Intel Corp. has announced the mobile clinical assistant (MCA) is ready to enable nurses to spend more time with patients, do their jobs on the move while remaining connected, and manage the administration of medications. Motion Computing’s C5 is the first product based on Intel’s MCA platform and has earned support from clinicians and nurses participating in pilot studies.

“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,” said Paul Otellini, Intel Corp.’s chief executive.

Motion Computing’s C5 features include wireless connectivity to access up-to-date secure patient information and physician’s orders, radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for easy, rapid user logon, a digital camera to enhance patient charting and progress notes, to keep track of wounds as they heal as well as Bluetooth technology to help capture patient vital signs. The C5 is also lightweight, spill-resistant, drop-tolerant and easily disinfected. Other details of the devices were not released.

As part of the solution, Intel and Motion Computing worked closely with electronic medical record (EMR) and other clinical software companies to refine their applications for use on MCA. Besides, Intel also conducted a broad range of pilot studies in hospitals worldwide.

Social scientists from Intel’s digital health group conducted ethnographic studies of clinicians using the MCA at each hospital to understand the platform’s usage, usefulness and usability in the context of real clinical work practice. Across these hospital settings, nurses and physicians appreciated the integrated handle; immediate anytime, anywhere access to secure patient information and orders; and the docking station that allows them to easily swap batteries to achieve shift-long use, according to Intel.

“Today technology comes to the aid of those who help others,” stated Mr. Otellini.