GE Healthcare

Project Implementation Guide

CARESCAPE Gateway

Working together to get your new technology

online so you can begin providing patient care. 
  

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Table of contents
1.0 Introduction
1.1 About this manual....................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Intended audience..................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Product specifications and overview................................................................................................................................................. 4

2.0 Implementation teams

2.1 Team roles and responsibilities............................................................................................................................................................. 5

3.0 Additional responsibilities

3.1 Customer responsibilities....................................................................................................................................................................... 7
3.2 GE responsibilities..................................................................................................................................................................................... 11

4.0 Project actions and ownership

4.1 Initiating ......................................................................................................................................................................,................................... 14
4.2 Planning........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
4.3 Executing ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
4.4 Monitoring and controlling..................................................................................................................................................................... 19
4.5 Closing............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 20

5.0 CARESCAPE Gateway feature overview

5.1 Outbound Vital Signs data flow ........................................................................................................................................................ 21
5.2 ADT Inbound data flow........................................................................................................................................................................... 22
5.3 NTP data flow............................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
5.4 High-speed data flow.............................................................................................................................................................................. 24
5.5 Supported devices................................................................................................................................................................................... 25

6.0 Technical requirements

6.1 Space and access...................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
6.2 Network infrastructure............................................................................................................................................................................ 27
6.3 Network materials..................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
6.4 Remote connectivity................................................................................................................................................................................. 29
6.5 Closets............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 29
6.6 AC power........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 29
6.7 Uninterruptible power sources............................................................................................................................................................ 29

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1.0 Introduction

1.1 About this manual

This guide is designed to provide necessary information regarding implementation of a CARESCAPE™ Gateway
system and the development of an interface between the GE Healthcare Mission Critical (MC) Network and the
Hospital Information System (HIS). TCP/IP and HL7® are the standard protocols used during interface
development. To ensure a successful implementation, this guide provides information needed to prepare you
for planning, installation, configuration, testing, and activation of your system. Your sales representative will
guide you through this process. The contents of this manual and the detailed steps may not apply to every
installation, as equipment, site needs, and customer requirements can differ from hospital to hospital.

Implementation of a CARESCAPE Gateway system is best accomplished through a team effort involving
both the customer and GE. The activities outlined in this guide are designed to:
• Define the team members and their responsibilities
• Outline high-level project tasks
• Define what information is needed, who should supply it, and when it should be supplied
• Create and communicate the project schedule
• Transition the customer to successful operation of the CARESCAPE Gateway system

1.2 Intended audience

The Project Implementation Guide is an information resource for both GE and customer team members
involved in any phase of implementation. This guide also can be useful to hospital administrators, managers,
and staff who have an interest in the overall implementation process. Our intent is to keep this guide concise
and, when possible, to reference other documents published by GE for product descriptions, specifications,
and technical information.

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1.3 Product specifications and overview

Please refer to product brochures and service manuals for detailed physical, electrical, and environmental
specifications. Hardware specifications also can be found in the pre-installation guide for the product(s)
purchased.

• Outbound Vital Signs-Collects patient vital signs data from acquisition devices and transfers to hospital's
information system, with an available integrated test environment. Data retention and auto backfill feature
if network(s) is down. Four concurrent feeds available.

• ADT Inbound-Collects patient demographic information from the hospital’s information system and
transfers it, when requested, to the patient monitoring devices or CARESCAPE CIC Pro central station.
Includes wildcard pick-list search feature.

• Network Time Protocol (NTP)-The CARESCAPE Gateway can sync to a hospital’s NTP time source to
provide synchronized time across the patient monitoring devices on the CARESCAPE Network. In addition,
the CARESCAPE Gateway can automatically configure the system to adjust to daylight saving time.
Furthermore, the CARESCAPE Gateway provides an NTP time service, which the iCentral can use to
synchronize time.

• High-speed Data–Near-real-time waveform and numerical data can be provided to clinical information
systems and researchers (requires third-party application development). Up to three concurrent feeds are
available. Some third-party vendors also may require Outbound Vital Signs feed.

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2.0 Implementation teams

2.1 Team roles and responsibilities

The success of a CARESCAPE Gateway system implementation depends on critical factors such as
leadership, project planning, effective communication, and proficient execution of tasks. Teams with defined
project goals and objectives will deliver a more timely and efficient project implementation.

Guidelines for team members’ roles and responsibilities are outlined below. Depending on the size, scope,
complexity, and degree of customization involved in the system implementation, some roles may either be
combined or further subdivided. However, the overall responsibilities of these roles will remain as defined
under these guidelines. If any roles and responsibilities need to be modified to meet the specific needs of the
project, the changes should be documented, communicated, and agreed upon by the Project Team.

The Project Team is composed of both GE and hospital personnel. All team members should review the
following team member definitions and responsibilities.

