Posted by Rachel Keller
Having trouble with consistent wireless coverage?
At RMS Omega, our services team has encountered many healthcare facilities with wireless systems that are not living up to their initial expectations. So what's the best way to correct a wireless issue? First and foremost, talk to your staff and identify common pain points. Talk to those who utilize the wireless network daily, they will know when and where it is not performing properly.
Second, don't assume that adding additional wireless access points (APs) will correct poor coverage. Believe it or not, when APs are placed in the proper locations you may need less than you think. When additional APs are introduced and your deployment becomes more complex, there are many factors that come into play and difficulties that can occur. This is especially true when using the free radio frequency spectrum.*
When evaluating your network, keep in mind there are several factors that can have an effect on your wireless system. For example, certain equipment found in medical facilities can cause interference. Materials used to control radiation found near x-ray machines can cause dead zones. In addition, access points (APs) from the hospital floors both above and below can cause Co-Channel Interference. Co-Channel Interference is caused when 2 access points in proximity to each other are transmitting on either the same channel, or an overlapping channel. The result causes the 2 access points to interfere with each other, ultimately causing the signal strength to weaken. Co-Channel Interference is mainly seen in the 2.4 GHz spectrum (B/G/N) because there are only 3 non-overlapping channels that can be used of the 11 available channels.
Conduct a proper analysis before making adjustments - What is an A&O?
If your devices are not connecting to the wireless network properly, we highly recommend conducting an appropriate analysis of your current system prior to making any adjustments. At RMS Omega, we provide a specialized wireless service called Analysis and Optimization, otherwise known as A&O. During an A&O, our RF engineers use a collection of highly sophisticated test equipment to produce a series of reports and heat maps. They first analyze the coverage of your hospital's current system, what interference you are experiencing, and then go about determining how to make it work better for you, rather than against you. Once your report is completed, our RF engineers are capable of making any necessary adjustments to your equipment, or RMS can guide your IT staff in making the suggested corrections and adjustments themselves.
In a typical A&O report, you will receive a heat map showing the wireless coverage throughout your healthcare facility. Below is an example from an A&O the RMS services team recently performed at a hospital whose wireless issues were caused by Co-Channel Interference from APs on other floors.
One issue that can be caused by Co-Channel Interference is the nullification of the signal resulting in a smaller coverage area. This is demonstrated by comparing the -65 dB Coverage areas (Blues) in the 2 graphics below. The only change made to this Access Point was to remove the Co-Channel Interference.
Explanation of RF Coverage
During the analysis of your facility, our technicians will produce a Heat Map of actual RF Coverage. Below is an explanation of what the various colors indicate. For each range, the darker shades of blue indicate a stronger signal.
Additional issues caused by Co-Channel Interference include the degradation of the signal quality resulting in resending data from mobile devices, loss of connectivity, and mobile device freezing. Mobile device freezing is due to very poor signal quality when the signal strength is still high, therefore the mobile device will not roam to another Access Point.
As you can see in the example above, overall wireless coverage was drastically improved when the Co-Channel Interference was removed. There was no need to purchase any new equipment!
Have questions about wireless?
Contact us! We have a team of Wi-Fi experts that are more than happy to help answer your questions.
*What is the free radio frequency spectrum?
The free radio frequency spectrum includes the radio frequencies that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) does not require the user to have a license and is free of costs. Wi-Fi is an example of one of the free radio frequencies.
Posted by Rachel Keller
RMS Omega will be attending the 2013 International MUSE Conference at the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in Washington, DC on May 28-31. RMS Omega will be in booth #620.
Attending the International MUSE Conference is a great way to become educated in the newest products and services in the healthcare industry. It is also a good way to network with other professionals within the industry and share stories and experiences.
RMS Omega plans to feature some of the latest technology designed for bedside point of care as well as specimen collection and identification.
