About WIISARD SAGE
WIISARD SAGE – or Wireless Internet Information Systems for Medical Response to Disasters – Self-scaling Architectures for Group and Enterprise Computing is funded by ARRA funds through the National Institutes of Health – National Library of Medicine. WIISARD SAGE seeks to research and test solutions to difficult mobile computing challenges identified with the original WIISARD project.
These challenges are three-fold: First, disaster sites often have noisy and chaotic electromagnetic environments that make wireless networks unreliable. Practical systems for disaster response must have architectures that preserve first responder work flows, including mobile group work, even during disruptions that might prevent connections to any central server. Second, responders typically arrive at the scene of disaster sites in staggered fashion over time and availability, and must organize themselves into a functional Incident Command system. Practical systems for disaster response must be interoperable and self-scaling with progressive growth of capabilities as first responders arrive on scene. Third, the capabilities of computer systems in disaster environments will change from moment to moment based on connectivity and infrastructure. Information on the status of the system must be conveyed to users in a seamless way to enhance rather than impede adaptive workflow.
Advances with WIISARD-SAGE will include the development of systems and protocols to support multi-site workflow in loosely networked conditions, self-adaptive configuration and scaling to accommodate the progressive arrival of responder teams, and the improved function and transparency of the system in the harsh and changing conditions that can compromise network connectivity at disaster sites.
Measurements of the effectiveness of models and innovations will be performed using the entire WIISARD test bed in large disaster drills with the San Diego Regional Metropolitan Medical Strike Team, Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT-4), and City of San Diego Fire-Rescue agency. Measures will include network and application performance, speed of transmission of information, and effects on clinical work flow. If successful, this research will overcome critical technical obstacles that prevent the effective use of computer systems to support medical care at disaster sites.