PCA Pump Programming and Patient History User Interface

Abstract

Disclosed herein are exemplary systems, methods, and devices for on-screen parameter programming guidance based on user-input data and generating patient history graphic displays based on user-input commands. The exemplary systems, methods, and devices are configured to determine upper and lower parameter limits using a pre-loaded drug library and accordingly display color graphs and differently colored text on a PCA pump user interface screen. The exemplary systems, methods, and devices are configured to generate and display patient history graphs on a user interface screen using real-time patient history data. The disclosed systems, methods, and devices prevent human programming errors by minimizing the need for extensive user interaction with the PCA pump and the need to switch between programming screens.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Priority Claims and Cross-References to Related Applications This application claims priority to Indian Patent Application No. 202241076492, titled PCA PUMP PROGRAMMING AND PATIENT HISTORY USER INTERFACE, filed on December 28, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] background Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps are commonly used to administer pain medications intravenously. PCA pumps are programmed to deliver an infusion at a continuous, constant rate or can include a PCA bolus. To administer the infusion, the user programs the PCA pump and understands the patient's therapy history. PCA pumps contain multiple parameters that are programmed by the user, and each parameter has a specific tolerance range (with upper and lower limits, soft and hard limits). The parameters are interrelated, which makes programming more difficult and leads to programming errors that can delay therapy administration and cause patient discomfort. Currently, PCA pumps display a user interface for programming each parameter individually. However, because a single screen does not display the parameters or their interrelationships with each other, the user must switch between screens to program the infusion therapy. Therefore, users spend a significant amount of time switching between screens until they can program the parameters correctly.

[0003] Relatedly, once infusion therapy is initiated, the user must have access to the patient therapy history (patient history) recorded in the PCA pump. The patient history includes six or seven parameters that are viewed by the user to make the best clinical decisions at the patient's bedside. Currently, PCA pump interfaces display the patient history on multiple screens and in a non-graphical format. Furthermore, current PCA pump interfaces only show patient history for a specific time period, whereas users often need patient history for 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, etc. Thus, current PCA pump interfaces do not have the ability to show all patient history in one place, which makes programming more difficult and can lead to programming errors that can delay therapy administration and cause patient distress.

[0004] Therefore, a need exists for a PCA pump interface that provides on-screen programming guidance for multiple interrelated parameters and displays patient history in a graphical format on a single screen. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] overview Disclosed herein are exemplary systems, methods, and devices for on-screen parameter programming guidance based on user-input data and generating a patient history graphic display based on user-input commands. The exemplary systems, methods, and devices are configured to determine upper and lower parameter limits using a preloaded drug library and accordingly display color graphs and differently colored text on a PCA pump user interface screen. Furthermore, the exemplary systems, methods, and devices are configured to generate and display patient history graphs on a user interface screen using real-time patient history data. The disclosed systems, methods, and devices prevent human programming errors by minimizing the need for extensive user interaction with the PCA pump and the need to switch between programming screens. Furthermore, the disclosed systems, methods, and devices prevent human programming errors by displaying patient history in a single, unified graph. Thus, the disclosed systems, methods, and devices increase efficient infusate administration and prevent programming errors that could result in patient distress or injury.

[0006] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect recited herein unless otherwise specified without limiting the scope of the present invention in any way in light of the disclosure herein, a PCA pump includes an actuator, a syringe holder, a display screen, a memory, and a processor. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive a user-selected infusion therapy type and a user-input parameter value, determine lower and upper limits for the parameter type associated with the user-input parameter value and the user-selected infusion therapy type, compare the user-input parameter value with the lower and upper limits for the parameter type, generate a graph on the display screen that shows the lower and upper limits for the parameter type in different colors, and generate text of different colors for the user-input parameter value based on where the user-input parameter value falls within the lower and upper limits for the parameter type.

[0007] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspects enumerated herein unless otherwise specified, the upper and lower bounds of a parameter type include soft and hard bounds.

[0008] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect recited herein unless otherwise specified, the graph is a bar graph.

[0009] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect enumerated herein unless otherwise specified, different colors of the bar graph correspond to lower and upper limits of the parameter type.

[0010] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect enumerated herein unless otherwise specified, green corresponds to acceptable parameter values, yellow areas correspond to parameter values ​​that exceed a soft upper limit, and red areas correspond to parameter values ​​that exceed a hard upper limit.

[0011] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect enumerated herein unless otherwise specified, the text is green if the text is an acceptable parameter value, the text is yellow if the text is within the soft limits for the parameter type, and the text is red if the text is within the hard limits for the parameter type.

