Systems and methods for assigning medical devices to specific locations within a healthcare facility

Abstract

Systems and methods for assigning medical devices to specific locations within a healthcare facility are disclosed. A system for assigning a medical device (2) to a specific location within a healthcare facility (4), the system comprising: a) at least one medical device (2) having: • a user interface (6) configured to allow selection of a predefined location within a hierarchical healthcare facility structure; • a memory (8) for storing assigned location information; and • a communication module (12) configured to exchange location information with other medical devices (2') and / or a server (10); b) a server (10) or a decentralized / distributed configuration device configured to: • store and manage said hierarchical healthcare facility structure, including in particular locations ranging from facility level to individual beds; • receive and synchronize location assignments from medical devices (2); and • distribute updated location information to other medical devices (2'), c) a communication network (14) interconnecting the medical device(s) (2, 2') and the server (10) or the decentralized configuration device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to medical technology, and more particularly to systems and methods for allocating medical devices to specific locations within healthcare facilities. The invention ensures that medical devices, such as infusion pumps, can be accurately and efficiently associated with their respective locations in a structured manner, promoting improved device management and patient safety. Background Technology

[0002] In modern healthcare settings, medical devices frequently move between different locations, such as patient rooms, intensive care units, and operating rooms. However, accurately tracking and managing these devices within a hospital presents a challenge. Conventional methods, typically relying on manual logging, barcode scanning, or radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, can be inefficient and error-prone. Furthermore, a lack of real-time synchronization between devices and the hospital information system (HIS) can lead to discrepancies in device allocation and patient association, potentially jeopardizing patient care.

[0003] Existing systems do not adequately provide a seamless and automated method for allocating medical devices to specific locations in a structured and hierarchical manner. Furthermore, they fail to facilitate efficient synchronization of location allocation across multiple devices, limiting their potential for improved hospital workflows and patient safety.

[0004] More specifically, existing solutions, such as RFID, Wi-Fi triangulation, and ADT data systems, suffer from the significant drawbacks that this invention aims to address. While RFID tags and Bluetooth beacons are useful for real-time tracking, they are generally expensive and require significant implementation effort. Furthermore, they do not directly display location information on the user interface of the medical device, making them less intuitive for the user. Wi-Fi triangulation, while utilizing existing infrastructure, generally lacks the precision required to pinpoint the exact location of the medical device, potentially leading to inefficiencies in device management. ADT systems integrated with patient data management systems (PDMS) track patient-related information but cannot provide specific location data for medical devices, limiting their usefulness for accurate device tracking.

[0005] The purpose of this invention The objective of this invention is to provide an improved system and method for assigning medical devices to specific locations within a healthcare facility. The invention aims to reduce errors associated with manual tracking, enhance device management through structured location assignment, and enable seamless synchronization of location information between multiple medical devices and hospital systems.

[0006] Solution to the problem To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a system for distributing medical devices to specific locations within a healthcare facility. As claimed in claim 1, the system comprises: ● At least one medical device having: a user interface for selecting a predefined location; a memory for storing the assigned location information; and a communication module for exchanging location information with other medical devices and / or a server; ● Servers or decentralized / distributed configuration devices for: managing the structure of tiered healthcare facilities; receiving and synchronizing location assignments; and distributing updated location information; and ● A communication network that interconnects (one or more) medical devices and servers or decentralized configuration devices.

[0007] Additionally, the present invention provides a method for assigning a medical device to a specific location. As claimed in claim 10, the method includes: ●Limit the structure of graded healthcare facilities; ● Store this structure on a server and / or medical device; ● Enables users to select locations via a user interface; ● Store the assigned location in the medical device's memory; ● Transmit the assigned location information and synchronize it with the server and / or other medical devices.

[0008] At the same time, these features ensure accurate device location allocation and synchronization, reduce manual tracking errors, and enhance hospital workflow efficiency.

[0009] The objectives, features, embodiments, and advantages described for the system herein also apply to the method, and vice versa. Specifically, the use of communication interfaces and protocols, pre-filtering mechanisms, proximity detection, short code allocation, patient verification, and controlled update distribution enhances both the system and the method, providing a comprehensive and flexible solution for the location allocation of medical devices within healthcare facilities.

