Urine output monitoring system
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024512192
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2021-08-23
- Filing Date
- 2022-08-02
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing urine output monitoring systems are large, non-portable, and cannot monitor urine output during patient transportation, limiting their usability in hospital environments.
A portable urine output monitoring system comprising a urinary catheter, drainage tube, urine collection bag, and a flow meter that measures and wirelessly transmits urine flow rate data, integrated with a monitor for real-time data display and integration with electronic medical records.
Enables continuous urine output monitoring, including during transportation, with real-time data display and integration into electronic medical records, enhancing patient care and data management.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a urinary output monitoring system. [Background technology]
[0002] A urinary output monitoring system can be used to monitor a patient's urinary output and urinary flow rate. Most urinary output monitoring systems are large and require a lot of floor space. Furthermore, most urinary output monitoring systems are not portable, meaning that the system cannot monitor urinary output while the patient is being transported in a hospital environment. It can be beneficial for physicians and patients to have a urinary output monitoring system that is portable and can keep track of a patient's entire urinary output, including during transport. Disclosed herein is an automated urinary output monitoring system and method of use that addresses the aforementioned challenges. Summary of the Invention
[0003] Disclosed herein is a urine drainage device including a urinary catheter coupled to a urine collection bag via a drainage tube extending between the urinary catheter and the urine collection bag, and a flow meter disposed in series with the drainage tube. The flow meter is configured to measure a flow rate of urine flowing from the urinary catheter to the urine collection bag. The flow meter includes a flow meter console including one or more processors and a non-transitory computer readable medium having flow meter logic stored thereon. The flow meter logic, when executed by the one or more processors, performs the operations of the flow meter. The operations include measuring the urine flow rate and wirelessly transmitting (i) the urine flow data and (ii) a flow meter identifier stored in the non-transitory computer readable medium to a monitor.
[0004] In some embodiments of the device, the catheter, the drainage tube, and the urine collection bag form a pre-connected closed fluid system. In some embodiments, the urine drainage device further comprises a sample port coupled to the drainage tube. The sample port is configured to allow a physician to draw a urine sample from the drainage tube via a volumetric measuring device.
[0005] In some embodiments of the device, the flow meter identifier includes alphanumeric characters, special characters, spaces, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments of the device, the flow meter console includes a battery.
[0006] In some embodiments of the device, the urinary catheter, drainage tube, and urine collection bag form a pre-connected, closed fluid system. In some embodiments of the device, the flow meter is disposable.
[0007] Also disclosed herein is a urinary output monitoring system including any of the urinary output devices summarized above and a monitor in wireless communication with a flow meter. The monitor includes a monitor console including one or more processors and a non-transitory computer readable medium having monitor logic stored thereon. The monitor logic, when executed by the one or more processors, performs monitor operations of the monitor. The monitor operations include (i) receiving urine flow data and a flow meter identifier from the flow meter and (ii) displaying the urine flow rate on a display of the monitor.
[0008] In some embodiments of the system, the monitoring operation further includes correlating the urine flow data with a flow meter identifier. In some embodiments of the system, the monitoring operations further include correlating the uroflow data with time to form correlated uroflow data. In some embodiments of the system, the monitoring operations further include integrating the uroflow data with respect to time to calculate urinary output and displaying the urinary output on a display.
[0009] In some embodiments of the system, the monitoring operation further includes communicating with an electronic medical record (EMR) system. In some embodiments of the system, the monitoring operation further includes transmitting the correlated urinary flow data and the urinary output to the EMR system.
[0010] In some embodiments of the system, the monitoring operation further includes (i) receiving a flow meter battery level from the flow meter; and (ii) displaying the battery level on a display and / or transmitting the battery level to an EMR system.
[0011] In some embodiments of the system, the monitoring operation further includes correlating the flow meter identifier with patient identification information from an EMR system. In some embodiments of the system, the monitoring action includes displaying patient identification information on a display.
[0012] In some embodiments of the system, the monitor is powered from a facility power source, and in some embodiments of the system, the monitor includes a backup battery. In some embodiments of the system, the monitor includes a coupling configured to removably secure the monitor to a patient bed, and in some embodiments of the system, the coupling includes one or more hinge clamps.