[0012] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect enumerated herein unless otherwise specified, the memory stores a drug library including drug entries with upper and lower parameter limits.

[0013] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspects recited herein unless otherwise specified, a method for operating a PCA pump based on user input includes selecting an infusion therapy type from a pre-loaded drug library displayed on a display screen; inputting parameter values; transmitting the selected infusion therapy type and the input parameter values ​​to a processor, wherein the processor communicates with a memory and determines lower and upper limits for the parameter type associated with the user-input parameter value and the user-selected infusion therapy type; transmitting instructions from the memory to the processor to generate a graphical display of the lower and upper limits on the display screen; comparing the user-input parameter value with the instructions received by the processor; generating a graphical display on the display screen that displays the lower and upper limits of the parameter type in different colors; and generating different color text for the user-input parameter value displayed on the screen based on where the user-input parameter value falls within the lower and upper limits of the parameter type.

[0014] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect enumerated herein unless otherwise specified, the pre-loaded drug library includes information regarding upper and lower limits for parameter types, including soft limits and hard limits.

[0015] In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect recited herein unless otherwise specified, the graphical display is a bar graph.

[0016] In an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect enumerated herein unless otherwise specified, the bar graph has different colors corresponding to acceptable parameter values, soft limit parameter values, and hard limit parameter values.

[0017] In a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect enumerated herein unless otherwise specified, text is displayed in green if the text is an acceptable parameter value, text is displayed in yellow if the text is within the soft limits for the parameter type, and text is displayed in red if the text is within the hard limits for the parameter type.

[0018] In a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect enumerated herein unless otherwise specified, the processor adjusts lower and upper limits for a first parameter type based on a user-input second parameter type.

[0019] In a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect recited herein unless otherwise specified, a PCA pump includes an actuator, a syringe holder, a display screen, a processor, and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor, the instructions cause the processor to receive a user-selected patient history graph command, retrieve patient history data, retrieve the patient history graph command, and generate a graph showing the patient history data on the display screen. The patient data includes infusion therapy intervals (1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 hours, and cumulative), loading dose (LD) & clinician bolus (CB) bolus, PCA bolus, programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB), continuous infusion rate (ml / hr), and total volume (ml / hr). In the patient history graph, infusion therapy intervals (1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 hours and cumulative) are displayed on one axis, and loading dose (LD) & clinician bolus (CB) bolus, PCA bolus, programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB), continuous infusion rate (ml / hr), and total volume (ml / hr) are displayed on another axis.

[0020] In a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect enumerated herein unless otherwise specified, the memory stores patient history data, and the patient history data is time-stamped.

[0021] In a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect described herein unless otherwise specified, a method for operating a PCA pump based on user input includes selecting a patient history graph command displayed on a display screen; sending the command to a processor, wherein the processor communicates with a memory to retrieve patient history data; sending instructions from the memory to the processor for generating a patient history graphical display on the display screen; and generating the graphical display on the display screen displaying the patient history data.

[0022] In a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect recited herein unless otherwise specified, the memory stores patient history data.

[0023] In an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect enumerated herein unless otherwise specified, the patient history data is time-stamped.

[0024] In a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect enumerated herein unless otherwise specified, the patient history data includes infusion therapy intervals (1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 hours, and cumulative), loading dose (LD) & clinician bolus (CB) bolus, patient controlled analgesia (PCA) bolus, programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB), continuous infusion rate (ml / hr), and total volume (ml / hr).

[0025] In a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect enumerated herein unless otherwise specified, infusion therapy intervals (1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 hours, and cumulative) are displayed on one axis of the graphical display, and loading dose (LD) & clinician bolus (CB) bolus, patient controlled analgesia (PCA) bolus, programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB), continuous infusion rate (ml / hr), and total volume (ml / hr) are displayed on another axis of the graphical display.

[0026] In a twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure, any of the structures, functions, and alternatives disclosed in association with any one or more of Figures 1-10B may be combined with any other structures, functions, and alternatives disclosed in association with any other one or more of Figures 1-10B.

[0027] Therefore, in light of the present disclosure and the above aspects, it is an advantage of the present disclosure to minimize user interaction with a PCA pump control system to minimize human error.

[0028] It is another advantage of the present disclosure to provide a PCA pump user interface that visually assists the user during the programming process to ensure that user-entered parameters are within lower and upper limits with respect to the type of infusion therapy being administered and any interrelationships with other parameters entered by the user.

