System and Method

Abstract

To provide a system that enables the set value of flow rate or the set value of administration speed of a liquid medicine in each pump to be changed by other devices.SOLUTION: One infusion pump 70A among a plurality of pumps, each capable of administering liquid medicine to a patient, receives from a terminal device 60 a prescription order that includes identification information and a first set value of liquid medicine that is to be administered to the patient and administers the liquid medicine to the patient on the basis of the first set value. The first set value is the set value of flow rate or the set value of administration speed of the liquid medicine. The terminal device 60 transmits a second set value to the infusion pump 70A on the basis of an event that an indication to change the set value of flow rate or the set value of administration speed from the first set value to the second set value is accepted. The infusion pump 70A changes the set value of flow rate or the set value of administration speed from the first set value to the second set value, on condition that a first operation is accepted after having received the second set value. The infusion pump 70A administers the liquid medicine to the patient on the basis of the second set value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as medical devices, various medical pumps for administering a chemical solution to a patient are known.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-531146 (Patent Document 1) discloses a system for programming a medical device in order to administer a drug to a patient. The system includes a medical device, a scanner that can be coupled to a point-of-care (POC) system, and a drug management unit (MMU). A computer in the POC system can directly program the medical device with the permission of the MMU after a complete "five correct" check (a check that the correct drug is administered to the correct patient at the correct dose or rate through the correct device passage or route at the correct time). A nurse can also change the settings by reprogramming the settings on the infusion pump.

[0004] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-518265 (Patent Document 2) discloses a method for setting a plurality of infusion pumps according to a function set. The method includes implementing a plurality of infusion pumps each set to administer a drug to a patient, implementing a drug library including at least one function set defining a drug set, receiving input data related to one of the at least one function sets, obtaining a specific drug set from the drug library corresponding to the input data, and programming the plurality of infusion pumps according to the drug set and infusing the patient with the plurality of infusion pumps. In Patent Document 2, the purpose is to make the complex and / or boring programming of the infusion pump rather simple and efficient.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2009-531146 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2018-518265 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The pump stores the set flow rate or administration rate for the medication solution it contains. These settings can be changed according to the patient's condition and other factors, based on the doctor's instructions. These changes are made by nurses or other staff directly inputting the new values ​​into the pump.

[0007] Manually changing flow rate or administration rate settings by nurses and other healthcare professionals is time-consuming and prone to errors. In particular, when multiple pumps are each equipped with different medications, healthcare professionals must verify which medication is assigned to which pump and then change the settings for the corresponding medication on the corresponding pump. Therefore, as the number of pumps used increases, the process becomes more time-consuming and the likelihood of errors increases.

[0008] Patent documents 1 and 2 disclose programming for medical devices and infusion pumps. However, patent documents 1 and 2 do not disclose specific methods for changing the set flow rate of the drug solution set in each pump using other devices.

[0009] This disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a system and method that allows the set value of the flow rate or administration rate of the drug solution in each pump to be changed by another device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In accordance with certain aspects of this disclosure, the system comprises a plurality of pumps, each capable of administering a drug solution to a patient, and an information processing device capable of communicating with each of the plurality of pumps. One of the plurality of pumps receives a prescription order from the information processing device, which includes identification information of the drug solution to be administered to the patient and a first setting value, and administers the drug solution to the patient based on the first setting value. The first setting value is a setting value for the flow rate or administration rate of the drug solution. The information processing device transmits the second setting value to the pump administering the drug solution based on the information processing device having received an instruction to change the flow rate or administration rate setting value from the first setting value to a second setting value. The pump administering the drug solution changes the flow rate or administration rate setting value from the first setting value to the second setting value, provided that it has received the first operation after receiving the second setting value. The pump administering the drug solution administers the drug solution to the patient based on the second setting value.

[0011] In accordance with other aspects of the present disclosure, the method comprises the steps of: one of a plurality of pumps, each capable of administering a drug solution to a patient, receiving a prescription order from an information processing device including identification information of a drug solution to be administered to a patient and a first setting value, and administering the drug solution to the patient based on the first setting value, wherein the first setting value is a set value for the flow rate or administration rate of the drug solution. The method further comprises the steps of: an information processing device, capable of communicating with each of the plurality of pumps, receiving an instruction to change the flow rate or administration rate setting value from a first setting value to a second setting value, and transmitting a second setting value to the pump administering the drug solution; the pump administering the drug solution changing the flow rate or administration rate setting value from a first setting value to a second setting value, provided that it has received the second setting value and has received a first operation; and the pump administering the drug solution administering the drug solution to the patient based on the second setting value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the above disclosure, the set value of the drug flow rate or the administration rate in each pump can be changed by another device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network system. [Figure 2] It is a diagram for explaining an overview of communication in a communication system. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of drug library data. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of prescription list data. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a server. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a pump. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of an operation panel of a pump. [Figure 9] It is a sequence diagram for explaining the flow of processing executed in a communication system. [Figure 10] It is a diagram representing an operation screen displayed on a terminal device. [Figure 11] It is a sequence diagram for explaining the flow of the change process of the set value described based on FIG. 10.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated. Further, in the embodiments described below, when referring to the number, amount, etc., unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not necessarily limited to the number, amount, etc.