[0010] Advantageous embodiments The various advantageous embodiments discussed below further improve the system and method: In a preferred embodiment, the system utilizes a server configuration where hierarchical healthcare facility structure and location data are centrally stored and managed. However, in alternative embodiments, decentralized or distributed configuration devices can be used, where hierarchical structure and location information are stored locally on each device or distributed across multiple devices. This allows for flexibility in scalability and reduces reliance on a single central server, making the system more resilient to network failures and providing operational independence.

[0011] Advantageously, the communication module of the medical device is configured to utilize at least one of the following communication interfaces: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared (IrDA), or RFID. These interfaces enable flexible and reliable communication in different hospital environments.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, data exchange between the medical device and the server and / or other medical devices and / or configuration devices is performed using at least one of the following communication protocols: HL7, SDC, TCP / IP, HTTP, HTTPS, or a proprietary protocol. These protocols ensure interoperability with existing hospital IT systems and secure data transmission.

[0013] Advantageously, the medical device includes a filtering mechanism configured to pre-filter possible location assignments based on detected MAC addresses or other network-related identifiers from nearby access points or based on proximity information obtained from short-range communications with other devices. This reduces the number of possible locations presented to the user, simplifying and accelerating the assignment process.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the medical device automatically analyzes or detects its proximity based on received Bluetooth signals, a shared SSID, or physical proximity within a shared docking station. This enables automatic or semi-automatic location allocation without user intervention.

[0015] Advantageously, several—specifically each—predefined locations within the healthcare facility structure are associated with unique short codes that can be manually entered into medical devices for rapid location assignment. This feature simplifies manual entry and reduces the likelihood of input errors.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, before initiating medical treatment, the user interface prompts the user to confirm the assigned location and the link between the medical device and the patient. This ensures patient safety by preventing mismatches between the device and the patient.

[0017] Advantageously, the updated location information is only distributed to other medical devices within a predefined proximity level (such as within the same hospital unit, room, or docking station). This reduces unnecessary data traffic and focuses updates only on the relevant devices.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the medical device is selected from the group consisting of infusion pumps, patient monitors, ventilators, dialysis machines, syringe pumps, anesthesia machines, defibrillators, respiratory equipment, or other electronically controlled portable medical devices used in healthcare facilities. This ensures the broad applicability of the invention across a wide range of medical fields.

[0019] Advantageously, medical devices determine their approximate location based on MAC addresses from nearby access points or proximity information from short-range communications with other medical devices, and display a reduced list of possible locations in the user interface. This simplifies location allocation by showing only the most probable locations, reduces the risk of errors, and improves efficiency, especially for mobile devices moving within healthcare facilities.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the medical devices' location assignments are synchronized with the Hospital Information System (HIS) to integrate them into electronic medical records. This centralizes the management of device locations, ensures accurate tracking, and enables rapid access to device data, especially in emergency situations. It also helps to integrate device locations directly into patient records, reducing the risk of misplacement or errors.

[0021] Advantageously, medical devices receive location updates from nearby devices via short-range communication (such as Bluetooth or infrared (IrDA)). This automatic adjustment of device location ensures accuracy without requiring manual input, especially in setups where devices frequently move between rooms or units. The use of short-range communication ensures that data is exchanged only between nearby devices, preventing erroneous location assignments.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the medical device displays the assigned location information on its user interface for verification by medical personnel. This adds an extra layer of security, allowing personnel to confirm the correct location before using the device, reducing the risk of location errors and increasing trust within the system.

[0023] Advantageously, location information is only distributed to other medical devices within a predefined proximity (such as within the same hospital unit, room, or docking station). This selective distribution ensures that only relevant devices receive location data, prevents unnecessary network load, and maintains efficient device management within designated areas.

[0024] Additional Information The invention described herein provides a process for allocating medical devices, such as infusion pumps, to specific areas within a healthcare facility. The underlying healthcare facility structure (also referred to as a hospital structure) may be defined in associated software (stored in each medical device and / or as a server application) and may be retrieved online from the devices or stored as files. Users can select a location on the device's user interface (UI), assign it accordingly, and this information is mirrored back to the software and synchronized across all devices.

