U.S. patent application number 10/153206 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-30 for patient care apparatus and method.
Invention is credited to Gallant, Dennis J., Lanci, Dennis M..
Application Number | 20030019165 10/153206 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23131250 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030019165 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gallant, Dennis J. ; et
al. |
January 30, 2003 |
Patient care apparatus and method
Abstract
A patient care apparatus for use in a healthcare facility having
a patient room separated from a hallway. The apparatus includes a
cabinet having a supply receptacle and a portion situated in an
opening formed between the patient room and the hallway. The
cabinet has a first side accessible in the patient room and a
second side accessible in the hallway. A communication portion is
coupled to the hospital computer network and is configured to
receive a signal indicating at least one of activation of a faucet
in the room, collection of patient data, use of a supply item, and
collection of supply data. A mobile supply cart is configured to
carry supplies. The mobile supply cart includes a supply data
management unit on which inventory management data is entered, and
a transceiver configured to send the inventory management data to a
computer network of the healthcare facility and receive supply
refill orders transmitted from the network.
Inventors: |
Gallant, Dennis J.;
(Harrison, OH) ; Lanci, Dennis M.; (Carlsbad,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BARNES & THORNBURG
11 SOUTH MERIDIAN
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204
|
Family ID: |
23131250 |
Appl. No.: |
10/153206 |
Filed: |
May 22, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60293949 |
May 25, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/36.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 13/6315 20130101;
A61G 13/107 20130101; A61G 2203/46 20130101; A61G 7/0005 20130101;
A61G 7/015 20130101; A61G 7/02 20130101; A61M 16/00 20130101; E04B
2/745 20130101; A61G 12/004 20130101; A61G 13/108 20130101; H01R
2201/12 20130101; E04B 2002/7488 20130101; A61G 7/0509 20161101;
A61G 7/053 20130101; E04B 2002/7483 20130101; A61G 2203/80
20130101; G16H 40/20 20180101; A61G 2205/00 20130101; A61G 7/018
20130101; G16H 40/63 20180101; A61M 1/61 20210501; A61M 2209/082
20130101; A61G 7/00 20130101; A61G 7/0503 20130101; H01R 13/005
20130101; A61G 12/001 20130101; A61G 12/002 20130101; A61G 7/0514
20161101; A61G 12/005 20130101; A61M 16/107 20140204; G16H 10/60
20180101; A61G 12/008 20130101; A61M 5/1415 20130101; A61G 7/0513
20161101; A61G 7/0524 20161101; A61G 7/0507 20130101; A61G 10/00
20130101; A61G 7/0015 20130101; A61G 2203/44 20130101; G16H 20/40
20180101; A61M 2209/084 20130101; A61G 9/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/36.4 |
International
Class: |
E04F 019/00 |
Claims
1. A patient care apparatus for use in a healthcare facility having
a patient room separated from a hallway, the apparatus including a
cabinet having a supply receptacle and a portion situated in an
opening formed between the patient room and the hallway, the
cabinet having a first side accessible in the patient room and a
second side accessible in the hallway.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cabinet includes a supply
receptacle having a first door coupled to the first side, a second
door coupled to the second side, the first door movable between
positions permitting and limiting access to the supply receptacle
from inside the patient room, and the second door movable between
positions permitting and limiting access to the supply receptacle
from the hallway.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a tote drawer unit
having a plurality of compartments for holding supplies, the supply
receptacle being sized to receive the tote drawer unit.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the tote drawer unit includes a
retainer for coupling the tote drawer unit to the cabinet.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the retainer includes a
hook-shaped portion to couple the tote drawer unit to a foot board
of a hospital bed.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a tote drawer unit
having a plurality of compartments for holding supplies and a
mobile supply cart having an opening sized to receive the tote
drawer unit.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the tote drawer unit includes a
retainer for coupling the tote drawer unit to the mobile supply
cart.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cabinet includes a waste
receptacle having a first door coupled to the first side, a second
door coupled to the second side, the first door movable between a
position limiting access and a position permitting access to the
waste receptacle from inside the patient room, and the second door
movable between a position limiting access and a position
permitting access to the waste receptacle from the hallway.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a communication
portion including a monitor positioned adjacent a wall which
partially separates the patient room and the hallway, the monitor
movable between a position facing away from the wall and a position
facing the wall.