[0013] Also disclosed herein is a method for monitoring a patient's urinary output, the method including the steps of: (i) directing the urinary output through a flow meter of a urine monitoring system; (ii) capturing the urinary output in a urine collection bag of the urine monitoring system; and (iii) obtaining urine flow data from the flow meter.
[0014] In some embodiments, the method further includes wirelessly transmitting the urine flow data from the flow meter to a monitor of the urine monitoring system. In some embodiments, the method further comprises displaying the urine flow data on a display of the monitor.
[0015] In some embodiments, the method further comprises correlating the uroflow data with time of day to form correlated uroflow data. In some embodiments, the method further comprises calculating urine output by integrating the urine flow data with respect to time, and displaying the urine output on a display.
[0016] In some embodiments, the method further comprises correlating the urine flow data with a flow meter identifier of the flow meter. In some embodiments, the method further includes wirelessly communicating with the EMR system.
[0017] In some embodiments, the method further comprises transmitting the correlated urinary flow data and the urinary output to an EMR system. In some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the steps of (i) displaying the battery level of the flow meter battery on a display and (ii) transmitting the battery level to the EMR system.
[0018] In some embodiments, the method further includes correlating the flow meter identifier with patient identification information from the EMR system. In some embodiments, the method further comprises displaying the patient identifying information on the display.
[0019] These and other features of the concepts provided herein will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following description and accompanying drawings, which describe in more detail certain embodiments of such concepts.
[0020] The present disclosure will now be described in more detail by reference to certain embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail using the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a urinary output monitoring system, according to some embodiments. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram of some components of the urinary output monitoring system of FIG. 1, including a monitor and a monitor console, in accordance with some embodiments. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram of some components of the flow meter of the urinary output monitoring system of FIG. 1 including a flow meter console, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view of a monitor of the urinary output monitoring system of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5A] 2A-2C are diagrams of the urinary output monitoring system of FIG. 1 at various stages of an exemplary method for monitoring a patient's urinary output, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5B] 2A-2C are diagrams of the urinary output monitoring system of FIG. 1 at various stages of an exemplary method for monitoring a patient's urinary output, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5C] 2A-2C are diagrams of the urinary output monitoring system of FIG. 1 at various stages of an exemplary method for monitoring a patient's urinary output, according to some embodiments. [Figure 5D] 2A-2C are diagrams of the urinary output monitoring system of FIG. 1 at various stages of an exemplary method for monitoring a patient's urinary output, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6] 1 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for monitoring a patient's urinary output, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Before disclosing some specific embodiments in more detail, it should be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the scope of the concepts presented herein. It should also be understood that a specific embodiment disclosed herein may have features that can be easily separated from the specific embodiment and that can be optionally combined or substituted with features of any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.
[0023] With regard to the terms used herein, it should also be understood that each term is intended to describe certain embodiments and does not limit the scope of the concepts presented herein. Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are generally used to distinguish or identify different features or steps among a group of features or steps, and do not impose any order or numerical limitations. For example, the "first", "second", and "third" features or steps do not necessarily have to appear in this order, and a particular embodiment including such features or steps is not necessarily limited to three features or steps. Designations such as "left", "right", "up", "down", "front", "rear", etc. are used for convenience and do not imply any particular fixed position, orientation, or direction, for example. Rather, such designations are used to indicate relative positions, orientations, or directions, for example. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include the plural.
[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Any method disclosed herein includes one or more steps or actions for carrying out the described method. The steps and / or actions of the method may be interchanged with one another. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required to properly practice an embodiment, the order and / or use of specific steps and / or actions may be modified.
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a urinary output monitoring system 100, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the urinary output monitoring system ("system") may generally include a urinary output collection device (device) 105 communicatively coupled to a monitor 129. The urinary output collection device 105 includes a urinary catheter 110 in fluid communication with a drainage tube 112. In some embodiments, the drainage tube 112 may be in fluid communication with a fluid (urine) collection bag 114. The monitor 129 includes a display 133 and a monitor console 132, which may be coupled to a fixed surface 160. In some embodiments, the fixed surface 160 may include a portion of a hospital bed. The system 100 (or more specifically the device 105) may further include a flow meter 120 having a flow meter console 122 in wireless communication with the monitor console 132. Exemplary wireless communication modalities may include WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication), GSM (Global System for Mobile Phones), EM (Electromagnetic), RF (Radio Frequency), combinations thereof, etc. In some embodiments, the flow meter 120 may be disposed within the drain tube 112, may be integrated into the drain tube 112, or may be configured to be disposed in-line between the urinary catheter 110 and the fluid collection bag 114. The monitor 129 may be configured to display the measured flow value, as described in more detail herein.
