Staying connected to key data

The C5 keeps healthcare workers connected to key data.

Motion Computing's C5 is a handheld computer designed to keep healthcare staff connected to patient information at all times. Based on Intel's mobile clinical assistant (MCA) technology, the C5 is designed to be lightweight, spill-resistant, drop-tolerant and easy to disinfect.

The product has earned support from clinicians and nurses participating in pilot studies, including the Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust in the United Kingdom. Key features include: wireless connectivity to allow constant access to patient information and physician's orders; radio frequency identification (RFID) technology; a digital camera and bluetooth.

"Today technology comes to the aid of those who help others," said Paul Otellini, Intel president and CEO. "The mobile clinical assistant was defined and shaped by the clinicians who will use it. They have told us it will improve their decision making and patient care while easing overall workloads. This is a great example of putting innovative technology to work solving real needs."

As part of the solution, Intel and Motion Computing worked closely with electronic medical record (EMR) and other clinical software companies to refine their applications for use on MCA. Partners in the development process included Allscripts, Cardinal Health, Cerner Corporation, Eclipsys Corporation, Epic Systems Corporation, GE Healthcare, iSoft, McKesson, Nexus, Siemens Medical Solutions and Welch Allyn.

To develop the MCA, Intel also conducted a broad range of pilot studies in hospitals worldwide, including Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust in the United Kingdom, El Camino Hospital in Northern California and Changi General Hospital in Singapore. Social scientists from Intel's Digital Health Group conducted ethnographic studies of clinicians using the MCA at each hospital to understand the platform's usage, usefulness and usability in the context of real clinical work practice. Across these hospital settings, nurses and physicians reportedly appreciated the integrated handle; wireless access to secure patient information and orders; and a docking station that allowed them to easily swap batteries to achieve shift-long use.

At Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, phlebotomists (clinical support staff who collect blood from patients) and elderly care staff at the hospital spent four weeks testing the MCA on an elderly care ward. Jenny Quilliam, staff nurse at the Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust said: "The MCA enabled me to have on the spot access for inputting patient details at the bedside. I was able to look up results, check and make referrals as part of the ward round and support case conferences by having quick access to patient details."

The NHS was provided input that helped in the design of the MCA and is supporting the product. Dr. Mike Bainbridge, senior clinical architect, NHS Connecting for Health, said: "Knowledge at the point of care is key to improving patient safety. The mobile clinical assistant represents the culmination of three years partnership between NHS Connecting for Health and industry to design and deliver tools which match the challenging and complex environment of high quality, personalised 21st century healthcare."

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