[0025] More specifically, in the associated software for medical devices (which is part of each medical device and / or server application), users can hierarchically define the hospital structure, starting from the highest level (facility) and going down to the finest granular level (individual bed). A detailed hospital structure (from highest to lowest level) typically includes: facilities, buildings, floors, rooms, and individual beds. This detailed structure can be created and managed within the software (in the device and / or server application) to ensure accurate representation of every area of ​​the hospital.

[0026] There are basically two ways to deal with this hospital structure: 1. Server Retrieval: The structure can be dynamically retrieved from the IT server (server application). This ensures that the latest information is always available.

[0027] 2. Local Storage: Alternatively, the structure can be stored directly as a file on the medical device. This allows for offline access and ensures the device can operate independently of a server connection. Local storage also allows for synchronization with other medical devices if the structure has been modified on the medical device.

[0028] Once the hospital structure is defined, users can interact with the device's user interface (UI) to select the specific location where the device will be used. For example, a user can assign an infusion pump to a specific bed in a specific ward (floor). This assignment process is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing for quick and accurate device allocation.

[0029] After a location is selected and assigned on the medical device, this location information is mirrored back to the associated software on the server application. This means that any changes made on the device are automatically updated in the software on the server application, ensuring consistency and accuracy across systems.

[0030] Furthermore, location information is distributed by bed level and synchronized to all relevant medical devices; that is, information is also distributed to neighboring medical devices where a change (location assignment) has been made. This synchronization can be achieved through various communication technologies: various interfaces include: ●Wi-Fi: A wireless communication method that allows devices to exchange information over short distances.

[0031] ●IrDA: A communication method that shares data across all devices (such as infusion pumps inserted into associated racks or stations) via infrared.

[0032] ● Bluetooth: A short-range wireless technology standard used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances.

[0033] ● Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): Uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. It consists of tiny radio transponders called tags, radio receivers, and transmitters.

[0034] Possible communication protocols are as follows: ● SDC (Service-Oriented Device Connectivity): A standard for medical device interoperability that facilitates seamless communication between devices.

[0035] ●HL7 (Health Level 7): A set of international standards for the exchange of electronic health information, ensuring that devices can communicate effectively in healthcare environments.

[0036] ●NFC (Near Field Communication): is a set of communication protocols that enable communication between two electronic devices over short distances.

[0037] ● HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and HTTPS (Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol): These are application layer protocols in the Internet Protocol Suite model used for distributed, collaborative hypermedia information systems.

[0038] ●TCP / IP (Internet Protocol Suite): is a framework for organizing a set of communication protocols used in the Internet and similar computer networks according to functional guidelines.

[0039] ●Protobuf: A free and open-source cross-platform data format for serializing structured data.

[0040] ●Proprietary protocol: Any specific communication protocol that does not follow any standardized communication protocol.

[0041] Additionally, the system includes pre-filtering features (e.g., filtering based on MAC addresses) or short code locations. This allows for pre-filtering of data based on MAC addresses already received from access points near medical devices. The idea is to map rooms / locations to individual access points and therefore assume that medical devices connected to that access point are in the same room / location. The list of MAC addresses is used to select the appropriate medical device (automatically or manually, and allows clustering individual devices into a room / location); that is, the MAC addresses of medical devices connected to an access point are the filtering criteria used to pre-filter / limit the number of possible medical devices at a location.

[0042] Alternative pre-filtering methods can be implemented when nearby devices are aware of each other, for example, through similar SSIDs or Bluetooth signals received between devices in a close area, or if medical devices are attached to the same station / rack. These technologies also allow for the grouping of medical devices and their allocation to locations / rooms. That is, pre-filtering methods assume that nearby medical devices are aware of each other (and possibly also of some location information) and thus limit the number of medical devices selected for a given location / room.

