Infusion Pump Prescription Interface for Programming Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical infusion pumps face challenges in programming and managing drug delivery due to cumbersome data entry and monitoring processes, particularly in managing pump status and locations, which can be difficult for caregivers given the small displays and remote placement of pumps.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for generating a prescription form using a graphical user interface that displays therapy, qualifier, and drug menu items, allowing selection of patient-specific pump parameters and protocols, facilitating easier programming and monitoring through a connected computing system and networked infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pump programming is done through a keypad directly in the pump, then data entry can be performed, but the process becomes difficult and cumbersome requiring manual reentry each time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a computer-based system that creates and stores digital copies of pump programming data. The computer generates prescription forms with patient-specific pump parameters, which can be transferred to the pump, eliminating the need for manual reentry of programming data each time the pump is programmed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer as an intermediary device between the caregiver and the pump. The computer serves as a mediator that handles data storage, prescription generation, and parameter management, replacing direct manual interaction with the pump's keypad and reducing repetitive data entry tasks.
2Ease of operation
If pump displays are made small to fit the pump device, then the pump can be portable and positioned remotely, but monitoring pump status and alarms becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the monitoring interface from the pump's small local display to a computer-based display system. By moving the information presentation to a different dimension (the computer screen), the system provides enlarged, easier-to-read displays for pump status and alarms while maintaining the pump's portable, remote placement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer acts as an intermediary display device that receives pump status information and presents it in a more visible, easier-to-monitor format. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing enhanced monitoring capabilities without requiring larger displays on the pump itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pumps are managed in different locations, then patient care can be provided across the hospital, but tracking pump status and locations becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a computer-based system that provides feedback on pump status and location information. The system tracks and displays information about multiple pumps across different locations, enabling caregivers to monitor pump states and locate specific pumps without manual tracking efforts.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer system serves multiple functions: it manages programming data, generates prescriptions, monitors pump status, and tracks pump locations. This multi-functional approach consolidates various management tasks into a single system, improving information availability while supporting flexible pump deployment across the facility.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for generating a prescription form is disclosed. The method includes displaying a first menu containing a plurality of therapy menu items. The method also includes displaying a second menu containing at least one qualifier menu item. The method further includes displaying a third menu containing at least one drug menu item. The method includes, upon selection of a therapy menu item, a qualifier menu item, and a drug menu item, selecting a protocol including one or more patient specific pump parameters corresponding to the therapy menu item, the qualifier menu item, and the drug menu item. The method also includes displaying a prescription form including at least one of the one or more patient specific pump parameters.