Improving the Patient Experience While Providing Secure Clinical & Administrative Access at the Bedside
RMS Omega recommends Lincor’s MEDIVista all-in-one point of care solution. MEDIVista is the world’s leading clinical bedside computing technology.
From a touchscreen device mounted by the bedside, the patient has access to a range of entertainment and communications options that help relieve boredom and keep them in touch with friends and family. It also offers improved communication within the hospital, to ensure they get the assistance they need, when they need it.
Click here to watch a video about MEDIVista and be sure to stop by our booth to learn more!
RMS Omega will also be giving away two great prizes:
Stop by Booth #620 for two great giveaways!
1. Nook Reader & $20 Barnes & Noble gift card - RMS Omega will be sponsoring a gift for MUSEO.
2. Nook HD Tablet - Stop by our booth to find out how to win!
Posted by Rachel Keller
RMS Omega will be attending the 8th annual unSUMMIT for bedside barcoding at the Renaissance at Sea World in Orlando, Florida from April 24 – April 26, in booth #32. At unSUMMIT, healthcare professionals can learn valuable skills and information to make a positive impact on their f
acility.
Attendees will have the opportunity to network with a diverse community of colleagues and learn best practices that can be applied in healthcare facilities. There will be a chance to listen to inspiring and informative speakers and see new technology at the largest trade show for acute and critical care nurses. Attendees are also able to earn more than 12 CE hours.
To register for unSUMMIT 2013, please click here.
Booth #32:
RMS Omega works with healthcare organizations to design, deploy, manage, and service point of care technology systems.
We can offer the total solution by providing healthcare facilities with hardware and software along with authorized on-site/depot repair, wireless infrastructure services, and our strong commitment to excellence.
One point of care solution that RMS Omega recommends is Lincor’s MEDIVista, Clinical Access and Patient Media Portal. It is the world’s leading clinical bedside computing technology. Be sure to stop by our booth and ask us about Lincor’s MEDIVista.
Great Give-aways! Win a Nook HD!
RMS Omega will be giving away two prizes:
- A Nook Reader will be given away as a door prize. Just register and show up at unSUMMIT for a chance to win!
- The Nook HD Tablet (with 16GB) will be given away as a bag drop raffle prize. Look for RMS Omega's card in the bag your receive at check in, fill out your information, and bring it to Booth #32 for a chance to win!
Posted by Kate Sparks
Visit RMS Omega at HIMSS 2013 in New Orleans. We'll be in Booth #8219!
Along with our healthcare staff, many of our valued partners and manufacturers will be present at the HIMSS13 conference as well. Now is a great time to gather in-depth information on new technology systems, health IT, and meaningful use.
Watch a short video to learn more about RMS, Point of Care and Wireless Technology:
We hope to see you in New Orleans! Please feel free to reach out to us or set up a meeting to discuss new technology trends.
Posted by Kate Sparks
RMS Omega is hosting a free educational event and golf outing for Philadelphia area hospitals, October 23, 2012 at Commonwealth National Golf Club.
Join us Tuesday morning on October 23, to learn about the importance of point of care technology in patient safety. Mark Neuenschwander, a leading expert in the field of drug dispensing automation and barcode point-of-care systems and co-founder of The unSUMMIT for Bedside Barcoding, will be speaking about the regulations, best practices and work flow involved with deploying and managing barcode and point of care technology systems.
What will you do?
Have breakfast with us, learn, eat lunch & golf!
- Learn about the latest in Point of Care Technology from The unSUMMIT for Bedside Barcoding Co-founder, Mark Neuenschwander.
- Learn about Real-time Tracking Location Systems & RFID for patient safety, including hand hygiene compliance, cold storage temperature monitoring and reporting, asset tracking, equipment maintenance reporting, patient flow and personnel management, and lab and specimen visibility.
- Hear about the ROI of Barcode Specimen Collection from Linda Trask, Manager of Laboratory Solutions at Iatric Systems. Linda has implemented barcode specimen collection at more than 100 hospitals across the nation.
