Mobile phones in hospitals

Myerson, Saul G.; Mitchell, Andrew R.J.

doi:10.1136/bmj.326.7387.460

Cited by 41 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 5 publications

(4 reference statements)

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“…Specifically, in addition to their common use as a communications tool, using their new 3G WCDMA capabilities, mobile telephones are being developed as an adjunct in information provision and medical diagnosis. Proposals for more flexible approaches to mobile telephones, such as allowing mobile telephone usage in controlled and easily accessible areas, [7][8][9] are relevant in the ophthalmic setting. There are already suggestions that complete bans have been ignored, especially by healthcare staff.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Digital mobile telephones and interference of ophthalmic equipment

Ang

Lian

et al. 2005

Eye

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Aim To assess the effect of mobile telephone electromagnetic interference on electronic ophthalmic equipment. Methods Prospective audit with mobile telephones placed at distances of 3 m, 1 m, and 30 cm from, and in contact with, electronic ophthalmic equipment. Any interruption or cessation of the function of the ophthalmic device was assessed with the mobile telephones in standby, and in dialling or receiving modes. Any alterations of displayed digital figures or numbers were also assessed. Results A total of 23 electronic ophthalmic devices in two hospital ophthalmology outpatient departments were evaluated. All six mobile telephones used, and 22 (95.7%) of the 23 ophthalmic equipment evaluated had the Conformité Européene (CE) mark. No device showed any interruption or cessation of function. There were no alterations of displayed digital figures or numbers. The only effect of any kind was found with four instruments (1 non-CE marked), where there was temporary flickering on the screen, and only occurred when the mobile telephones were dialling or receiving at a distance of 30 cm or less from the instruments. Conclusion This study shows that among the electronic ophthalmic devices tested, none suffered failure or interruption of function, from mobile telephone interference. Although not comprehensive for all ophthalmic equipment, the results question the need for a complete ban of mobile telephones in ophthalmic departments. It highlights the need for a controlled, objectively measured study of the clinically relevant effects of mobile telephones in the ophthalmology outpatient setting.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Digital mobile telephones and interference of ophthalmic equipment

Ang

Lian

et al. 2005

Eye

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“…Unfortunately this is of limited benefit because mobile phone signals are strongly absorbed in large hospital buildings and a high signal power is often required. The 2 m Rule has proven effective for controlling EMI from mobile phones without insisting that they be turned off in all hospital buildings 4 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Walkie talkies cause more electromagnetic interference to medical equipment than mobile phones

Stroud

Huang

McKenzie³

2006

Australas. Phys. Eng. Sci. Med.

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It is generally realised that mobile phones can interfere with medical electrical equipment and many hospitals have policies which aim to minimise the risk to their patients from this cause. Walkie talkies are also used in hospitals, but very little information is available concerning their ability to interfere with hospital equipment. Two walkie talkies and three mobile phones have been used to study and compare interference in 29 items of patient-connected equipment in a large hospital. Test results show that with some equipment there will be signal distortion and/or false alarms, and a Power off/on Reset may be necessary. In rare cases, when equipment is subjected to extreme signal strengths, it is possible to observe equipment failure requiring the replacement of failed components. For these tests the walkie talkies were set at 4W of output power and they caused significantly more interference than the mobile phones. The observed effects have been classified according to the maximum distance at which they were observed and according to the criticality of the possible outcome for the patient. It is concluded that, except for emergency services, the use of walkie talkies should be restricted in hospital buildings.

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“…At the Mayo Clinic in 2005, in 510 tests performed with 16 medical devices and six mobile telephone brands, the incidence of clinically important interference was 1.2% [1]. There is now a general world-wide trend towards relaxation of regulations regarding use of mobile phones in hospitals [5].…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Mobile Phones — Ban or Boon?

Datta

2008

Medical Journal Armed Forces India

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Mobile phones in hospitals

Cited by 41 publications

References 5 publications

Digital mobile telephones and interference of ophthalmic equipment

Digital mobile telephones and interference of ophthalmic equipment

Walkie talkies cause more electromagnetic interference to medical equipment than mobile phones

Mobile Phones — Ban or Boon?

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