10. A modular supply management apparatus for use in a hospital
room in communication with a hospital computer network, the room
separated from a hallway, the apparatus including a supply portion
including a receptacle for holding patient care supplies, the
supply portion at least partially situated in an opening between
the room and the hallway, the receptacle being accessible from the
hallway, and a communication portion coupled to the hospital
computer network and configured to receive supply data and send the
supply data to the computer network.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the receptacle is accessible
from the room.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the communication portion
includes a supply data receiver to receive the supply data from a
supply data source.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the supply data source
includes a manual entry device configured to receive the supply
data manually entered by a caregiver.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the manual entry device
includes a keyboard coupled to a hospital computer network.
15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the manual entry device
includes a touch screen coupled to a hospital computer network.
16. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the supply data source
includes an automatic supply sensor to automatically detect at
least one of the presence and absence of supplies and receive the
supply data.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the automatic supply sensor
includes a proximity sensor to detect at least one of the presence
and absence of a supply item in the receptacle.
18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the automatic supply sensor
includes a weight sensor to detect at least one of the weight and
absence of a supply item in the receptacle.
19. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the automatic supply sensor
includes a bar code reader.
20. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the communication portion
includes a window provided in a wall between the room and the
hallway and a display terminal movable between an orientation
facing the interior of the room and an orientation facing the
hallway.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the display terminal is
situated outside the room and is accessible from the hallway.
22. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the display terminal is
pivotally mounted on one side of the wall, the pivotal mount being
operable by a caregiver from the other side of the wall to move the
display terminal between the orientation facing the interior of the
room and the orientation facing the hallway.
23. The apparatus of claim 10 further including a mobile supply
cart coupled to the hospital computer network and configured to
receive the supply data from the computer network.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 further including a tote drawer unit
including a compartment for holding supplies, the mobile supply
cart configured to couple to the tote drawer unit.
25. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the mobile supply cart
includes a wireless transceiver to transmit supply data to, and
receive the supply data from, the computer network.
26. A modular work cell for a patient room, the modular work cell
including a first sink portion, a second supply and waste
receptacle portion, and a third communication portion, the first,
second, and third portions being coupled together to form an
integral unit.
27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the work cell is configured
to cooperate with a wall in the patient room, the supply receptacle
including a first side accessible from inside the patient room, and
a second side accessible from outside the patient room.
28. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the third portion is coupled
to a hospital computer network and a patient monitoring
equipment.
29. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the second portion is coupled
to the third portion, and the third portion is configured to
receive supply data.
30. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the first portion is coupled
to the third portion, and the third portion is configured to
receive caregiver activity data.
31. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein the caregiver activity data
includes hand-washing data.
32. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the third portion includes a
window to provide a view into and out of the patient room.
33. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein the window is changeable
between a transparent state and a non-transparent state.
34. The apparatus of claim 27 further including a mobile supply
cart including a compartment to carry supplies, the mobile supply
cart including a supply data receiver.
35. A mobile supply cart for use in a supply management system of a
healthcare facility, the mobile supply cart configured to carry
supplies, and including a supply data management unit on which
inventory management data is entered, and a transceiver carried by
the cart configured to send the inventory management data to a
computer network of the healthcare facility and receive supply
refill orders transmitted from the network.
36. The apparatus of claim 35 further including a tote drawer unit
including a tote drawer housing configured to carry patient-care
supplies.
37. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the tote drawer unit includes
a handle coupled to the top of the tote drawer housing.
38. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the tote drawer unit includes
at least one hook coupled to the tote drawer housing, the at least
one hook adapted to engage a portion of the mobile supply cart to
couple the tote drawer unit to the mobile supply cart.
39. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the mobile supply cart
includes an opening to receive the tote drawer unit therein.
40. A set of equipment for use in a healthcare facility, the set of
equipment including a computer, and a work cell including a sink, a
hand-washing monitoring system communicating hand-washing data to
the computer.
