Order Workflows

Except for emergent situations, no medical device is used without an order. And if not an order written to accomplish a certain clinical task for a specific patient, then “standing” orders captured in written policies and procedures to handle frequent, routine situations. Consequently, orders are one of the first workflow steps in medical device connectivity. Orders are pervasive, used in all health care delivery environments from acute care hospitals to patient’s homes.
Principal ways connectivity can add value to medical device are enhancing patient safety, improving clinical efficacy and productivity. That the inappropriate use or misuse of medical devices can result in patient injury or death is not news. Proper use or misuse can start with the order. Well designed and implemented order workflow automation in a connectivity solution can impact patient safety, the efficacy and utilization of the medical device, and staff/unit productivity. Besides their own unique considerations, order workflows share many of the risks and potential benefits of other types of connectivity workflows.
Diagnostic vs Patient Care Devices
The nature or characteristics of order workflows is highly variable. When analyzing order workflows, it can be useful to consider the similarities and differences between how orders are used with diagnostic and patient care devices. Diagnostic modalities, be they interventional radiology suites, endoscopy labs or EKG carts, tend to be proced...

Source: Medical Connectivity Consulting - January 6, 2014 Category: Technology Consultants Authors: Tim Gee Tags: connectivity Patient Safety Source Type: blogs