Integrating Medical Devices into EMRs

Currently there is little interoperability amongst medical devices. Vital sign stations can transmit data but not every company implements communication in the same way. In the OR or ICU the issue is multiplied by the sheer volume of data being generated and the constant shuffling of equipment from one patient to the next. At present there is an emerging standard but no real compliance.

The issue of interconnection is one of safety and efficiency. Without direct communication advanced alert systems on items such as bypass pumps and ventilators cannot be implemented. Large volumes of data are produced but require manual entry into EMR systems. Current interfaces have to be reworked when new equipment is purchased.

Medical Information Bus

This is an emerging standard that attempts to specify how to connect and communicate between different medical devices. There is an approved standard IEEE 1073 for the Medical Information Bus. http://www.ieee1073.org/overview/overview.html

The IEEE 1073 standard outlines standards to improve the ability to have truely plug-and-play devices. This standard aims to improve ease of use. The standard also addresses issues of patient safety, assignment of devices to the correct patient, automated assignment of the correct device protocal to match the device attached to a given patient.

The Medical Device "Plug and Play" Interoperability Program [MDPnP] http://mdpnp.org/Home_Page.html is baset at CMIT and Massachusetts General Hospital

http://medicalconnectivity.com/2005/07/27.html

http://mdpnp.org/uploads/MD_PnP_Program_White_Paper_17Feb07.pdf

http://mdpnp.org/Home_Page.html

http://www.itu.int/itudoc/itu-t/workshop/e-health/addinfo/info009.pdf

http://www.ieee1073.org/overview/Connectivity_stds%20for%20PNP%20interop_schrenker_cooper.pdf