[0029] It is yet another advantage of the present disclosure to provide a PCA pump user interface that generates and displays real-time patient history graphs to assist the user in bedside infusion therapy programming.

[0030] Additional features and advantages are described in and become apparent from the following detailed description and drawings. The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive, and in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the drawings and description. Moreover, it is not necessary for any particular embodiment to possess all of the advantages enumerated herein, and it is expressly contemplated that each advantageous embodiment may be separately claimed. Furthermore, it should be noted that the language used herein has been chosen primarily for readability and descriptive purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system level diagram of a PCA pump within a hospital information system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary PCA pump comprising a Baxter® Novum pump that may be included in the hospital system of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a software component diagram of the on-screen guidance operations performed by the PCA pump of FIG. 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a software component diagram of patient history operations performed by the PCA pump of FIG. 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a pump control system process for on-screen parameter programming guidance based on user input, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a pump control system process for generating a patient history graph based on user input, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] [Figure 7] 2 is a sample diagram of a user interface for on-screen parameter programming guidance for use on the display screen of the PCA pump of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] [Figure 8] 2 is a sample diagram of a user interface for on-screen parameter programming guidance for use on the display screen of the PCA pump of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] [Figure 9] 2 is a sample diagram of a user interface for a patient history graph for use on the display screen of the PCA pump of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] [Figure 10A] 2 is a sample detailed view of a user interface for a patient history graph for use on the display screen of the PCA pump of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 10B]2 is a sample detailed view of a user interface for a patient history graph for use on the display screen of the PCA pump of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Detailed Description Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for a PCA pump user interface that provides on-screen parameter programming guidance and patient history graphs. The exemplary methods, systems, and devices are configured to display color graphs and differently colored text on the PCA pump user interface screen according to established lower and upper limits for user-input parameters. Furthermore, the exemplary methods, systems, and devices are configured to generate and display patient history graphs on the PCA pump user interface using real-time patient history data. Thus, the user has minimal interaction with the PCA pump control system. For on-screen parameter programming guidance, the user selects the drug being infused and enters parameter values, and the processor and memory within the PCA pump communicate this information to each other. The processor matches the user-selected drug with entries in a preloaded drug library. The entries from the preloaded drug library contain information about the upper and lower limits of the parameters entered by the user. The processor finds the relevant lower and upper limit graphic instructions and sends them to the processor. The processor executes the instructions it receives from memory, monitors changes in the user-input parameters, displays a limit bar graph on the PCA pump screen, and changes the text color of the user-input parameter value according to where the user-input parameter value falls within the lower and upper parameter limit ranges. In this way, the PCA pump interface provides visual cues to guide the user in programming, eliminating the need for the user to switch between screens when entering a given parameter type.

[0042] To generate a patient history graph, the user selects the patient history command, and the processor and memory in the PCA pump communicate this information to each other. The processor retrieves the patient history and graphic instructions from memory and sends them to the processor. The processor executes the received instructions from memory, monitors any changes in the patient history, and generates a patient history graph on the PCA pump screen. Therefore, because the patient history graph provides an overview of treatment on one screen, the user does not need to switch between screens to understand previously administered treatments when programming the PCA pump bedside.

[0043] Reference is made herein to memory. As disclosed herein, memory refers to a device that holds electronic data and / or instructions for immediate use by the processor and / or pump control system. Memory is capable of receiving and transmitting data.

[0044] Reference is made herein to a processor. As disclosed herein, a processor refers to a device that executes instructions stored by a memory. The memory receives and transmits data.

[0045] Reference is made herein to infusion. As disclosed herein, infusion refers to the introduction of a fluid into the bloodstream intravenously through the use of a needle or catheter. The fluid may be a drug, a supplement, or a mixture thereof.

[0046] Reference is made herein to a drug library. As disclosed herein, a drug library refers to an indexed list of drugs and supplements. Each entry includes important parameters such as the name of the substance (both scientific and brand names), maximum and minimum doses, concentration information, infusion rate, and whether the drug is administered with or without a PCA bolus. It should be noted that additional information may be included in a drug library entry.

[0047] Although exemplary methods, devices, and systems are disclosed herein as operating with PCA pumps, it should be understood that the methods, devices, and systems may be operable with other pumps. For example, the methods, devices, and systems may provide on-screen parameter programming guidance and patient history graph generation in syringe pumps based on user-input parameters and commands.