[0015] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described while referring to the drawings. In the following description, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated. Further, in the embodiments described below, when referring to the number, amount, etc., unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not necessarily limited to such number, amount, etc.

[0016] <A. System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the network system 1 of the present embodiment.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the network system 1 includes a terminal device 10, a server 20 that records an electronic medical record, a server 30 of the pharmacy department, a server 40 of a department different from the pharmacy department, and a communication system 2. The communication system 2 includes a server 50 and a rack system (system) 3. The rack system 3 has a terminal device (information processing device) 60, a plurality of infusion pumps 70A and 70B, and a plurality of syringe pumps 70C, 70D, and 70E. The rack system 3 is operated by a nurse 9 or a doctor.

[0018] The terminal device 10 is typically connected to the server 20 so as to be communicable by wire. The server 20 is typically connected to the terminal device 10 and the server 30 so as to be communicable by wire. The server 30 is typically connected to the server 20 and the server 50 so as to be communicable by wire.

[0019] The server 50 is typically connected to the server 30 and the server 40 so as to be communicable by wire. The server 50 is typically further connected to the terminal device 60 of the rack system 3 so as to be communicable by wireless.

[0020] Terminal device 10 is typically used by physicians. Terminal device 10 accepts input of information about one or more medications prescribed to each patient. Hereinafter, the information entered for a single patient using terminal device 10 (information about one or more prescribed medications) will also be referred to as "prescription list data" for convenience. In other words, terminal device 10 accepts prescription list data input for each patient. Terminal device 10 transmits the entered prescription list data to server 20. The specific structure of the prescription list data will be described later (Figure 4).

[0021] Server 20 receives prescription list data from terminal device 10. Server 20 records the contents of the received prescription list data in the patient's electronic medical record.

[0022] Server 30 has drug library data (drug solution data) stored in advance. Server 30 sends drug library data to Server 50. When the drug library is updated in Server 30, Server 30 sends update data to Server 50 to update Server 50's drug library. As update data, Server 30 may send the updated drug library data itself, or it may send only the data of the updated parts.

[0023] Server 30 retrieves prescription list data for a designated patient from Server 20 based on input from a pharmacist or other user. Server 30 then transmits prescription list data for a patient who is about to begin treatment (hereinafter also referred to as the "target patient") to Server 50.

[0024] Through the above process, server 50 stores the prescription list data for the target patient and the latest drug library data. Server 50 also retrieves various other data from server 40. For example, server 50 retrieves data related to the target patient's anesthesia from server 40.

[0025] In this example, syringes 90 are set in syringe pumps 70C and 70E. Syringe 90 includes a barrel 91 and a plunger rod 92. The plunger rod 92 has a flange 921. Syringe pumps 70C, 70D, and 70E are equipped with a drive unit 74 having a pressing surface 741. Each of the infusion pumps 70A and 70B and syringe pumps 70C, 70D, and 70E has displays 772 and 773.

[0026] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the communication overview in communication system 2 shown in Figure 1.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, in this example, the server 50 communicates with the terminal device 60 wirelessly. Typically, the server 50 communicates with the terminal device 60 via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

[0028] In this example, terminal device 60 communicates wirelessly with infusion pumps 70A and 70B and syringe pumps 70C, 70D, and 70E. More specifically, terminal device 60 communicates with infusion pumps 70A and 70B and syringe pumps 70C, 70D, and 70E via wireless LAN or NFC (Near Field Communication). In the following, any one of the infusion pumps 70A and 70B and syringe pumps 70C, 70D, and 70E (medical pump) will also be referred to as "pump 70".

[0029] Server 50 transmits the drug library data and the target patient's prescription list data, respectively, acquired from Server 20, to Terminal Device 60. As a result, the drug library data and the target patient's prescription list data are stored in Terminal Device 60 of Rack System 3.

[0030] When the drug library data on server 50 is updated, the drug library data on terminal device 60 is also updated. As a result, the same drug library data is stored on server 20 (Figure 1), server 50, and terminal device 60. The drug library data on server 20 is the master data.

