DAS for hospitals: could your institution benefit from installing an in-building wireless connectivity solution, such as a DAS (Distributed Antenna System)? More hospitals are investing in DAS because of the many benefits it can offer. We specialize in everything from radio enhancement systems to public safety DAS. In fact, we even offer DAS design and engineering. We see more hospitals upgrading to DAS, and for many good reasons. Such as uninterrupted cloud access, and greater workforce mobility—which could result in life over death when working in a hospital setting.
Common Signal Issues in Hospitals
It is common for hospitals to encounter issues with signal because an overload of medical devices can impact the system. Plus, hospital staff must have the support available for a variety of carriers on different frequency bands. For this type of scenario, a hospital could employ an active off-air DAS complete with remote units designated to each floor of the hospital. Thus, providing cellular, PCS, and LTE services.
Another issue for hospitals is accessing patient data in real time. Hospitals tasked with tending to hundreds of thousands of patients each year must obtain lab results and other patient information while the patient is right there in front of them. Any delays in receiving this information could result in an unproductive appointment, an unhappy patient, or worse.
On top of these concerns, patients want the ability to stay in contact with work, their family, and so forth. I have stepped into so many hospitals that offer virtually no cell service. This can relate to many different things, from the thickness of the building walls (which can prevent signals from penetrating), to an overload of signals moving through the building at once. A DAS can help improve cell connectivity, as well as radio and other forms of communication signals.
DAS for Hospitals: 4 Reasons it’s Beneficial
1. One Network Simplified
Hospital staff and patients rely on a variety of communication devices, all of which must work and offer seamless connectivity. As a result, they can offer a reliable and interconnected experience to patients. Since people use so much data, even just sitting in the lobby waiting for their appointment, it’s imperative that it doesn’t slow down the entire system and hog up all available data. The last thing you want is someone’s mobile game to interfere with critical care applications.
2. Emergency Communication for First Responders
On top of cellular data, a DAS facilitates radio communication signals as well. This greatly benefits first responders who rely on two-way radios to communicate. In any crisis, from a fire to a patient in distress, it’s imperative that communication lines remain open and available. DAS help first-responders communicate in real-time—which is imperative in a hospital setting.
3. Improve Healthcare Outcomes
More reliable communication results in a higher level of healthcare. The ability to access patient information in real-time and improve communication speeds can reduce costs and improve patient experience. These are the types of things hospitals are aiming to achieve moving forward. The innovation provided by DAS offers a plethora of benefits that hospitals recognize and are taking advantage of.
4. Potential for Third-Party Funding
In some cases, a cooperative funding arrangement may be made with a hospital, in particular medium-sized hospitals. The hospital may take on the entire cost of the DAS, but it is possible to involve a third-party host or get the carrier to help fund improvements.
Add DAS to Your Hospital
Hospitals were some of the first institutions to add Wi-Fi. They are also on top of adding DAS solutions. Although, an existing DAS may still present signal issues if it is not properly designed and installed.
Highland Wireless is happy to help you solve issues related to poor signals—regardless if it’s mobile or radios, or both. Plus, we offer free pre-testing of signal strength and a site survey. Contact us today to learn more.
SOURCES:
https://www.rcrwireless.com/20161107/carriers/das-hospitals-3-case-studies-tag17