Enhancing Healthcare Operations with Private 5G

THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF HEALTHCARE

Many hospital procedures are becoming digitized. There are now remote surgeries, robotics, point of care testing capabilities, decentralized clinical trials (DCTs), mobile personal emergency response systems (mPERS), and more. Remote surgeries involve surgeons telecommuting in a highly advanced manner. Through digital transformation, specialized surgeons can be available to patients worldwide. With robotics many routine processes such as supply delivery and surgical assistance are streamlined which allows more time for medical professionals to focus on patient care. Point of care testing is the process of bringing the testing device and materials to the patient. With these technologies, samples do not need to travel to the laboratory. This saves time and can dramatically improve patient care. In DCTs, the activities of clinical trials are brought to patients. This helps improve the patient experience and focuses on the research more closely on the needs of the patients. mPERS are small devices that allow individuals to call for emergency assistance quickly and easily. All these described technologies, along with many additional emerging technologies, are dramatically transforming healthcare through digitization.

THE OPERATIONAL IMPACTS OF THE PANDEMIC

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to speed up digital transformation in hospitals and medical facilities. Hospitals are also experiencing increases in patient numbers Hospital internet connections must be able to serve the increased demand for care and treatment. Because more and more patients need to be tested and triaged before entering the hospital, the internet connection must be strong outside. While hospitals work tirelessly to care for the waves of patients diagnosed with COVID-19, all the other operations and care programs need to continue functioning as smoothly as possible. Technological innovations are critical to improving patient care and outcomes during this time, and in preparation for the future. And these technological innovations require strong wireless connectivity solutions.

PRIVATE 5G FOR HEALTHCARE

A private 5G wireless network is a standalone broadband connection that is becoming table stakes for hospitals’ digital transformation. The networks can be leveraged by hospital IT teams to efficiently enable new connected use cases, from telehealth to robotics. Private wireless networks are customizable, ultra-reliable, secure, scalable, and high performing. Private 5G networks work best when operated by a managed service provider who can design, build and monitor the wireless solution 24/7/365.

WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL USE CASES OF PRIVATE 5G TECHNOLOGIES?

With private 5G, healthcare leaders can execute their digital transformation strategies. The 5G mobile network is fast, flexible, and high-quality. The opportunities for innovation are endless. Current innovations include telerobotic systems, on-demand electronic health records, on-demand digital test images, integrated safety and security management systems, asset tracking, connected utilities, anticipatory equipment maintenance, and improved connectivity throughout multiple-facility healthcare campuses. The incredible connectivity powers of 5G enable smart buildings, connected health applications, machine learning, remote surgeries, robotics, enhanced testing, and more. Large medical files can be transferred effortlessly, and the quality of treatment can be improved tremendously.

BENEFITS OF A PRIVATE 5G WIRELESS NETWORK

Healthcare providers and facilities cannot rely upon public cellular or Private wireless networks are beneficial because they have dedicated, expandable bandwidth. Patient care devices, equipment, and personnel can all increase without any quality concerns as devices and users are added to the network. Furthermore, patient data can be secured at the highest standards. Private wireless networks can be programmed to sort and prioritize traffic – for example, emergency communication can be differentiated from entertainment streaming. Private 5G wireless networks can offer the oversight and security that is imperative in these highly sensitive settings. Through Boingo’s Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) platform, the data is processed on-site. This can help ensure that medical records are accessed and stored securely.

DOES YOUR HOSPITAL OR MEDICAL FACILITY NEED A PRIVATE NETWORK SOLUTION?

Healthcare centers are complex and often require layered network solutions. Network as a Service (NaaS) solutions from managed service providers can oversee the various networks required in hospitals and other medical facilities. Boingo offers leading private 5G solutions that are secure and can be customized to a hospital or practice’s specific needs. Learn more about Boingo’s private 5G offerings and get in touch for a full network assessment at your business.