[0043] The optional short code location method allows operators to quickly enter location assignments using short codes (such as "AB1", "Bed02", "B02W", etc.). Preferably, every location has a short code (such as "AB1") to make location entry much easier and faster. Each code is unique within the hospital structure. This method enhances the efficiency and accuracy of equipment management.

[0044] This method allows connection between the patient, the pump, and the location where the pump has been used. All of this information is preferably stored on a server and visualized on the device's UI. In the case of infusion pumps, the user needs to confirm / verify the connection between the patient, pump, and location during infusion programming. When the infusion begins, all of this data is continuously transmitted to the server and, depending on the availability of the HIS (Hospital Information System) for the hospital, is used for electronic medical records or displayed on other medical devices such as monitors. For any service activity, the selected location may help identify the pump's location.

[0045] In enhanced mode, the assigned location also limits the number of possible therapies.

[0046] This comprehensive approach ensures accurate tracking and management of all medical devices, improving operational efficiency and patient care within healthcare facilities.

[0047] Healthcare facilities can refer to a variety of medical environments that provide patient care. This includes hospitals, ranging from large multi-building medical centers to smaller regional or specialty hospitals. It also encompasses clinics, such as outpatient care centers, dialysis clinics, or specialty treatment facilities. Additionally, the term covers long-term care facilities, including nursing homes and rehabilitation centers, as well as emergency care units such as ambulances or field hospitals. Summary of the Invention

[0048] In summary, this invention provides systems and methods for efficiently allocating medical devices to specific locations within healthcare facilities. This invention ensures structured location management, reduces errors in device tracking, and improves integration with hospital IT systems. By employing various communication interfaces and protocols, filtering mechanisms, and automated detection technologies, this invention significantly enhances the accuracy and efficiency of medical device management in hospital environments.

[0049] Furthermore, the system enables additional functions based on the assigned location of the medical device. For example, the medical device can automatically adjust its settings according to the assigned care unit, ensuring that predefined parameters (such as infusion rate or medication regimen) meet the specific requirements of that unit. This automatic configuration minimizes the risk of human error and enhances the efficiency of the medical workflow.

[0050] Additionally, the system allows for the synchronization of patient-related data with the hospital information system. When medical devices are assigned to specific locations, relevant patient information (such as patient ID, weight, gender, or treatment plan) can be retrieved and associated with the device. This link ensures seamless integration with electronic medical records, improves data accuracy, and facilitates informed clinical decision-making.

[0051] Furthermore, this invention enhances the accuracy of location allocation by utilizing surrounding network information. Nearby medical devices can be detected using shared network parameters such as access points, MAC addresses, or Bluetooth signals. This information is used to refine the selection of possible locations, reducing the number of options presented to the user and thus streamlining the allocation process. The system therefore supports both manual allocation via short codes and automatic filtering based on environmental data, providing a flexible and reliable solution for healthcare facilities. Attached Figure Description

[0052] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will then be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 The illustration shows a schematic overview of a system according to the invention, illustrating the distribution of a medical device (represented herein by an infusion pump) to a specific location within a healthcare facility.

[0054] Figure 2 An example of a user interface for an infusion pump system is shown, illustrating a "Patient Assignment" menu with input / display fields for patient ID, care unit, hospital, and bed number.

[0055] Figure 3 This presents another example of a user interface for an infusion pump system, showing... Figure 2 The same elements are present, but arranged differently for an overview.

[0056] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a hierarchical tree diagram representing the relationship between the physical and organizational structures of healthcare facilities. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Figure 1 An exemplary system for assigning medical devices to specific locations within a healthcare facility is shown.

[0058] The system includes at least one medical device 2, such as an infusion pump, which is assigned to a specific location within a healthcare facility 4. The location is indicated relative to a predefined hierarchical structure of the healthcare facility, ranging from general facility levels to more granular levels such as individual rooms or even patient beds. The medical device 2 includes a user interface 6 that allows the user to select a predefined location from such a hierarchical structure of the healthcare facility 4, which is stored in a memory 8 within the medical device 2 itself or externally stored on a server 10. A communication module 12 of the medical device 2 enables the device to exchange location information with other medical devices 2' and / or the server 10 connected via a communication network 14.

