Automated Infusion Pump Programming via Barcode Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern medical devices, including medical pumps, are complex and time-consuming to program, leading to human errors in medication delivery, which can result in adverse drug events (ADEs) that increase hospital stay and costs, and pose risks to patient safety and caregiver productivity.
Innovation Solution
An integrated medication management system that includes a point of care (POC) system and a medication management unit (MMU) for verifying the 'five rights' of medication administration, using barcode scanning and wireless communication to ensure accurate drug, dose, patient, time, and route matching, and automatically programming infusion pumps to minimize manual entries and errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual programming of medical pumps is used, then device complexity is reduced, but medication error risk increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical programming of infusion pumps with an automated computer-based system. The POC system automatically retrieves patient information, medication orders, and pump programming parameters through electronic communication, eliminating manual data entry and reducing human error in pump programming while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a POC system as an intermediary between the caregiver and the medical pump. This intermediary system automatically handles the complex programming tasks by retrieving data from electronic health records, validating medication orders, and configuring pump parameters, thereby reducing the operational burden on caregivers while ensuring programming accuracy.
2Reliability
If comprehensive medication verification checks are implemented, then patient safety improves, but time for medication administration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs comprehensive verification checks in advance before medication administration. The POC system automatically retrieves patient identification, allergies, current medications, and dosage information from electronic health records prior to the actual medication administration, allowing caregivers to review verified information quickly without time-consuming manual verification during the administration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated feedback mechanisms where the POC system continuously monitors and provides real-time verification of medication orders against patient profiles, allergy lists, and clinical guidelines. This automated feedback loop quickly identifies potential errors or conflicts, enabling rapid verification while maintaining high patient safety standards.
3Reliability
If automated programming systems are used, then medication error risk decreases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the POC system with multi-functionality to handle various tasks through a single integrated platform. The system can retrieve patient information, access medication orders, verify allergies, check drug interactions, configure pump parameters, and communicate with multiple types of medical devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced automation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple previously separate functions into a single integrated POC system. Instead of requiring separate systems for patient information retrieval, medication verification, pump programming, and error checking, the patent combines these functions into one unified system that coordinates all tasks through centralized processing and communication protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and computer program for programming a medical device to administer a medication to a patient includes the medical device, a scanner that may be associated with a point of care (POC) system, and a medication management unit (MMU). A computer in the POC system can directly program the medical device with the permission of the MMU after a full “five rights” check or the “right patient” check can be delayed until after the pump program is downloaded. Other workflows are disclosed for programming the medical device in manual, semi-automatic and automatic modes, with safety checks incorporated at various points.