[0048] Medical environment embodiment FIG. 1 is a system-level diagram of a PCA pump within a hospital information system 100. The exemplary system 100 includes a PCA pump 125, a network 115, a gateway 110, and an electronic medical record ("EMR") server 105. The PCA pump 125 can deliver intravenous infusion therapy to a patient 130 via one or more intravenous ("IV") line sets based on input entered by a user 120. The PCA pump 125 connects to the network 115. The gateway 110 and the EMR server 105 also connect to the network 115. Thus, the PCA pump 125 is communicatively coupled to the gateway 110 and the EMR server 105 via the network 115. In some embodiments, multiple PCA pumps 125 connect to the network 115, the gateway 110, and the EMR server 105. It should be noted that these connections may be wireless, such as via Bluetooth, or may be wired via serial, Ethernet, CAN, or USB connections.

[0049] Gateway 110 is configured to receive infusion therapy type data (e.g., drug name, syringe volume, and bolus volume when applicable) from PCA pump 125 and route the data to EMR server 124. In some embodiments, gateway 110 is configured to convert the data, for example, from an EXTCOM message to an HL7 message. In yet other embodiments, network 115 and gateway 110 are omitted from system 100.

[0050] Gateway 110 may also be configured to send operating or prescription parameters to PCA pump 125. For example, gateway 110 may send an electronic prescription (or software update) to PCA pump 125 at a predetermined time and / or when PCA pump 125 is available to receive the prescription. In another example, PCA pump 125 may be configured to periodically poll gateway 110 to determine whether an electronic prescription (or software update) is waiting to be downloaded to the pump.

[0051] In this regard, PCA pump 125 transmits infusion therapy progress data to network 110. Network 110 then converts the therapy progress data into a protocol for transmission over Ethernet network 115 to gateway 110. Gateway 110 may include, for example, a Baxter® IQ Enterprise® Gateway. In this manner, gateway 110 may be configured to integrate with EMR server 105 or other hospital systems to facilitate transmission of infusion therapy progress data from PCA pump 125 to, for example, a hospital electronic medical record (“EMR”) associated with patient 130.

[0052] In one embodiment, the EMR server 105 is also communicatively coupled to a pharmacy server (not shown) configured to create and / or transmit a medication order, for example, corresponding to a prepared medication (not shown). The medication order includes an electronic record or entry identifying the patient (e.g., a patient identifier) ​​and infusion parameters for administration. The medication order is assigned a unique identifier. In some embodiments, the medication order may be printed on a label attached to a medication container that is fluidly coupled to the PCA pump 125. The medication order itself associates a patient identifier with a medication identifier. The EMR server 124 is configured to use the patient identifier in the medication order to store the medication order with the patient's EMR or otherwise associate the medication order with the patient's EMR.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment, the system 100 may also include a clinician device (not shown; e.g., a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, workstation, etc.) to enable the user 120 to monitor patient data.

[0054] 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary PCA pump 125. The illustrated infusion pump 125 is a Baxter® Novum IQ PCA pump. In this embodiment, the PCA pump 125 includes a display 150 with an interface 145 and keypad 155 that allow a clinician to specify or program infusion therapy or graphical display commands. The PCA pump 125 uses a motor connected to an actuator 170 to actuate a plunger 165 in a syringe 160.

[0055] The PCA pump 125 also includes a memory 135 and a processor 140. The memory 135 stores one or more drug libraries, such as Dose IQ, that contain specific program parameter limits based on care area, dose change, rate of change, drug name, concentration, patient age, patient weight, etc. The limits are configured to ensure that the received prescription or administered infusion therapy is within the tolerances and / or limits established by the medical facility, physician, or clinician. The drug library also includes information regarding whether the infusion therapy includes a PCA bolus or is administered at a continuous constant rate without a PCA bolus. The memory 135 also stores patient history data, which may include, but is not limited to, tables of different infusion therapy intervals (1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 hours, and cumulative), loading dose (LD) & clinician bolus (CB) bolus, PCA bolus, programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB), continuous infusion rate (ml / hr), and total volume (ml / hr). The memory 135 persistently stores real-time patient history data.

[0056] Processor 140 is configured to execute machine-readable instructions stored in memory 135. Execution of the machine-readable instructions by processor 140 causes PCA pump 125 to perform the operations described herein.

