Patient-Centric Network for Automated Medical Device Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical device management systems in healthcare settings are manual, prone to human error, and lack a universal mechanism for managing and controlling devices, especially when patients are transferred or discharged.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Patient-Centric Network (PCN) that federates multiple identity management systems, interworks independent business workflows, and programmably manages underlying networks, enabling secure, automated, and seamless management of medical devices and patient information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual management methods are used for medical devices, then device control is simple, but human error increases and automation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables devices to self-register and self-manage through automated enrollment processes. Devices automatically generate cryptographic credentials and register themselves with the network, eliminating manual configuration and reducing human error while maintaining simplicity through autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal cryptographic binding mechanism is implemented that works across diverse medical devices, networks, and healthcare settings. The same cryptographic framework and automated enrollment process can manage different device types (monitors, pumps, imaging equipment) across various networks (hospital, home, portable), providing multi-functional management capability.
2Reliability
If devices are manually assigned to patients, then device-patient associations are established, but human error accumulates and performance assessment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Devices pre-generate cryptographic credentials and enrollment information before being assigned to patients. The automated enrollment system prepares device profiles, cryptographic bindings, and network credentials in advance, so that when a device needs to be assigned to a patient, the association can be established immediately through automated processes rather than manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated event logging and performance tracking that continuously monitors device-patient associations. Event logs automatically record assignments, transfers, and discharges, providing real-time feedback on association accuracy and enabling automated performance assessment without manual intervention or time loss.
3Ease of operation
If stationary devices are replaced when patients move rooms, then device availability is maintained, but device handover is not seamless and network management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static device assignments to dynamic, automated device-patient associations. When patients move between rooms or facilities, the automated enrollment system dynamically updates device bindings and network routing based on current location and clinical needs, enabling seamless handovers without manual intervention while the SDN controller manages network complexity automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The SDN controller acts as an intermediary that automatically manages network routing and device associations during patient transfers. Instead of manually reconfiguring network connections or replacing devices, the SDN controller mediates the transition by automatically updating routing rules and maintaining continuous network connectivity throughout the patient's movement and device handover process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If remote-controllable devices are attached to hospital networks, then device control is enabled, but universal management mechanisms are lacking and manual arrangement is required
Solution Approach 1:
A universal cryptographic binding mechanism is implemented that provides consistent device management across diverse settings including hospital networks, home networks, and portable devices. The same automated enrollment and cryptographic credential system manages remote-controllable devices regardless of network type or location, enabling versatile device control while simplifying management operations through standardized automated processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Network communication systems and methods implementing micro network subsystems for securely delivering personal electronic information across wired and/or wireless media are disclosed. Software-defined networking (SDN) is used to segment a provider network into a plurality of personal micro networks each established for an object that is cryptographically bound to or cryptographically associated with a living being. When multiple providers implementing different workflows and binding different objects to the same person are connected to the communication system, an interoperable network database stores the information and compiles, searches, and distributes the information to/from multiple providers.