Imaging Device for Automatic EMR Image Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for capturing and documenting medical images, such as ECG tracings, in electronic medical records (EMRs) are cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to errors, especially in environments like operating rooms, and lack standardization across different medical devices.
Innovation Solution
An electronic medical record (EMR) management system that includes a data server, an imaging device capable of capturing and transmitting images, and an information management system to automatically associate and store captured images within a patient's EMR, with the imaging device being configurable in code scanning and image capture modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual methods are used to capture and document medical images (printing, taping, scanning), then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but the process becomes cumbersome, time-consuming, and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate functions (image capture, code scanning, automatic patient identification, and EMR integration) into a single integrated imaging device system. The device merges the camera, code scanner, and communication interfaces into one unit that automatically performs all these functions sequentially, eliminating the need for separate manual operations of printing, taping, and scanning documents.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically capturing images, scanning patient identification codes, retrieving patient information from the EMR, and storing the captured images back into the EMR without requiring manual intervention for each step. The device autonomously manages the entire documentation workflow, reducing human labor and potential for errors.
2Extent of automation
If automatic image capture and storage systems are implemented, then documentation efficiency improves, but the system complexity and integration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a code scanner for patient identification and an image capture device for medical documentation. The single device performs multiple roles (scanning barcodes/QR codes, capturing images, transmitting data, and interfacing with EMR systems), reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and simplifying system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication interface that standardizes the interaction between the imaging device and the EMR system. This intermediary layer handles data transmission protocols and format conversions, allowing the automated system to integrate with existing EMR infrastructure without requiring complex custom integration for each device-EMR pair.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operation modes are supported in a single device, then versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic operation mode switching, where the imaging device can transition between code scanning mode and image capture mode based on real-time requirements. The system dynamically adjusts its functionality by detecting the presence of codes to scan versus scenarios requiring direct image capture, allowing flexible adaptation to different documentation needs without requiring separate dedicated devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic medical record (EMR) management system incudes a data server configured to store an EMR of a patient; an imaging device configured to capture an image medically related to the patient and transmit the captured image; and an information management system communicatively coupled to the imaging device and to the data server, where the information management system is configured to receive the captured image from the imaging device, automatically associate the captured image with the patient, and store the captured image in the EMR of the patient in the data server.