41. A method for managing patient care supplies in a patient room,
the method including providing a supply cabinet for storing health
care supplies, monitoring quantities of the health care supplies in
the cabinet to obtain supply data, sending the supply data to a
computer, using the computer to calculate a resupply requirement
from the supply data, and dispatching health care supplies to the
cabinet based on the resupply requirement.
42. The method of claim 41 wherein dispatching health care supplies
to the cabinet based on the resupply requirement includes providing
a mobile supply cart to carry supplies to the room.
43. The method of claim 42 wherein providing the mobile supply cart
includes providing a receiver on the mobile supply cart to receive
the supply data.
44. The method of claim 42 further including sending the resupply
requirement to the mobile supply cart.
45. The method of claim 41 wherein providing a supply cabinet
includes providing a supply cabinet situated at least partially in
a wall which at least partly defines the room, and providing in the
cabinet a receptacle accessible from inside the room and from
outside of the room.
46. The method of claim 41 wherein monitoring quantities of the
health care supplies includes providing a supply sensor to sense
automatically quantities of the health care supplies.
47. A method for monitoring caregiver activities in a patient room
of a healthcare facility, the method including receiving caregiver
activity data in the form of a first signal, the first signal
indicating at least one of activation of a faucet, collection of
patient data, use of a supply item, and collection of supply data,
transmitting the first signal to the receiver, providing a
caregiver a transmitter badge, using the badge to transmit a second
signal to the receiver when the badge is in the patient room.
48. The method of claim 47 wherein transmitting the first signal
includes automatically transmitting the first signal when the
caregiver activates the faucet.
49. The method of claim 47 wherein transmitting the first signal
includes transmitting the first signal when the caregiver measures
a quantity of a supply using a bar code reader.
50. The method of claim 47 wherein transmitting the first signal
includes transmitting the first signal when the caregiver manually
enters supply data into at least one of a computer touch screen, a
keypad, and a keyboard.
51. The method of claim 47 wherein transmitting the first signal
includes transmitting the first signal when the caregiver collects
patient data using patient monitoring equipment.
52. A supply management system for use in a healthcare facility,
the supply management system including a hospital bed, a cabinet
formed to include a space, and a plurality of tote drawer units,
each tote drawer unit configured to carry patient-care supplies and
to be received in the space, each tote drawer unit including a
feature for selectively coupling the tote drawer unit to the
hospital bed to be transported with the hospital bed.
53. The supply management system of claim 52 wherein the cabinet
includes a first side in a patient room and a second side opposite
the first side and outside the patient room, and the space includes
a supply receptacle having a first door coupled to the first side,
a second door coupled to the second side, the first door movable
between a position permitting access to the supply receptacle from
inside the patient room and a position limiting such access, and
the second door movable between a position permitting access to the
supply receptacle from outside the patient room and a position
limiting such access.
54. The supply management system of claim 52 wherein the tote
drawer units each include a plurality of compartments for holding
the patient-care supplies.
55. The supply management system of claim 52 wherein each tote
drawer unit includes a feature for selectively coupling the tote
drawer unit to the cabinet.
56. The supply management system of claim 55 wherein the feature
for selectively coupling the tote drawer unit to the cabinet
includes a hook-shaped portion to couple the tote drawer unit to a
foot board of the hospital bed.
57. The supply management system of claim 52 further including a
mobile supply cart to transport the patient-care supplies, the
mobile supply cart having at least one opening sized to receive a
tote drawer unit.
58. The supply management system of claim 57 wherein each tote
drawer unit includes a feature for selectively coupling the tote
drawer unit to the mobile supply cart.
59. The supply management system of claim 52 wherein the cabinet
includes a first side in the room and a second side opposite the
first side, and a waste receptacle, the cabinet having a first door
coupled to the first side, a second door coupled to the second
side, the first door movable between a position permitting access
to the waste receptacle from inside the patient room and a position
limiting such access, and the second door movable between a
position restricting access to the waste receptacle from outside
the room and a position permitting such access.
60. A tote drawer unit for use in a supply management system of a
healthcare facility, the tote drawer unit including a housing
configured to carry patient-care supplies, a handle for
facilitating handling of the housing, and at least one feature
adapted to engage a portion of a hospital bed to couple the tote
drawer unit selectively to the hospital bed.
