Method for medical equipment management and anti-theft technology

Abstract

A healthcare enterprise has associated management resources that manage the operation of one or more medical devices in the healthcare enterprise. In order to determine what functions to enable in the corresponding medical device, the corresponding medical device establishes a communication link to communicate in the network environment. After the communication link is established, the medical device initiates communication from the medical device to the remotely located management resource via the communication link. The communication includes a unique identifier value assigned to the medical device. Depending on the feedback from the management resource regarding the unique identifier value, such as the grant or denial of authorization, the medical device operates in one of a number of different modes of operation, such as a full functional mode or a reduced functional mode.

Description

Background technique [0001] Conventional medical equipment enables caregivers in hospitals to provide medical care to patients. For example, one type of medical device is a fluid transfer pump. As is well known, caregivers typically operate such medical devices to deliver fluid-based medications to patients. Like any medical device, fluid transfer pumps are easily removed (possibly without authorization) from the respective hospital environment and used elsewhere. [0002] As medical devices, such as fluid transfer pumps, become lighter and mobile, they become more susceptible to theft and improper removal. Conventional anti-theft technologies (such as RFID tags, security cameras, etc.) are expensive and difficult to manage, making it difficult to reduce theft or inappropriate removal of medical devices. Labels of any kind (if used) are often very easy to see and easy to remove. Surveillance is easily circumvented as medical equipment can be removed while covered by people...

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