Customer core team members

Project Manager (PM)–Maintains overall responsibility and authority for project activities. This person will be
the central contact for planning meetings, scheduling site visits and gathering/disseminating any
documentation that needs to be provided to the GE Project Team throughout project implementation.
Biomedical Engineering Director/Manager-Represents the customer on medical equipment requirements,
specifications, and standards. This person should be familiar with both the physiologic monitoring equipment
and network interfaces.
Information Technology Director/Manager (IT)-Provides the knowledge and authority needed to represent
the IT department throughout the planning, installation, and GoLive phases of the project. It is imperative that
this person be authorized to represent network and interface standards and policies for the hospital. IT will be
responsible for coordinating resources for the remote connectivity and interface interconnectivity team to
assist with configuration.
HIS Interface Analyst -Provides HIS interface requirements to GE Healthcare HL7 Integration Engineer and
supports build and test of the HIS interface within the timeline established in the overall project plan.
Clinical Analyst–Responsible for inbound and outbound HIS testing. This person has access to the HIS test
configuration for initial testing of the interface modules. They also may be involved with system workflow and
clinical training needs of the department.

Nursing Director/Manager-Represents the clinical aspects of the project, including system configuration,
equipment placement, and hospital monitoring policies and standards. This person must have the knowledge
and authority to represent the clinical needs of the organization as they relate to this project. This person also
will assess the need for user training and will coordinate such training activities with the GE implementation
team.

Facilities Manager-Represents the customer on electrical, mechanical, carpentry, and telecommunications

standards. The Facilities Manager is the main point of contact for hospital buildings, trash disposal, power,
HVAC, and telecommunications, and provides GE access to hospital loading dock and equipment staging areas,
if required.

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GE Core Team members

Project Manager or Account Coordination Specialist (PM/ACS)-Provides leadership and serves as primary
contact of the GE core project team for the successful planning, execution, and acceptance of the GE system(s).
The GE PM or ACS works with GE and customer project teams to coordinate all implementation activities,
resources, documentation, and training.

Field Engineer (FE)-Performs on-site survey, if required. Coordinates and performs system installation and
provides GoLive support. The Field Engineer coordinates with hospital personnel and leads GE installation team
members and contractors in completing the system implementation.

Network, Design and Implementation Engineer (ND&I)-Responsible for generating a network design that
addresses both customer and GE requirements, per purchase. Identifies and documents current network
design pre-sale, identifies new network requirements, determines whether existing network upgrades are
required, creates new network design, configures router, and collaborates with the core team to configure
and validate VPN connectivity.

HL7 Integration Engineer (IE)-Defines CARESCAPE Gateway interface specifications, establishes

integration plan, and develops interface design, configuration, and test plan. The HL7 Integration
Engineer also performs remote system tests prior to, during, and post-GoLive. Also acts as the primary
point contact 45 days post GoLive.

Sales Representative-Defines requirements and sets customer expectations throughout the sales process.
Obtains architectural drawings prior to the site survey and provides quotes for any additions to or changes in
scope. Responsible for initiating any required surveys.

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3.0 Additional responsibilities

3.1 Customer responsibilities

The customer is responsible for the following tasks prior to and during implementation of the CARESCAPE
Gateway. All action items will be reviewed in detail during project kickoff. Unavailability of or delays in providing
certain items prior to installation may result in delayed GoLive and/or additional customer cost. Please note
that any changes to the project schedule require advance mutual agreement.

Project management
The customer will assign a primary contact person to assist with the development and testing of the interface
between the Mission Critical (MC) network and Hospital Information System (HIS). This person will assemble
customer resources and requirements as needed throughout the implementation process and is responsible
for the implementation schedule and deliverables owned by the customer.

Vendor credentialing
If an on-site visit is required by the GE team, throughout the project, the customer will provide any information
needed for vendor credentialing prior to the site visit.

Document approval
The customer will provide at least one person to approve documents created throughout the project purchase.
This person is responsible for coordinating timely customer review of, response to, and approval of project
documentation.

Interface specifications
The customer is responsible for providing complete specifications for communication and data protocols,
routing rules and translations, as referenced in the CARESCAPE Gateway Interface Configuration Worksheet.
These requirements will be used to develop the Interface Specifications. The CARESCAPE Gateway Interface
Configuration Worksheet must be completed and submitted to GE in order to initiate implementation.

Architectural drawings
Prior to the scheduled site survey, the customer is responsible for providing multiple sets of full-scale, hardcopy
architectural drawings, as well as electronic (AutoCAD®) drawings for all of the antenna coverage areas and
equipment locations. Coverage areas and closet locations should be marked with a highlighter on the
hardcopy drawings, and care unit names should be clearly identified. AutoCAD files shall include floor plan and
room number/name layers.

