Abstract
Wireless technologies as part of the data communication infrastructure of modern hospitals are being rapidly introduced. Even though there are concerns about problems associated with wireless communication security, the demand is remarkably large. In addition, insuring that the network is always available is important. Herein, we discuss security countermeasures and points to insure availability that must be taken to insure safe hospital/business use of wireless LAN systems, referring to the procedures introduced at Shimane University Hospital. Security countermeasures differ according to their purpose, such as for preventing illegal use or insuring availability, both of which are discussed. It is our hope that this information will assist others in their efforts to insure safe implementation of wireless LAN systems, especially in hospitals where they have the potential to greatly improve information sharing and patient safety.




Similar content being viewed by others
References
Hanada, E., Tsumoto, S., and Kobayashi, S., A “ubiquitous environment” through wireless voice/data communication and a fully computerized hospital information system in a University Hospital. In: Takeda, H. (Ed.), WCC2010 E-Health 2010, IFIP AICT 335. Springer, Berlin, pp. 160–168, 2010.
Heslop, L., Weeding, S., Dawson, L., Fisher, J., and Howard, A., Implementation issues for mobile-wireless infrastructure and mobile health care computing devices for a hospital ward setting. J. Med. Syst. 34(4):509–518, 2010.
Riha, C., How wireless LANs can enhance the clinical environment. Biomed. Instr. Tech. Suppl. 45–48, 2004–2005.
Tanaka, K., Atarashi, H., Yamaguchi, I., Watanabe, H., Yamamoto, R., and Ohe, K., Wireless LAN security management with location detection capability in hospitals. Methods Inf. Med. 51(3):221–228, 2012.
Martin, Z., Wireless system a very good listener. Health Data Manag. 15(4):54–56, 2007.
Hanada, E., Watanabe, Y., Antoku, Y., Kenjo, Y., Nutahara, H., and Nose, Y., Hospital construction materials: Poor shielding capacity with respect to signals transmitted by mobile telephones. Biomed. Instrum. Technol. 35(4):489–496, 1998.
Hanada, E., Hoshino, Y., Oyama, H., Watanabe, Y., and Nose, Y., Negligible electromagnetic interaction between medical electronic equipment and 2.4 GHz band wireless LAN. J. Med. Syst. 26(4):301–308, 2002.
Ministry of Internal Affair and Communication (Japan) Guidelines for Wireless communication tools to prevent affect to the implanted medical devices (in Japanese), 2010.
Hanada, E., Hoshino, Y., Kudou, T., Safe introduction of in-hospital wireless LAN. Proc. Medinfo 2004, pp. 1426–1429, 2004.
Acknowledgment
This work was supported in part by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (Basic research (B) No.24390129).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hanada, E., Kudou, T. & Tsumoto, S. Installation of Secure, Always Available Wireless LAN Systems as a Component of the Hospital Communication Infrastructure. J Med Syst 37, 9939 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-013-9939-2
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-013-9939-2