Sterilization Device Electronic Track Record Signing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current processes for washing, disinfecting, and sterilizing medical, dental, and pharmaceutical goods are cumbersome and prone to human errors, leading to the risk of releasing non-sterile or contaminated items due to the lack of a streamlined formal approval process and the need for separate systems for tracking and record-keeping.
Innovation Solution
A device with a chamber, user interface, and processing circuitry that electronically signs a track record of the sterilization process, imposing conditions for the release of goods, such as unlocking the door after electronic signature, thereby ensuring proper sequencing of batch approval and reducing dependence on separate systems for signature and record creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate systems are used for track record creation, signature, and storage, then the system can maintain detailed records, but the device complexity and operational burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines track record creation, electronic signature, and storage functions into the sterilization device itself. The processing circuitry generates the track record, the user interface enables electronic signing, and the device stores the signed record, eliminating the need for separate external systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization device is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it not only sterilizes goods but also creates track records, enables electronic signatures, and stores documentation. This multi-functionality reduces dependence on separate specialized systems while maintaining comprehensive record-keeping capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If manual inspection and paper-based approval processes are used, then staff can verify track records, but the risk of human error and release of non-sterile goods increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automatic feedback by linking the electronic signature directly to the track record verification. When a user signs the track record electronically, the system confirms completion and can automatically enable door operation, reducing reliance on manual verification steps and minimizing human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual paper-based approval processes with an electronic system. Instead of printing, signing paper copies, and filing them manually, the system uses electronic signatures captured through the user interface, which are then stored and linked to the corresponding track record, reducing human error and improving reliability.
3Productivity
If the door can be opened immediately after sterilization, then staff can quickly access goods, but the risk of releasing non-sterile goods before proper approval increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires the electronic signature to be obtained before the door can be opened. The track record is presented for signing, and only after the signature is captured does the system enable door operation. This preliminary action ensures approval is enforced before goods release while maintaining efficient throughput.
4Loss of information
If paper track records are printed and filed manually, then records can be maintained, but the cost and time for record management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of printing, manually filing, and storing paper records with an electronic storage system. The signed track records are stored digitally in the device's memory or connected storage, eliminating the need for physical paper handling, printing supplies, and manual filing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating physical paper copies of track records, the system creates and stores digital copies electronically. The signed track record is captured as electronic data and stored in the device, providing easy retrieval and retention without the costs and time associated with paper copying and physical storage.
Data Source
AI summary
A device, a method, and a computer program for use in a device for washing, disinfecting and/or sterilizing medical, dental, laboratory and/or pharmaceutical goods. The device can have a chamber for receiving the goods, a door associated with the chamber and a processing circuitry for creating and storing a track record of at least one parameter of the washing, disinfecting and/or sterilizing process performed by the device. The user interface can be operable by the user to cause the process circuitry to electronically sign the track record, where the signing of the track record is associated with at least one condition on the device, such as controlling doors. The device, method and computer program facilitates an easy and secure signing of a track record directly on the device. The device may be a single door device, or a two door pass-through device.