Equipment placement and security

The customer is responsible for identifying equipment placement locations prior to site survey and for assuring
the availability of these spaces during installation. The network equipment locations shall have controlled
access and environmental controls. The customer shall provide members of the GE implementation team with
access to secure locations as needed. Any subsequent change in equipment placement will likely cause a delay
in project completion. The customer will be responsible for any applicable costs associated with the change.

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Closet location and rack/space allocation

The customer is responsible for providing adequate communication closet space, environmental control, and
power source for installation of system network components. The ND&I team will review the closet locations
noted on the customer’s architectural drawings and provide the requirements to the hospital at the end of the
site survey.

Equipment storage and transportation

It is the customer’s responsibility to receive all system components shipped to the hospital, including
hardware and installation materials. The customer is also responsible for equipment transportation
from the receiving dock to its designated storage and/or staging location(s). The customer is responsible
for the proper and secure storage of the equipment.

Cable installation
Depending on the networking level purchased, it may be the customer’s responsibility to install, terminate,
and/or certify cables per system design. In any case, it is the customer’s responsibility to identify any unique
color and/or labeling requirements for network cables and wall plates.

Fiber connectivity
Certain products offer billable options for network integration. Please refer to your sales contracts for details.
If the network integration option is not purchased, fiber installation, termination, and certification are the
responsibility of the customer to follow the specifications recommended by GE.

Carpentry and construction

The customer is responsible for all carpentry and/or construction work required for installation of
GE CARESCAPE and/or monitoring equipment. Millwork required to house system components,
installation of grommets and/or vertical wall channels, and any other construction required for the
monitoring system will be the responsibility of the customer. If a server is to be located in a cabinet, the
cabinet must be equipped with a cooling fan.

Electrical outlets
The customer is responsible for providing all electrical outlets required for the CARESCAPE Gateway system
and networking components. It is recommended all electrical supplies be on the hospital’s emergency
power system and have generator backup.

Core drilling
All core drilling-vertically and/or horizontally-shall be the responsibility of the customer regardless of
whether the customer or GE pulls cable.

Conduit
GE does not require horizontal cable runs to be in conduit. If conduit is required by the hospital, installation of
any new conduit is the responsibility of the customer.

Local codes and special requirements

At the beginning of the project, the customer must inform the GE PM/ACS of any local codes and/or special
requirements to which the installation team must adhere. Necessary permits and/or inspections must be
secured by the customer. If hospital or local labor requirements preclude GE from using its own employees
and nonunion contractors for the installation, all installation work shall be performed by the customer at
their own expense and without reimbursement from GE.

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Infection control & dust containment

It is the customer’s responsibility to inform the GE sales team prior to final quotation of any infection control
and/or dust containment requirements. Such infection control and/or dust requirements can add to the
duration and cost of system implementation. For dust containment, GE will provide carts and hepa filter
vacuums, as needed. Any additional required infection control equipment and/or garments shall be provided
by the hospital for use by GE during installation

Asbestos and hazardous conditions

The customer must inform the GE PM/ACS at the beginning of the project if there is any asbestos or industrial
hazard with which the installation team members may come in contact. Proper abatement and removal of
hazards must take place at customer expense before any GE personnel will begin or resume work.

Refuse disposal
GE will make every effort to keep refuse, such as packing materials and shipping cartons, organized and
stowed away during installation. It is the responsibility of the hospital to make arrangements for the
proper disposal of the installation refuse.

Uninterruptible power sources

Uninterruptible Power Sources (UPS) are required for all network components. UPS for monitoring equipment
are optional purchase items highly recommended by GE. If the customer chooses to supply the UPS, it is the
responsibility of the hospital to ensure that the UPS meet GE product specifications. In any case, the customer
is responsible for ongoing maintenance of the UPS.

Assigned IP addresses
GE CARESCAPE products come with pre-assigned IP addresses. If an alternate IP address scheme is
required, the customer is responsible for assigning permanent IP addresses for the CARESCAPE Gateway
system.

Remote system support

The customer will provide all communication configuration required to connect to the CARESCAPE Network
and/or HIS. Customer also will provide technical support to GE technical staff. The customer will provide the
resources necessary to evaluate communications problems involving cabling, communications facilities,
primary business system software/hardware configuration and/or remote system configuration.

The customer will act as the liaison between GE and any third-party vendors in the resolution of any remote
system support issues. The customer will assign a person to assist during installation and testing of the
system. This person will be responsible for initiating transmissions from the remote system and viewing
transmissions received from the CARESCAPE Gateway interface.

The CARESCAPE Gateway uses a LAN to LAN Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection and InSite™ ExC
between the hospital network and GE. This connection is used for remote configuration of the interface and
to support service requests. An existing GE VPN or InSite ExC connection can be updated to include the
CARESCAPE Gateway. If a new VPN connection is required, GE will work with the customer to establish this
connection prior to installing the CARESCAPE Gateway server.