[0031] <B.データ> Figure 3 shows the schematic structure of the drug library data shown in Figure 1.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, the drug library data D3 stores at least the flow rate (mL / h) threshold, the dose threshold (mL) threshold, and the administration rate threshold (μg / kg / min), all associated with the drug identification information. The dose is also referred to as the "planned dose."

[0033] Drug identification information includes, for example, the drug number and drug name (drug solution name). Flow rate thresholds include the upper and lower limits of the flow rate. Dosage thresholds include the upper and lower limits of the dosage. Administration rate thresholds include the upper and lower limits of the administration rate. Note that drug library data D3 does not necessarily need to store all of the upper and lower limits for each drug solution.

[0034] As described above, this drug library data D3 is stored in server 20, server 50, and terminal device 60. As described above, when the drug library data D3 in server 20 is updated, the drug library data D3 in server 50 and the drug library data D3 in terminal device 60 are also updated.

[0035] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the schematic structure of the prescription list data shown in Figure 1.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, prescription list data D41 includes a patient ID to identify the patient and one or more prescription orders #1, #2, #3…

[0037] In this example, each prescription order #1, #2, #3, etc. includes drug identification information, a flow rate setting, and a dosage setting. The flow rate setting and dosage setting are values ​​specified by the physician. These settings are values ​​entered in terminal device 10. Each prescription order #1, #2, #3, etc. may also include a setting for the administration rate.

[0038] Examples of prescription orders include "administer 500 mL of normal saline at 20 mL / h". In this case, the prescription order includes "normal saline" as the drug identification information, "20 mL / h" as the set value of the flow rate, and "500 mL" as the set value of the dosage.

[0039] The pharmacy department checks whether each of the set value of the flow rate (or the set value of the administration rate) and the set value of the dosage is within a predetermined range. If the set value is inappropriate, the pharmacy department requests the responsible doctor (the doctor who created the prescription list data) to confirm the numerical value and urges the responsible doctor to correct the set value. Therefore, the set value of the flow rate (or the set value of the administration rate) and the set value of the dosage transmitted to the server 50 and the terminal device 60 are usually within the above-mentioned predetermined range.

[0040] Specifically, the above-mentioned predetermined range is defined by at least one of the lower limit value and the upper limit value. In the drug library data D3 (see FIG. 3), such upper limit values and lower limit values are recorded for each drug solution.

[0041] <C. Device Configuration> The specific configurations of the server 50, the terminal device 60, and the pump 70 that constitute the communication system 2 (see FIG. 1) will be described.

[0042] (c1. Server) FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server 50.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, the server 50 includes a control unit 51, a communication IF (Interface) 52, and a clock 53. The control unit 51 includes a processor 511 and a memory 512. The processor 511, the memory 512, the communication IF 52, and the clock 53 are typically attached to a motherboard (not shown).

[0044] Memory 512 consists of storage media such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), SSD (Solid State Drive), and HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Memory 512 stores prescription list data D41, D42, D43, D44, etc., created for each target patient.

[0045] Prescription list data D41 is the data for patient ID "0001". Similarly, prescription list data D42 is the data for patient ID "0002", for example. Prescription list data D43 is the data for patient ID "0003", for example.

[0046] Communication IF52 is an interface for communication between servers 30, 40 and terminal device 60. Through communication IF52, server 50 can acquire drug library data D3, prescription list data D41, etc.

[0047] Clock 53 measures the time. The measured time information is sent to control unit 51.

[0048] The control unit 51 controls the overall operation of the server 50. Specifically, the processor 511 executes an operating system (not shown) and various application programs (not shown) stored in the memory 512, thereby enabling the server 50 to perform various operations.

[0049] (c2. Terminal device) Figure 6 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal device 60.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, the terminal device 60 comprises a control unit 61, a touchscreen 62, a communication interface 63, and a clock 64. The control unit 61 includes a processor 611 and memory 612. The touchscreen 62 includes a touch panel 621 and a display 622. The touch panel 621 is mounted on the display 622. The processor 611, memory 612, communication interface 63, and clock 64 are typically mounted on a motherboard (not shown).

[0051] Memory 612 consists of storage media such as RAM, ROM, and flash memory. Memory 612 stores prescription list data D43 for one target patient (in this example, the patient with patient ID "0003"). Specifically, because Nurse 9 performed an operation on terminal device 60 to retrieve prescription list data D43 for patient with patient ID "0003" from server 50, prescription list data D43 is stored in memory 612 of terminal device 60.

