A Safe and Reliable Method for Installing Wireless LAN into a Hospital

Abstract

A medical environment in which patient information can be accessed anytime / anywhere is called a "ubiquitous environment". To realize such an environment, the installation of wireless LAN is quite effective. Because the maximum radio wave output (antenna power) is set low in Japan, it has been easy to safely introduce wireless LAN into hospitals, to date mainly into large hospitals. However, if the placement of access points is not done properly, problems will occur, such as signals not reaching the desired area. A solution to these types of problems is to do an electromagnetic-field propagation simulation, which should be performed before construction of the hospital. It is also necessary to protect against security problems, such as signal interception or illegal access. We herein show our procedures for the safe introduction of wireless LAN. Ⅰ. Demand for Wireless LAN in HospitalsThe introduction of wireless LAN enables not only the input of information at the point information is generated, but the construction of an environment in which "information can be referred to anytime / anywhere". If this environment is realized, it is called a "ubiquitous environment".As modern clinical medicine has become more complex in large hospitals, it has become difficult for doctors alone to treat patients. The concept of "clinical team" is widespread in large Japanese hospitals. A team consists of doctors and the co-medical staff working with them. Each team member shares information, and plays a specific role in patient care. In large Japanese hospitals, patient information, including electronic patient charts are often stored in the computer (server) hosting the hospital information system (HIS). Therefore, even if team members are not in close proximity, it is possible for them to refer to information using remote terminals. The introduction of wireless LAN into a hospital allows the quick, safe, and reliable sharing of patient information, and the demand for wireless data communication systems is expected to increase in the future. Realizing a "ubiquitous environment" in a hospital is quite effective for improving labor efficiency.Recently, the number of Japanese hospitals that have installed wireless LAN has increased rapidly. However, if the areas in which the electromagnetic signals (2.45 GHz bands and 5.2 GHz bands) used by wireless LAN are not positioned correctly, terminals will not be able to connect to the HIS. Also, it is necessary to protect against security problems, such as signal interception or illegal access.In Japan, no guidelines or installation procedures for wireless LAN use in hospitals have been published. We herein show our design for wireless LAN accessible areas, a design that insures that wireless LAN can be safely and reliably installed in hospitals. Ⅱ. Safety of Wireless LAN Use from the Viewpoint of Electromagnetic InterferenceBecause wireless LAN uses electromagnetic waves, some hospitals are concerned about electromagnetic interference (EMI) with medical devices by cellular phone...

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