[0057] As previously mentioned, the PCA pump 125 is connected to and communicates with the gateway 110 (FIG. 1) via the network 115 (FIG. 1). As also mentioned, the PCA pump 125 is configured to monitor the progress of an infusion therapy and periodically transmit infusion therapy progress data (e.g., medical device data) to the gateway 110 (FIG. 1). Therapy progress data, as disclosed herein, may include, for example, infusion rate, dosage, total amount infused, time remaining in therapy, drug concentration, rate changes, amount remaining in the drug container, drug name, patient identifier, titration information, bolus information, care area identifier, timestamp when the data was generated, alarm conditions, warning conditions, events, etc. The PCA pump 125 may transmit data continuously, periodically (e.g., every 30 seconds, every minute, etc.), or upon request by the gateway 110 (FIG. 1).

[0058] In some embodiments, the PCA pump 125 may also be communicatively coupled to one or more physiological sensors. For example, the PCA pump 125 may be connected to a pulse oximetry sensor, a blood pressure cuff, an access disconnection device, and / or a weight scale. The first pump 125 may be configured, for example, to integrate or otherwise include data from the pulse oximetry sensor in the therapy progress data, or alternatively, to separately transmit the pulse oximetry data to the gateway 110 (FIG. 1). The gateway 110 (FIG. 1) can then access the EMR server 105 (FIG. 1) to record this data in the patient's electronic medical record.

[0059] On-screen parameter programming guidance As previously mentioned, at the start of an infusion therapy protocol, the user enters the infusion therapy type, i.e., drug name, into the PCA pump 125. After the drug name is entered into the PCA pump 125, the user must then program various parameters (i.e., PCA dose or lockout interval).

[0060] FIG. 3 is a software block diagram of operations 200 performed by the PCA pump of FIG. 1 to display on-screen parameter programming guidance based on user input related to a drug name initially entered by the user. As seen in box 201, processor 140 initially receives user-entered drug name and parameter (i.e., PCA dose or lockout interval) data. The parameter is received in the form of a value, such as a dose, and the drug name is received in the form of a unique identifier. Processor 140 then transmits data including the user-entered drug name unique identifier and parameter value to memory 135 (215). Memory 135, in cooperation with processor 140, receives the unique identifier and searches the drug library for a drug library entry that matches the unique identifier entered by the user (225). More specifically, memory 135, in cooperation with processor 140, indexes its drug library and compares the drug library entries with the drug or supplement identifiers it receives.

[0061] Upon finding a match, processor 140 determines (220) the lower and upper limits (including hard and soft limits) of the parameters entered by the user as associated with the drug name entered by the user. More specifically, processor 140 accesses the matching drug library entry and retrieves data regarding the upper and lower limits of the parameters entered by the user. Processor 140 then identifies (235) upper and lower limit graphic instructions in memory 135 associated with the parameters entered by the user. Memory 135 then cooperates with processor 140 to send the instructions to the processor (240).

[0062] Processor 140 receives the send memory command and executes the command (block 245). To implement the command, the processor compares the parameter values ​​entered by the user with the upper and lower limits received in the send memory command. The processor does two things simultaneously: it generates a colored limit bar graph for display on the user interface, and it also changes the color of the parameter values ​​entered by the user on the interface to indicate whether the entered parameter value falls within the parameter limits.

[0063] To generate the colored limit bar graph, the processor receives memory-transmitted instructions and generates a graphic corresponding to the lower and upper parameter limits entered by the user. More specifically, the graphic may be, for example, a bar graph displayed horizontally at the bottom of the screen (see FIG. 7) with a green area corresponding to parameter values ​​within the acceptable range, a yellow area corresponding to parameter values ​​above the drug's soft upper limit, and a red area corresponding to parameter values ​​above the drug's hard upper limit.

[0064] At the same time, the processor compares the parameter value entered by the user with the range of limits received in the send-memory command, and if the value is within the acceptable range, displays the parameter value on the screen in green text. If the parameter value exceeds the soft upper limit, the processor displays the entered value in yellow text. If the parameter value exceeds the hard upper limit, the processor displays the entered value in red text. Note that the processor continues to compare the parameter values ​​entered by the user as the user changes them. Thus, the processor dynamically changes the color of the parameter value text displayed on the screen to indicate where within the range of values ​​the user-entered parameter value is as it changes.

[0065] 5 shows a diagram of the pump control system process for on-screen parameter programming guidance based on user input. As shown, the user inputs their desired drug name and parameter value (such as PCA dose or lockout interval) (block 405). The user does this, for example, by entering the drug name (infusion therapy type) and numerical dose using the PCA pump's keypad and screen display.

[0066] The data corresponding to the user input, the unique drug name, and the parameter values ​​are then sent to the processor (block 410). Once it arrives at the processor, the processor sends the user input data to memory (block 415).

