In the last decade, national healthcare’s IT core objective has been centered around achieving interoperability. What is interoperability? In the healthcare realm, it is the the flow and connectivity of patient information across organizational, vendor, technological and geographical boundaries. Interoperability holds different meanings in many different fields, but in healthcare (according to HiMMSS) it means the ability of health information systems to work together within and across organizational boundaries in order to advance the effective delivery of healthcare for individuals and communities. In this article we will explore the need, challenge and solutions for helping healthcare facilities become interoperable. 

The Need

While there is a multitude of networked systems used in patient care (EHR (electronic health records), wireless pumps (IV), RTLS, wireless phones,..etc.) some of these do not have an integrated open network architecture that allows these devices to interface. Communication is vital in all aspects of healthcare, and medical devices are no exception. Errors in patient care from things like mismatched EHRs or misplaced medical equipment means reduction in patient safety and quality of care. Being able to exchange information between these applications is not only beneficial to the patient, but also provides a seamless workflow for staff.

The Challenge

Ensuring the devices used are interoperable can be crucial in providing the best care. Organizations conducting clinical research, public health agencies, health plans, personal health records and even medications and lab results all feel the demand to be interoperable. The challenge being that not all devices are created to naturally “talk” to each other, analyze the information and then act on that data. So, in a landscape known for its many demands, making sure hospitals devices are interoperable can be of the utmost importance.

The Solution

Finding the right technology and architecture to bridge these networks means finding a nurse call system that integrates directly to a patient’s EHR and allows the systems to share information bi-directionally. Hospitals want shared information for evidence-based data to improve performance as well as staff efficiency. The Rauland Responder 5 as well as the Versus Technology RTLS has demonstrated interoperability; enhancing both patient care and staff workflow.

According to Rauland, the interface between Rauland Responder All Touch® and Versus solutions allows hospitals to share data and information between systems for comprehensive intelligence on workflow, healthcare provider status, room condition, and the patient needs. It also builds on Rauland Responder’s open integrations and interoperability strategy in delivering workflow and process solutions across the hospital environment.

Conclusion

Wired and wireless networks for healthcare communication will only continue to evolve over time, but one major objective remains – providing the very best care possible for every patient. At Audio Acoustics it’s our goal to provide healthcare facilities with the very best in technology so they can continue in that mission.

Have you heard we’ve expanded into Oklahoma? We’re excited to be offering the same great healthcare solutions, like the Rauland Responder 5, in southern Missouri, southeast Kansas and now the great state of Oklahoma.

Contact us today or call our Oklahoma City office at 800-261-0770

Hospitals Interoperability Rauland Nurse Call