[0052] The terminal device 60 does not need to acquire the prescription list data D43 itself; it may acquire prescription order #1 and prescription order #2 separately, associated with the patient ID. At a minimum, the terminal device 60 only needs to be able to acquire prescription order #1 and prescription order #2 from the server 50. There are no particular limitations on the user operations during acquisition. In the following explanation, we will use the case where the terminal device 60 acquires prescription order #1 and prescription order #2 individually as an example.

[0053] Communication IF63 is an interface for communication between the server 50 and multiple pumps 70. Through communication IF63, the terminal device 60 can obtain drug library data D3 and prescription list data D43.

[0054] The clock 64 keeps time. The time information is sent to the control unit 61.

[0055] The touchscreen 62 accepts user input and displays various information. The display 622 displays various screens based on the output from the processor 611. When the touch panel 621 receives user input (typically a touch operation by a nurse 9) while the screen is displayed, it sends a signal based on that input to the processor 611.

[0056] The control unit 61 controls the overall operation of the terminal device 60. Specifically, the processor 611 executes an operating system (not shown) and various application programs (not shown) stored in the memory 612, thereby causing the terminal device 60 to perform various operations.

[0057] (c3. Pump) Figure 7 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the pump 70.

[0058] As shown in Figure 7, the system comprises a control unit 71, a communication interface 72, a clock 73, a drive unit 74, a speaker 75, an alarm lamp 76, and an operation panel 77. The control unit 71 includes a processor 711 and a memory 712. The operation panel 77 includes operation buttons 771 and displays 772 and 773. The processor 711, memory 712, communication interface 72, and clock 73 are typically mounted on a motherboard (not shown).

[0059] Memory 712 is composed of storage media such as RAM, ROM, and flash memory. Memory 712 stores prescription order #1 (see Figure 6) included in the prescription list data D43 for one target patient (in this example, the patient with patient ID "0003"). Specifically, because Nurse 9 performed the operation of sending prescription order #1 from prescription list data D43 to pump 70 using terminal device 60, prescription order #1 from prescription list data D43 is stored in the memory 712 of pump 70.

[0060] Furthermore, memory 712 stores the flow rate threshold and the dosage threshold of the drug solution (hereinafter also referred to as "administered drug solution") described in prescription order #1 of prescription list data D43. As mentioned above, one prescription order contains information for one drug solution.

[0061] In more detail, based on the operation performed by Nurse 9 on the terminal device 60 to send prescription order #1 of prescription list data D43 to the pump 70, the threshold values ​​for the flow rate and the dose of the administered drug described in prescription order #1 are transmitted from the terminal device 60 to the pump 70 and stored in memory 712.

[0062] The control unit 71 controls the overall operation of the pump 70. Specifically, the processor 711 executes an operating system (not shown) and various application programs (not shown) stored in the memory 712, causing the pump 70 to perform various operations.

[0063] Communication IF72 is an interface for communicating with the terminal device 60. Through communication IF72, the pump 70 can obtain prescription order #1, the flow rate threshold, and the dosage threshold.

[0064] Clock 73 measures the time. The measured time information is sent to control unit 71.

[0065] The drive unit 74 is a mechanism for administering the drug solution set in the pump 70 to the patient. The drive unit 74 operates according to commands from the control unit 71. If the pump 70 is a syringe pump, the drive unit 74 is a mechanism for moving the plunger rod 92 of the syringe 90 (see Figure 1) within the barrel 91 of the syringe 90. Specifically, the drive unit 74 moves the plunger rod 92 toward the barrel 91 by pressing the flange 921 with the pressing surface 741. This allows the drug solution to be administered to the patient.

[0066] Speaker 75 makes a predetermined announcement (voice announcement) in response to a command from control unit 71.

[0067] The alarm lamp 76 provides a predetermined notification (notification by illumination) in response to a command from the control unit 71. The alarm lamp 76 is also called an indicator.

[0068] The control panel 77 receives operations from the nurse 9 and displays various information. Specifically, the operation buttons 771 receive operations from the nurse 9. The operation buttons 771 typically include multiple buttons. Instructions corresponding to the received operations are sent from the control panel 77 to the control unit 71.

[0069] Displays 772 and 773 (see Figure 1) display various screens based on the output from the processor 711. Display 772 displays, for example, the administration rate. Display 773 displays, for example, information such as the flow rate.

[0070] Figure 8 shows an example of the control panel 77 of the pump 70.

[0071] As shown in Figure 8, the control panel 77 includes, as specific examples of the control buttons 771 described above, a power button 771A, menu buttons 771B and 771C, a cumulative amount clear button 771D, flow rate setting buttons 771E and 771F, a bolus button 771G, a start button 771H, a stop or mute button 771I, and a confirm button 771J. The control panel 77 also includes a display 772 and a display 773, as described above.

