News
Panasonic Toughbook launches mobile clinical assistant featuring
Intel Atom processor
5 November 2008
Panasonic has launched its version of the mobile clinical assistant
(MCA) at the World of Health IT Exhibition in Copenhagen. It is the
first such device to use the Intel Atom low power processor. Based on
the Intel mobile clinical assistant reference platform, which also had
significant input from NHS Connecting for Health, the new CF-H1 MCA is
designed specifically for clinicians.
The Panasonic CF-H1 is the third MCA to be launched, following Motion
Computing's device, which was launched in the UK in 2007, and Philips'
version, which was launched earlier this year. Three other manufacturers
are in the process of developing MCAs. The Panasonic CF-H1 will be
available in Europe from December 2008 and will cost about
€2000 (ex VAT).
The Panasonic CF-H1 is a lightweight, water-resistant, shock and
drop-tolerant and easily disinfected mobile computing device that meets
the highest demands for mobility and networking within clinical
environments. It allows doctors and nursing staff to benefit from
instant access to medical records at the point of care, accurate
documentation on patient conditions and medication, and enables greater
efficiency of clinical processes.
The Panasonic CF-H1 mobile clinical assistant
Chris Bye, Managing Director, Panasonic Computer Products Europe (PCPE),
said, “We are delighted to bring this next generation MCA to market.
It’s a significant step forward for Panasonic which puts us at the
forefront of healthcare mobile IT technology. We have spent a number of
years developing this product listening to the people that count and we
are confident that it will completely transform the way clinicians
operate today and in the future.“
Using Panasonic’s advanced battery technology and a low-power Intel
Atom processor, the CF-H1 offers a category-leading six hours of battery
life, complemented by dual hot-swappable batteries that deliver extended
life, allowing non-stop computing while on the move, virtually
eliminating down time during shifts.
Louis Burns, Vice President and General Manager, Intel’s Digital
Health Group, said, “Intel developed the MCA reference based on
significant ethnographic research, workflow studies and conversations
with healthcare professionals worldwide. By putting innovative
technologies such as the Toughbook H1 MCA in the hands of clinicians, we
are providing them with the tools they need to have the right
information at the point of decision. Intel is committed to
collaborating with companies such as Panasonic to help enable high
quality, economical, and accessible healthcare.”
Working closely with existing customers within the healthcare market,
Panasonic has created a device that is ‘designed by clinicians for
clinicians’. With its light weight, approx 1.5 kg design, low surface
heat, comfortable-to-use integrated hand strap and conveniently placed
barcode reader, the CF-H1 offers enhanced ergonomics over other MCA
devices.
The CF-H1 has also been designed for easy disinfection, reducing the
risk of infections being spread from patient to patient. It is the first
MCA to offer a fanless design — limiting the opportunity for germs to be
transported by the device — features a smooth surface with sealed
buttons, a gapless LCD screen and no exposed ports. Panasonic developed
a special exterior case material which can withstand frequent alcohol
wipes. To further aid in disinfection, a Panasonic-designed software
utility can be programmed to remind users to wipe the unit down at
defined intervals and automatically records a successful cleaning for
the hospital’s permanent records.
The rugged CF-H1 is capable of withstanding 90 cm drops, similar to
the height of a patient’s bed, while operational, plus additional
working conditions such as vibration, humidity, altitude, temperature
extremes and thermal shock. The sealed unit is IP54 compliant for water,
rain and dust-resistance and can easily handle being repeatedly sprayed
and wiped with disinfectant.
A nurse scanning a patient's barcoded wristband with the
Panasonic CF-H1
The Toughbook CF-H1 also can help to reduce medication administration
errors while helping nurses and physicians to deliver faster and safer
care. With an integrated RFID reader, 2.0 megapixel auto-focus camera
with dual LED lights, a barcode reader, contactless smart card reader
and fingerprint readers for user authentication, the new CF-H1 is a
secure and intuitive platform for barcode medication administration (BCMA),
vitals capture and electronic medical records (EMR) capture and review —
all at the point of care.
To meet the needs for mobility within many healthcare organizations,
the CF-H1 offers a range of embedded wireless options including
802.11a/b/g/ draft-n and Bluetooth 2.0. The device can also be equipped
with Qualcomm’s new Gobi technology, offering up to 7.2 Mbps mobile data
links and simplifying complex multi-carrier wireless deployments for IT
departments. The CF-H1 also comes with optional GPS technology allowing
for location awareness with improved accuracy, faster satellite
acquisition time and lower power consumption.
The new Toughbook CF-H1 redefines performance and functionality for
the MCA category with six hours battery life, dual hot–swappable
batteries, standard daylight viewable screen and integrated Gobi
technology in a sealed and easily-disinfected package.
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