Information exchange systems are critical to healthcare delivery, but they have also given rise to a number of new issues. In various healthcare facilities, interoperability, or the ability of computer systems to communicate with one another, has become a top priority. Security, privacy, and efficient data management have also become crucial to the development of the modern healthcare system.
The Electronic Health Records initiative and other efforts were enacted to make patient management and healthcare application more effective. In order to facilitate meaningful use of EHRs, the disparate technologies within facilities themselves need to be standardized. Standardization involves updating new and existing facility infrastructures with modern technology and ensuring that those infrastructures are effective at delivering on their mission.
In practice, there are often gaps in technology standardization. Some facilities need assistance in updating their technology infrastructures while others need entirely new infrastructures. In early 2016, 23% of U.S. healthcare facilities were updating, building, or planning to build new network infrastructures, according to Health Facilities Management Magazine. Nurse calling systems, security systems, and fire protection systems were also important infrastructure projects.
Bringing Healthcare Facilities Up to Technology Standards
If you are looking for assistance with your healthcare facility’s infrastructure, a certified communications infrastructure partner can assist in the standardization of your technology. Designing and deploying the most advanced structured cabling networks will allow for better interoperability and more reliable data transfer.
Look for a partner who uses the latest equipment and has experience working within a healthcare facility. Using the latest in network technology, such as Category 6A and laser optimized fiber cabling, is now necessary to ensure the longevity of a system and to prepare it for multiple generations of healthcare technology. Substandard equipment is less costly and may sustain a facility for a time, but it will need to be updated sooner, which can compound costs. Communications infrastructure professionals can assist with every aspect of a facility’s technology.
- Interoperability and Data Exchange
Every healthcare facility is unique, and different types of facilities will have different network requirements. For example, an urban hospital will have more demanding needs than a doctor’s office in a small town. Certified communications professionals can design unique networks that promote interoperability, minimize interference, and support increasing loads of data in unique facilities. They will also use top quality materials to encourage longevity and install requisite equipment in each unique work area.
- Data Management
As higher grades of technology are implemented into healthcare facilities, data requirements will continue to grow. Most facilities have some form of data management system, whether it is an on-site server bank or a cloud-based system, but these systems will eventually need to be updated to keep up with increasing data requirements.
Communications professionals can clean up existing server areas. They can also replace old servers, install new units, and build entire new areas for data storage. If your facility has an existing IT staff, your communications infrastructure partner can work alongside them to provide necessary services.
Technology standards are designed to make healthcare facilities more efficient in providing care, but action must be taken to meet standards. Rely on a certified communications partner to build and standardize your facility’s technology infrastructure.
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