[0067] Upon arrival, the memory, in cooperation with the processor, receives the user-input data, identifies a unique drug name identifier, and accesses its pre-loaded drug library to find a matching drug name entry. Upon identifying a match, the memory, in cooperation with the processor, retrieves data associated with the matching entry. The memory, in cooperation with the processor, then determines upper and lower limit graphic instructions associated with the parameter values ​​entered by the user (block 420). To accomplish this, the memory, in cooperation with the processor, retrieves data indicating lower and upper parameter limits from the matching drug name entry (block 420). More specifically, the lower and upper parameter limits are in the form of soft and hard limits. A soft limit refers to a lower or upper limit that is set in the drug library and can be overridden by the user. Meanwhile, a hard limit refers to a lower or upper limit that is set in the drug library and cannot be overridden by the user.

[0068] Once the lower and upper parameter limits are determined, the memory, in conjunction with the processor, retrieves and sends the lower and upper limit graphics instructions to the processor (block 425).

[0069] After receiving the instructions from memory, the processor executes the lower and upper limit graphic instructions (block 430). More specifically, the processor generates a colored limit bar graph, e.g., a horizontal bar graph displayed at the bottom of the screen (see FIG. 7), with green areas corresponding to acceptable parameter values, yellow areas corresponding to parameter values ​​exceeding the soft upper limit, and red areas corresponding to parameter values ​​exceeding the hard upper limit. Simultaneously, the processor compares the user-input parameter value with the lower and upper limits received from memory and displays the user-input parameter value in different colors depending on where it falls within the limits (block 440).

[0070] Throughout this time, the processor monitors the parameter values ​​entered by the user in two ways (block 435). First, when the user changes the value entered for a given parameter, the text color of the given parameter changes. Additionally, if the user enters a new parameter that is different and correlates to the originally entered parameter value, the processor determines how, if at all, the newly entered parameter affects the lower and upper limits of the originally entered parameter and changes the text color of the parameter value accordingly.

[0071] Figure 7 shows a diagram of a user interface for use on the display screen of the PCA pump of Figure 1. As can be seen, the user interface can display user-entered parameter values ​​in green text 601, yellow text 602, or red text 603.

[0072] 7, the on-screen parameter programming guidance user interface shows the infusion therapy drug name 610, the care area 605, and various command control buttons 660, such as clear dose or clear program. The interface also shows various parameters 645 that the user can enter when programming the PCA pump.

[0073] In particular, the user interface displays a bar graph 655 corresponding to the lower and upper limits of a given parameter. As can be seen, the bar graph 655 includes a green section 630, a yellow section 635, and a red section 640. Above each section is a number 650 indicating the value at which the parameter's range changes from one color to another. More importantly, as noted above, the green section corresponds to allowable parameter values, the yellow section corresponds to values ​​that exceed the parameter's soft upper limit, and the red section corresponds to values ​​that exceed the parameter's hard upper limit.

[0074] Relatedly, as explained above, the user interface displays user-input parameter values ​​in different colors based on where the values ​​fall within the lower and upper limits. For example, in one screen 601, user-input parameter 615 is displayed in green text because it falls within the acceptable lower and upper limits. However, in another screen 602, user-input parameter 620 is displayed in yellow because it exceeds the soft limit for the given parameter. Finally, in another screen 603, user-input parameter 625 is displayed in red because it exceeds the hard limit for the given parameter. As a result, as evidenced by the various text colors 601, 602, 603, the user interface provides visual indications to inform the user whether their parameter inputs are within safe lower and upper limits. As an additional visual aid, the user interface displays a bar graph 655 that also displays the acceptable lower and upper limits for a given parameter using colors and accompanying numbers. Note that the colors and / or visual indications used may vary in different embodiments.

[0075] In this embodiment, the on-screen parameter programming guidance user interface also includes a screen that allows a second user to visually verify the programming parameters entered by the first user. FIG. 8 shows a diagram of the user verification screen. The first screen 701 shows a summary of the programmed parameters as entered by the first user. More specifically, the screen shows the drug name 705, the parameter type 710, and the parameter value 720 entered by the first user. As can be seen, the parameter value 720 is displayed in color in the same manner as described for FIG. 7 above. The first screen also includes a command button 715 that allows the second user to indicate that they are reviewing the first user's programming.

[0076] The second screen 702 contains similar information as the first screen 701. However, the second screen includes a colorful banner 725 indicating that a second user is reviewing previously programmed parameters. Additionally, the second screen 702 includes command buttons that allow the second user to modify / change the programming parameters entered by the first user.