61. The tote drawer unit of claim 60 wherein the housing includes
at least one interior wall forming a plurality of compartments for
holding patient-care supplies.
62. The tote drawer unit of claim 61 wherein a door is coupled to
the housing to selectively close at least one of the
compartments.
63. The tote drawer unit of claim 60 wherein the at least one
feature is adapted to engage a cabinet to couple the tote drawer
unit to the cabinet.
64. The tote drawer unit of claim 60 wherein the at least one
feature is adapted to engage a portion of a mobile supply cart to
couple the tote drawer unit to the mobile supply cart for
transportation of the tote drawer unit therewith.
65. A method for managing supplies in a healthcare facility having
a patient room separated from a hallway, the method including
providing supplies through a first opening in the hallway into a
cabinet and gaining access to the thus-provided supplies through a
second opening in the patient room into the cabinet.
66. The method of claim 65 further including opening a first door
in the hallway to provide access to the first opening, and opening
a second door in the patient room to provide access to the second
opening.
67. The method of claim 66 wherein providing supplies through a
first opening in the hallway into a cabinet includes providing a
tote drawer unit having a plurality of compartments, placing
supplies in at least one of the compartments, and providing the
tote drawer unit through the first opening.
68. The method of claim 67 including coupling the tote drawer unit
to the cabinet.
69. The method of claim 68 wherein coupling the tote drawer unit to
the cabinet includes providing on the tote drawer unit a
hook-shaped portion configured to be coupled selectively to the
cabinet and to a foot board of a hospital bed.
70. The method of claim 65 wherein providing supplies through a
first opening in the hallway into a cabinet includes providing
supplies in a tote drawer unit having a plurality of compartments
for holding the supplies and transporting the tote drawer unit to
the first opening in a mobile supply cart having an opening sized
to receive the tote drawer unit.
71. The method of claim 70 wherein transporting the tote drawer
unit to the first opening in a mobile supply cart having an opening
sized to receive the tote drawer unit includes providing on the
tote drawer unit a retainer for coupling the tote drawer unit to
the mobile supply cart.
72. The method of claim 65 wherein providing first and second
openings in a cabinet includes providing first and second openings
in a cabinet having a waste receptacle having a first door and a
second door, moving the first door between a position limiting
access to the waste receptacle from inside the patient room and a
position permitting access to the waste receptacle from inside the
patient room, and moving the second door between a position
limiting access to the waste receptacle from the hallway and a
position permitting access to the waste receptacle from the
hallway.
73. The method of claim 65 further including moving a monitor
positioned adjacent a wall which partially separates the patient
room and the hallway between a position facing away from the wall
and a position facing the wall.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to
U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/293,949, filed May 25,
2001, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to an apparatus and method for
providing patient care. It is disclosed in the context of a
patient-care facility, however it may be useful in other
applications as well.
[0003] The efficiency with which quality healthcare is provided to
patients is increasingly important in the healthcare industry.
Efficiency is affected by nearly every aspect of the design of a
healthcare facility and a patient room. Various systems and
equipment are used to provide quality healthcare to a patient,
including supply cabinets, waste containers, computer terminals or
work stations, supply management systems, caregiver and patient
monitoring systems, and the like. The design of such equipment,
level of automation, interconnectedness, and layout influence how
efficiently healthcare is provided.
[0004] Some tasks require caregivers to enter and exit the patient
room somewhat frequently, resulting in wasted motion. Examples of
tasks that contribute to this wasted motion and resultant reduction
in efficiency include taking inventory of supplies, determining and
communicating information about resupply needs, acquiring the
resupply need, and stocking the resupply items. A further source of
inefficiency relates to retrieval and delivery of supplies to the
room through non-automated means. Another source of inefficiency
relates to caregivers having to enter the patient room to deliver
supplies to the room, retrieve trash or other items from the room,
and to interact with computer, other equipment, or the patient in
the room. Still another source of inefficiency is experienced in
having to transport supply items between a storage cabinet and, for
example, a patient in a bed. Yet a further source of inefficiency
relates to the difficulty of managing the quality and efficiency
with which healthcare is provided through monitoring quality
control data relating to caregiver activities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, a patient care
apparatus is provided for use in a healthcare facility having a
patient room separated from a hallway. The apparatus includes a
cabinet having a supply receptacle and a portion situated in an
opening formed between the patient room and the hallway, the
cabinet having a first side accessible in the patient room and a
second side accessible in the hallway.
