Tairawhiti District Health Board Mobilises Staff With Motion Tablet PCs
The Motion C5v Helps to Reduce Errors, Saves Time and Enhances Point of Care for Patients
AUSTIN, TX and SYDNEY - The enthusiasm shown by its medical staff made it an easy decision for the Tairawhiti District Health Board (TDH) to upgrade its mobile technology solutions to the Motion® C5v Mobile Clinical Assistant (MCA), a tablet PC designed specifically for healthcare environments.
In 2010, TDH made the decision to equip its staff with a powerful mobility solution that met its strict operating criteria and implemented the IT infrastructure required to support the pending deployment. "It was a straightforward decision for the Board to implement a mobility solution that supported the clinicians' requirement to have access to patient records at a moment's notice," said Max Ponomarev, team leader, IT Infrastructure, Tairawhiti District Health Board.
TDH began testing laptops, but quickly realised that the devices would not meet its specific requirements. "Further research led us to Motion's C5v, and once our infrastructure prerequisites were met, we were ready to begin a trial with the device," said Ponomarev. "After Motion supplied the initial product information, NZ distributor Simms International followed up on our requests, made further suggestions and arranged plenty of time with the demo tablet."
"We are 100 percent focused on sales through our channel, and working alongside the chosen resellers for Tairawhiti District Health enabled us to meet their needs and provide the best possible solution from Motion," said Dale Campbell, NZ business development manager for Motion at Simms International.
After purchasing its first C5v Tablet PCs in 2010, the medical staff was so impressed with the devices that the organisation ordered additional C5v units and plans to add up to another 10 tablet PCs in the coming months. "We left the decision up to our clinicians who, immediately after testing a demo tablet, requested we implement the tablet PCs as soon as possible," said Ponomarev. "I can't remember them ever being this enthusiastic about a new technology."
During the trial, the clinicians also discovered that the C5v Tablet PCs offered additional functionalities that the IT team did not initially focus on. "They picked up on how intuitive the tablet PCs were at recognising their handwriting and are thrilled that the pen-based input allows them to write directly on the screen," said Ponomarev. "Additionally, the clinicians were impressed with the C5v's integrated camera as they are now able to take photos of patients while interviewing them."
The C5vs are currently being shared among six clinicians in Gisborne Hospital's Paediatrics Ward. Using the tablet PCs, the clinicians are able to update patient records and access TDH services, including patient discharges, referrals, waiting lists and pharmacy, outpatient and operating theatre information. With its easy portability, the C5v allows the clinicians to work anywhere, enabling them to display and share information such as X-rays, blood results or videos with patients and relatives at the bedside, enhancing point of care. Using the C5v's barcode scanner, the clinicians are able to instantly access patient files instead of spending time flipping through paper files.
"The C5v Tablet PCs have improved and streamlined the way the doctors work, saving time on ward rounds, accessing online databases and information and making decisions on the spot, which the patients' families greatly appreciate as well," said General Pediatrician, Dr. Shaun Grant.
Running iSoft Clinical Views patient administration software, the C5v Tablet PCs are also being used for mobile clinics along the East Coast.
Looking to the future, TDH would like to utilise the Motion Tablet PCs across all clinical areas. "We are seeing their importance in cutting back on human error," said Grant. "We can also see the potential for video conferencing with the device's forward-facing camera."
"Being in the public service sector, we do not have an unlimited budget, but we have seen immediate benefits and time savings, and this is the way that we want to continue to move forward," added Grant.
About Motion Computing
Motion Computing is a global leader in integrated mobile computing solutions, combining world-class products with services customised for the unique needs of target vertical markets. The company's enhanced line of rugged tablet PCs, mobile point of care solutions and accessories are designed to increase mobile productivity while providing portability, security, power and versatility. Motion Mobility Solutions offer a complete portfolio of products, services and support that help ensure a successful mobile deployment for increased productivity, reducing project risk while delivering a more rapid return on investment. For more information, visit www.motioncomputing.com.au.
About Tairawhiti District Health
Tairawhiti District Health (TDH) covers the North Island's east coast area from beyond Hicks Bay to the Wharerata ranges. Our mission is "Working together to elevate the wellbeing of Tairawhiti" and as a District Health Board, TDH funds and ensures the provision of services for those in need of personal health and disability services. A large percentage of this work is done from the main campus on Ormond Road, where Gisborne Hospital is situated. Primary health care services and community-based care are delivered through providers such as Primary Health Organisations, GP's, Maori health providers and disability support providers that are funded by TDH. For more information, visit http://www.tdh.org.nz/
About Simms New Zealand
Simms International is a leading supplier of IT products and services to the SMB, corporate reseller and system-integrator markets. Since opening our New Zealand office in January 2010 we have forged relationships with world-leading vendors including Dell, Kingston Technology and Motion Computing. Our mission is to be the number one partner for our vendors in our chosen market and to align with vendors who are world-leading or who have that potential. For more information, visit http://www.simmsnz.co.nz.
SOURCE: Motion Computing, Inc.