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Customer-supplied equipment
The customer is responsible for ensuring all hospital-supplied parts, equipment, and furniture will be available
on time, as agreed per the project timeline. Any delay on these items will impact the schedule and may delay
the project GoLive. The customer must proactively ensure the equipment and supplies purchased outside of GE
meet applicable minimum specifications for use with the GE CARESCAPE system, and the customer is
responsible for installing any hardware not purchased from GE.

Peripheral interface
The customer is responsible for the provision, setup, and support of any peripheral interfaces, such as laser
printers and print-sharing devices that are hospital-supplied and purchased from a third-party vendor.

System test plan

The customer will facilitate the resources and requirements needed to create the overall system test plan.
Once GE delivers the system test plan for ADT and/or Results to the customer, the customer will facilitate
necessary reviews and obtain all required approvals.

System test
The customer is responsible for testing each transaction to confirm that it works in accordance with the
Interface Specifications Document. Customer approval of the System Test constitutes formal acceptance,
indicating that the system meets the requirements of the customer as represented in the Interface
Specifications Document and System Test Plan.

System GoLive
The GE implementation team will assist the customer team remotely for the CARESCAPE Gateway GoLive and
the resolution of any issues that may develop.

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3.2 GE responsibilities
GE is responsible for the following tasks prior to and/or during the CARESCAPE Gateway
implementation.

Project management
GE will assign a Project Manager and/or Account Coordination Specialist to coordinate the planning,
installation, development, and testing of the interface between the Mission Critical Network and HIS. This
person will assemble GE resources and requirements as needed throughout the implementation process and
is responsible for the implementation schedule and deliverables owned by GE.

Scheduling
GE will work with the customer to coordinate resources for installation, interface development, testing, and
GoLive. A typical CARESCAPE Gateway installation will take approximately eight to 12 weeks from initial
project kickoff to the start of customer testing. A minimum three-week notification period is required to
schedule GE resources.

Hours of operation
The project team meetings, installation, HL7 configuration, and testing will be performed during normal GE
business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local customer time. If a customer wishes for the installation or upgrade to
begin outside of those normal business hours, they will be subject to additional fees associated with the
overtime hours.

Interface specifications document

The GE HL7 Integration Engineer will obtain and review the technical specifications and data gathered in
preparation for building the interface. GE will create an Interface Specifications Document to be reviewed
and approved by the customer. Information in this document includes: hardware platforms and operating
systems of each HIS, network and protocol data information, mapping of data elements of Sending System
to data elements of Receiving System, current record/date elements layouts, missing data elements from
Sending System, data generation requirements, issues/exceptions, message formats, and translation
requirements.

Router or remote connectivity

If an InSite ExC compatible product is purchased, GE will provide, install, and configure the router necessary to
bridge between the monitoring network and the hospital’s enterprise network. In some cases, a router may not
be required.

Installation of network infrastructure

Depending on the networking purchased, GE may be responsible for some or all of the following: system
network design, supplying infrastructure parts, cable pulls, termination, network installation, and certification of
the network.

Equipment installation
GE will ship the pre-configured hardware directly to the customer site according to the address specified on
the purchase order. Hardware platforms are affixed with product and serial number labels that uniquely
identify the devices for product traceability and warranty entitlements. GE will install, configure, test, and
validate all system components.

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Remote system support

Upon successful installation of the equipment, GE will establish communications with remote systems by
configuring the operating system and CARESCAPE Gateway test environment for appropriate protocols,
verifying communications at the protocol level to/from remote systems and capturing raw data from remote
systems. The remote connectivity software validated for use with the CARESCAPE Gateway is InSite ExC and
Virtual Network Computing (VNC).

The CARESCAPE Gateway also requires a LAN to LAN VPN and InSite ExC connection between the hospital
network and GE. This connection is used for remote configuration of the interface and to support service
requests. An existing GE VPN or InSite ExC connection can be updated to include the CARESCAPE Gateway,
or, if a new connection is required, GE will work with the customer to establish this connection prior to
installing the CARESCAPE Gateway server.

Equipment configuration & interface development

GE will schedule equipment configuration and interface development only after remote system support
capabilities have been established. Equipment configuration and interface development will be performed
remotely by the HL7 Integration Engineer as outlined in the Interface Specifications Document.

System test plan

GE is responsible for creating a System Test Plan based on the CSG Interface Configuration Worksheet. The
HL7 Integration Engineer will identify the programs, procedures, and standards for performing the integration
testing on the system and map the expected interface results. The test plan document will be forwarded to
the customer for review and approval upon completion.

System test
GE will perform system testing by verifying that the Mission Critical Network delivers its messages as
defined in the System Test Plan. The HL7 Integration Engineer will unit-test each transaction that comes
across the interface to verify that data formats were sent and received as defined in the Interface
Specifications Document and that data is correctly processed by the CARESCAPE Gateway interface. The
team also will perform integration testing using production-volume data loads, evaluate the test results,
and make any necessary change. The team will continue to repeat this testing until results meet the
requirements of the System Test Plan.

