the effects of LED lamp use on the electromagnetic environment surrounding wireless medical telemetry systems and discuss the safe installation of LED lamps in a clinical settings. Streszczenie. Oświetlenie LED jest szeroko stosowane w klinikach medycznych, pozwalając na oszczędność energii i redukcję kosztów. Źródła światła bazujące na diodach LED emitują szum elektromagnetyczny powodując pogorszenie komunikacji bezprzewodowej. Artykuł przedstawia badania wpływu lamp LED na elektromagnetyczne środowisko obejmujące bezprzewodowe systemy telemetrii medycznej i omawia zasady instalacji lamp LED w obiektach medycznych. (Kompatybilność elektromagnetyczna medycznych systemów telemetrycznych i oświetlenia LED).

Wireless technologies as part of the data communication infrastructure of modern hospitals are being rapidly introduced. Even though there are concerns about problems associated with wireless communication security, the demand is remarkably large. In addition, insuring that the network is always available is important. Herein, we discuss security countermeasures and points to insure availability that must be taken to insure safe hospital/business use of wireless LAN systems, referring to the procedures introduced at Shimane University Hospital. Security countermeasures differ according to their purpose, such as for preventing illegal use or insuring availability, both of which are discussed. It is our hope that this information will assist others in their efforts to insure safe implementation of wireless LAN systems, especially in hospitals where they have the potential to greatly improve information sharing and patient safety.

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