[0006] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the cabinet includes a supply receptacle having a first door
coupled to the first side, a second door coupled to the second
side, the first door movable between positions permitting and
limiting access to the supply receptacle from inside the patient
room, and the second door movable between positions permitting and
limiting access to the supply receptacle from the hallway.
[0007] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, a tote drawer unit has a plurality of compartments for
holding supplies. The supply receptacle is configured to receive
the tote drawer unit.
[0008] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the tote drawer unit includes a retainer for coupling
the tote drawer unit to the cabinet.
[0009] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the retainer includes a hook-shaped portion to couple the tote
drawer unit to a foot board of a hospital bed.
[0010] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the apparatus includes a tote drawer unit. The tote
drawer unit includes a plurality of compartments for holding
supplies. The apparatus further includes a mobile supply cart
having an opening sized to receive the tote drawer unit.
[0011] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the tote drawer unit includes a retainer for coupling
the tote drawer unit to the mobile supply cart.
[0012] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the cabinet includes a waste receptacle having a first door coupled
to the first side and a second door coupled to the second side. The
first door is movable between a position limiting access to the
waste receptacle from inside the patient room and a position
permitting access to the waste receptacle from inside the patient
room. The second door is movable between a position limiting access
to the waste receptacle from the hallway and a position permitting
access to the waste receptacle from the hallway.
[0013] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the apparatus includes a communication portion including
a monitor positioned adjacent a wall which partially separates the
patient room and the hallway. The monitor is movable between a
position facing away from the wall and a position facing the
wall.
[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for
managing supplies in a healthcare facility having a patient room
separated from a hallway includes providing supplies through a
first opening in the hallway into a cabinet and gaining access to
the thus-provided supplies through a second opening in the patient
room into the cabinet.
[0015] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the method further includes opening a first door in the hallway to
provide access to the first opening, and opening a second door in
the patient room to provide access to the second opening.
[0016] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, providing supplies through a first opening in the
hallway into a cabinet includes providing a tote drawer unit having
a plurality of compartments, placing supplies in at least one of
the compartments, and providing the tote drawer unit through the
first opening.
[0017] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the method includes coupling the tote drawer unit to the
cabinet.
[0018] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
coupling the tote drawer unit to the cabinet includes providing on
the tote drawer unit a hook-shaped portion configured to be coupled
selectively to the cabinet and to a foot board of a hospital
bed.
[0019] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, providing supplies through a first opening in the
hallway into a cabinet includes providing supplies in a tote drawer
unit having a plurality of compartments for holding the supplies
and transporting the tote drawer unit to the first opening in a
mobile supply cart having an opening sized to receive the tote
drawer unit.
[0020] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, transporting the tote drawer unit to the first opening
in a mobile supply cart having an opening sized to receive the tote
drawer unit includes providing on the tote drawer unit a retainer
for coupling the tote drawer unit to the mobile supply cart.
[0021] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
providing first and second openings in a cabinet includes providing
first and second openings in a cabinet having a waste receptacle
having a first door and a second door, moving the first door
between a position limiting access to the waste receptacle from
inside the patient room and a position permitting access to the
waste receptacle from inside the patient room, and moving the
second door between a position limiting access to the waste
receptacle from the hallway and a position permitting access to the
waste receptacle from the hallway.
[0022] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the method includes moving a monitor positioned adjacent
a wall which partially separates the patient room and the hallway
between a position facing away from the wall and a position facing
the wall.
[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, a modular
supply management apparatus is provided for use in a hospital room.
The room is in communication with a hospital computer network and
is separated from a hallway. The apparatus includes a supply
portion including a receptacle for holding patient care supplies.
The supply portion is at least partially situated in an opening
between the room and the hallway. The receptacle is accessible from
the hallway. The apparatus further includes a communication portion
coupled to the hospital computer network and configured to receive
supply data and send the supply data to the computer network.
[0024] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the receptacle is accessible from the room.