[0026] In some embodiments, the device 105 may form a pre-connected closed device 105 (e.g., the urinary catheter 110 may be pre-connected to the fluid collection bag 114 by a drain tube 112 having an in-line flow meter 120). The urinary catheter 110 may be inserted into the patient while the drain tube 112 directs urine from the urinary catheter 110 to the fluid collection bag 114. The patient may drain a volume of fluid (e.g., urine) that travels through the drain tube 112 to the fluid collection bag 114 by passive gravity flow, negative pressure flow, etc. As the volume of fluid travels to the fluid collection bag 114, the volume of fluid may pass through the flow meter 120. The flow meter 120 may be configured to measure one or more flow values of the volume of fluid (i.e., generate urine flow data) before the volume of fluid reaches the fluid collection bag 114. The flow meter 120 may transmit the one or more flow values to the monitor console 132. The flow meter 120 may be configured to measure one or more flow values and transmit the one or more flow values to the monitor console 132 each time the patient expels a volume of fluid.
[0027] Additionally, the flow meter 120 may include a flow meter identifier that may be transmitted to the monitoring console 132. The flow meter identifier may be used by the monitoring console 132 to correlate received flow values with the flow meter identifier as well as with a patient identifier. In some embodiments, the flow meter identifier may include alphanumeric characters, special characters (e.g., punctuation marks, unicode characters, emojis, etc.), spaces, and combinations thereof within the flow meter identifier. The flow meter identifier may include a serial number of the flow meter 120. In some embodiments, the flow meter identifier may be a product key for the monitoring console 132 in that the monitoring console 132 cannot receive measured flow values from the flow meter 120 until the correct flow meter identifier is received by the monitoring console 132. Advantageously, the flow meter identifier links the urine flow data to the flow meter 120 as well as allowing the urine flow data to be aggregated with previous urine flow data as described in more detail herein.
[0028] In some embodiments, the device 105 may include a sample port 116 coupled to the drain tube. The sample port 116 is configured to allow a physician to draw a urine sample from the drain tube via a volumetric device, such as a syringe.
[0029] 2 illustrates a block diagram of some components of the system 100, including the monitor console 132 and the monitor 129, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the monitor console 132 may be coupled to or integrated into the monitor 129. In some embodiments, the monitor console 132 includes one or more processors 134, a first energy source 136, a non-transitory computer-readable medium ("memory") 138, and a number of logic modules. In some embodiments, the first energy source 136 may be an external energy source (e.g., facility power) hardwired to the system 100 (e.g., a power cord from the monitor 129 to a standard power outlet, etc.). In some embodiments, the first energy source 136 may include a secondary battery (e.g., a backup battery) that may be configured to be recharged when the monitor 129 is connected to a power outlet. In some embodiments, the multiple logic modules may include flow meter receiving logic 140, flow meter identifier receiving logic 144, flow meter identifier correlation logic 146, flow correlation logic 148, a first data store 150, display logic 152, patient data aggregation logic 154, console transmission logic 156, and flow meter energy source status receiving logic 158.