- Check out new technology and devices from Motorola Solutions & Zebra Technologies designed specifically for hospitals.
Those who don't wish to golf will receive a $30 gas card for attending.
View our full agenda and sign up today!
Posted by James Budniakiewicz
In order to maximize productivity in the Health Care supply chain, all distributors and third party logistic firms need real time, accurate information about the inventory in their warehouses. If your health care organization depends on the effective management of expensive medical and surgical goods, you want a warehouse management solution that allows you to track and control inventory levels at all times. Of course, no solution is complete without the hardware to complete it. For that, you’ll need to check out the MX9, a Honeywell scanning and mobility solution.
Problems and Concerns
Think through the common problems you have in controlling your inventory, whether it is in warehouse, shipping and receiving storage, or a distribution center:
• Inaccurate information with little detail about stored product
• Inefficient manual data entry of inventory
• Lack of confidence in actual location of product
• Concern about order fulfillment costs and charge backs
• Difficulty being able to ship on time, and still meet all necessary electronic shipping notifications such as TMS, ASN, and EDI
• Need for devices which are reliable and able to withstand harsh use and conditions; e.g. extreme weather, outdoor environment
• Resistance of employees to use new technology
Health care organizations need to install a scanning and tracking solution to protect their inventory investment, provide better service, eliminate stock-outs and keep the organization in compliance with group-buying contracts. A Warehouse Management Software (WMS) will highly improve efficiency and will optimize the productivity of employees, regardless the size of your warehouse. A WMS will include physical inventory, shipping, receiving, picking, barcode labeling, queries and reporting features, which will help you optimize your warehouse current operations and will ultimately reduce health care costs.
The Honeywell Solution
Honeywell offers you the state of the art MX9 industrial mobile computer. The manufacturer has an established reputation for producing scanning and mobility devices which are rugged, reliable, and user friendly. These products are ideal for your rough, highly active facilities where durability is a prerequisite. The company understands your need to be confident that product is being moved as quickly as possible along the chain from manufacture to point of sale.
The Honeywell MX9 industrial mobile computer is a rugged data terminal suitable for warehouse use. In fact, the MX9 is called "ultra rugged" because it has been tested to an IP rating of 67, has survived a 1 meter tumble test 2,000 times, and still works properly after a 6 foot drop to concrete. The device has even survived on the job tests of improvised usage such as being used as a hammer. A wide range of satisfied users attest to its long term reliability.
There are also functional reasons for choosing this device. The reliability of the MX9 eliminates your worry about malfunctioning equipment, reducing operating costs and down time. The display on the unit is specially designed to be used in outdoor locations and is readable even in bright sunlight. The keyboard is user friendly, can be fully customized, and has 10 one-touch function keys that will quickly increase productivity. The unit features easy connectivity with GPS, WLAN and WWAN radio to maximize the working range of the unit.
You will appreciate that the MX9 is powered by a long lasting lithium ion battery, supported by a useful range of accessories such as chargers, desktop and vehicle cradles, handles and car cases with and without shoulder straps, a range of power supplies, headsets and holsters. Its powerful imaging processors and advanced wireless communication are designed for the most demanding inventory/warehouse use. The Honeywell MX9 is the ideal product for your healthcare industry warehouse management solutions.
Posted by James Budniakiewicz
Barcode scanning eliminates human errors in patient identification at various points of care, offering greater accountability by matching patients, caregivers and medications with permanent records for administration. Wristbands identify both in-house and temporary patients to eliminate errors, speed up treatments, lower costs, and guarantee patient safety.
Portable devices help print labels right at patients' beds or examination tables to confirm identity and prevent errors in diagnoses, diets, and drug regimens. Health care providers enjoy the ability to scale systems to comply with new or existing health care regulations with a universal and cost-effective solution. Making mistakes in identifying people could endanger public safety, expose medical companies to liability claims, and cause insurance rates to skyrocket.
