Patient Care Protocol Monitoring via Wireless Proximity Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Monitoring compliance with patient care protocols in healthcare settings is difficult due to the lack of accurate and efficient mechanisms, often relying on manual documentation and inefficient workflows.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and apparatus using wireless signal characteristics to determine caregiver and patient locations, alert caregivers, and verify performance of care protocols through proximity detection and electronic health record updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual documentation is used to track protocol compliance, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of compliance tracking deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplexity of compliance monitoring systemVSAvoidaccuracy of protocol compliance tracking

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical documentation processes with an automated electronic system that uses wireless communication, proximity detection, and electronic health record integration to automatically track and verify protocol compliance, eliminating the need for manual charting while improving accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables automatic self-verification of compliance through electronic health record updates and automated protocol tracking, where the system monitors and documents compliance actions without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If manual documentation methods are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but productivity and efficiency of workflow deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of system implementationVSAvoidefficiency of care protocol workflow

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring protocols with required steps, timers, and compliance indicators before care delivery begins. The electronic health record system is pre-loaded with patient information and protocol requirements, enabling automated tracking without manual setup during actual care delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces time-consuming manual documentation and verification processes with automated electronic systems that continuously monitor compliance in real-time, thereby improving workflow efficiency and productivity while maintaining ease of use through intuitive electronic interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If no compliance mechanisms are in place, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of patient care protocol execution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplexity of compliance monitoring systemVSAvoidreliability of protocol execution

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms through real-time proximity detection, automated compliance verification, and immediate updates to electronic health records. The system provides continuous feedback to caregivers and administrators about protocol compliance status, ensuring reliable execution through active monitoring and verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The compliance monitoring system operates autonomously by automatically tracking protocol execution, verifying compliance through electronic health record updates, and maintaining its own records without requiring external validation, thereby ensuring reliable protocol execution while minimizing added complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates accurate and efficient tracking and verification of patient care protocol compliance, reducing manual documentation and enhancing workflow efficiency in healthcare settings.

Implementation Method 1

The location of patients and caregivers may be determined through wireless signal characteristics associated with wireless devices worn by or held by the patients or the caregivers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless signal characteristics:

Data Source

PatentUS20260031209A1Apparatus and method for monitoring compliance with patient care protocols

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 INVISALERT SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

Apparatuses and methods for monitoring and verifying the performance of one or more patient health care protocols may identify appropriate patient protocols, organize patient protocols across multiple patients for specific caregivers and/or hospital units, display and/or order patient protocols, and/or track compliance with the patient protocols. Protocols may be determined from patient healthcare records and delivered to healthcare staff. The healthcare staff can perform or execute the patient care protocols and the apparatus or method may automatically and non-obtrusively collect evidence that the care protocol has been performed. The patient's healthcare records can be updated to include care protocol verification information.