[0030] In some embodiments, the flow meter receiving logic 140 may be configured to wirelessly receive flow meter values (urine flow data) from the flow meter 120. In some embodiments, the flow meter receiving logic 140 may automatically measure and initiate communication with the flow meter 120. In some embodiments, the flow meter receiving logic 140 may be configured to receive flow values from the flow meter 120. In some embodiments, the flow meter identifier receiving logic 144 may be configured to receive a flow meter identifier from the flow meter 120. In some embodiments, the flow meter identifier correlation logic 146 may be configured to correlate the flow meter identifier with patient identification information (e.g., medical record number, etc.), with flow values, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the flow correlation logic 148 may be configured to correlate the calculated flow values with time values. The flow correlation logic 148 may also calculate a urine volume by integrating the urine flow data with respect to time. In some embodiments, the flow correlation logic 148 may be configured to correlate the measured flow value with the time value in {measured flow value, time value, or correlated urinary flow data}. In some embodiments, the first data store 150 may be configured to store each {measured flow value, time value} and a flow meter identifier. In some embodiments, the display logic 152 may be configured to transmit the measured flow value and the time value to the monitor 129. In some embodiments, the patient data aggregation logic 154 may be configured to aggregate the urinary flow data (e.g., flow value and time value) with existing patient data or add the urinary flow data to a new patient identification. For example, if the system 100 is replaced, the new flow meter 120 may transmit the new flow value to the monitor console 132. The patient data aggregation logic 154 may be configured to add the new flow value to the existing patient data. In some embodiments, the console transmission logic 156 may be configured to transmit all calculated urinary flow data values and time values to the electronic medical record system.In some embodiments, the flow meter energy source status receiving logic 158 may be configured to receive the flow meter energy source status (battery level) from the flow meter 120 and may generate a warning indicating that the flow meter 120 needs to be replaced if the flow meter energy source (battery level) is significantly reduced in terms of available power to power the flow meter 120.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the flow meter 120 may include a stand-alone flow meter 120 that may be assembled in series with the exhaust tube 112 or may be integrated into the exhaust tube 112. In some embodiments, the flow meter 120 may be disposable. In some embodiments, the flow meter 120 may include a flow meter console 122 that wirelessly communicates with a monitor console 132. The flow meter console 122 may include one or more processors 134, a second energy source 124, a non-transitory computer-readable medium ("memory") 138, and one or more logic modules. In some embodiments, the second energy source 124 may include a battery for the service life of the system 100. In some embodiments, the one or more logic modules may include a flow meter transmission logic 125, a flow meter identifier transmission logic 126, a second data store 128, and optionally an energy source status communication logic 127. In some embodiments, the flow meter transmission logic 125 may be configured to wirelessly transmit the flow value from the flow meter console 122 to the monitoring console 132. In some embodiments, the flow meter transmission logic 125 may wirelessly transmit the flow value when the flow value is measured, or may transmit the flow value on an automatic or user-defined schedule (e.g., once every hour or more). In some embodiments, the flow meter identifier transmission logic 126 may be configured to transmit the flow meter identifier to the monitoring console 132. In some embodiments, the energy source status communication logic 127 may be configured to transmit the status of the second energy source 124 to the monitoring console 132. In some embodiments, the energy source status communication logic 127 may be configured to transmit the status of the second energy source 124 as a percentage of remaining battery available or time remaining on the battery. In some embodiments, the second data store 128 may be configured to store the flow value in situations where the flow meter 120 has lost wireless communication with the monitoring console 132 or is unable to transmit the flow value.
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the monitor 129, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the monitor 129 may include a front side 130 and a back side 131, where the back side 131 includes a coupling portion 170. The coupling portion 170 may be configured to removably couple the monitor 129 to a stationary surface 160 (e.g., a hospital bed, an IV stand, etc.). In some embodiments, the coupling portion 170 may include one or more hinge clamps. The monitor 129 includes a display 133, which may include a touch screen. In some embodiments, the monitor 129 may include a monitor console 132 within the monitor 129. In some embodiments, the coupling portion 170 may be integral to or coupled to the monitor 129. The coupling portion 170 allows the monitor 129 to be suspended from the stationary surface 160. In some embodiments, the coupling portion 170 may prevent the monitor 129 from sagging or moving from the stationary surface 160.