Customer training
GE will perform system operator training on the system as stated in the sales agreement. If remote training
was not purchased as part of the CARESCAPE Gateway implementation, the customer may refer to the
CARESCAPE Gateway Operator Manual included with the system for operational details.

GoLive
GE will be responsible for converting the interface(s) to operation on actual production data transmissions
and verifying the interface performs in accordance with the requirements of the Interface Specifications
Documentation. The HL7 Integration Engineer will conduct the GoLive remotely during normal business
hours, unless otherwise stated in the sales agreement. The GoLive will be successfully completed when the
system is processing actual transactions in a manner that is consistent with the Interface Specifications
Documents and the results of the System Test Plan.

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Site documentation
GE will provide a copy of the implementation documentation to the customer following successful
completion of system GoLive. The documentation will contain all relevant information pertaining to the
CARESCAPE Gateway interface implementation.

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4.0 Project actions and ownerships

The GE implementation consists of the major activities listed below. Most of the planning and decisions are
made in project meetings and discussions that focus on the preparation and implementation of these activities.
The following is a list of tasks and their ownership to help team members manage and track their progress.
Based on the scope, complexity, and product(s) purchased, some key actions may not apply.

Key actions
 Initiating
 Planning
 Executing
 Monitoring and controlling
 Closing

4.1 Initiating
This phase consists primarily of an internal exchange of information intended to familiarize the GE Core Team
with the scope of the project and prepare for the project kickoff.

Information gathering
Task GE Customer
1 Provide multiple sets of full-scale, hardcopy architectural Sales PM
drawings, as well as electronic (AutoCAD) drawings
marked up with all equipment and network closet
locations
2 Obtain copy of sales order PM/ACS
3 Provide completed CARESCAPE Gateway Interface Sales
Configuration Survey to PM/ACS
4 Provide customer contact information Sales
5 Contact customer for introductory project discussion and PM/ACS PM
to schedule Kick Off meeting
6 Estimate project timeline and resources PM/ACS
7 Allocate resources and form implementation team PM/ACS
8 Submit CARESCAPE Gateway Interface Configuration PM/ACS
Survey to HL7 team
9 CARESCAPE Integration Request for to be submitted to PM/ACS
the Network Connectivity Team
10 Conduct call with GE implementation team to review Core Team
sales order and high-level project scope

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4.2 Planning
The intent of the Planning Phase is to assemble the customer core team and conduct the Kick Off meeting.
During this phase, a preliminary timeline will be established. If necessary, follow-up meetings or calls also will
be scheduled at this time.

Project kick off

Task GE Customer
1 Generate Project Book and project-specific PM/ACS
documentation
2 Provide customer with necessary project documentation PM/ACS
3 Conduct Kick Off meeting (on-site or via teleconference) PM/ACS Core Team
a. Review project scope and system configuration Core Team Core Team
based on sales agreement(s)
b. Review customer and GE roles and responsibilities Core Team Core Team
c. Review actions, tasks, and ownership Core Team Core Team
d. Identify third-party vendor roles, responsibilities, and Core Team Core Team
contacts, if applicable
e. Review training based on sales agreement(s) Core Team Core Team
f. Review implementation timelines and target GoLive Core Team Core Team
date
4 Allocate resources based on GoLive schedule PM/ACS PM
5 Define mechanism and frequency of future project Core Team Core Team
communications
6 Document any open issues and/or action items PM/ACS
7 Publish and distribute Project Book and project PM/ACS
implementation schedule
 

Site survey
Task GE Customer
1 Conduct site survey FE and/or ND&I PM, IT, Biomed,
Facilities
2 Identify closet and rack space requirements FE and/or ND&I
3 Identify any electrical, facility, and/or carpentry FE and/or ND&I Core Team
requirements
4 Hospital commits closet and rack space PM, IT, Biomed,
Facilities
5 Hospital assigns IP addresses, if required PM, IT
6 Update workbook to document site survey results FE and/or ND&I
 

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System design
Task GE Customer
1 Confirm complete site survey deliverables have been FE and ND&I
submitted to ND&I
2 Perform system design, as per purchase agreement ND&I
3 Design review and approval ND&I
4 Submit infrastructure parts order with required ship ND&I
date, as per purchase agreement
5 Document and post completed design ND&I

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4.3 Executing
This phase includes equipment delivery, system installation, HL7 configuration and testing and GoLive
readiness.