[0072] The pump 70 is equipped with two alarm lamps 76 on either side of the control panel 77. However, the position of the alarm lamps 76 is not limited to these positions; any position that allows the pump user to see that they are emitting light is acceptable.

[0073] The power button 771A is a button for turning on and off the power of the pump 70. The menu button 771B is a button for displaying various menus on the display 772. The menu button 771C is a button for displaying various menus on the display 773.

[0074] The integrated quantity clear button 771D is a button for erasing the data (log data) of the integrated value of the administered amount of the administered chemical solution from the memory of the pump. The flow rate setting button 771E is a button for increasing the set value of the flow rate of the chemical solution. The flow rate setting button 771F is a button for decreasing the set value of the flow rate of the chemical solution. It is a button for causing the pump 70 to perform a bolus administration.

[0075] The start button 771H is a button for starting the administration of the chemical solution by the pump. When the start button 771H is pressed, the drive unit 74 (FIG. 7) operates. The stop or mute button 771I is a button for stopping the administration of the chemical solution or for making the speaker 75 not emit sound. Which function is executed by pressing the stop or mute button 771I is based on the state of the pump 70. The operation timing and function of the determination button 771J will be described later.

[0076] A touch panel may be installed on the displays 772 and 773. That is, the operation panel 77 may include a touch screen having the display 772 and a touch panel, and a touch screen having the display 773 and a touch panel. According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to select various items (items within the menu) displayed on the displays 772 and 773 by a touch operation. Further, the operation panel 77 may separately include physical buttons for selecting items within the menu.

[0077] <D. Flow of Processing> For the sake of explanation, the following explanation will focus on prescription list data D43 for patient ID "0003". Furthermore, for the sake of explanation, the explanation will focus on infusion pumps 70A and 70B out of the five pumps 70. Prescription list data D43 and infusion pumps 70A and 70B are examples only and are not exhaustive.

[0078] Furthermore, in the following example, for the sake of simplifying the explanation, we will focus on the flow rate threshold among the flow rate threshold, dose threshold, and administration rate threshold shown in Figure 3. Note that the terminal device 60 can also perform similar processing for the lower limit of the flow rate, the dose threshold, and the administration rate threshold.

[0079] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of processing performed in communication system 2.

[0080] As shown in Figure 9, in sequence SQ1, server 50 transmits prescription order #1, which is included in prescription list data D43, to terminal device 60. Prescription order #1 includes, as described above, at least drug identification information and flow rate setting values ​​(values ​​set by the physician).

[0081] In sequence SQ2, terminal device 60 reads the threshold flow rate of drug solution #1, as described in the received prescription order #1, from memory 612. Specifically, terminal device 60 reads the threshold flow rate of drug solution #1 from the drug library data D3 (see Figure 6) stored in memory 612.

[0082] In sequence SQ3, terminal device 60 associates prescription order #1 with infusion pump 70A based on the input operation of nurse 9. That is, terminal device 60 links prescription order #1 with infusion pump 70A. In sequence SQ4, terminal device 60 transmits prescription order #1 and the flow rate threshold of drug solution #1 to infusion pump 70A associated with prescription order #1, based on the input operation of nurse 9.

[0083] Based on the above, prescription order #1 and the flow rate threshold for drug solution #1 specified in prescription order #1 are set in the infusion pump 70A. Unless the flow rate setting for drug solution #1 is changed by nurse 9 or the like, the infusion pump 70A will start administering drug solution #1 to the patient based on the flow rate setting when the start button is pressed.

[0084] In sequence SQ5, server 50 transmits prescription order #2, which is included in prescription list data D43, to terminal device 60. Prescription order #2 includes at least drug identification information and flow rate settings, as described above.

[0085] In sequence SQ6, terminal device 60 reads the threshold flow rate of drug solution #2, as described in the received prescription order #2, from memory 612. Specifically, terminal device 60 reads the threshold flow rate of drug solution #2 from drug library data D3 stored in memory 612.

[0086] In sequence SQ7, terminal device 60 associates prescription order #2 with infusion pump 70B based on the input operation of nurse 9. That is, terminal device 60 links prescription order #2 with infusion pump 70B. In sequence SQ8, terminal device 60 transmits prescription order #2 and the flow rate threshold of drug solution #2 to infusion pump 70B associated with prescription order #2, based on the input operation of nurse 9.