[0033] 5A-5D show the urinary output monitoring system 100 at various stages of an exemplary method 200 of monitoring a patient's urinary output using the system 100, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, monitoring the urinary output includes measuring the flow rate of a volume of fluid excreted by the patient. This method 200 assumes that the patient has already had a urinary catheter 110 inserted and that the monitor 129 is coupled to a fixed surface 160.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 5A, the drain tube 112 provides fluid communication between the urinary catheter 110 and the fluid collection bag 114. The flow meter 120 may be disposed in line with the fluid collection bag 114 and in wireless communication with the monitor console 132. The monitor console 132 wirelessly communicates with the monitor 129. Once the patient has the urinary catheter 110 inserted and fluid communication is established between the urinary catheter 110 and the fluid collection bag 114, the patient may drain or void a volume of fluid that travels through the drain tube 112 to the fluid collection bag 114. The flow meter 120 includes a flow meter identifier that may be communicated to the monitor console 132. The monitor console 132 may be configured to associate received urinary flow data (e.g., flow values) with the flow meter identifier.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 5B, as a volume of fluid passes through a flow meter 120 disposed in series with the fluid collection bag 114, the flow meter 120 may detect the volume of fluid and generate one or more flow values corresponding to the flow rate of the volume of fluid as it passes through the flow meter 120. In some embodiments, the flow meter 120 may be configured to continuously detect to confirm the presence of the volume of fluid. Alternatively, the flow meter 120 may be configured to be activated to determine the presence of the volume of fluid before the patient expels the volume of fluid. As shown in FIG. 5C, the flow meter 120 may wirelessly communicate the one or more flow values to a monitor console 132. In some embodiments, the monitor console 132 may be coupled to or integrated with the monitor 129. The monitor console 132 may be configured to receive the one or more flow values and correlate the one or more flow values with a time value. As illustrated in FIG. 5D, the monitor console 132 may be configured to transmit the flow value and the time value to the monitor 129 for projection on the monitor 129. Advantageously, having a pre-connected closed automated urinary output monitoring system 100 including a flowmeter 120 with a flowmeter identifier ensures that the measured urinary flow data is associated with only one patient. Furthermore, if one component of the system 100 needs to be replaced, the entire pre-connected closed system 100 is replaced and the new flowmeter 120 is placed in communication with the monitor console 132 so that the new urinary flow data can be aggregated with the existing patient data to continue to monitor the patient's urinary output. Also, having an automated urinary output monitoring system 100 including a flowmeter 120 that transmits measured urinary flow data to the monitor console 132 allows the system 100 to travel with the patient in a hospital environment and capture the patient's total urinary output.
[0036] 6 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method 200 of monitoring a patient's urine output performed by the system 100, according to some embodiments. The method 200 may include all or some of the following steps, processes, or actions: Prior to performing the method 200, a physician may install the system 100 and catheterize the patient. The method 200 includes a step of directing urine flow from the patient through a flow meter (block 210). That is, the drainage tube directs the urine flow through the flow meter. The method 200 further includes a step of collecting urine output from the patient in a urine collection bag (block 220).
[0037] The method further includes monitoring the flow rate of urine from the patient (block 230), which may include several substeps, as further described below. Monitoring urine flow generally includes obtaining urine flow data from a flow meter. An additional substep may include wirelessly transmitting the urine flow data from the flow meter to a monitor for the system. Another additional substep may include correlating the urine flow data with time to form correlated urine flow data. Another additional substep may include integrating the urine flow data with respect to time to calculate urine output. Another additional substep may include correlating the urine flow data with a flow meter identifier for the flow meter.
[0038] Method 200 may further include displaying the urine flow data and / or other information on a display of the monitor (block 240). Displaying the urine flow data may include displaying the urine output on the display. Displaying the other information may include displaying the battery level of the flow meter battery on the display. Displaying the other information may include displaying patient identification information on the display.
[0039] The method 200 may further include wirelessly communicating with an EMR system (block 250). Communicating with the EMR may include transmitting the correlated urine flow data and urine output to the EMR system. Communicating with the EMR system may also include transmitting a battery level of the flow meter battery to the EMR system. Communicating with the EMR may further include correlating the flow meter identifier with patient identification information from the EMR system.
[0040] Although some specific embodiments are disclosed herein, and the specific embodiments are disclosed in some detail, it is not intended that the scope of the concept provided herein is limited by the specific embodiments. Additional adaptations and / or modifications may be understood by those skilled in the art. In the broader aspect, these adaptations and / or modifications are also encompassed. Thus, one may deviate from the specific embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the concept provided herein.
