The Wireless Way

We begin this presentation with a question of reality. Please read the following statement and think about what it means.

"A microchip that can be implanted under the skin to give doctors instant access to a patient's records yesterday won government approval, a step that could transform medical care…"

Is this statement true? If so, what are the implications of this device? How could it be useful? How could it be harmful? How could it be adapted to other uses?

Although this statement sounds like a line from a James Bond movie, if you answered "true" you are correct.


Please view the following video for a more detailed look at this wireless device.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL7dPN9l6EI
Link to the remainder of the Washington Post article from which the excerpt was taken.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A29954-2004Oct13.html

Although this example may not be the first to come to mind when one thinks of wireless technology in healthcare, it is a prime example of the diversity of wireless applications entering the realm of human health. A statement by Eric J. Topol, M.D., Director of the Scripps Translational Science Institute and the Chief Academic Officer of Scripps Health in reference to wireless technology in healthcare is both powerful and to the point:

“While the top five life-changers are currently the Internet, PCs and laptops, mobile phones, email, and DNA testing and sequencing, by 2015, it will be wireless medicine.”

Wireless technology is revolutionizing healthcare. From implantable data devices and hand-held computers, to hands-free voice-activated communicators, wireless technology is changing the way that healthcare is delivered. But what is wireless technology, why is it useful and what are its limitations and risks in the healthcare setting?

For more of Eric J. Topol’s thoughts on wireless technology please follow the link.
http://www.mobilemarketer.com/cms/news/software-technology/2971.html

Our Goal

The goal of this presentation is to enhance your understanding of wireless technologies and their applications and implications in the healthcare setting.

To achieve this goal we have set the following objectives:

1. to describe the basic function of wireless technologies

2. to provide the reader with a foundational understanding of the types, uses, and benefits of
wireless technology in healthcare

3. to describe the security considerations of wireless technologies in healthcare

4. to present a detailed description of a wireless communications device emerging in the
Canadian healthcare setting

5. to describe the future applications of wireless technologies in healthcare

We hope that your journey through this presentation stimulates some thoughts and questions that you can share in the forum.

Now that we have your attention and you know where you’re headed, let’s begin!