[0025] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the communication portion includes a supply data
receiver to receive the supply data from a supply data source.
[0026] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the supply data source includes a manual entry device
configured to receive the supply data manually entered by a
caregiver.
[0027] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the manual entry device includes a keyboard coupled to a hospital
computer network.
[0028] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the manual entry device includes a touch screen coupled
to a hospital computer network.
[0029] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the supply data source includes an automatic supply
sensor to automatically detect at least one of the presence and
absence of supplies and receive the supply data.
[0030] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the automatic supply sensor includes a proximity sensor to detect
at least one of the presence and absence of a supply item in the
receptacle.
[0031] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the automatic supply sensor includes a weight sensor to
detect at least one of the weight and absence of a supply item in
the receptacle.
[0032] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the automatic supply sensor includes a bar code
reader.
[0033] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the communication portion includes a window provided in a wall
between the room and the hallway and a display terminal movable
between an orientation facing the interior of the room and an
orientation facing the hallway.
[0034] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the display terminal is situated outside the room and is
accessible from the hallway.
[0035] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the display terminal is pivotally mounted on one side of
the wall. The pivotal mount is operable by a caregiver from the
other side of the wall to move the display terminal between the
orientation facing the interior of the room and the orientation
facing the hallway.
[0036] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the apparatus includes a mobile supply cart coupled to
the hospital computer network and configured to receive the supply
data from the computer network.
[0037] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the apparatus includes a tote drawer unit including a
compartment for holding supplies. The tote drawer unit is
configured to couple to the mobile supply cart.
[0038] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the mobile supply cart includes a wireless transceiver to transmit
supply data to, and receive the supply data from, the computer
network.
[0039] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method of
supply management for a hospital room in communication with a
hospital computer network includes providing an opening between the
room and the hallway, and placing in the opening a receptacle
accessible from the hallway for holding patient care supplies and a
communication portion coupled to the hospital computer network and
configured to receive supply data and send the supply data to the
computer network.
[0040] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
placing in the opening a receptacle accessible from the hallway for
holding patient care supplies and a communication portion coupled
to the hospital computer network includes placing in the opening a
receptacle accessible from the hallway and from the room for
holding patient care supplies and a communication portion coupled
to the hospital computer network.
[0041] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, placing in the opening a communication portion coupled
to the hospital computer network and configured to receive supply
data and send the supply data to the computer network includes
placing in the opening a supply data receiver configured to receive
the supply data from a supply data source.
[0042] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, placing in the opening a supply data receiver configured
to receive supply data from a supply data source includes placing
in the opening a supply data receiver configured to receive the
supply data from a manual entry device configured to receive supply
data manually entered by a caregiver.
[0043] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
placing in the opening a supply data receiver configured to receive
the supply data from a manual entry device includes placing in the
opening a keyboard coupled to a hospital computer network.
[0044] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, placing in the opening a supply data receiver configured
to receive the supply data from a manual entry device includes
placing in the opening a touch screen coupled to a hospital
computer network.
[0045] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, placing in the opening a supply data receiver configured
to receive supply data from a supply data source includes placing
in the opening an automatic supply sensor for automatically sensing
at least one of the presence and absence of supplies and receiving
data representative of the at least one of the presence and absence
of supplies.
[0046] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
placing in the opening an automatic supply sensor includes placing
in the opening a proximity sensor to detect at least one of the
presence and absence of a supply item in the receptacle.
[0047] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, placing in the opening an automatic supply sensor
includes placing in the opening a weight sensor to detect at least
one of the weight and absence of the weight of a supply item in the
receptacle.
[0048] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, placing in the opening an automatic supply sensor
includes placing in the opening a bar code reader.
[0049] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
placing in the opening a communication portion coupled to the
hospital computer network and configured to receive supply data and
send the supply data to the computer network includes the
communication portion includes placing in the opening a window
between the room and the hallway and a display terminal movable
between an orientation facing the interior of the room and an
orientation facing the hallway.
[0050] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, placing in the opening a display terminal movable
between an orientation facing the interior of the room and an
orientation facing the hallway includes placing in the opening and
outside the room a display terminal accessible from the
hallway.
