After some initial research, CHSOM decided to trial wireless communication devices for mobile health workers to see how they could help improve information flow in hospitals.
"Some healthcare quality studies have shown that adverse events in hospitals are related to information management. By speeding up the flow of information and increasing accuracy, we can eliminate the errors, delays and double handling that can occur when information is not readily available," said Dr Heslop. "We believe that, by giving doctors, nurses and other caregivers access to correct, up-to-the-minute information wirelessly, hospitals can work more efficiently and virtually eliminate potential mistakes like administering the wrong treatment to patients."
In May 2003 CHSOM launched a research project called mWard to measure the business impact and technology suitability of wireless and mobility applications in health care.
The mWard project involves a wireless ward at Monash Medical Centre. Ward staff use handheld devices and mobile equipment to deliver patient care in the neurology, neurosurgery and stroke areas at Monash Medical Centre. The project’s aims included:
