Automated Medical Procedure Tracking via Macro Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical procedure tracking systems require significant user input, diverting clinicians' attention and increasing the risk of errors due to the need for multitasking between documenting procedures and operating equipment.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a set of macros associated with automated instructions, executed by a control unit, and a scanning device that allows clinicians to select macros via a user-friendly interface, such as barcodes or visual indicators, to streamline documentation and procedural tracking without extensive user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual data entry via mouse and keyboard is used, then documentation completeness can be achieved, but clinician attention is diverted and error risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocumentation accuracyVSAvoidclinician workflow
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical data entry (mouse and keyboard typing) with automated electronic data capture systems. Barcode scanners, RFID readers, and other automated input devices capture procedure data electronically without requiring clinician manual entry, thereby maintaining documentation accuracy while eliminating the need for clinicians to divert attention from patient care to data entry tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service data capture where the documentation system automatically records procedure data without requiring active clinician input. The system self-populates electronic health records by capturing data from connected medical devices, barcodes on procedure kits, and other automated sources, allowing clinicians to focus on patient care while the system handles documentation autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automated macros are implemented, then user input is minimized and workflow efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkflow efficiencyVSAvoidtracking system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements pre-configured macro templates that contain pre-written sequences of documentation commands. These macros are prepared in advance for common procedure types, allowing clinicians to simply select and execute the appropriate macro rather than manually entering each documentation step. This preliminary preparation of automation scripts significantly improves workflow efficiency while the standardized templates help manage system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs universal macro templates that can be applied across multiple procedure types and documentation requirements. A single macro framework handles various data capture methods (barcodes, RFID, device integration) and generates appropriate documentation for different procedure types, reducing the need for numerous specialized systems and thereby managing complexity while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9727693B2Automated tracking of a medical procedure using macros
Publication Date: 2017.08.08 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC
  • US9727693B2 patent drawing
  • US9727693B2 patent drawing
  • US9727693B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for tracking a medical procedure includes a set of macros, a scanning device, and a control unit. Each macro in the set of macros is associated with instructions that execute a tracking step of a medical procedure. The scanning device is controlled by a user during the medical procedure to select a macro from the set of macros. The control unit executes the instructions associated with the selected macro to track the medical procedure.