JAOtech partners with Sonitor Technologies

Tuesday 11th November 2008

UK-based JAOtech's multimedia terminals can form the nodes of hospital Indoor Positioning Systems (IPS) with room level or even sub-room level discrimination, following the signing of a partnership with Sonitor Technologies.

Terminals equipped with Sonitor ultrasound receivers can be used to help locate patients, staff and equipment, contributing to hospital efficiency and safety.

Ragnar Bo, CEO of Sonitor Technologies global operations, said: "IPS is a growing priority for hospitals. Integrating Sonitor receiver microphones into JAOtech terminals connected to the hospital network has a very significant impact on installation cost. The integration also opens the potential for additional functions, such as automated log on and log off (ALOLO), a great convenience for busy doctors on their daily ward round.

"Ultrasound signals transmitted by the tags do not penetrate walls and ceilings – allowing Sonitor's patented technology to provide true, reliable room-level location. This can potentially be extended to sub-room level accuracy by using multiple microphones." IPS is also known as Real Time Location Solutions (RTLS).

Philip Corri, Director of JAOtech, said: "Our partnership with Sonitor provides a further example of how bedside terminals can become the front end of an integrated IT solution that greatly improves the efficiency of hospital operations. IPS has an excellent RoI by reducing the amount of staff time spent locating equipment. Monitoring patient location and staff location brings further benefits, contributing to the safety of both."

The new integrated Sonitor receivers complement the Smart Card, RFID and barcode technology available on JAOtech terminals, providing a truly comprehensive array of
location, identification and access control options.

Smart card readers are currently the preferred approach for managing pre-payment for services. The addition of an RFID scanner or Sonitor receiver provides medical staff with a separate and secure location and identification process which does not require the patient to remove their card from the reader.

Barcodes are commonly used for confirming patient identity during records access, confirming the administration of the correct medication and other purposes.

Sonitor Technologies

JAOtech