Making Wireless Connections in the OR

TEPR 2008

Beautiful Northwest

• The Oregon Coast about an hour from Portland, OR

Objectives

• The attendee will be able to identify two benefits of wireless networks for hospitals and other healthcare organizations.

• The attendee will be able to define authentication, authorization and encryption in relation to wireless networks.

• The attendee will understand why security of any network including a wireless network is essential and needs careful consideration when planning the network

• The attendee will be able to define the term wireless network.

Transition of Computer Use in the Operating Room

• Initiated with Billing Systems

• Gradually expanded into –Supply Management

– Scheduling

• Now more and more see influx into– Clinical Documentation

Traditional Setup for OR Systems Network

• Hard wired (cat 5 cable)

• Computers-set Location

• Many OR room setups have been done in this manner as well.

What is Wireless ?

• Transmission of voice or data across a wireless network–Utilizes radio frequency transmission

to transfer data or voice across a network

–High or low frequency

–Industry level modems

–Standard signal formatting 802.11b

Mobility

• One of the main advantages of wireless networks

–Allows clinician to Move Around as needed

– If Combined with mobile Computer system

• allows Documentation at P0C

Documentation at Point of Care

• Clinicians need immediate access to patient information and care

Wireless Selection

• Begins with Identification of facility Needs

– Network architecture

• facility wide

• or OR only

– Site Visit

• Project manager, clinical Staff member, Technology team member, Clinical Engineering

– Signal Antenna Placement

• Outline area for Network

• Identify Transmission Devices and antennas needed

Wireless ConstructionInstallation Benefits

• Less physical area construction needed

• Less expensive install than hardwiring

Expense of Wireless Install

–Wireless Modems

• More Expensive

• Do Not Require Major construction Changes

• Do Require-excellent Signal

Wireless workflow

• Current workflow Pattern

• Identification of wireless effects

• utilize Change Management

Operating Room nurse Workflows

• Workflows Demonstrate

• 1) Numerous Patient Care Activities• Preop Area

• OR area

• PACU area

• 2) Main patient care activities in the OR room

– Moving around the OR room working with OR team and monitoring surgical patient’s status.

OR Nurse. Work Activity

• See Increased Use-wireless Connectivity in Operating Rooms

– Decreased construction Cost

– More Flexibility for clinician

– allows Patient Documentation at POC

Wireless Network Security

• Amy Network has Potential Security Rush

• Wireless Security best Maintained by utilizing

– Authentication

– Authorization

– Encryption

Computer Authentication

• Authentication

– First Steps Protecting a Network

– Uses a VPN

– Used to identify user before they are allowed on network

• Uses S. go on ID and individual password

–Considered Best Method to Prevent Unauthorized access

Computer Authorization

• Define User Access:–Ex. OR Nurse

• Access to Perioperative electronic documentation

• View-only Access to Preop Doc

Computer Data Encryption

• Method to change or disguise data

– most Common 128 bit

– minimum standard

– Requires Software on both Ends

• data can still possibly be intercepted

• But much harder to, decipher

Computer Security

• Stolen Computers

–Laptop. Mobile devices

– Variety protective measures available 1. Software installed for Tracking

–Activation codes

• Send location.

– Code can be sent to delete Sensitive files

The Cost of a Stolen Laptop Computer

• Estimated cost $6,000

–Includes

• Laptop

• Software loss

• Time to replace

•Data stored on computer

The Cost of a Stolen Laptop Computer

• Cost of sensitive data if not protected by encryption or other measures

• Ex – news story awhile back about VA laptop stolen contained social security numbers of many who had served in military.

Potential Improvements Using wireless Connections

• Patient Safely

• Cost improvements

• Quality

• Staff Utilization

• More Efficient Work Processes

Downtime

• Plan How this will be Handled

–Paper Doc

• Scanned

•Or manually entered post surgical case

Objective Review

• Advantages of wireless Connections– Improved Patient Care

–Mobility for Clinicians

• Necessary Aspects of Wireless Networks –Authentication

– authorization

–Encryption

Mobile workforce

• Wireless Networks Provide Alternative to Standard Hard-Wired Networks

• Many Benefits

– Immediate access to Patient Data

–Mobility provided for clinician