the tablet PC for Nurses : A mobile

the tablet PC for Nurses : A mobile clinical assistant
intel corporation and motion computing , inc. , are demonstrating the result of a joint effort to increase the productivity of nurse – the Motion C5 mobile clinical assistant – a tablet style personal coputer designed for use in hospitals and clinics
the idea for the product emerged from ethnographic studies that Intel conducted in the health – care setting. Here researchers observed the round –the –clock flow of activities In a hospital and meticulously recorded the key tasks performed by the nurses and professional staff , tracing their every movement. The C5 benefited from the rich insights uncovered by Intel’s study as well as from similar research that motion computing had completed in prior years. The companies believe that the device will help nurses handle chores such as remotely calling up medical records and doctor’s orders, charting vital signs. And exchanging information with other professionals.
The Motion C5 , which is priced at 2199 , provides a sure –grip handle , a sealed case for easy cleaning and disinfecting . a lightweight design for portability , a 10- inch screen for easily viewing clinical information , rugged construction , and a pen and stylus input so clinicians can enter text and navigate the software without being tied to a keyboard . the innovative device also incorporates such features as integrated bar code and radio frequency identification (RFID) readers for patient identification and or electronic medication administration , n integrated camera , and built-in wireless connectivity.
When the motion c5 was released in 2007 . about 16 % of US hospitals were using tablet PCs , and 24 % had smaller handheld computers. Some hospitals prefer what they call COWs – computers on wheels – that can be rolled into patient’s rooms
One of the first US adopter of the motion C5 was IH , located in Anacortes , Waashington . R.K assistant director of information systems for IH , was cenrrally involved in the buying decision. Though I buying team had initially recommended adding COW for every patient room , the nursing staff had concerns about CO limitations. K noted : “ the single biggest issue was the COWs are impossible to clean . The sanitary aspect was a nightmare”
HH , RN and clinical infomatics specialist , also noted the COWs were difficult to maneuver from room to room. “We tried a variety of cart styles but they are all still big and heavy” . Another IRN , CS , agreed :”we wanted a device in each room and based on our budget we would have to move COWs from room to room. That option was not acceptable”
While orther brands of PC tablets were evaluated , the buying team determined that the MC best met Island’s need. Concerning the decision ,RK observed : “ the thing that cinched it was that this tablet was designed for the medical environment . ther are drop resistant and easy to clean and other tablets didn’t offer anything near what we needed.