The Gateway

MC4 continuously evaluates the latest technologies to help deployed providers, commanders and logisticians record, track and share medical data. Case in point, check out MC4’s support of the Tele-consultation Project in Iraq, the Hands-free EMR Pilot and the Tele-behavioral Health Initiative.

Now we’ve turned our attention to mobile devices and their feasibility versus the thick clients MC4 deploys. We’re testing tactical EMR apps, specifically AHLTA-T and TC2, on the iPad, iPod Touch, iPhone, HTC EVO and Samsung Epic. Early results show that both apps can technically operate on the Apple iOS and the Droid OS using the devices’ stretch, tap and swipe functionality.

While the initial tests show promise, there is still a long way to go before we consider fielding these technologies. They must clear a myriad of hurdles, including data-at-rest encryption requirements, clearance for wireless use in theater, and a bevy of DOD and local signal certifications.

Testing remains a big part of what we do at MC4. Some of the hardware and apps we evaluate pass with flying colors; in turn we field them as soon as possible. Others never make it out of the lab. I’ll continue to keep you posted on this endeavor and welcome your thoughts on this topic, so post away!

Users now have a new web-based tool for medical surveillance. The Medical Situational Awareness in the Theater (MSAT) portal combines JMeWS with enhanced mapping and reporting capabilities. The new functionality gives commanders more resources to perform command and control activities, thus improving the decision-making process on the battlefield.

Commanders can geographically view outbreaks and potential health threats. Armed with this information, they can reallocate resources to best protect the fighting force. They can also generate a large number of reports using the new Business Objects functionality based upon the medical data captured by units using MC4 systems in the field. This is a significant upgrade from the 12 canned reports built into the JMeWS-only website.

Registered JMeWS users can use the same login credentials to access the MSAT portal. The old JMeWS website will remain active until the end of the year. Users can access training videos and the MSAT user manual on AKO, as well as contact the medical surveillance helpdesk for more information.

This month, U.S. and Japanese forces participated in the annual joint exercise Orient Shield at the Kami-Furano Training Area in Hokkaido, Japan. There, New Hampshire National Guard medical staff used MC4 systems to digitally chart real-world medical care.

While this wasn't the first year U.S. forces used MC4 systems during the "train as you fight" exercise, it was the first time the treatment facility had Internet connectivity. Instead of waiting until they returned home to upload patient encounters to TMDS, providers populated Service members' permanent medical histories as soon as they signed the notes.

The scenario better prepared medical personnel to use the same system they'll use down range.