“VA’s SimLEARN is using 5G high band in a controlled, low-risk simulation environment so that it can be successfully and correctly dispersed throughout the VHA system to help Veterans.”
“The Simulation Learning, Evaluation, Assessment, and Research Network’s (SimLEARN) National Simulation Center (NSC) is one of the first facilities in VHA to operationalize 5G high band millimeter wave (high band).”
“With this new technology, VA is truly leading the way in groundbreaking health care for Veterans. 5G allows for faster speeds, more network capacity, decreased lag time and the possibility of more hyper-interconnected environments.”
“Installing high band into existing VA infrastructures allows medical providers to share large files of Veterans’ medical information more quickly, such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) through augmented or virtual channels.”
“Unlike 5G low band and mid band, high band features even faster speeds that support large bundles of information. It can also dedicate bandwidth to specific instruments or medical devices.”
“Telehealth supported by 5G
Additionally, 5G helps to support telehealth, which has seen substantial growth during the coronavirus pandemic. All varieties of the technology allow Veterans reliable access to their VA care teams through quality, real-time video connections.”
“Currently, VHA has four facilities where 5G varieties are installed and operational:
- Palo Alto, California National Centers for Innovation to Impact
- Puget Sound, Washington NCI2I
- SimLEARN NSC Orlando, Florida
- Miami Health Care System, Miami, Florida.”
“Developing through collaboration
This effort represents VA’s ability to collaborate to impact Veteran lives, both within VA itself and with outside organizations. Collaborating closely with Verizon means 5G high band was adapted quickly and SimLEARN has the tools and understanding to better replicate the new technology with any carrier across VHA.”
“The integration of 5G high band at SimLEARN was led and completed by its Chief Technology Officer Jeffrey Saura. SimLEARN also worked alongside efforts at VA’s Innovation Ecosystem’s NCI2I to establish 5G high band at their site. This creates opportunities for cross-collaboration between the two sites within VA to evolve and enhance Veterans’ health care experience…” Read the full article here.
Source: VA and 5G technology coordination create faster, smarter health care for Veterans – By Brian Stevenson, January 25, 2022. VAntage Point.
