Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) has become an increasingly popular solution for healthcare organizations to streamline IT operations, improve patient care, and ensure data security. VMware Horizon is among the top VDI solutions that healthcare providers use to deliver virtual desktops, applications, and online services to any device from anywhere. However, integrating Horizon with healthcare software platforms is a complex task that requires careful planning, testing, and implementation.
In this article, we will provide technical practitioners and implementers with comprehensive guidance on testing configurations and best practices for integrating VMware Horizon with healthcare software products. We will outline the impact of electronic medical record (EMR) software on supporting applications for the EMR platform, the importance of choosing the right services for targeted use cases, and the use of endpoints for automatic login to Horizon and launching of single applications. We will also discuss the Dynamic Environment Manager’s role in applying profile settings and folder redirection, as well as the availability of applications through the VMware Workspace ONE Access catalog installed in the RDSH host’s golden image.
Testing configurations and best practices
VMware Horizon has a vast array of features and capabilities for healthcare organizations to take advantage of. However, to ensure a successful implementation, it is essential to understand the testing configurations and best practices for integrating Horizon with healthcare software products.
Target Audience: Technical practitioners and implementers of Horizon in healthcare environments
This article is tailored for technical practitioners and implementers of Horizon in healthcare environments. We recognize that these individuals are typically responsible for configuring, deploying, and managing the Horizon environment. Therefore, we aim to provide them with the necessary guidance and knowledge they need to ensure a successful implementation.
The Influence of Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Software on Supporting Applications for the EMR Platform
Electronic medical record (EMR) software is one of the most critical healthcare software products that healthcare organizations use. It stores and manages electronic patient records, including medical history, laboratory results, and medication information. EMR software heavily influences supporting applications for the EMR platform.
In many cases, healthcare organizations deploy EMR software that requires specific supporting applications to work correctly. For example, some EMR software may require applications that handle medication dispensing, laboratory results management, or radiology image management. Therefore, when integrating VMware Horizon with healthcare software products, it is crucial to consider the EMR software’s requirements regarding supporting applications.
The Importance of Choosing Correct Services for Targeted Use Cases for a Successful Horizon Implementation
Choosing the correct services for targeted use cases is critical to having a successful implementation of Horizon. Healthcare organizations have unique requirements regarding their IT infrastructure, and it is essential to align the VDI solution with those requirements.
For example, some healthcare organizations may require a high degree of data security and privacy. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the appropriate security services available in Horizon like Horizon Security Server, to ensure secure remote access to desktops and applications.
Another example is that healthcare organizations may have different types of end-users, including physicians, nurses, and administrative staff. Each group may require different applications and desktop resources to perform their duties correctly. Therefore, healthcare organizations should choose specific services that meet the different end-users’ needs.
Using endpoints for automatic login to Horizon and launching a single application
Endpoints are an essential component in Horizon implementations, particularly in healthcare environments. An endpoint is set up to automatically log in to Horizon and launch a single application. This approach is prevalent in healthcare organizations because it simplifies the end-users’ experience by minimizing the number of steps involved in accessing their applications.
Typically, this is handled by leveraging the unauthenticated user handling features of Horizon and implementing the solution that best fits your organization’s needs. Leveraging endpoints saves time and effort for end-users, while ensuring a more secure and streamlined approach for the organization.
Delivery of EMR client application through farms of RDSH servers
The EMR client application is a critical application in healthcare organizations. It is necessary for healthcare professionals to access the EMR platform and patient records. VMware Horizon delivers the EMR client application as a published application provided by farms of RDSH servers.
Using farms of RDSH servers ensures that healthcare professionals can access the EMR client application from any device and location. Farms of RDSH servers are also scalable and can handle a large number of sessions at the same time.
Application of Profile Settings and Folder Redirection through Dynamic Environment Manager
Dynamic Environment Manager is a VMware tool that enables healthcare organizations to apply profile settings and folder redirection to remote desktops and applications. This tool is essential in ensuring a consistent end-user experience across all devices and locations.
Profile settings enable end-users to customize their desktop and application settings, such as screen resolution, keyboard layout, and mouse settings. Folder redirection is essential to ensure that end-users can access their files and documents from anywhere and any device.
Availability of Applications through VMware Workspace ONE Access Catalog Installed in RDSH Host’s Golden Image
The VMware Workspace ONE Access catalog is another critical tool in Horizon implementations within healthcare organizations. Specifically, the Workspace ONE Access catalog allows healthcare organizations to make applications available to end-users through a web portal that can be accessed from any device and location.
Applications are installed into the golden image of an RDSH host, and end-users can access these applications through the Workspace ONE Access catalog. This approach ensures that applications are easily accessible to end-users, regardless of their device or location, and minimizes the number of steps involved in accessing the applications.
Integrating VMware Horizon with healthcare software products is a complex task that requires careful planning, testing, and implementation. In this article, we provide technical practitioners and implementers with comprehensive guidance on testing configurations and best practices for integrating Horizon with healthcare software products. We discuss the impact of EMR software on supporting applications, the importance of choosing services for targeted use cases, the use of endpoints, Dynamic Environment Manager, and the Workspace ONE Access catalog. By following these best practices, healthcare organizations can ensure a successful Horizon implementation that enhances patient care, streamlines IT operations, and ensures data security.