At this year's World of Health IT Exhibition, held in Copenhagen, Panasonic has launched the world's first mobile clinical assistant (MCA) device using the Intel® Atom processor, further strengthening the company's position in the healthcare market. Based on the Intel® mobile clinical assistant reference platform, the new CF-H1 MCA is designed specifically for clinicians. The 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.
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.
Commenting on the introduction on Panasonic's new MCA entrant into the healthcare market, 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. 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 patients 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.
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 hotswappable batteries, standard daylight viewable screen and integrated Gobi technology in a sealed and easily-disinfected package.
Chris Bye further concludes, "The CF-H1 harnesses our legendary Toughbook elements of rugged design, long battery life and best of breed wireless performance. This really does make this product the next generation MCA."
Pricing and Availability
The Panasonic CF-H1 MCA will be available in Europe from December 2008. Pricing will start from approx 2,000 ex. Tax.
Further details on the Panasonic Toughbook range can be found at http://www.toughbook.eu
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About Panasonic
Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of 9.07 trillion yen (US$90.7 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2008. The company's shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York (NYSE Symbol: PC) stock exchanges. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand, visit the company's website at http://panasonic.net.