Infusion Pump Interface for Remote Protocol Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Programming and managing medical infusion pumps is cumbersome due to the need for manual reentry of data and difficulty in monitoring status and location, especially since they often have small displays and are not always in close proximity to caregivers.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that provide a user interface for adjusting patient-specific pump parameters, storing protocols in memory, and uploading them to the pump, including a graphical user interface for easy configuration and monitoring, allowing remote access and management of pump protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual programming of pump parameters is used, then data can be entered directly into the pump, but the process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome requiring repeated hand-entry
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures pump parameters and protocols in advance on a remote computing device. Caregivers can prepare and upload complete pump programs before patient care begins, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual data entry at the pump location. The preliminary configuration includes all necessary parameters, making the actual programming process quick and simple.
Solution Approach 2:
A remote computing device acts as an intermediary between the caregiver and the infusion pump. This intermediary allows caregivers to configure pump parameters remotely and transfer them wirelessly, eliminating the need for direct manual input at the pump. The intermediary system handles data preparation, validation, and transmission, streamlining the overall programming process.
2Ease of operation
If pumps have small displays for portability, then the devices remain compact and mobile, but monitoring pump status and alarms becomes difficult when caregivers are not in close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring capability extends from the two-dimensional small pump display to a three-dimensional remote monitoring system. Caregivers can monitor pump status, alarms, and parameters from remote locations using larger displays on computing devices. This dimensional extension allows comprehensive monitoring without requiring caregivers to be physically close to the pump or rely on small displays.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pumps are placed in various locations for patient care, then patient treatment is facilitated, but tracking pump status and location becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The remote interface system provides universal access to all pumps regardless of their physical location. A single remote computing device can monitor and control multiple pumps across different locations through wireless communication. This multi-functional capability allows caregivers to manage pumps in various patient care settings without increasing operational complexity, as the same interface works for all pumps.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of programming a medical infusion pump with a protocol is disclosed. The method includes providing a protocol including one or more patient specific pump parameters. The method further includes providing a user interface configured to allow user adjustment of at least one of the one or more patient specific pump parameters. The method also includes uploading the protocol into the medical infusion pump.