Today Intel and Motion in Computing have both announced the Motion C5 mobile clinical assistant (MCA). The C5 is the first product built on Intel’s MCA platform and is designed for use in the health care setting to allow providers to spend more time near patients while staying connected and can also help with medication administration.

The MCA platform is the Intel’s first built specifically for healthcare and works towards connecting clinicians on health care facility floors to real-time information with a light, durable and easily-disinfected device. The Motion C5 features wireless connectivity to send and receive data in real time, security through fingerprint biometrics or RFID badges, a built-in digital camera and Bluetooth connectivity to connect wirelessly to monitors that track patient vital signs.

The mobile healthcare device has a bar code reader that allows users to scan patient bands and medication packaging to help ensure accuracy and lessen the chance for error. It also enables more accurate documentation and real time data-entry for time-stamped care and medication dispensing.

The device has a sealed design with a splash proof LCD display that is easy to disinfect with normal procedures for current common equipment in a healthcare setting. It’s also durable and rated for drops and bumps that are common in day to day handling.

“Today technology comes to the aid of those who help others,” said Paul Otellini, Intel president and CEO. “The mobile clinical assistant was defined and shaped by the clinicians who will use it. They have told us it will improve their decision making and patient care while easing overall workloads. This is a great example of putting innovative technology to work solving real needs.”

Intel and Motion in computing worked closely together in the development of the C5, and also worked closely with clinical software companies to create effective and quality applications for the device. A number of pilot studies were also conducted a health care facilities around the world to get valuable feedback on the Motion C5 design and usability. The University of California, San Francisco Medical Center was one of the key participants in the pilot study and is now even conducting tests to measure improvements in workflow and user satisfaction.

“Delivering solutions that improve the quality of care is a strategic priority for Motion, and we have heard directly from clinicians how technology can help them spend more time caring for their patients,” said Scott Eckert, Motion president and CEO. “We’re excited to be working with Intel to bring the C5 product to market, as well as the healthcare software community to help build the MCA platform category. We look forward to extending our outcome-driven approach to help our healthcare clients achieve their objectives for clinician productivity and patient care.”

Devices like these are a welcome step forward in the health care industry. With the high expenses in healthcare and competitive insurance, efficiencies like these that provide better care at a reduce cost are important pieces to a better healthcare setting. Cumbersome devices and poor security features regarding patient confidentiality have made devices like this difficult to implement in the past, but this will hopefully be a step in the right direction.