Secure and protected network connection between medical and external networks

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Hospital Network Systems
• Health Information Exchange

Background:

• Effective internal and global communication are crucial in medicine.
• Access to medical databases and information services supports research and patient care.
• The Erlangen Hospital Communication System (EKKS) project aimed to enhance connectivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the concept of a network connection for the Erlangen University Hospital.
• To test the integration of the hospital's medical network with international networks.
• To evaluate the feasibility of the Erlangen Hospital Communication System (EKKS).

Main Methods:

• Conceptual examination of network integration.
• Implementation of a network connection test.
• Evaluation of an actual installation within the EKKS project.

Main Results:

• A network connection concept was explored.
• The integration of the Erlangen University Hospital's network with international networks was tested.
• An actual installation was implemented as part of the EKKS project.

Conclusions:

• Network connectivity is essential for modern medical practices.
• The EKKS project demonstrated a viable approach to inter-network communication for hospitals.
• Enhanced communication infrastructure can support both medical research and patient care improvements.