Surgical Equipment Relocation Module With RFID IV Dose Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of a secure system to track and monitor each dose of medication from the time it is checked out of the pharmacy or medication dispensing machine until it is injected into the patient, relying solely on the integrity of healthcare providers, leading to potential pilferage and medication errors.
Innovation Solution
A security system for IV medications using RFID tags, barcodes, or QR codes to identify syringes or bottles, coupled with machine vision and RFID interrogators to document the administration process, ensuring accurate tracking and recording of medication doses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual tracking and monitoring of medication doses is used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but security and reliability are compromised due to reliance on provider integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an automated electronic system using RFID tags and interrogators. The RFID tags attached to medication containers and syringes automatically transmit identification data to RFID interrogators, which document the medication administration process electronically, eliminating reliance on manual provider tracking and integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediary objects that carry identification information between the medication container/syringe and the RFID interrogator system. These tags serve as mediators that automatically convey medication identity and tracking data without requiring direct human intervention or trust in provider integrity.
2Measurement precision
If automated tracking systems with RFID tags and machine vision are implemented, then medication security and tracking accuracy improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs machine vision cameras and image processing algorithms to automatically capture and verify medication container labels, syringe identifiers, and administration process details. This optical recognition system replaces manual verification methods, achieving high measurement precision in medication identification while automating the documentation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates electronic copies of medication identification data through RFID tag reads and machine vision image capture. These digital copies of label information, barcodes, and visual documentation are stored and transmitted electronically, ensuring accurate replication of medication identity without manual transcription errors.
3Reliability
If RFID tags and barcodes are attached to syringes and medication containers, then tracking reliability improves, but the ease of manufacture and preparation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent attaches RFID tags and barcodes to medication containers and syringes in advance during manufacturing or preparation phases. This preliminary attachment ensures that tracking identifiers are already in place before the medication administration process begins, maintaining reliability without requiring additional steps during the actual administration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses RFID tags that serve multiple functions: identification, tracking, and data storage. These universal tags can be attached to various types of medication containers and syringes, providing a standardized solution that improves chain of custody tracking across different medication types while requiring minimal variation in the attachment process.
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
Ensures secure and accurate tracking of medication doses, reducing pilferage and medication errors by documenting the administration process electronically, improving patient safety and clinician job satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
The specific syringe or bottle or ampule of the drug may be labeled with and RFID tag... The specific syringe, bottle, ampule or vial of the drug is identified by the RFID tag... uses the RFID or barcode on the provider's ID badge to identify the person injecting the medication
Implementation Method 2
coupled with machine vision and RFID interrogators to document the administration process
Data Source
AI summary
Modules for housing electronic and electromechanical medical equipment including a system to measure and record administration of one or more IV medications or fluids for IV administration.