Intel unveils new platform for access to real-time medical data
21 February, 2007
LOS ANGELES: US giant chipmaker Intel announced Tuesday its new mobile clinical assistant (MCA) platform for doctors and nurses to gain access to real-time patient records and manage the administration of medications.
As Intel's first platform built specifically for the health sector, the notepad-like device is an important step in the company 's overarching plan to take an active role in improving the healthcare world, industry analysts said. Intel said the lightweight, drop-tolerant and easily disinfected MCA allows health workers to access up-to-the-minute patient records and to document a patient's condition instantly, enhancing clinical workflow while reducing the staff's administrative workload.
Tablet computer maker Motion Computing, a privately held company, demonstrated the first product based on the MCA platform on Tuesday 's news conference in San Francisco. The Motion C5, featuring wireless connectivity to access up-to-date patient information and physician's orders, a digital camera to enhance patient charting and progress notes and blue tooth technology to help capture patient vital signs, has earned support from clinicians and nurses participating in pilot studies around the world, the companies said.
As part of the solution, Intel and Motion Computing worked closely with electronic medical record and other clinical software companies to refine their applications for use on MCA. "Today technology comes to the aid of those who help others," said Intel president and CEO Paul Otellini. "This is a great example of putting innovative technology to work solving real needs."
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center, one of the leading hospitals in the United States and a frontrunner in healthcare innovation, collaborated with Motion Computing on the C5's development. The medical center is now conducting pilots to measure improvements in workflow and nursing satisfaction with regard to patient care.
UCSF chief medical information officer Michael Blum said Tuesday 's announcement represents a new kind of collaboration between hardware and software companies and end-users, such as UCSF, to bring a solution to the market that better meets the needs of nurses and doctors. Officials said hospitals in several different countries have already signed on to pilot and deploy MCA in their care settings.
Curtsy: China View
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