Disposable Flow Sensor Scanning for Bolus Delivery Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to reduce medication errors during bedside bolus delivery by providing a system that monitors and documents bolus delivery electronically and alerts when it is inconsistent with a patient's medical record.
Innovation Solution
A flow sensor system comprising a flow tube with a valve, sensors, and a base with processors, short-range wireless communication, and a display, which automatically detects and documents fluid flow, communicates with a syringe tag, and provides alerts for inconsistent delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual monitoring and documentation of bolus delivery is used, then device complexity is reduced, but medication error risk increases and documentation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensor system automatically monitors fluid flow, detects bolus delivery events, and documents results without requiring manual intervention. The sensor self-measures flow parameters, self-comares against expected values, and self-documents in the electronic health record, eliminating human error in monitoring and documentation while managing system complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring with electronic sensing and digital documentation. The flow sensor uses electronic detectors to measure fluid flow parameters and digitally stores bolus delivery information in electronic health records, substituting manual observation and paper documentation with automated electronic systems that reduce errors.
2Measurement precision
If automated flow sensing and electronic documentation is implemented, then bolus delivery accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensor system is divided into separate functional modules: flow detection components, processing units, and documentation systems. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with optimized precision while managing overall system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors fluid flow parameters and provides feedback by comparing actual flow against expected values. This feedback mechanism enables precise detection of bolus delivery events and automatic adjustment of monitoring parameters, improving measurement accuracy while managing complexity through intelligent control.
3Reliability
If real-time monitoring and alerting is added, then medication safety is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes expected flow parameters and alert thresholds based on patient-specific medical records before bolus delivery occurs. By preparing reference values in advance, the real-time monitoring can focus only on detecting deviations, reducing processing complexity while maintaining high safety through proactive alerting.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system continuously compares real-time flow measurements against expected parameters and provides immediate feedback through alerts when deviations occur. This feedback mechanism enhances medication safety by enabling rapid response to abnormal conditions while managing complexity through targeted monitoring based on pre-established parameters.
4Loss of information
If electronic documentation integration is implemented, then documentation accuracy is improved, but device complexity and integration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual documentation processes with automated electronic documentation. The flow sensor directly interfaces with electronic health record systems to store bolus delivery data, substituting mechanical/paper-based documentation with digital systems that eliminate transcription errors and ensure accurate information capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow sensor system acts as an intermediary between the physical fluid flow measurement and the electronic health record storage. It translates physical flow parameters into digital data formats that can be seamlessly integrated with existing healthcare information systems, reducing integration complexity through standardized data interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a disposable flow sensor and a base for the disposable flow sensor. A method may include scanning, with an optical scanner of the base for the disposable flow sensor, a flow sensor label attached to the disposable flow sensor to decode a flow sensor identifier associated with the flow sensor, scanning, with the optical scanner of the base for the disposable flow sensor, a patient label attached to a patient to decode a patient identifier associated with the patient, and connecting the disposable flow sensor to the base.