Skip to main content
Log in

Installation of Secure, Always Available Wireless LAN Systems as a Component of the Hospital Communication Infrastructure

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Journal of Medical Systems Aims and scope Submit manuscript

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.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. 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.

    Google Scholar 

  2. 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Riha, C., How wireless LANs can enhance the clinical environment. Biomed. Instr. Tech. Suppl. 45–48, 2004–2005.

  4. 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.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Martin, Z., Wireless system a very good listener. Health Data Manag. 15(4):54–56, 2007.

    Google Scholar 

  6. 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.

    Google Scholar 

  7. 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Ministry of Internal Affair and Communication (Japan) Guidelines for Wireless communication tools to prevent affect to the implanted medical devices (in Japanese), 2010.

  9. Hanada, E., Hoshino, Y., Kudou, T., Safe introduction of in-hospital wireless LAN. Proc. Medinfo 2004, pp. 1426–1429, 2004.

Download references

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

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Eisuke Hanada.

Rights and permissions

Reprints 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

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-013-9939-2

Keywords

Navigation