Connectivity-Gated Barcode IDs for Interoperable Infusion Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infusion devices may fail to initiate infusion processes due to lack of data connectivity with the data network system, leading to unproductive waiting times, resource wastage, and potential patient safety risks, as caregivers are unaware of the device's unprepared state.
Innovation Solution
The infusion device dynamically controls the display of its unique identifier based on connectivity and operational readiness criteria, ensuring it only presents the identifier for scanning when the device is prepared to receive an infusion order, thereby preventing unnecessary delays and resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the unique identifier is permanently displayed on the infusion device, then the device is always visible for scanning, but the caregiver may not notice indicator lights or icons signaling lack of data connectivity, leading to unproductive waiting times and resource wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the display of the unique identifier conditional rather than static. The identifier is only displayed when the device is in a prepared state with active data connectivity. This dynamic approach allows the interface to adapt its visibility based on operational readiness, preventing caregivers from initiating infusions when the device cannot receive orders, thereby eliminating unproductive waiting time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring the data connectivity state and using this information to control the display of the unique identifier. When connectivity is lost or the device is unprepared, the system feedback mechanism hides the identifier, providing visual feedback to the caregiver that the device is not ready for scanning. This prevents failed initiation attempts and optimizes the infusion start-up process.
2Ease of operation
If the unique identifier is displayed when the device is unprepared, then scanning can proceed, but the infusion process fails due to lack of data connectivity, consuming processor cycles and network bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by checking the preparedness criteria (data connectivity, operational state) before displaying the unique identifier for scanning. This pre-check ensures that the device is ready to receive and process infusion orders before the caregiver can even initiate the scanning process. By performing this preparation check in advance, the system prevents wasted processor cycles and network bandwidth that would occur if scanning were allowed but the device couldn't process the order.
3Productivity
If the device allows infusion initiation without connectivity checks, then the process can start immediately, but the infusion order cannot be received from the electronic medical records system, compromising patient safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing connectivity and preparedness checks before allowing the infusion initiation process to proceed. This pre-validation prevents the system from entering a failed state where the infusion would start but the order couldn't be received. By acting in advance to prevent potential failures, the system maintains both productivity (by quickly identifying ready devices) and reliability (by ensuring patient safety through connectivity verification).
Data Source
AI summary
An infusion system includes a network data transceiver and a processor configured to determine, at the infusion device, when the infusion device is in a prepared state. In response to determining that, and while, the infusion device is in the prepared state: the processor is configured to present, on a display of the infusion device, a unique identifier of the infusion device, wait for an indication that the unique identifier of the infusion device was scanned by a scanner to associate the infusion device with an infusion order. The processor is configured to receive configuration information associated with the infusion order, and automatically configure the infusion device to cause infusion of a medical fluid specified in the infusion order based on parameters of the infusion order provided by the received configuration information.