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Wireless Technology and Physician Engagement
An important part of readiness assessment includes the infrastructure that allows the physician to enter orders remotely throughout the hospital on a robust wireless network. Ensuring a wireless network with redundancy is a critical success factor. Once the physicians are accustomed to accessing data and entering orders on a wireless device throughout the hospital campus, it quickly becomes an expectation. Consequently, the wireless network must be able to accommodate a high-volume of traffic, and include all areas the physician might travel (stairwells, elevators, lounges, cafeteria).
At ABC Hospital, the wireless network was used to leverage the CPOE effort and build interest. The hospital had previously invested in a robust, redundant wireless network. As CPOE was rolled out, wireless subnotebook laptops were deployed to the physicians that were supportive of the CPOE effort. These subnotebook laptops allow the physicians to access the clinical information systems, the Internet and e-mail throughout the hospital. Interest (i.e. envy) by the other physicians regarding the devices helped build interest and ultimately support for the CPOE effort. Physicians were not provided the devices unless they agree to use the CPOE system. As the rollout was initially voluntary, this strategy proved highly effective in building momentum through the implementation.