[0077] Therefore, the on-screen parameter programming guidance on this user interface not only dynamically indicates, based on text color, whether a given user-entered parameter value is within the lower and upper limits of the drug being infused into the patient, but also takes into account the interrelationships of multiple programming parameters. As a result, the user can program the PCA pump with the aid of the user interface's color indications, without having to switch between screens.

[0078] Patient History Graph As previously mentioned, throughout the infusion therapy protocol, the user monitors and adjusts the programming parameters of the PCA pump 125. The programming adjustments made by the user depend on the user's access to and interpretation of the patient history on the PCA pump.

[0079] FIG. 4 is a software component diagram of operations 300 performed by the PCA pump of FIG. 1 to display patient history based on a user-input command. As shown, first, processor 140 receives a user-input command to display a patient history graph (301). The user enters the command by, for example, using the PCA pump's keypad to select an option such as "Patient History" on the screen. Processor 140 then sends a command to memory (315) in the form of a command to access patient data stored in memory during the infusion therapy protocol. Note that patient history data is continuously collected and stored in memory by the PCA control system. As previously mentioned, patient history data can include, but is not limited to, information at different infusion therapy intervals (1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 hours, and cumulative) such as loading dose (LD) & clinician bolus (CB) bolus, PCA bolus, programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB), continuous infusion rate (ml / hr), and total volume (ml / hr).

[0080] At this point, memory 135, in conjunction with processor 140, receives commands to search for, retrieve, and compile the patient history into a table (320). The memory then, in conjunction with the processor, sends 325 the patient history and graph generation instructions to the processor.

[0081] The processor 140 receives and executes the memory transmission instructions and patient history data. To implement the instructions, the processor generates a graphic color representation of the patient history data, which is then transmitted and displayed on the PCA pump screen. This may include, for example, calculating and displaying trend lines based on the patient history data received by the processor. More specifically, the graphic may be, for example, a bar graph using various colors to indicate different parameters and / or intervals (see FIG. 9). In particular, the user can modify the specific patient history parameters displayed in the resulting graph. The user can also change the type of graph (i.e., horizontal or vertical) displayed on the PCA pump screen.

[0082] 6 shows a diagram of the pump control system process for displaying patient history data based on user input. As can be seen, the user enters a command (block 505). The user does this, for example, by selecting the "Patient History" option on the keypad and on the PCA pump's screen display.

[0083] The data corresponding to the user input, the command, is then sent to the processor (block 510). Once it reaches the processor, the processor sends the command to memory (block 515).

[0084] Once received, the memory, in cooperation with the processor, receives the command, identifies the patient history, retrieves the patient history, and compiles the patient history into a table (block 520). At the same time, the memory, in cooperation with the processor, retrieves the graph generation instructions and sends them to the processor (block 520).

[0085] After receiving the patient history table and the graph generation instructions, the processor executes the graph generation instructions (block 520). More specifically, the processor generates a graphic color display using the data received in the patient history table. The processor generates the graphic color display and then transmits it for display on the PCA pump screen. While generating the graphic color display, the processor performs various dynamic operations. For example, the processor uses the patient history table to calculate trend lines, which may include using data points to perform linear regression for display on the PCA pump screen. Additionally, the processor continuously monitors the memory for any new incoming patient history table data and generates an updated graphic color display according to any new data. The processor also generates different graphic color displays based on user input, which may include changing the orientation of the graph and / or changing patient history parameters on the graph (see FIG. 9).

[0086] Figure 9 shows a view of a patient history graph on the display screen of the PCA pump of Figure 1. As can be seen, the patient history graph can be displayed in multiple forms 805, 810.

[0087] Figures 10A-B show more detailed views of the patient history graph on the display screen of the PCA pump of Figure 1. As can be seen in Figure 10A, the patient history graph 900 can include patient history over various time intervals 905, in addition to various other parameters 910.

[0088] In contrast, in Figure 10B, the patient history graph 900 may include overlaid information, such as trend lines 915, over various time intervals 905 and other parameters 10. Additionally, as seen in Figures 10A and 10B, the orientation of the patient history graph may vary. Note that the colors, line styles, orientation, and other visual elements may differ from those shown in Figures 10A and 10B.

[0089] Thus, the patient history graphical display on this user interface provides a complete overview of a given patient's infusion history and allows the user to modify the patient history parameters displayed on the PCA pump. The user can then quickly assess the patient's therapy and make any modifications at the patient's bedside without having to switch between screens, thereby reducing the possibility of programming errors that could cause patient distress.

