Australia’s largest provider of home nursing picks

Sydney Australia - May 14, 2009 – When Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) - Australia’s largest provider of home nursing and healthcare services, decided that it was time to upgrade their existing fleet of aging Tablets PCs and notebooks, their selection criteria was rigorous. The challenge was to equip over 1,000 nurses with new notebooks that are more reliable, more responsive and offer longer battery life with stable wireless connectivity. Considering that the notebook is a nurse’s most important piece of technology used to access, update and keep a patient’s record safely, these criteria are especially essential.

With the above objectives in mind, a request for Tender was released in June 2006. Considerations for the Tender include the supply of devices, service integration, ongoing support and decommissioning of existingdevices in which all submitted Tenders were then evaluated and shortlisted by a technical evaluation team. Shortlisted devices were then further reviewed by field nursing staff. With such rigorous selection process, Fujitsu PC is proud to announce that the LifeBook T4215 was selected to offer its computing expertise for Australia’s largest home nursing provider.

The contract was executed in December 2006 with the commencement of the deployment phase in January 2007 and concluded in June 2007 - on time and under budget!

"Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) needed a Tablet PC that was reliable and would capably serve as our nurses' tool of trade. The Fujitsu LifeBook is highly regarded and has been well accepted as good technology. It has assisted our nurses in providing care to clients and is taking our organisation into the future with confidence." Ian Cash, General Manager, Information Services, RDNS.

1. How does RDNS use the Fujitsu LifeBook
RDNS made a long term commitment to leverage on mobile computing technology to improve the service standard and healthcare consultancy level for thousands of patients every year.

The collection, storage and management of patients’ records which are particularly sensitive and confidential, have always been of significant importance to RDNS. Traditionally, this information was managed using hard copies and documented forms which resulted in massive paperwork and proved to be time consuming and also duplicate work processes.

In addition, considering the mobile nature of RDNS’ business, the sheer volume of clients’ visits and the geographical spread across twenty sites, accurate collection and management of information must be made efficient for both nurses and administrative staff.

2. Why did RDNS choose the Fujitsu LifeBook T4215
Fujitsu LifeBook T4215 - the notebook that not only improves efficiency in data collection, its 6 levels security function also ensures data integrity and confidentiality of patient’s information. Featuring the following security functions - PC BIOS Lock, 2-password Hard Disk Lock, LifeBook Lock, Antitheft Lock Slot, Dedicated Smartcard 5 slot, Fingerprint Sensor and Trusted Platform Module (TPM), these address RDNS’ concerns over data confidentiality.
Moreover, with its unique swivel screen that allows the flexibility of converting the LifeBook T4215 to a Tablet PC, this added capability will enable nurses on-site to collect information effectively without the need for a desk.

During the Tender process, RDNS undertook field trials to select a suitable device that is responsive, has good wireless network reception, demonstrates high performance, has long battery life, is reliable and robust. The Fujitsu LifeBook T4215 met these essential criteria and was ultimately selected by RDNS.

2.1 What are the selection criteria?
a. Responsiveness: Logon speed, Mobile Computer Device (MCD) responsiveness to tasks, connectivity to wireless LAN on return to centre, in and out of hibernation
b. CDMA: Connectivity, signal reception
c. Battery: Usage duration of standard battery, battery changeover process,battery life with CDMA connectivity
d. Weight: With standard battery
e. Screen Brightness: Both indoor and outdoor
f. Pen: Performance and usability
g. Robustness: Screen swivel, overall MCD usability
h. ‘On the Road’ Usability: Ease of transportation, suitability for use within vehicles

2.2 Field trials with Fujitsu LifeBook T4215
A number of field evaluations as well as bench tests were conducted. The graph below shows the comparative scores of each device. The orange bar represents the field test scores of the Fujitsu LifeBook T4215 Tablet PC. The green and blue bars represent the field test scores of other short listed devices.

In preparing for the extended field trial and bench testing, specific criteria were developed and sophisticated performance measuring tools were sourced. RDNS Information Services engineers accompanied field nursing staff to conduct technical as well as functional tests in a parallel comparison of the devices. The results of the field tests focused on technical, functional and services deliverables. In addition, the quality of the MCD Refresh Programme was also considered.

Again, Fujitsu PC is delighted that the LifeBook T4215 met these essential criteria and was awarded the tender!

More about RDNS
Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS) of Victoria is the largest and oldest provider of home nursing and healthcare services in Australia. Grounded in the principles of care and compassion, RDNS is a non-profit organisation, delivering nursing care to patients in their homes, schools and workplaces.

RDNS provides comprehensive, professional nursing and healthcare services anytime - meeting patient’s individual needs and contributing to their quality of life and independence.

RDNS services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year. General and specialised nursing and healthcare is provided with the dual objective of improving a person's health status whilst enabling them to enjoy the benefits of remaining at home.

In any year, more than 1,000 nurses and health staff contribute and deliver in excess of 500,000 hours of direct care, with 1.5 million visits conducted across the Melbourne metropolitan area and the Mornington Peninsula.

RDNS is also at the forefront of developing innovative home healthcare programs to further enhance existing high standards of services.

More about Fujitsu and LifeBook T Series
Fujitsu PC Asia Pacific Ltd is the Asia Pacific Regional Headquarters for PC business of Fujitsu Limited, Japan. Its responsibilities include the marketing and sales of a wide range of personal computers for the corporate and end-user markets in the Asia Pacific.

Fujitsu PC Asia Pacific pledges “Built-in Confidence” for every product under its brand name to reassure users of product and service excellence. From high performance components to stringent quality control and professional after-sales service, Fujitsu stands for reliability and satisfaction.

The LifeBook T Series enables greater efficiency on-the-go and paves a new way of optimising mobile computing for working professionals. Features include a bi-directional hinge screen that allows the notebook to be converted into a Tablet PC; this range offers all the flexibility and power you desire.

PR CONTACT
Renato Catalan
Gap Marketing and Management Pty Ltd
Website: www.gapmarketing.com.au

• Got more on this story? Email Computerworld
• Follow Computerworld on twitter