[0051] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, placing in the opening a display terminal movable
between an orientation facing the interior of the room and an
orientation facing the hallway includes pivotally mounting the
display terminal on one side of the wall for operation by a
caregiver on either side of the wall to move the display terminal
between the orientation facing the interior of the room and the
orientation facing the hallway.
[0052] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the method further includes coupling a mobile supply cart to the
hospital computer network to receive at the mobile supply cart the
supply data from the computer network.
[0053] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the method includes coupling to the mobile supply cart a
tote drawer unit including a compartment for holding supplies.
[0054] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, coupling a mobile supply cart to the hospital computer
network to receive at the mobile supply cart the supply data from
the computer network includes transmitting supply data from the
computer network to a wireless transceiver provided on the mobile
supply cart and receiving on the mobile supply cart supply data
from the computer network.
[0055] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a modular
work cell for a patient room includes a first sink portion, a
second supply and waste receptacle portion, and a third
communication portion. The first, second, and third portions are
coupled together to form an integral unit.
[0056] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the work cell is configured to cooperate with a wall in the patient
room. The supply receptacle including a first side accessible from
inside the patient room, and a second side accessible from outside
the patient room.
[0057] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the third portion is coupled to a hospital computer
network and a patient monitoring equipment.
[0058] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the second portion is coupled to the third portion. The
third portion is configured to receive supply data.
[0059] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the first portion is coupled to the third portion, and the third
portion is configured to receive caregiver activity data.
[0060] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the caregiver activity data includes hand-washing data.
[0061] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the third portion includes a window to provide a view
into and out of the patient room.
[0062] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the window is changeable between a transparent state and
a non-transparent state.
[0063] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the apparatus includes a mobile supply cart including a
compartment to carry supplies. The mobile supply cart includes a
supply data receiver.
[0064] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for
providing a patient room includes coupling together a first sink
portion, a second supply and waste receptacle portion, and a third
communication portion to form an integral unit.
[0065] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
coupling together a first sink portion, a second supply and waste
receptacle portion, and a third communication portion to form an
integral unit includes coupling together first, second and third
portions which cooperate with a wall in the patient room.
[0066] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, coupling together a first sink portion, a second supply
and waste receptacle portion, and a third communication portion
includes coupling together a first sink portion, a second supply
and waste receptacle portion having a first side accessible from
inside the patient room and a second side accessible from outside
the patient room, and a third communication portion.
[0067] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, coupling together a first sink portion, a second supply
and waste receptacle portion, and a third communication portion
includes coupling together a first sink portion, a second supply
and waste receptacle portion, and a third communication portion
coupled to a hospital computer network and a patient monitoring
equipment.
[0068] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
coupling together a first sink portion, a second supply and waste
receptacle portion, and a third communication portion includes
coupling together a first sink portion, and a second supply and
waste receptacle portion and a third communication portion coupled
together, and receiving at the third portion supply data from the
second portion.
[0069] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, coupling together a first sink portion, a second supply
and waste receptacle portion, and a third communication portion
includes coupling together a second supply and waste receptacle
portion, and a first sink portion and a third communication portion
coupled together, and receiving at the third portion caregiver
activity data from the first portion.
[0070] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, receiving at the third portion caregiver activity data
from the first portion includes receiving at the third portion
handwashing data from the first portion.
[0071] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
coupling together a first sink portion, a second supply and waste
receptacle portion, and a third communication portion to form an
integral unit includes coupling together a first sink portion, a
second supply and waste receptacle portion, and a third portion
including a window to provide a view into and out of the patient
room.
[0072] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, coupling together a first sink portion, a second supply
and waste receptacle portion, and a third portion including a
window to provide a view into and out of the patient room includes
coupling together a first portion, a second portion, and a third
portion including a window changeable between a transparent state
and a non-transparent state.
[0073] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the method includes transmitting supply data to a supply
data receiver on a mobile supply cart and providing on the mobile
supply cart a compartment to carry supplies.
[0074] According to a further aspect of the invention, a mobile
supply cart for use in a supply management system of a healthcare
facility is configured to carry supplies. The mobile supply cart
includes a supply data management unit on which inventory
management data is entered, and a transceiver configured to send
the inventory management data to a computer network of the
healthcare facility and receive supply refill orders transmitted
from the network.