[0087] Based on the above, prescription order #2 and the flow rate threshold for drug solution #2 specified in prescription order #2 are set in the infusion pump 70B. Unless the flow rate setting for drug solution #2 is changed by nurse 9 or the like, the infusion pump 70B will start administering drug solution #2 to the patient based on the flow rate setting for drug solution #2, triggered by pressing the start button.

[0088] In summary, the rack system 3 is as follows: The rack system 3 comprises a pump 70 (for example, an infusion pump 70A) capable of administering drug solutions to a patient, and a terminal device 60 that can communicate with the pump 70 and stores drug library data D3 in which a flow rate threshold is associated with the identification information of each of the multiple drug solutions.

[0089] The terminal device 60 obtains a prescription order (e.g., prescription order #1) from the server 50, which is an external device of the rack system 3, which includes identification information of the drug solution to be administered to a patient (e.g., patient with patient ID "0003") from among the multiple drug solutions (e.g., drug solution #1) and the set value of the flow rate of the drug solution set for the patient. The terminal device 60 obtains the threshold value of the flow rate of the drug solution from the drug library data D3 (specifically, reads the threshold value). The terminal device 60 transmits the prescription order and the threshold value of the flow rate of the drug solution to the pump 70.

[0090] With this configuration, it becomes unnecessary to send the drug library data D3 to each pump 70. Therefore, the drug solution data update process in each pump 70 is eliminated. Furthermore, each pump 70 can obtain not only the prescription order but also the threshold flow rate of the drug solution to be administered to the pump 70.

[0091] Figure 10 shows the operation screen displayed on the terminal device 60.

[0092] As shown in Figure 10, the terminal device 60 displays the operation screen 66 on the display 622 based on user operations, etc. For example, when the order change button 669, which will be described later, is selected by the user's touch operation, the terminal device 60 displays the operation screen 66 on the display 622.

[0093] The operation screen 66 includes multiple tabs 661 (specifically tabs 661A to 661E). Each tab 661 is associated with a pump 70. Tab 661A is associated with infusion pump 70A. Similarly, tabs 661B to 661E are associated with infusion pump 70B, syringe pump 70C, syringe pump 70D, and syringe pump 70E, respectively.

[0094] Furthermore, each tab 661 is associated with information about a different drug solution. In this example, tabs 661A to 661E are associated with propofol, rocuronium, midazolam, fentanyl, and ephedrine, respectively.

[0095] In the example shown in Figure 10, tab 661A is selected, and information regarding propofol set in the infusion pump 70A is displayed. The operation screen 66 has a display area 662 that displays the current flow rate setting (first setting) of the drug solution in the selected tab 661, a display area 663 that displays the changed setting, a numeric keypad button 664, an OK button 665, a change button 666, and an order change button 669. Note that the numeric keypad button 664, the OK button 665, the change button 666, and the order change button 669 are all software keys.

[0096] When tab 661A is selected, the flow rate setting for propofol set in the infusion pump 70A can be changed. The user uses the numeric keypad buttons 664 to enter a new setting (second setting, changed setting). In this example, the user enters "30" to set the flow rate to 30 mL / h. As a result, the entered number "30" is displayed in the display area 663. The new flow rate setting is confirmed when the user selects the OK button 665.

[0097] Subsequently, when the user presses the change button 666, the terminal device 60 sends a change instruction to the infusion pump 70A that is administering propofol. Specifically, the terminal device 60 sends an instruction to the infusion pump 70A that includes the new setting value.

[0098] Through this series of operations, the set value of the chemical flow rate in each pump 70 can be changed using other devices without accidentally switching pumps 70.

[0099] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of the setting value change process described based on Figure 10.

[0100] As shown in Figure 11, in sequence SQ11, terminal device 60 accepts an operation to specify (select) the infusion pump 70A. Specifically, terminal device 60 accepts a touch operation to select tab 661A as shown in Figure 10. Note that if tab 661A is already active (selected), this touch operation is unnecessary.

[0101] In sequence SQ12, terminal device 60 accepts an operation to change the set value of the flow rate of drug solution #1 (propofol in this example). Specifically, it accepts operations on the numeric keypad button 664 and the OK button 665. When the OK button 665 is selected, terminal device 60 sends a predetermined signal (notification signal) to the infusion pump 70A in sequence SQ13.

[0102] When the infusion pump 70A receives a notification signal, it performs a predetermined notification in sequence SQ14. Typically, the infusion pump 70A illuminates the alarm lamp 76. For example, the infusion pump 70A flashes the alarm lamp 76 in a predetermined pattern. Along with illuminating the alarm lamp 76, the infusion pump 70A may also output a predetermined audio from the speaker 75. Once the infusion pump 70A has started the notification, it transmits a predetermined signal (notification signal) to the terminal device 60 in sequence SQ15.

