Medication Delivery Module Hot-Swap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infusion systems face challenges in seamlessly transferring medication delivery control from one control module to another without interrupting the infusion process, leading to potential data loss and medication errors.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that allow a medication delivery module to continue delivering medication even when decoupled from a first control module, and to seamlessly transfer the medication delivery information to a second control module when coupled, ensuring continuous and uninterrupted medication delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the medication delivery module is decoupled from the first control module to enable re-arrangement or patient relocation, then the flexibility and mobility of the system is improved, but the risk of data loss and interruption of infusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by saving delivery information to the medication delivery module's memory before decoupling occurs. The module autonomously maintains infusion control and continues delivering medication using stored clinical information, ensuring no interruption in therapy even when disconnected from the control module.
Solution Approach 2:
The medication delivery module acts as an intermediary with autonomous capabilities. It receives clinical information from the first control module, stores it locally in memory, and can independently control the infusion pump during decoupled operation. When recoupled, it transfers delivery information back to the control module, serving as a bridge that maintains data integrity throughout the separation and reconnection process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the medication delivery module is decoupled and recoupled to a different control module, then the system's reconfigurability is improved, but the complexity of ensuring continuous and accurate medication delivery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The medication delivery module performs self-service by autonomously managing its own operational state. It independently controls the infusion pump using stored clinical information during decoupled operation, automatically tracks delivery progress in its memory, and initiates the transfer of delivery information to the second control module when recoupled, without requiring complex external coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The medication delivery module is designed with universal functionality to operate independently or in conjunction with different control modules. It can receive clinical information from any control module, store and process it locally, control the infusion pump autonomously, and transfer delivery information to any control module, making the system highly reconfigurable without increasing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If the system maintains continuous medication delivery during control module switching, then the safety and reliability of medication delivery is improved, but the requirement for autonomous functionality in the medication delivery module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading the medication delivery module with complete clinical information (medication type, dosage, rate, duration) from the control module before decoupling occurs. This allows the module to autonomously execute the infusion protocol without real-time control module intervention, ensuring continuous and safe medication delivery during the transition period.
Solution Approach 2:
The medication delivery module serves as an autonomous intermediary between the control module and infusion pump. It receives and stores clinical information, independently controls pump operation during decoupled state, monitors delivery progress, and communicates status to the control module when recoupled. This intermediary role enables continuous safe delivery while distributing automation across multiple components.
Data Source
AI summary
A method that includes receiving, in a medication delivery module, a command to start a medication delivery from a first control module coupled to the medication delivery module, is provided. The command to start the medication delivery is based on clinical information received at the first control module. The method includes recording, in a memory of the medication delivery module, an update of the medication delivery, receiving an indication that the medication delivery module was decoupled from the first control module, and receiving an indication that the medication delivery module has become coupled with a second control module. The method also includes communicating, in response, with the second control module, to update the clinical information. A system and a non-transitory, computer readable medium storing instructions to perform the above method are also provided.