Location-Independent Mobile Healthcare Solutions

Since 2018, Region Stockholm has been exploring the possibilities of utilising 5G communication technology within healthcare.

The tests were conducted at Danderyd Hospital, in collaboration with Locum, AISAB, Tiohundra (Norrtälje Hospital), and the Research and Innovation Department at the Regional Administration Office, Region Stockholm. 
 
The project was conducted to gain insights and knowledge about how healthcare needs can be met with the use of 5G technology. 5G enables the introduction of new innovative services that can benefit citizens, employees, patients, and travellers. This could involve using connected machines, tools, and equipment in a completely new way. Furthermore, the surrounding 5G network combined with dedicated 5G indoor networks in hospitals can create new opportunities for improvements in patient safety and quality of care. 

Overall questions 

The overall research questions in the project have been: 

• How can 5G technology improve patient safety, accessibility, and resource optimisation by transforming and streamlining work processes and infrastructure within pre- and intrahospital emergency care? 
• How can digitalisation be used to streamline healthcare processes and ensure patient safety during the transition to more location-independent care? 
• How can 5G technology streamline property operations and contribute to increased security in building installations and property surveillance? 
• The project investigated, among other things, the development of new working methods and digitalisation for the benefit of both patients and healthcare providers. The project has also analysed the effects, quality improvements, and new services that 5G technology can bring to healthcare.

The project included a number of pilots: 

• Video from ambulance to hospital showing the stroke process. 
• Video in ambulances and bodycams on personnel to reinforce the initial report – the windscreen report – which is made as a voice call by the first ambulance on the scene of an accident, with 5G video from the ambulance at the accident site.  
• Property management. 

The project concluded that 5G has positive potential and that further investigation into this should continue. 

Below are links to videos about the project.