[0103] In sequence SQ16, terminal device 60 accepts the operation to transmit the new setting value, provided that it has received a notification signal from the infusion pump 70A. Specifically, terminal device 60 accepts the operation to press the change button 666 on the operation screen 66.

[0104] When terminal device 60 receives the operation to transmit the new setting value, it transmits information including the new setting value to infusion pump 70A in sequence SQ17. When infusion pump 70A receives information including the new setting value, it terminates the notification in sequence SQ18.

[0105] In sequence SQ19, when the infusion pump 70A detects that the user has pressed the OK button 771J on the control panel 77, it changes (updates) the flow rate setting in sequence SQ20. Specifically, the infusion pump 70A changes the flow rate setting from the current setting to the new setting entered in the terminal device 60. Then, in sequence SQ21, the infusion pump 70A administers drug solution #1 to the patient with the changed setting. In other words, the infusion pump 70A administers drug solution #1 to the patient with the new setting instructed by the terminal device 60.

[0106] Note that the processing shown in sequence SQ15 is not mandatory. That is, the terminal device 60 may be configured to accept the operation to send the new setting value only after a notification signal has been sent in sequence SQ13. Alternatively, the terminal device 60 may be configured to accept the operation in sequence SQ16 after a predetermined time has elapsed following the processing of sequence SQ12 or sequence SQ13.

[0107] In the above explanation, we used the example of changing the flow rate setting of the infusion pump 70A, but changing the settings for the other pumps 70 (infusion pump 70B, syringe pumps 70C, 70D, 70E) is done in the same way as with the infusion pump 70A.

[0108] The communication system 2 of this embodiment can be summarized as follows:

[0109] (1) The communication system 2 comprises a plurality of pumps 70, each capable of administering a drug solution to a patient, and a terminal device 60 capable of communicating with each of the plurality of pumps 70. One of the plurality of pumps 70 receives a prescription order from the terminal device 60, which includes identification information (typically, a name) of the drug solution to be administered to the patient and a first set value (current set value) for the flow rate of the drug solution, and administers the drug solution to the patient based on the first set value.

[0110] Based on receiving an instruction to change the flow rate setting from the first setting to the second setting (new setting) (sequence SQ12), the terminal device 60 transmits the second setting to the pump 70 administering the drug solution (sequence SQ17).

[0111] The pump 70 administering the drug solution changes the flow rate setting from the first setting to the second setting (sequence SQ20) after receiving the second setting and confirming that it has received an operation on the confirmation button 771J (first operation) (sequence SQ19). The pump 70 administering the drug solution then administers the drug solution to the patient based on the second setting (sequence SQ21).

[0112] With this configuration, the flow rate setting of the chemical solution in each pump 70 can be changed by the terminal device 60. In other words, it becomes unnecessary to directly input new setting values ​​to the pumps 70. Furthermore, the terminal device 60 can change the flow rate settings of multiple pumps 70.

[0113] (2) When the terminal device 60 receives an operation to specify one of the multiple pumps 70 that is administering the drug solution (second operation) (sequence SQ11), it transmits a predetermined signal to the pump 70 that is administering the drug solution (sequence SQ13). When the pump 70 that is administering the drug solution receives the predetermined signal, it starts a predetermined notification (sequence SQ14). If the terminal device 60 has received an operation on the change button 666 (third operation) after the notification has started, it transmits a second setting value to the pump 70 that is administering the drug solution (sequence SQ17).

[0114] With this configuration, the notification allows the user to easily confirm which pump 70's setting value they are trying to change. Therefore, compared to a configuration where the notification is not provided, user errors can be reduced.

[0115] (3) When the pump 70 administering the above drug solution receives the second set value, it terminates the notification (sequence SQ18). With this configuration, the user does not need to manually terminate the notification and can determine that the pump 70 has received the second set value.

[0116] <Variation> (1) The communication system 2 may be configured such that the server 50 sends an instruction to the terminal device 60 to change the flow rate setting from the current setting (first setting) to a new setting (second setting). In this case, the terminal device 60 will send the new setting to the pump 70. The pump may be specified by the server 50 or by the terminal device 60.

[0117] (2) If an abnormality occurs in any of the pumps 70, the alarm lamp 76 of the pump 70 experiencing the abnormality may be configured to illuminate, making it easier for the user of the rack system 3 to determine which pump 70 is experiencing the abnormality. In this case, it is preferable that the terminal device 60 notifies (displays and / or outputs sound) the identification information (name, etc.) of the pump 70 experiencing the abnormality and that an abnormality has occurred in the pump 70, based on the notification from the pump 70 experiencing the abnormality. It is also preferable that the terminal device 60 notifies the details of the abnormality (type of alarm).

