RFID Tag Coupling for Infusion Pump Data Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Despite quality control procedures, there is a risk of incorrect fluid containers being mounted to infusion pumps, leading to errors in medication administration, including wrong medication, dosage, and timing, which can result in medical errors.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing electronic data tags, such as RFID tags, to program, track, and monitor infusion data, ensuring that the proper medication and dosage are delivered to the right patient by coupling them to infusion system components and using data readers to access and update medication administration records.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic data tags are coupled to infusion system components to track and verify medication data, then medication administration accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An electronic data tag serves as an intermediary component that stores and transmits medication information between the fluid container, infusion pump, and patient records. The tag contains a unique identifier and medication data that can be read by the pump's data reader, eliminating the need for complex manual verification systems while ensuring accurate medication administration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of medication administration data stored on the electronic tag, which can be read and verified by the infusion pump. This digital copy replaces manual documentation and verification processes, improving accuracy without requiring complex human intervention systems.
2Reliability
If data readers are used to access electronic tags for verifying medication and patient information, then medical error prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification by automatically reading the electronic tag data and comparing it with the prescribed medication information. The data reader automatically verifies patient identity, medication type, dosage, and timing without requiring manual checking by healthcare providers, thus preventing errors while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The data reader provides immediate feedback by reading the electronic tag and verifying whether the correct medication is attached to the correct patient record. The system can alert operators to mismatches or errors, providing real-time verification that prevents medical errors without adding significant operational complexity.
3Productivity
If infusion data is automatically written to and read from electronic tags, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual data entry and verification processes with automated electronic data reading and writing. The data reader automatically accesses the electronic tag when the fluid container is attached to the pump, eliminating the need for manual documentation and reducing healthcare workers' administrative burden while improving data accuracy and efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures accurate and efficient communication between medical fluid containers, infusion pumps, and patients, reducing the risk of medical errors by verifying the correct medication and dosage for each patient, and automatically updating medication administration records.
Implementation Method 1
An electronic data tag, such as a radio frequency identification device ('RFID') tag, may be coupled to one or more components of the infusion system
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method are configured to program, track and/or monitor infusion data (such as proper medication, dosage information, drug identification, patient identification, and/or other information believed to be relevant) for a drug infusion system. An electronic data tag, such as a radio frequency identification device (“RFID”) tag, may be coupled to one or more components of the infusion system, such as a medication container or infusion set.