Seamless mobile connectivity is key to digitalization in healthcare

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The widespread problem of unreliable cellular coverage has far-reaching implications for businesses and individuals. Nowhere is this more evident than in healthcare. Not only will ubiquitous mobile connectivity be essential for daily logistics and first responder communications, but seamless mobile coverage will become a key technology to support the success of the digital future of healthcare delivery systems.

When the NHS initially released its long-term digital transformation plan, it outlined how it would use technology to improve performance targets, reduce waiting times, streamline routine processes and provide a higher level of patient care. At the same time, the NHS also committed to a mobile-first strategy so it could truly harness the power of smartphones and tablets to improve health and social care services, especially as traditional communication devices were phased out.

Covid-19 reveals huge problems in the ICT infrastructure of healthcare delivery systems

As healthcare delivery systems have truly embraced the power of technology over the past few months and launched a number of digital services such as virtual consultations, virtual ward rounds, digital prescription processing and a host of Covid-19 specific health apps, it has become increasingly clear that the smooth operation of these new online services requires the reliable operation of the associated ICT infrastructure. This is particularly true for mobile communications, which is not only essential for day-to-day communications, but is also critical for communications for first responders, rapid mobilisation of teams in the field, and is constantly used by nursing staff and other critical services.

In a digital society driven by the Internet of Things, reliable mobile coverage and high-speed internet access should be provided in all buildings, regardless of their size or type. However, ensuring seamless mobile coverage in sprawling hospital facilities is not an easy task due to the complex layout and the large number of internal corridors, clinics, wards, stairwells and basements, which are notorious mobile black spots. This does not take into account the different building materials used. For example, metal, glass, reinforced concrete, etc. are used, all of which hinder the transmission of mobile phone signals.

Healthcare Facility Mobile Black Spots

Ensuring seamless coverage is particularly challenging in underground locations, which are often home to CCTV control rooms, emergency rooms, operating rooms, and ambulance bays. Mobile coverage in these underground areas is often the worst. Conversely, the use of smartphones, as well as other wireless devices, in these very same locations is essential for safety-critical communications between the different teams involved. Regardless of the provider, ensuring ubiquitous mobile coverage in a hospital’s acute and stabilization facilities should by default be part of its critical communications infrastructure. Yet, in reality, ensuring seamless connectivity in basement areas and other challenging locations is often overlooked.

4G coverage will become more prominent

Seamless mobile connectivity is not limited to regular communications and is not limited to digital services. It plans to become a supporting technology for public safety communications as countries push for it and plan to replace their traditional TETRA networks with 4G in the next two years. This new public safety communications network, called ESN (Emergency Services Network), will enable medical staff, police and fire departments to take advantage of digital applications such as live video, location-based services or wearable technology so that they can better respond to emergencies. But the downside is that if a hospital does not have adequate coverage throughout the building (including the basement), the first response team will not be able to effectively coordinate emergencies.

Once a new network becomes mainstream, the only way to guarantee the required level of voice and data coverage is to use secondary signal boosting equipment to bring the outdoor signal indoors. This has not always been simple due to the high costs involved, long deployment times and strict rules on usage. Fortunately, this is no longer the case, thanks to the relaxation of mobile repeater rules for build-out purposes. The caveat is that any installed equipment must meet the regulator’s specifications for mobile repeater license exemptions, and not many do. One option that meets all the requirements and can be used legally on all 3G and 4G networks is Nextivity’s Cel-Fi.

Opportunity for change

Healthcare organizations are long overdue for a technology upgrade, but it’s been hampered by numerous factors, including implementation costs, existing infrastructure, and legacy systems/technologies. After years of warnings that healthcare delivery systems are increasingly unable to cope with routine demands, the current health crisis could be the impetus for change. Not only does it present the perfect opportunity to ensure all hospital buildings are ESN-ready, but uninterrupted mobile connectivity is essential for the adoption of next-generation technologies, which will be make or break for the healthcare delivery system’s digital future.