Claims
**Claim 1** A urine drainage collection device, wherein the urine drainage collection device is a urine catheter coupled to the urine collection bag via a drainage tube extending between the urine catheter and the urine collection bag, and comprises a flow meter configured to measure the flow rate of urine flowing from the urine catheter to the urine collection bag and arranged in series with the drainage tube. The flow meter includes a flow meter console including one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing flow meter logic. When the flow meter logic is executed by the one or more processors, it measures urine flow rate data, and wirelessly transmits (i) the urine flow rate data and (ii) a flow meter identifier stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to a monitor. A urine drainage collection device performing a flow meter operation including the above. **Claim 2** The device according to claim 1, further comprising a sample port coupled to the drainage tube, the sample port being configured such that a doctor can extract a sample of the urine from the drainage tube via a volume measuring instrument. **Claim 3** The device according to claim 1, wherein the flow meter identifier includes characters selected from the group consisting of alphanumeric characters, special characters, spaces, and combinations thereof. **Claim 4** The device according to claim 1, wherein the flow meter console includes a battery. **Claim 5** The device according to claim 1, wherein the urine catheter, the drainage tube, and the urine collection bag form a pre-connected closed fluid system. **Claim 6** The device according to claim 1, wherein the flow meter is disposable. **Claim 7** A urine drainage monitoring system, comprising the urine drainage collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and the monitor according to claim 1 that wirelessly communicates with the flow meter. The monitor includes a monitor console including one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing monitor logic. When the monitor logic is executed by the one or more processors, it receives the urine flow rate data and the flow meter identifier from the flow meter, and displays the urine flow rate data on a display of the monitor. A urine drainage monitoring system performing a monitor operation including the above. **Claim 8** The system according to claim 7, wherein the monitoring operation further includes correlating the urine flow rate data with the flow meter identifier.
9. The system according to claim 7, wherein the monitoring operation further includes forming correlated urine flow rate data by correlating the urine flow rate data with time.
10. The monitoring operation includes calculating a urine output by integrating the urine flow rate data with respect to time; displaying the urine output on the display; The system according to claim 7, further comprising:
11. The system according to claim 7, wherein the monitoring operation further includes communicating with an electronic medical record (EMR) system.
12. The monitoring operation includes forming correlated urine flow rate data by correlating the urine flow rate data with time; calculating a urine output by integrating the urine flow rate data with respect to time; transmitting the correlated urine flow rate data and the urine output to the EMR system; The system according to claim 11, further comprising:
13. The monitoring operation includes receiving a flow meter battery level from the flow meter; at least one of displaying the battery level on the display and transmitting the battery level to the EMR system; The system according to claim 11, further comprising:
14. The system according to claim 11, wherein the monitoring operation further includes correlating the flow meter identifier with patient identification information from the EMR system.
15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the monitoring operation further includes displaying the patient identification information on the display.
16. The system according to claim 7, wherein the monitor is powered by a facility power supply.
17. The system according to claim 7, wherein the monitor includes a backup battery.
18. The system according to claim 7, wherein the monitor includes a coupling portion configured to removably fix the monitor to a patient's bed.
19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the coupling portion includes one or more hinge clamps.
20. A method for monitoring a patient's urine output, comprising: directing urine output to pass through a flow meter of a urine monitoring system; capturing the urine output within a urine collection bag of the urine monitoring system; A method comprising the step of obtaining urine flow rate data from the flow meter.
21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising the step of wirelessly transmitting the urine flow rate data from the flow meter to a monitor of the urine monitoring system.
22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, further comprising the step of displaying the urine flow rate data on a display of the monitor.
23. The method according to claim 20 or 21, further comprising the step of correlating the urine flow rate data with time to form correlated urine flow rate data.
24. A step of calculating a urine output by integrating the urine flow rate data with respect to time; A step of displaying the urine output on a display of the monitor; The method according to claim 20 or 21, further comprising the above.
25. The method according to claim 20 or 21, further comprising the step of correlating the urine flow rate data with a flow meter identifier of the flow meter.
26. The method according to claim 20 or 21, further comprising the step of wirelessly communicating with an EMR system.
27. A step of correlating the urine flow rate data with time to form correlated urine flow rate data; A step of calculating a urine output by integrating the urine flow rate data with respect to time; A step of transmitting the correlated urine flow rate data and the urine output to the EMR system; The method according to claim 26, further comprising the above.
28. The method according to claim 26, further comprising at least one of (i) a step of displaying a battery level of a flow meter battery on a display of a monitor and (ii) a step of transmitting the battery level to the EMR system.
29. A step of correlating the urine flow rate data with a flow meter identifier of the flow meter; The method according to claim 26, further comprising the step of correlating the flow meter identifier with patient identification information from the EMR system.
30. The method according to claim 29, further comprising the step of displaying the patient identification information on a display of the monitor.