The facility should be designed to support the varying services and equipment needs of
each clinical area. The important and highly visible technology of infant security systems,
their implementation, and integration into the existing facility infrastructure are discussed
in this chapter. The complex interrelationship among data communications, clinical facility infrastructure, and medical device technologies is discussed as well. Medical gases
and vacuum systems vary in the clinical areas, depending on the procedures performed in
the rooms. Other utilities concerns are climate control and electrical power distribution.
The various medical device technologies in perinatology areas range widely in complexity and criticality. Their use depends on the needs of the patient and the clinical services provided (Schreiner, 1981). The medical technologies described in this chapter (e.g.,
monitors, radiant warmers, and ventilators) require technical support information for their
effective utilization. Some emerging technologies discussed include the electronic medical record and advanced apnea-monitoring devices.