66 Percent of Healthcare IT Decision Makers Believe iPad-Style Devices Create Governance Challenges

Published on Monday, 30 January 2012 09:16 Written by TradersHuddle Staff

SECAUCUS, N.J.-( Business Wire )-

Panasonic, an industry leader in rugged, reliable mobile computers, has published a white paper on the “consumerization” of healthcare IT, specifically through media tablet devices like the iPad. The white paper, “Diagnosis Danger: Governance & Security Issues Cause IT Concerns About iPad in Healthcare Setting,” highlights the growing concerns of healthcare IT executives trying to meet the demands to support consumer-grade computing devices. The study, conducted by BizTechReports, an independent research and reporting agency, found major operational issues for media tablets in healthcare, with 66 percent of respondents stating consumer tablets, like the iPad, create governance challenges for their organizations. Other concerns include security, durability and EHR compliance.

The results of the survey reveal that consumerization in general has created a conundrum for healthcare CIOs and their IT departments. Pressure to adopt and integrate technologies, like consumer tablets, is growing, but concerns are also on the rise. The study showed that 74 percent of respondents said consumer-grade tablets present challenges for entering data into enterprise-grade healthcare applications. Another 66 percent of participants believe providing technical support on consumer-grade tablets raises IT costs.

Research featured in the white paper is based on responses from 100 executives and senior IT professionals in the healthcare sector. The report provides an assessment of various issues raised by the introduction of consumer-grade technologies, specifically the iPad, and provides a framework for how IT executives can engage with healthcare practitioners as well as management to address these issues in a productive manner.

“Consumer-grade technology, like the iPad and many of the other tablets we see entering the market today, were not designed to operate or survive in commercial environments like healthcare,” said Panasonic’s Greg Davidson, Executive Business Development Manager. “We agree the form factor has great potential, but wanted to better understand the concerns of IT professionals in the healthcare market. The study we commissioned allows us to better understand our customer’s needs and is a useful tool for any healthcare organization interested in deploying tablet technology.”

Reliability and durability proved to be a major point of concern for HIT decision makers. 94 percent of participants feel that device durability and “ruggedness” are important requirements in hospital and clinical settings. In a healthcare environment, the likelihood of a mobile device falling, being dropped or spilled upon, is high. Consumer grade technologies are not designed to operate or to survive for long in such a rugged setting.

Download the Full Report

For a full copy of the Panasonic-sponsored BizTechReports white paper visit: ftp://ftp.panasonic.com/pub/Panasonic/business-solutions/whitepapers/PSC_Diagnosis_Danger.pdf.

Panasonic Solutions for Business

Through its broad range of integrated business technology solutions, Panasonic empowers professionals to do their best work. Customers in government, healthcare, production, education and a wide variety of commercial enterprises, large and small, depend on integrated solutions from Panasonic to reach their full potential, achieve competitive advantage and improve outcomes. The complete suite of Panasonic solutions addresses unified business communications, mobile computing, security and surveillance systems, retail information systems, office productivity solutions, high definition visual conferencing, projectors, professional displays and HD and 3D video production. As a result of its commitment to R&D, manufacturing and quality control, Panasonic engineers reliable and long-lasting solutions as a partner for continuous improvement. Panasonic solutions for business are delivered by Panasonic System Communications Company of North America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC).

All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Information on Panasonic solutions for business can be obtained by calling 877-803-8492 or at www.panasonic.com.

About Panasonic Corporation of North America

Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America provides a broad line of digital and other electronics products and services for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC), and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic was the only Consumer Electronics company to be listed in the top ten brands on the Interbrand Best Global Green Brands 2011 ranking (http://www.interbrand.com/en/best-global-brands/Best-Global-Green-Brands/2011-Report/BestGlobalGreenBrandsTable-2011.aspx). As part of its continuing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, Panasonic Corporation of North America will relocate its operations to a new eco-efficient office tower adjacent to a mass transit hub in Newark, NJ in 2013. Information about Panasonic Eco Ideas initiatives is available at http://panasonic.net/eco/ecoideas/. Information about Panasonic and its products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is also available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

Cohn & Wolfe for PanasonicCourtnee Coburn, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. @cohnwolfe.com