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Many health-care providers in Australia are exploring the use of wireless technology to improve service delivery. It appears that the solutions so far have been dictated by the hardware vendors and that the business case is yet to drive the implementations. A focus group discussion was facilitated with eight senior management staff involved in health care in Western Australia. This resulted in a set of challenges, which were used to invite opinions from nursing staff in Queensland. A total of 31 interviews were conducted. The analysis returned a set of 63 themes, which were grouped. These groupings reflected the challenges as lack of user-friendly applications, unreliable technology, substandard testing, shortage of staff, concerns for security, reliance on technology, existing problems, work schedule, training, outdated health policy, coverage of wireless links, confidentiality and lack of awareness. The interviews clearly indicated the need for training and awareness procedures. The present study provides some of the information necessary to realize an enterprise-wide implementation of wireless technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a project conducted in 2002 and 2003, the use of hand-held computing devices was examined in a hospital emergency department in Western Australia. Personal digital assistants (PDAs) were used for the wireless development. The study addressed three major issues: development methodology, communication between the mobile devices and existing databases, and user interfaces. The software was tested by about 20 health-care staff, including nurses, doctors, administration staff, information technology staff and front-desk receptionists. The wireless development proved a valuable experience for everyone involved. The product is currently undergoing rigorous testing to meet the standards of the healthcare industry.