[0059] Server 10, or alternatively a decentralized configuration device, is responsible for storing and managing the tiered healthcare facility structure, which preferably includes details ranging from facility level to individual bed locations. Server 10 also receives and synchronizes location assignments from medical devices 2, ensuring all devices within the network have up-to-date location data. A communication network 14 interconnects medical devices 2 with server 10 or configuration device 10, allowing for efficient data sharing across systems.

[0060] Tiered healthcare facility structures can be represented in various ways within the data structures and software of medical devices. Tree structures allow for hierarchical organization, linking each tier (e.g., hospital → building → floor → room → bed). Relational databases store tiers in separate tables with unique identifiers for efficient querying. Key-value stores enable fast lookups, while graph-based approaches support complex relationships, such as devices associated with multiple locations. Alternatively, flat lists with coded tiers (e.g., "HOSP1-BLD3-FL2-RM12-BED4") provide a storage-efficient format. Data can also be exchanged via JSON or XML, ensuring interoperability. The choice depends on system requirements, performance needs, and hospital infrastructure compatibility.

[0061] Figure 2The illustration shows an example of a user interface 6 representing an infusion pump for medical device 2, displaying a menu titled "Patient Assignment". The user interface allows the user to manually enter or select a patient's ID (e.g., "0123 4567 8912") from a dropdown menu. Alternatively, the patient ID can be pre-assigned by a server and require user confirmation. Additionally, the interface enables the selection of a care unit (e.g., "ICU") and the assignment of the device to a specific bed number within the healthcare facility (e.g., "8"). By providing these functionalities, user interface 6 facilitates efficient and error-free assignment of medical device 2, ensuring proper linking to the correct patient and care unit, while allowing both user-led and system-guided assignments.

[0062] Figure 3 Further examples of user interfaces arranged in different formats for better overview and ease of use are shown. Figure 2 The same input fields, in terms of a more detailed user interface layout, include patient ID, care unit, and bed number.

[0063] In this embodiment, the communication module 12 of the infusion pump 2 is configured to use communication protocols (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Infrared (IrDA)) to exchange data between the medical device 2 and the server 10. Standardized communication protocols (such as HL7, SDC, TCP / IP, or proprietary protocols) are used for data exchange to ensure smooth and secure transmission of location data. The system has the ability to pre-filter possible location assignments based on proximity data obtained from detected MAC addresses or other network-related identifiers, which helps reduce errors during location assignment processing.

[0064] Furthermore, the system can be designed to automatically detect the proximity of medical devices based on Bluetooth signals, shared SSIDs, or physical proximity in docking stations, thus simplifying location allocation processing. The hierarchical structure of the healthcare facility is stored in the memory 8 of the medical device 2 and / or externally stored on the server 10, allowing for efficient location allocation even in large healthcare facilities.

[0065] The memory 8 within medical device 2 stores the assigned location information, which can be updated and transmitted to other medical devices 2' or server 10 for synchronization. In this way, medical device 2 ensures that it is always consistent with the correct location data, which can be crucial for providing safe and efficient medical care.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, medical device 2 displays the assigned location information on its user interface 6, allowing medical personnel to verify the information before initiating medical treatment. This ensures that the correct device is assigned to the correct location and patient, minimizing the risk of errors. The system can also restrict the distribution of location information to other medical devices 2' within a predefined neighborhood (such as within the same care unit, room, or docking station) to ensure that only the relevant device receives the update.

[0067] In this variant, medical device 2 is capable of forming an ad-hoc network, allowing direct communication and synchronization of location information without requiring a continuous connection to server 10. This enables efficient data exchange between medical devices 2 within a predefined neighborhood, even when network infrastructure is limited or temporarily unavailable. The ad-hoc network can be established using short-range communication technologies such as Bluetooth, Infrared (IrDA), or other point-to-point wireless protocols, ensuring seamless integration and coordination between medical devices 2 within the healthcare facility.

[0068] In summary, this system provides a streamlined and efficient method for allocating and managing the location of medical devices 2 within healthcare facility 4. The ability to automatically detect and update location data through the use of communication protocols, filtering mechanisms, and a hierarchical facility structure ensures the correct allocation of medical devices 2 at all times, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced errors within the healthcare environment.

