Remote Medical Device Configuration for Direct Patient Shipment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring medical devices, such as CPAP apparatus, require manual setup and configuration by healthcare providers, which is time-consuming and limits distribution models to direct patient delivery.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow for remote configuration of medical devices by uploading device configurations to a server, associating them with patient information, and enabling devices to download configurations upon activation, using wireless data transfer technologies like NFC or RFID.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual setup and configuration by healthcare providers is used, then device customization for patients is achieved, but time consumption and limited distribution models occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring device settings and patient-specific parameters before the device is delivered to the patient. The healthcare provider completes the configuration process in advance, storing it on a server or portable medium, so the device is ready for immediate use upon activation by the patient without requiring manual setup at the point of care.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a server or portable storage medium as an intermediary to transfer device configurations from the healthcare provider to the patient's device. This intermediary eliminates the need for direct manual configuration at the patient's location, enabling remote setup while maintaining customized settings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration is performed, then patient-specific settings are applied, but direct shipment from remote locations is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the configuration process from the physical device handover and separates it into a digital component that can be transferred independently. The device settings and patient information are extracted into a separate data structure that can be transmitted electronically, allowing the physical device to be shipped directly to patients without requiring the provider's physical presence for configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the device to automatically retrieve and apply its configuration from the server or portable medium when activated. The patient simply needs to activate the device, which then self-configures using the pre-prepared settings, eliminating the need for manual intervention during device setup.
3Extent of automation
If device configurations are uploaded to a server, then remote device management is enabled, but data security and patient privacy concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a server as an intermediary between healthcare providers and patient devices, enabling secure remote configuration management. The server acts as a trusted intermediary that stores and manages device configurations and patient data with appropriate security measures, allowing automated configuration transfer while maintaining data protection through controlled access and encrypted communications.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of configuring a medical device for a patient comprising: receiving information relating to a patient, the patient requiring a medical device, determining and/or receiving a medical device configuration for the medical device, the medical device configuration being suitable for the patient, uploading the medical device configuration to a server, wherein, the medical device configuration on the server is for later download by the device when the patient has received their medical device and activated the medical device.