Introduction
Hospitals are continuously evaluating technology to deliver better patient care, improve communications, reduce waste, and operate more competitively. These initiatives lead to improved service and are good for the environment as well. A private hospital in Asia is phasing in new technologies as part of its overall enhancement plan. New patient care display technology improves patient service with a touch panel that integrates with the existing nurse call and patient notes system. Units will be installed first in the ICU department, and eventually throughout other parts of the hospital.

Solution
Advantech, working with a local system integrator, delivered a solution based on the UTC-W101E, 10.1" touch panel computer. Theintegrator requiredasystem with standard VESA mounts so that the terminals could be placed on the wall. The hospital required a system that was quiet, with an easy to use touch panel that could be linked to their Hospital Information System (HIS). UTC-W101E, connected to the HIS system through the LAN shows data such as patient name, and attending physician and nurse, replacing a paper-based system with an easy to read display. The entries can be posted from anywhere on the LAN.

System
Advantech's UTC-W101E features a fanless Intel® Atom™ processor-based platform. It consumes low power and operates quietly. It fits unobtrusively in a limited space environment with VESA mounting; the 10.1" touchscreen and 16:9 aspect ratio offers anatural viewing display, and its eight built-in hotkeys allow patients to access applications easily with the touch of a button. There isan onboard LED lamp which is integrated with the nurse call system, and LAN connectivity ensures UTC-W101E has real-time data access to the hospital's various information systems. The front panel is IP65/NEMA4 compliant and has an optional UL60601-1/ IEC/EN60601-1 certification.

Benefits
The hospital has been happy with the pilot program. Among the benefits cited:
 n Long product life cycle from a respected manufacturer
 n Optional UL60601-1/ IEC/EN60601-1certifications
 n Easy to clean, important in a hospital environment
 nStandard solution, easily linked to hospital information systems
 n Intuitive interface with responsive touch panel, easy for patient use
 n Enhanced patient experience with nurse call, security, entertainment, and communications

The Advantech UTC-W101E delivers intelligent technology to hospitals, giving them better access to data, increased efficiency and reducing paper consumption and waste.