Advances in Medical Technology Increase Liability
Modern medical technology waves a double-edged sword, people live longer with better health, but testing and treatments offer greater opportunities for medical staff to make mistakes. Barcode scanning simplifies data collection, eliminates the need for patients to identify themselves repeatedly, and gives administrative billers and coders indisputable evidence of treatments.
Choosing the Best Patient Identification Option
The Zebra Z-Band® wristbands, HC100 printers, and the Honeywell Xenon™ 1902 Scanner offer clear advantages over other systems. Simple cartridges load easily into the printers, and they produce MRI-safe, cost-effective wristbands automatically sized to infant, child or adult wrists.
Some patients suffer severe injuries during MRI procedures because metallic components of laser toners react to the magnetic fields during scans. Portable wristband printers use thermal label-printing technology with no metallic elements, so patients can move efficiently from department to department.
Zebra Wristband Solution
The Zebra system meets all regulations to qualify for MR-Safe certification. An independenttesting company determined MRI safety according to ASTM guidelines. Zebra Z-Band wristbands resist soaps, water, alcohol, chemicals and other solvents, and the durable bands have the industry's only antimicrobial coatings. Other advantages include the following key benefits:
-
The HC100 printer automatically sizes wristbands and adjusts graphics for optimal imaging quality.
-
System advantages include eliminating costly toners, ribbons, and service troubleshooting to fix jammed laser printers.
-
Positive identification eliminates errors through efficient barcode scanning, reducing unnecessary venipunctures, specimen-labeling errors, and superfluous paperwork.
-
Real-time wireless connectivity speeds up many medical procedures.
-
Zebra Z-Band wristbands close with either pull tabs or clip closures, making the process simple and efficient.
The Honeywell Scanner Assures Barcode Readability
The wireless technology used by Honeywell Xenon™ 1902 Scanne works with Bluetooth connectivity, so staff members can move effortlessly among patients without cables or wires. Some features of the Honeywell Xenon™ 1902 Scanner are:
-
Improved scanning, through custom sensors, optimized for barcode scanning
-
High density, standard and extended range focal options for higher productivity
-
Images can be edited using the image processing software
-
TotalFreedom® 2.0 platform for linking multiple applications, such as image processing, decoding and data formatting
-
Remote MasterMind® scanner management software, allowing IT administrators to manage the scanners in the network from a single remote location
-
Bluetooth Class 2, v2.1 radio, allowing a range of 33 feet (10 m) from the base, with reduced interference with other wireless systems
-
Lithium-ion battery with 50,000 scans per full charge.
Hospitals, clinics, testing companies, blood banks, commercial plasma companies, and in-house drug-testing programs need reliable confirmation of patient identification for billing efficiency, liability protection, and correct patient treatment. Barcode scanning eliminates errors, speeds up processing, and confirms the chain of treatment. The Zebra Z-Band system offers scalable advantages over laser printing and generic wristbands, cutting costs and maximizing efficiency.
Posted by Kate Sparks
Zebra's QL220 Plus mobile label printer can be found across the country and in countless hospitals. If you’re using mobile printers, chances are, this is what you’ve been using for bedside specimen labeling. This small label printer is ideal for labeling medical records and is used in phlebotomy, laboratory, pharmacy, and even materials management.
The QL220 Plus prints labels about 2-inches wide. This series also includes 3 and 4-inch label printers (QL320 Plus & QL420 Plus). Zebra recently released a newer upgraded version of these already popular mobile printers, the QLn Series. The QLn was first introduced in 2011 but was only available with 3-inch labels. The 2-inch model was made available at the beginning of 2012.
So what's different about Zebra's latest mobile printer? To sum it up, the QLn series of mobile printers are easier to use, manage and configure. They’re durable, offer fast high quality printing, and have a larger, easier to navigate display.
Let’s compare. The bullet points below highlight the printer’s main differences.
