Bluetooth Deployment in Hospital Settings

There are currently three primary connectivity methods that are used for IoMT within hospital settings – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LPWAN. And, looking forward, the increased use of a fourth – UWB (ultra-wideband – a short-range, very high frequency wireless technology). With the rapid pace of innovation and the increasing growth of IoMT, healthcare providers experience more and more pressure to adopt these wireless technologies (individually or as part of a multi-technology network) for both improved patient care and a reduction in cost (a priority of both for-profit and non-profit organizations alike). Added to this pressure are the challenges (and headaches) that accompany the proper deployment of an effective wireless network.

This white paper focuses on Bluetooth technology. The reason for this focus is to counter the fact that, traditionally, healthcare organizations have typically avoided relying on Bluetooth due to concerns about performance and security. Adding Bluetooth devices to hospital settings was simply adding yet one more RF technology in an already-congested wireless space. But, because the security aspect of Bluetooth is greatly improved and newer technologies counter the RF interference often caused by wireless overcrowding, Bluetooth is becoming a much more trustworthy connectivity solution even in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.