[0069] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates a hierarchical tree representing the relationship between the physical and organizational structures of a healthcare facility. The physical structure includes elements such as buildings, floors, rooms, and individual beds, while the organizational structure defines units such as departments, care units, and specialty treatment areas. The diagram shows how medical equipment can be allocated within these structures to ensure accurate location tracking and integration with hospital management systems.

[0070] Reference number list 2, 2' Medical equipment; 4 Healthcare facilities; 6 User interface; 8 Memory; 10 Server; 12 Communication module; 14 Communication network.

Claims

1. A system for distributing a medical device (2) to a specific location within a healthcare facility (4), the system comprising: a) At least one medical device (2) having: ●The user interface (6) is configured to allow selection of predefined locations within the structure of a graded healthcare facility; ●Memory (8), used to store the allocated location information; and ● The communication module (12) is configured to exchange location information with other medical devices (2') and / or the server (10); b) The server (10) or decentralized / distributed configuration device is configured as follows: ●Storage and management of the tiered healthcare facility structure, specifically including locations ranging from facility class to individual beds; ●Receive and synchronize location allocation from medical device (2); as well as ● Distribute the updated location information to other medical devices (2'), c) A communication network (14) interconnecting (one or more) medical devices (2, 2') and servers (10) or decentralized configuration devices.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication module (12) of the medical device (2) is configured to utilize at least one of the following communication interfaces: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Infrared (IrDA) or RFID.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the medical device (2) is configured to: synchronize patient-related data, including at least one of patient ID, weight, gender and height, with the hospital information system (HIS) based on the assigned location, and / or be configured to: automatically adjust the operating settings of the medical device (2) according to location-specific parameters.

4. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the medical device (2) includes a filtering mechanism configured to pre-filter possible location assignments based on signals received from other devices, such as detected MAC addresses or other network-related identifiers of nearby access points, or based on proximity information obtained from short-range communications with other devices (2').

5. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the medical device (2) automatically analyzes or detects its proximity based on signals received from other devices, such as received Bluetooth signals, shared SSIDs, or physical proximity in shared docking stations.

6. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein several—in particular each—(one or more) predefined locations within the healthcare facility structure are associated with a unique short code that can be manually entered into the medical device (2) for rapid location assignment.

7. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein before initiating medical treatment, the user interface (6) prompts the user to confirm the assigned location, the link between the medical device (2) and the patient.

8. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the updated location information is distributed only to other medical devices within a predefined proximity level, such as within the same hospital unit, room, or docking station (2').

9. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the medical device (2) is selected from the group consisting of: infusion pumps, patient monitors, ventilators, dialysis machines, syringe pumps, anesthesia machines, defibrillators, respiratory equipment or other electronically controlled portable medical devices used in healthcare facilities (4).

10. A method for allocating a medical device (2) to a specific location within a healthcare facility (4), the method comprising: a) Define the structure of graded healthcare facilities, specifically including facilities, buildings, floors, rooms and / or individual beds; b) Store the tiered healthcare facility structure in a server (10) and / or a medical device (2); c) Allowing the user to select the location for the medical device (2) via the user interface (6) based on the structure of the tiered healthcare facility; d) Store the assigned location information in the memory (8) of the medical device (2); e) Transmit the assigned location information and update it to the server (10) and / or synchronize it with other medical devices (2').

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the medical device (2) determines its approximate location based on a MAC address received from a nearby access point or proximity information obtained from short-range communication with other medical devices (2'), and provides a reduced list of possible locations in the user interface (6).

12. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein the medical device (2) synchronizes the location assignment with the hospital information system (HIS) for integration into electronic medical records.

13. The method of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the medical device (2) receives location updates from other nearby medical devices (2') via short-range communication such as Bluetooth or infrared IrDA.

14. The method of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the medical device (2) displays assigned location information on its user interface (6) for verification performed by medical personnel.

15. The method of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the location information is distributed only to other medical devices within a predefined proximity level, such as within the same hospital unit, room, or docking station (2').

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