Hospital of the Future: Leading Hospital in Japan Deploys Symbol Wireless Mobile Computing Solutions for Instant Access to Patient Information

Medication Match Application Assures Correct Drugs Are Administered to the Correct Patients

Symbol Technologies, Inc. announced today that the University of Tokyo Hospital, one of Japan's leading hospitals, has implemented a wireless mobile computing solution that includes a wireless local area network, 245 wireless access points and a series of handheld computers throughout its 14 floors. The technology, according to hospital officials, is maximizing employee efficiency and patient care while reducing errors in the administering of medication. The solution also addresses two wireless LAN concerns pervasive to global hospitals: security and interference.

Hospital care givers use the Symbol handheld computers, which are based on the and integrate a laser bar code scan engine and Spectrum24 wireless LAN, to instantly access patient information from the hospital server. The Symbol solution dramatically reduces paper-based patient documentation, which is considered the primary source of medication and patient care errors.

Medication Match: How it Works

The Symbol wireless mobile solution addresses the primary issue of medication administration. A nurse or other care giver scans a patient's bar coded identification or correctly pens in the patient's name to access the hospital server and "look up" a patient's medical history along with the correct medication and dosage to administer. The medication and dosage is then logged into the handheld computer, and the information is checked in the hospital database and confirmed.

"Hospitals - no matter their location or size-have a mandate to reduce mistakes and provide maximum service. The solution we've deployed with our business partners, at Tokyo University Hospital, allows instant access to patient information and streamlines everyday hospital procedures," said Peter Chan, Vice President, General Manager, Asia Pacific Operations, Symbol Technologies.

Symbol worked with business partner Fujitsu along with Nihon Kohden to develop the leading-edge system, which incorporates Symbol's core technologies of wireless LAN, rugged mobile handheld computers, and bar code scanning. The University of Tokyo Hospital was established in 1858 and treats nearly one million patients a year. The present facility is a brand new construction.