Bangalore, R&M, the globally active developer and provider of infrastructure solutions for data and communications networks, based in Wetzikon, Switzerland, is aiming to make a fundamental contribution to the digital transformation in healthcare. The main challenge is to bring medicine and information technology together. The decisive factor is a coherent network infrastructure that is embedded in a digitalization strategy. For this purpose, R&M offers smart hospital solutions as well as special cost-effective packages for sensitive environments.
The volume of data is increasing rapidly in hospitals and in the healthcare sector in general. Every day, innovations come onto the market that revolutionize information systems, diagnoses, patient management and telemedicine, and thus improve care. The market for networked medical devices, such as mobile devices that measure blood pressure and much more, is growing significantly. Insiders talk about the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT).
Networking as a key challenge
Often, the local data network does not yet support data transmission with 10 Gigabit/s or more. IoMT products use a wide range of interfaces and wireless protocols. Outlets are freely accessible. Medical technology, administrative and public applications, however, require strict separation. New laws, compliance regulations and cyber risks are increasing the demands placed on networks.
R&M recommends prioritizing integration capability. Hospitals and other healthcare institutions have to merge a wide variety of digital and traditional systems. The spectrum – here just an excerpt – ranges from multimedia terminals, monitoring and call systems in patient rooms, classic office IT, access control, video surveillance and building automation all the way to communication technology for doctors. Not to be forgotten are diagnostic imaging systems, whose huge files can overload the local network.
Added to this is the sheer volume of new IoMT devices. In order to make their wealth of data available in real time for information systems, monitoring, diagnostics and emergency measures, they need close-meshed, broadband wireless and LAN connectivity. Thanks to IoMT, hospitals can use their resources more efficiently and are better able to prevent errors.
New video surveillance applications can make work on the wards easier. Staff can check the points of care centrally. Ward management can see how patients are doing and whether workflows and hygiene standards are being adhered to.
In the near future, the bandwidth-intensive 5G and WiFi 6/7 services will have to be integrated into the networks. This will enable seamless zero-roaming data communication. Patients’ vital signs, diagnoses, visits, decisions and workflows can be tracked and managed in real time via smartphone.
Areas of application include typical clinic workspaces as well as places with high hygiene requirements, such as patient rooms and operating theaters.
Basic framework for a smart hospital
The solution consists of generic, structured cabling as the basic framework for the smart hospital. It supports higher bandwidths and can accommodate all data streams. The common language is the Internet protocol Ethernet/IP; the standardized interface is the RJ45 plug face. Modern cabling can be installed step by step during renovations and conversions – provided that professional planning and consulting are in place.
Ideally, this network consists of optical fiber and shielded copper cabling as well as expandable distributors. The Cat. 6A standard is the benchmark for copper cabling. We recommend an additional ceiling installation (digital ceiling) on all floors as well as preparation for Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Single Pair Ethernet (SPE). This will enable small digital devices, WiFi antennas, cameras, displays and sensors to be integrated via plug & play in the future.
The R&Mfreenet cabling system is configured for these purposes. It serves as a standard infrastructure solution for the entire journey – from the patient’s bed, the staff workstations and medical technology to the clinic’s data center and Internet access. In addition, the generic approach supports the integration of building systems such as heating and energy management as well as their digitalization. This means the smart hospital also becomes a smart building.
When setting up a network, hygiene must not be disregarded. Multi-resistant germs are a permanent hazard. They can even settle on the surfaces of patch cords and outlets. Antimicrobial solutions can reduce the risk. R&M uses an inorganic plastic material with an additive of silver ions for the R&MhealthLine system.* The R&MhealthLine system comprises standard-compliant cables, outlets and mounting plates for data network connections for sensitive areas (Figure 1).
R&M has developed the R&MsafeLine insulation module for protection against electrical discharges in medical devices (Figure 2). The coupler for outlets saves expensive device upgrades.
Reducing risks
Companies pay close attention to where risks to patients, data, IT, business processes, compliance and operating expenses can be reduced. The focus is also on the data network. Administration and adjustments to the data network are significantly improved and simplified by inteliPhy (Figure 3).
R&M recommends durable wiring that supports frequent generational changes in digital devices and future bandwidths. This promotes the return on investment and harmonizes with the typical long life cycle of hospital infrastructures.
In this way, solutions for modern Ethernet/IP networks become the key to efficient digital transformation in healthcare. They bring added value to the companies themselves. Risk management, accounting and administration can access valuable information provided by the network. Business processes can be optimized and automated more effectively.