Zebra’s QLn Series vs. QL Plus:
- Larger display, higher resolution, easier to read
- 5 way navigation keys and two software defined keys vs. two push-button keys
- Increased user efficiency – Label sensor & more intuitive label peeler
- Smart battery offers battery status information
- Slightly smaller design than the QL Plus, light weight
- Still offers easy, drop in media loading
- Remote diagnostics capability – Ethernet communications enable remote management, problem diagnosis & resolution
- User alerts, status messages, and how-to maintenance information provided on display
- 2 inch label printers offer faster print speed than previous models
Additionally, you can download our comparison sheet to see each printer’s specifications side by side: Zebra QLn™ and QL Plus™ Comparison.
Contact us to find out if the QLn is currently certified for your medical software systems.
Posted by Kate Sparks
Following Memorial Day, several of us traveled down to Orlando for the MUSE 2012 International Conference. We met with many hospitals and vendors within the MEDITECH community and had a wonderful time in Disney! While manning the booth, we saw a lot of interest in our CorLogix Mobile Workstations, healthcare tablets, scanning for BMV, portable printing for phlebotomy, as well as our bedside computing system, MEDIVista. If you saw some of our pre-show posts and promotions, you might be wondering... who won the barcode printers?
Barcode Printer Giveaway - And The Winner is...!
RMS Omega gave three lucky attendees, who visited our booth, a new Datamax-O'Neil I-Class Mark II barcode printer. The lucky winners are from Southcoast Health System, Southern Illinois Healthcare, and Berkshire Health Systems! Congratulations to our lucky winners!
The I-Class Mark II is well suited for barcode and label printing throughout the hospital. You're likely to find these printers in the lab, pharmacy, or admissions department but they really work well anywhere you need a dependable label printer. Meditech supports and recommends Datamax-O’Neil printers.
I-Class Mark II Printer Specifications at-a-glance:
- Direct thermal, thermal transfer (optional)
- 4.16” [105.7 mm] maximum print width
- 203 dpi [8 dots/mm], 300 dpi [12 dots/mm], 600 dpi [24 dots/mm] optional resolution
- 12 ips [304 mm/s] maximum print speed
- Ethernet wired LAN 10/100, W-LAN with WPA2 security protocol, 2 USB Host Ports and SDIO, GPIO interface card
Download a datasheet for the I-Class Mark II.
Would you like to learn more? Contact us for details on rebates, special pricing, or just to ask a question. We are happy to help!
Posted by Kate Sparks
Are you going to the MUSE International Conference this year?
If so, be sure to stop by our Booth! We are giving away 3 Datamax-O'Neil Mark II printers! In addition, we are offering all show attendees rebates on new Mark II printers and special pricing on CorLogix All-in-one Mobile Workstations. If you're looking to upgrade your barcode printing or computing equipment, now is a good time! RMS Omega will be in Booth #316
We are giving away 3 New Datamax-O'Neil Mark II printers!
To win, all you have to do is stop by, say hello of course, and drop off your business card! Everyone who stops by is also eligible to receive a $150 rebate on a new Datamax I-Class Mark II printer.*
Download a case study from Datamax-O'Neil: On Demand Label Printing Benefits St. Alexius Medical Center
* A Rebate Enrollment Form must be completed prior to June 30, 2012. Rebates are valid for I-Class Mark II printers purchased between April 1 and Dec. 31, 2012.
We are also offering special pricing on CorLogix Mobile Workstations.
All MUSE attendees will receive special pricing on CorLogix Complete Workstation Systems. Show Special - $4,599*
- All-in-One PC design (non-touch screen)
- 19" High-res display
- Intel Atom processor, Intel wireless
- Solid State Hard Drive
- Windows 7 Pro
- Washable keyboard & mouse
- 55 Amp, SLA Battery
* Includes 2 year Advance Exchange Warranty. Options and accessories sold separately. Special Price valid until 7/1/12.
Hope to see you in Orlando!