The Gateway

Since I started with MC4 in 2008, I've talked about MC4's efforts to field, train and support medical IM/IT systems on the battlefield and in garrison aid stations. I've highlighted the efforts of commanders, medical personnel and logisticians to improve battlefield medical surveillance, the collection of digital patient data and streamline medical logistics.

I have also discussed new software releases and the benefits to users. While MC4 does not develop the applications, we work closely with the Defense Health Information Management System (DHIMS) to help improve them.

As the eyes and ears on the ground, MC4 personnel routinely forward customer feedback on application and system improvements to DHIMS. This transfer of information has helped to provide customers with new and improved products.

Business Objects replaced TMIP Reports, offering improved reporting capabilities. Medical Situational Awareness in the Theater (MSAT) combined the Joint Medical Workstation (JMeWS) and geospatial programs, giving commanders greater visibility of data to conduct their command and control and medical surveillance missions. Looking forward, the inpatient app, TC2, will get a makeover with a new graphic user interface.

This month, MC4 spotlights Army Col. DaCosta Barrow, DHIMS product manager. He talks about some of the changes made within DHIMS since he took the helm in 2010, including better collaboration with the functional offices during the development and test phases of new products. These changes have helped MC4 and the user community tremendously.

For example, MC4 engineers uncovered and resolved critical issues with MC4 EMR 2.1.2.1 before the software was released to the services. The collaboration effort continues to produce better software. We're in the early stages of testing the upcoming 2.1.3.1 product and we've found 50 percent fewer issues than the 2.1.2.1 release. Every critical issue found and resolved before the services receive new software eliminates up to six weeks from the deployment cycle, allowing MC4 to field new products faster.

I want to thank Col. Barrow for providing the developer's look-ahead so users are better prepared for future releases.

As loyal readers of my blog, your dedication will be rewarded in February and March. The coveted prize is a live demo of the MC4 system and our new initiatives, like EMR apps on smart devices. Simply visit our exhibit at any of the upcoming conferences:

• Medical Department Information Management Conference, Orlando, Fla., February 17-19
• Healthcare Information and Management Systems (HIMSS), Orlando, Fla., February 20-24
• Armed Forces Public Health Conference (AFPHC), Hampton Roads, Va., March 18-25
• Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) Fort Belvoir Industry Days, National Harbor, Md., March 28-30

We can also give you an update on MC4's global operations, garrison use and initiatives to enhance customer support.

This summer, the Army will conduct the 2011 Integrated Network Baseline Evaluation (INBE). This six-week test at Fort Bliss, Texas, and White Sands Missile Range, N.M., will evaluate developmental tactical networks, as well as network and systems integration for future brigade combat team (BCT) modernization efforts.

MC4 was selected to participate in order to determine the requirements to operate current and emerging medical IM/IT systems in a deployed environment. The 2nd BCT, 1st Armored Division, will utilize MC4 in conjunction with Army Battle Command Systems and new MC4 enhancements, such as telemedicine capabilities at the battalion aid station and brigade medical company levels.

MC4's involvement is a direct result of engagement by Army Col. Brian Lien, Forces Command (FORSCOM) surgeon, and Army Lt. Col. Dan Kral, medical communications capabilities manager at the Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Center and School, Directorate of Combat and Doctrine Development, on behalf of MC4. This is an excellent opportunity to ensure that AMEDD requirements are represented and tested in support of the Army's brigade modernization efforts. During the coming months, we'll train the 2nd BCT, 1st Armored Division, to use and support MC4 systems with new capabilities for the event, as well as in their garrison aid stations.

Other systems to be used throughout the evaluation include the Joint Tactical Radio Program (JTRS), Ground Mobile Radio (GMR) and Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2). By testing system capabilities in the BCT structure, the multi-week scenario will help to create a baseline of network requirements, as well as uncover any gaps and vulnerabilities in the current network. This information will be invaluable as we deploy new technology to the field.