Equipment delivery and installation

Task GE Customer
1 Configure router and ship to customer ND&I
2 Schedule and confirm on-site delivery of server, router, PM/ACS PM
and network components
3 Complete any power and network requirements, based Facilities, IT
on specifications provided
5 Confirm completion of remote connectivity prior to GE FE. ND&I PM
arrival for on-site installation
6 Perform physical inventory FE Biomed, Facilities, IT
7 Install Category 5 and/or fiber-optic network cabling, if FE, Contractor Facilities, Contractor
required1
8 Rack, power, and network GE hardware FE IT
9 Install and configure GE equipment FE
10 Test remote support connection FE, ND&I
1 Cable installation may either be the responsibility of GE or the customer. Please refer to sales

agreement for appropriate terms and conditions regarding cable installation.

Interface specifications, configuration, and testing

Task GE Customer
1 Schedule discussion with customer and HL7 Engineer to PM/ACS, HL7 Engineer PM, HIS Interface
discuss CARESCAPE Gateway Interface Configuration Analyst
Survey
2 Develop interface specifications document and system HL7 Engineer HIS Interface Analyst
test plan, if necessary
3 Forward final Integration Specifications Document and HL7 Engineer
System Test Plan to customer PM for review and
acceptance, if necessary
4 Configure HL7 interface box for testing HL7 Engineer Facilities, IT
5 Perform HL7 Connectivity Testing HL7 Engineer HIS Interface Analyst
6 Perform end user HL7 integration testing HL7 Engineer HIS Interface Analyst,
Super User
7 Validate HL7 workflow testing is complete and GoLive HL7 Engineer
8 Perform full backup of CARESCAPE Gateway and HL7 Engineer
Quovadx® settings
9 Familiarize customer with final CARESCAPE Gateway HL7 Engineer HIS Interface Analyst,
configuration and functionality Super User
10 Obtain necessary department acknowledging HL7 PM
readiness

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GoLive readiness
Task GE Customer
1 Finalize interface configuration HL7 Engineer HIS Interface Analyst
2 Discuss service support plan HL7 Engineer
3 Finalize interface documentation HL7 Engineer
4 Institute routine systems maintenance HL7 Engineer IT
administration
5 Conduct pre-GoLive status call to confirm completion of Core Team Core Team
customer interface preparation activities

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4.4 Monitoring and controlling

This phase includes final system checks and the transition to a live production environment.
System GoLive
Task GE Customer
1 Transition to live production environment HL7 Engineer IT
2 Online production cutover HL7 Engineer IT
3 Verify performance of system(s) including FE
communication with external devices
4 Perform system backup HL7 Engineer IT
5 Conduct GoLive status call Core Team Core Team
6 Review HL7 Admin Training Documentation HL7 Engineer IT, Biomed

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4.5 Closing
The Closing Phase ensures that any open items have been documented and assigned for completion, and
formalizes final system acceptance in accordance with GE standard Terms and Conditions. This phase provides
project closure and a detailed plan for ongoing customer support.
Project closure
Task GE Customer
1 Conduct Closeout meeting Core Team Core Team
2 Review system performance, project commitments, and Core Team Core Team
post-GoLive support during Closeout meeting
3 Review open issues and establish follow-up plan Core Team Core Team
4 Forward Close out letter and initiate delivery of PM/ACS
customer Closeout package

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5.0 CARESCAPE Gateway feature overview

5.1 Outbound vital signs data flow

The Outbound Patient Vital Signs feature takes trended patient data from the monitors on the Unity MC
Network and transmits it to the HIS.

®
®

1. The CARESCAPE Gateway acquires patient data from up to 512 patient monitoring devices on the
CARESCAPE Network.
2. The built-in Cloverleaf interface engine translates the data to the specific needs of the Clinical
Information System utilizing the HL7 protocol.
3. Translated HL7 trended vital signs data is transferred to the Clinical Information System.

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5.2 ADT Inbound data flow

The ADT Inbound feature takes patient ID data from the HIS and transmits it on demand to the
monitors on the Unity MC Network.

CARESCAPE
Network
interface

Dash 3000
Dash 4000
Dash 5000
    

1. Patient ADT information streams from the HIS in HL7 format to the CARESCAPE Gateway
as patient data is added or modified.
2. Patient data is converted by the Cloverleaf HL7 interface engine and held in database.
3. A monitor on the MC Network sends a query for patient data to the database on the CARESCAPE
Gateway.
4. Data is retrieved from the cache and sent to the requesting monitor on the MC Network.

Note: The ADT feature on the CARESCAPE Gateway is for the CARESCAPE Network and does not include the S/5 Network.

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5.3 NTP data flow

The NTP time synchronization features compares time on the Unity Network to the hospital’s NTP Time Server
and transmits it to the time master on the Unity MC Network, usually a CARESCAPE CIC Pro.

