AT&T introduces tablet security tool for healthcare industry

In an effort to help healthcare providers comply with regulatory mandates in their use of tablet computers, wireless carrier AT&T has introduced a management solution designed specifically for the mobile devices.

The AT&T Managed Tablets offering is intended to assist healthcare providers in introducing tablets to the workplace by providing a number of robust end-to-end security solutions.

The healthcare industry is generally slower than others to implement new technology, as regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), are strict when it comes to protecting sensitive patient information. However, doctors and nurses have been among the early adopters of tablet computers, finding the portable devices extremely convenient for taking notes, explaining procedures to patients and keeping themselves organized.

AT&T's solution is aimed at ensuring tablet use among healthcare providers meets these regulations by providing an array of security functions such as remote wipe and lock and secure access to records and resources.

The implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) will add another challenge to the use of new technology in the healthcare industry. Though EHRs are intended to make patient information more accessible to doctors and nurses, healthcare providers must deploy the necessary solutions to ensure records don't fall into the wrong hands.