[0118] Furthermore, it is preferable that the terminal device 60 displays not only the type of alarm but also guidance on how to eliminate the cause of the abnormality on the display 622. The data for displaying the guidance may be pre-stored in the memory 612 of the terminal device 60. Alternatively, the terminal device 60 may obtain the data from the server 50 or the like each time.

[0119] (3) In Figure 9, the case in which the upper and lower limits of the flow rate are transmitted to the pump 70 was explained as an example, but the terminal device 60 may be configured to transmit only one of the upper and lower limits.

[0120] Furthermore, while Figure 8 illustrates the case where only the flow rate threshold is transmitted to the pump 70 out of the three thresholds (flow rate threshold, dosage threshold, and administration rate threshold), the explanation is not limited to this. Any configuration in which the terminal device 60 transmits at least one of these three thresholds to the pump 70 is sufficient. For example, the terminal device 60 may be configured to transmit both the flow rate threshold and the dosage threshold to the pump 70.

[0121] The terminal device 60 may be configured to transmit at least one of the upper and lower limits of the dose threshold to the pump 70, similar to the flow rate threshold. Similarly, the terminal device 60 may be configured to transmit at least one of the upper and lower limits of the administration rate threshold to the pump 70.

[0122] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0123] 1 Network system, 2 Communication system, 3 Rack system, 9 Nurse, 10, 60 Terminal device, 20, 30, 40, 50 Server, 51, 61, 71 Control unit, 53, 64, 73 Clock, 62 Touchscreen, 66 Operation screen, 70A, 70B Infusion pump, 70C, 70D, 70E Syringe pump, 74 Drive unit, 75 Speaker, 76 Alarm lamp, 77 Operation panel, 90 Syringe, 91 Barrel, 92 Plunger rod, 511, 611, 711 Processor, 512, 612, 712 Memory, 621 Touch panel, 622, 772, 773 Display, 661, 661A, 661E Tab, 662, 663 Display area, 664 Numeric keypad, 665, 771J Confirm button, 666 Change button, 669 Order change button, 741 Press surface, 771 Operation button, 771A Power button, 771B, 771C Menu button, 771D Accumulated amount clear button, 771E, 771F Flow rate setting button, 771G Bolus button, 771H Start button, 771I Stop or mute button, 921 Flange, D3 Drug library data, D41, D42, D43, D44 Prescription list data.

Claims

1. Multiple pumps, each capable of administering medication to a patient, The system includes an information processing device capable of communicating with each of the aforementioned multiple pumps, One of the plurality of pumps receives a prescription order from the information processing device, which includes identification information of the drug solution to be administered to the patient and a first set value, and administers the drug solution to the patient based on the first set value, the first set value being a set value for the flow rate of the drug solution or a set value for the administration rate. Based on receiving an instruction to change the set value of the flow rate or the set value of the administration rate from the first set value to the second set value, the information processing device transmits the second set value to the pump administering the drug solution. The pump administering the aforementioned drug solution is After receiving the second setting value, and on the condition that the first operation has been accepted, the setting value of the flow rate or the setting value of the administration rate is changed from the first setting value to the second setting value. A system for administering the drug solution to the patient based on the second set value.

2. When the information processing device receives a second operation to specify the pump dispensing the drug solution from among the plurality of pumps, it transmits a predetermined signal to the pump dispensing the drug solution. When the pump administering the drug solution receives the predetermined signal, it starts a predetermined notification. The system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device transmits the second set value to the pump administering the drug solution, provided that it has received a third operation after the commencement of the notification.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the pump administering the drug solution terminates the notification when it receives the second set value.

4. With additional servers, The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the server transmits an instruction to the information processing device to change the set value of the flow rate or the set value of the administration rate from the first set value to the second set value.

5. The system includes a step in which one of a plurality of pumps, each capable of administering a drug solution to a patient, receives a prescription order from an information processing device that includes identification information of the drug solution to be administered to the patient and a first set value, and administers the drug solution to the patient based on the first set value, wherein the first set value is a set value for the flow rate of the drug solution or a set value for the administration rate. The information processing device, which can communicate with each of the plurality of pumps, receives an instruction to change the set value of the flow rate or the set value of the administration rate from the first set value to the second set value, and transmits the second set value to the pump administering the drug solution. The pump administering the drug solution, on the condition that it has received the second set value and accepted the first operation, changes the set value of the flow rate or the set value of the administration rate from the first set value to the second set value, A method further comprising the step of a pump administering the drug solution to the patient based on a second set value.

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