1. If there is no NTP configuration, the CARESCAPE Network time master will automatically re-sync time
with the monitors at 7 a.m. every morning.
2. If NTP configuration is enabled, the CARESCAPE Gateway will continually check if the time comparison to
its internal clock is substantially different (>10 secs). If the CARESCAPE Gateway detects a variance of
>10 seconds, a message is sent to the MC Network time master to adjust its clock to match the NTP
server time.
3. The MC Network time master broadcasts the new time to all devices on the MC Network, which adjust
their clocks to the new time.

Note: Automated or manual adjustments to the time or date settings, including daylight saving time changes, may affect other
monitoring devices on the Unity Network and could result in a loss of patient data history. Please contact your HL7 Integration
Engineer for detailed information regarding NTP operation.

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5.4 High-speed data flow

CARESCAPE
Network
interface

Dash 3000
Dash 4000
Dash 5000

1. The CARESCAPE Gateway acquires patient data from up to 512 patient monitoring devices on the
CARESCAPE Network.
2. Patient data is converted into the High-speed Data format inside the CARESCAPE Gateway.
3. The High-speed Data is exchanged between the CARESCAPE Gateway and is transferred to the Clinical
Information System.

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5.5 Supported devices

CARESCAPE Gateway works with bedside monitoring devices that support Patient Identification (PID) and
Admit-Discharge-Transfer (ADT) functionality. The following table identifies the GE monitoring devices that
have been validated with CARESCAPE Gateway, at the time of this printing.
Outbound Supports ADT Supports
Device Versions Vital Signs Request Admit1 ADT Picklist
Using Central
ApexPro® 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2 Yes Station No

CARESCAPE B650 1.1 Yes No Yes

CARESCAPE B850 1.0 Yes No Yes

Using Central
CDT-Lan2 6D3 Yes Station No

CIC Pro 4.0.7, 4.1.0, 4.1.1-2, 5.1.0, 5.2 N/A Yes No

CIC Pro 5.1.0, 5.2 N/A Yes Yes

Dash 2000 3A, 3B Yes Yes No

2B, 2C, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4B, 4C, 5.1, 5.2,

Dash 3000/4000/5000 Yes Yes No
5.3, 5.4, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9
V2 HW, RAH SW; V2 HW, RAJ SW;
V2 HW, RAK SW; V3 HW, RAA SW;
DINAMAP® Pro 1000/1928 V3 HW, RAB SW; V3 HW, RAC SW; Using Central
V3 HW, RAD SW; V3 HW, RAE SW; Yes No
Adapter v1 Station
V3 HW, RAF SW; V3 HW, 1A SW;
V3 HW, 1B SW
Using Central
Eagle® 3000 3A,3 3B3 Yes No
Station
Eagle 3000 4A, 4C Yes Yes Yes

Using Central No
Eagle 4000 5B,3 6A, 6B, 6C, 6E, 6F, 6G Yes
Station

LNET05 05.0.3,
LNET05 5.1,
iCentral4,5 LNET05 05.0.3, Yes No No
LNET05 5.1.1,
LNET05 5.1.2

Using Central
Solar 7000/8000 3C, 4B, 4C Yes No
Station
Solar 7000/8000 5B, 5D, 5E, 6A, 7B, 7C Yes Yes No

1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 3D, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, No

Solar 8000M Yes Yes
5.2, 5.3, 5.4

Solar 8000i 4E, 4F, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 Yes Yes No

Solar 9000/9500 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C Yes No No

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Using Central No
Tramscope 12 17F,3 17G,3 17H3 Yes
Station
Using Central Yes
Unity Network ID 1A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5B, 5C, 5D, 6A Yes
Station
1TRAM Module software earlier than v10A does not support storing a PID. When an earlier version of TRAM Module is used
with an ADT-capable patient monitor, the PID will not be stored.

2This device is only supported in one-minute collection interval. Using central station indicates that the device does not
support ADT Request Admit directly. However, the transfer of patient demographic information can be performed at the
central station.

3 CDT-LAN v6A does not support storing a PID.

4 The iCentral is the only S/5 Network device to which the CARESCAPE Gateway directly communicates. See iCentral

documentation for patient monitor and module compatibility.

5ECG is not supported for S/5 Network devices for any of these cases: monitor’s DRI level set to 2002 or earlier, M-
NE12STPR..00/01 module is used, and M-NESTPR module is used with a monitor that has software level older than 04.

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6.0 Technical requirements

The CARESCAPE Gateway has several requirements that must be met in order to ensure a successful
implementation. The list below will be used as a guideline to develop specific requirements based on the
unique requirements of your site.

6.1 Space and access

GE requires a site survey process to validate the customer-determined location for the CARESCAPE Gateway
system. The CARESCAPE Gateway and related components require adequate mounting space, preferably in
a controlled IT data center with available rack, power, and network access. Following mutual acceptance of
this location, GE will require periodic access to the location for installation and implementation of the
system.

6.2 Network infrastructure

The GE network infrastructure supports industry standard 100BASE-T (UTP cable) and 100BASE-FX (multimode
fiber optic) interconnectivity. Both of these media provide 100 Mbps full duplex throughput.

