Bedside Terminal Technologies: An Overview

Overview

Hospital IT professionals are having an enormous impact on patient well-being and satisfaction because they're equipping patient bedsides with modern devices for vitals monitoring, entertainment and communications. However, architecting a patient information and entertainment solution is complex, and IT departments must decide which technologies best meet patient expectations, clinical initiatives, staff processes and Return On Investment (ROI) targets. Fortunately, the necessary technologies for back office and bedside terminals are established and proven. Still, considerable effort is required to evaluate features, integrate different technologies and implement new use models, such as doctors showing CT images to patients at their bedsides. This white paper presents some of use models for bedside terminals and discusses many of related technologies and features that hospital IT departments should consider.