[0090] Conclusion It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A PCA pump comprising: An actuator; a syringe holder; A display screen; a processor; a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, receiving a user-selected infusion therapy type and user-input parameter values; receiving lower and upper limits for parameter types associated with the user-inputted parameter values ​​and a user-selected infusion therapy type; comparing the user-input parameter value to the lower and upper limits of the parameter type; generating a graph on the display screen showing the lower and upper limits of the parameter type in different colors; generating different colored text for the user-input parameter value based on where the user-input parameter value falls within the lower and upper bounds of the parameter type; a memory; A PCA pump comprising:

2. The PCA pump of claim 1 , wherein the upper and lower limits for the parameter type include a soft limit and a hard limit.

3. The PCA pump of claim 2 , wherein the graph is a bar graph.

4. The PCA pump of claim 3 , wherein the different colors of the bar graph correspond to the lower and upper limits of the parameter type.

5. 5. The PCA pump of claim 4, wherein green corresponds to acceptable parameter values, yellow areas correspond to parameter values ​​that exceed the soft upper limit, and red areas correspond to parameter values ​​that exceed the hard upper limit.

6. 3. The PCA pump of claim 2, wherein the text is green if the text is an acceptable parameter value, the text is yellow if the text is within the soft limits for the parameter type, and the text is red if the text is within the hard limits for the parameter type.

7. The pump of claim 1 , wherein the memory stores a drug library including drug entries with upper and lower parameter limits.

8. 1. A method for operating a PCA pump based on user input, comprising: selecting an infusion therapy type from a preloaded drug library displayed on a display screen; Entering parameter values; transmitting the selected infusion therapy type and entered parameter values ​​to a processor, the processor communicating with a memory to determine lower and upper limits for parameter types associated with the user-entered parameter values ​​and user-selected infusion therapy type; sending instructions from said memory to said processor to generate lower and upper limit graphical displays on said display screen; comparing the user input parameter values ​​with the instructions received by the processor; generating a graphical display on the display screen that displays the lower and upper limits of the parameter type in different colors; generating different colored text for the user-input parameter value displayed on the screen based on where the user-input parameter value falls within the lower and upper limits of the parameter type; A method comprising:

9. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the pre-loaded drug library includes information regarding the upper and lower limits for parameter types including the soft and hard limits.

10. The method of claim 8 , wherein the graphical display is a bar graph.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the bar graph has different colors corresponding to acceptable, soft-limit, and hard-limit parameter values.

12. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the text is displayed in green if the text is an acceptable parameter value, the text is displayed in yellow if the text is within the soft limits for the parameter type, and the text is displayed in red if the text is within the hard limits for the parameter type.

13. The method of claim 8 , wherein the processor adjusts the lower and upper limits for a first parameter type based on a user-input second parameter type.

14. 1. A PCA pump comprising: An actuator; a syringe holder; A display screen; a processor; a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, receiving a user-selected patient history graph command; retrieving patient history data; retrieving patient history graph instructions; generating a graph on the display screen illustrating the patient history data; a memory; Including, The patient data includes infusion therapy intervals (1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 hours, and cumulative), loading dose (LD) & clinician bolus (CB) bolus, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) bolus, programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB), continuous infusion rate (ml / hr), and total volume (ml / hr); The infusion therapy interval (1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 hours, and cumulative) is displayed on one axis, and the loading dose (LD) & clinician bolus (CB) bolus, patient controlled analgesia (PCA) bolus, programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB), continuous infusion rate (ml / hr), and total volume (ml / hr) are displayed on another axis. PCA pump.

15. 15. The PCA pump of claim 14, wherein the memory stores the patient history data, and the patient history data is time-stamped.

16. 1. A method for operating a PCA pump based on user input, comprising: selecting a displayed patient history graph command on the display screen; sending the command to a processor, the processor communicating with a memory to retrieve patient history data; transmitting instructions from the memory to the processor for generating a patient history graphical display on the display screen; generating a graphical display on the display screen that displays the patient history data; A method comprising:

17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the memory stores patient history data.

18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the patient history data is time-stamped.

19. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the patient history data includes infusion therapy intervals (1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 hours, and cumulative), loading dose (LD) & clinician bolus (CB) bolus, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) bolus, programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB), continuous infusion rate (ml / hr), and total volume (ml / hr).

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the infusion therapy interval (1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 hours, and cumulative) is displayed on one axis of the graphical display, and the loading dose (LD) & clinician bolus (CB) bolus, patient controlled analgesia (PCA) bolus, programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB), continuous infusion rate (ml / hr), and total volume (ml / hr) are displayed on another axis of the graphical display.

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