GE requires that all GE monitoring connections, both cabling and LAN equipment, be dedicated to the
monitoring system due to the life-critical and mission-critical natures of a patient monitoring system. GE’s
patient monitoring infrastructure consists of two networks. The Mission Critical (MC) network provides real-
time data between GE devices, and the Information Exchange (IX) network provides non-real-time data,
such as print requests and license processing.

The CARESCAPE Gateway will require connection to both the patient monitoring Unity MC Network and the
Hospital Information System network via a secured connection to the Unity IX Network.

The CARESCAPE Gateway also requires a LAN to LAN VPN connection between the hospital network and the
GE Regional Operations Center (ROC). This connection is used for remote configuration of the interface and to
support service requests. An existing GE ROC VPN can be updated to include the CARESCAPE Gateway, or, if a
new VPN connection is required, GE will work with the customer to establish this connection prior to installing
the CARESCAPE Gateway server.

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1. GE Unity MC Network-Separate network for GE medical devices (monitors, telemetry, central stations, etc.)
to transport life-critical data.
2. GE Unity IX Network-Separate network for GE medical devices to transport non-life-critical data. (In the
past, this could have used the hospital network.)
3. CARESCAPE Gateway-Provides an interface to pass ADT info to monitors and numeric vital signs data (HL7)
to an HIS/CIS.
4. Application Servers
• Mobile Care Server-Provides enhanced data storage (72 hours of vital signs and 500 alarm histories)
and network-based data continuity).
• Patient Viewer-Provides a remote view of patient monitoring information, including ECG waveforms
and vital signs.
• MUSE Monitoring Gateway-Provides an interface to allow the bedside monitors (if equipped) to send
12-lead ECG reading to the MUSE.
5. CARESCAPE Network Router-Provides a controlled connection point to limit what traffic is allowed to pass
between the hospital network and the Unity Network.
6. GE InSite ExC/VPN Solution - Provides a broadband connection for configuration, remote support, and
diagnostics.

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6.3 Network materials

The GE CARESCAPE network backbone cabling is standard 62.5/125 micron multimode fiber, terminated to SC
connectors at the fiber connection panel. The GE Network, Design and Implementation Engineer must approve
use of another type of connector in advance.

All copper network cabling conforms to TIA-568 standards for Cat5E UTP. All segments in plenum spaces are
plenum rated cable. All dedicated UTP patch panels also conform to TIA-568 standards for Cat5E UTP.
Confirm this with ND&I and FE

6.4 Remote connectivity

Certain GE products are equipped with InSite ExC, a digital services interface that allows remote access to
the GE Healthcare Support Center via a secure Internet connection to enable On-Demand or Proactive
Digital Services. Use of InSite ExC requires a physical connection through a router supplied by GE to the
hospital’s existing enterprise LAN and outbound Internet access for the device using HTTPS protocol.
Hospital IT staff will be asked to provide information and actions required for the digital services interface.
Please refer to the product brochure for additional details.

6.5 Closets
• Adequate space shall be provided in designated equipment closets to house GE infrastructure components.
• Closets shall be made accessible for the GE installation team during all phases of implementation for the
purposes of installing, integrating, testing, and troubleshooting the CARESCAPE system.
• Proper ventilation and/or cooling shall be provided in designated equipment closets. Ambient temperature
immediately surrounding the distribution racks should be no more than 35 C.

6.6 AC power
Hospital emergency power must be provided for GE CARESCAPE system(s) and infrastructure components.
Separate AC outlet(s) with sufficient amperage rating must be provided for laser printers.

6.7 Uninterruptible power sources

GE strongly recommends the use of an uninterruptible power source (UPS) on each of the system components
requiring AC power. If a UPS is not used, improper shutdowns of the system are likely to occur in the event of a
power outage and will cause a lengthy disk scan procedure when the unit reboots. An interruption in power
also could result in data loss if a UPS is not used.

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©2012 General Electric Company – All rights reserved.
General Electric Company reserves the right to make
changes in specifications and features shown herein,
or discontinue the product described at any time without
notice or obligation. Contact your GE Representative
for the most current information.
GE and GE Monogram, ApexPro, CARESCAPE, Dash,
DINAMAP, Eagle, InSite ExC, and Solar are trademarks
of General Electric Company.
All other product names and logos are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective companies.
GE Medical Systems Information Technologies, Inc.,
doing business as GE Healthcare.

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technology. Our expertise in medical imaging and information technologies, medical diagnostics, patient
monitoring systems, drug discovery, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies is enabling
healthcare professionals around the world to discover new ways to predict, diagnose and treat disease earlier.
We call this model of care “Early Health.” The goal: to help clinicians detect disease earlier, access more
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www.gehealthcare.com

US DOC1277106 2/13

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