2004 Healthcare Information Technology Conference
"Making e-Health Work: What You Need to Know"
Agenda | Exhibitors | Workshops | Sponsorship Opportunities | Co-Sponsors
Session Descriptions: Keynote | Session 1 | Session 2 | Session 3 | Session 4 | "A Conversation with... David Bates, MD" | "A Conversation with... Mitchell Adams & David Cochran, MD"
Session 3 Description:
"Roadmap to Mobile Computing & Managing Electromagnetic Compatibility and Interference"
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Electromagnetic Compatibility and Interference - A Roadmap to Mobile Computing
Fine tuning systems and products is seen as essential for safe and efficient mobile computing operations, according to panelists discussing "Roadmap to Mobile Computing & Managing Electromagnetic Compatibility and Interference" at the Consortium's Health Information Technology Conference on Friday, February 6, 2004, at the Westin Hotel, Waltham, Mass.
Moderator Chuck Podesta, CIO of Berkshire Health Systems will lead a discussion with Jim Jones, Manager of Healthcare Solutions for Hewlett Packard; Rickey Hampton, Wireless Communications Manager for Partners HealthCare System; and Dara McLain, an EMC Engineer with Philips Medical Systems.
"In a perfect world, we would make perfect devices, but the person who says his computer always works right is not being honest," said McLain. "So we manage it by choosing compatible components and software applications, because each computer is unique, as is every person and every health care environment."
In her work with health care and biomedical professionals, McLain sees frustration and monetary losses stemming from a lack of support for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) management.
There are a handful of major U.S. health care facilities -- among them Partners -- that have state-of-the-art EMC management departments. "Most small institutions do not have any EMC management policy, but even some that do overlook biomedical recommendations in favor of some new device that some individual had to have," said McLain, who said one engineer with the right tools can go into a hospital or clinic and provide the needed support.
A number of assumptions about radio frequency technology must be addressed, according to Hampton.
"Wireless -- specifically RF -- device manufacturers assume that since they have access to certain frequencies governed by federal regulations and international standards, they have no further requirement to test or validate their equipment beyond those necessary to bring the product to market," said Hampton. Medical device manufacturers assume that health care facilities can absolutely control the use of wireless RF technologies in their environment. Meanwhile, health care facilities assume that wireless RF device manufacturers have extensively tested their products for use in a health care environment. They assume that medical device manufacturers are obligated to ensure their medical devices are totally immune to all forms of interference. None of these assumptions is true.
"Health care facilities must address the issues of wireless technologies head-on, as wireless RF communications are beginning to expand at an exponential rate," said Hampton. Active spectrum management is among the key areas on which health care facilities should focus to minimize the risks while incorporating wireless RF technologies.
The FDA is actively working with standards groups to raise awareness of all issues associated with wireless RF technologies, according to Hampton. However, there are no plans to promulgate new regulations. The IEEE has formed a new working group to address the use of wireless RF technologies in the health care environment.
"Health care facilities are becoming more aware of the benefits and limitations of wireless RF technologies," said Hampton. "Some are proactively taking steps to mitigate some of the risks, while others blindly charge ahead, and others sit on the side."
If you would like additional information on exhibiting opportunities for this or other events, please contact Arleen Coletti, Director of Member & Exhibiting Services via e-mail or by phone 781-768-2512.
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