[0075] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the apparatus further includes a tote drawer unit including a tote
drawer housing configured to carry patient-care supplies.
[0076] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the tote drawer unit includes a handle coupled to the top of the
tote drawer housing.
[0077] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the tote drawer unit includes at least one hook coupled
to the tote drawer housing. The at least one hook is adapted to
engage a portion of the mobile supply cart to couple the tote
drawer unit to the mobile supply cart.
[0078] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the mobile supply cart includes an opening to receive the tote
drawer unit therein.
[0079] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method
of supply management system in a healthcare facility includes
carrying supplies on a mobile supply cart, entering inventory
management data on a supply data management unit, sending the
inventory management data via a transceiver carried by the cart to
a computer network of the healthcare facility, and receiving via
the transceiver supply refill orders from the network.
[0080] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the method further includes carrying patient-care supplies in a
tote drawer unit.
[0081] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, carrying supplies on the mobile supply cart includes
carrying supplies in the tote drawer unit, providing on the tote
drawer unit at least one hook adapted to engage a portion of the
mobile supply cart, and coupling the at least one hook to the
mobile supply cart.
[0082] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, carrying supplies on the mobile supply cart includes
carrying supplies in the tote drawer unit, and providing on the
mobile supply cart an opening to receive the tote drawer unit
therein.
[0083] According to another aspect of the invention, a set of
equipment for use in a healthcare facility includes a computer and
a work cell including a sink. The set of equipment further includes
a hand-washing monitoring system communicating hand-washing data to
the computer.
[0084] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of
operating a healthcare facility including a computer includes
providing a work cell including a sink and a hand-washing
monitoring system, and communicating hand-washing data from the
hand-washing monitoring system to the computer.
[0085] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for
managing patient care supplies in a patient room includes providing
a supply cabinet for storing health care supplies, monitoring
quantities of the health care supplies in the cabinet to obtain
supply data, sending the supply data to a computer, using the
computer to calculate a resupply requirement from the supply data,
and dispatching health care supplies to the cabinet based on the
resupply requirement.
[0086] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
dispatching health care supplies to the cabinet based on the
resupply requirement includes providing a mobile supply cart to
carry supplies to the room.
[0087] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
providing the mobile supply cart includes providing a receiver on
the mobile supply cart to receive the supply data.
[0088] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the method includes sending the resupply requirement to
the mobile supply cart.
[0089] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, providing a supply cabinet includes providing a supply
cabinet situated at least partially in a wall which at least partly
defines the room, and providing in the cabinet a receptacle
accessible from inside the room and from outside of the room.
[0090] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
monitoring quantities of the health care supplies includes
providing a supply sensor to sense automatically quantities of the
health care supplies.
[0091] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for
monitoring caregiver activities in a patient room of a healthcare
facility includes receiving caregiver activity data in the form of
a first signal indicating at least one of activation of a faucet,
collection of patient data, use of a supply item, and collection of
supply data, transmitting the first signal to the receiver,
providing a caregiver a transmitter badge, using the badge to
transmit a second signal to the receiver when the badge is in the
patient room.
[0092] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
transmitting the first signal includes automatically transmitting
the first signal when the caregiver activates the faucet.
[0093] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, transmitting the first signal includes transmitting the
first signal when the caregiver measures a quantity of a supply
using a bar code reader.
[0094] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, transmitting the first signal includes transmitting the
first signal when the caregiver manually enters supply data into at
least one of a computer touch screen, a keypad, and a keyboard.
[0095] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
transmitting the first signal includes transmitting the first
signal when the caregiver collects patient data using patient
monitoring equipment.
[0096] According to another aspect of the invention, a supply
management system is provided for use in a healthcare facility. The
supply management system includes a hospital bed, a cabinet formed
to include a space, and a plurality of tote drawer units. Each tote
drawer unit is configured to carry patient-care supplies, and to be
received in the space. Each tote drawer unit includes a feature for
selectively coupling the tote drawer unit to the hospital bed for
transport with the hospital bed.
[0097] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the cabinet includes a first side in the room and a second side
opposite the first side. The space includes a supply receptacle
having a first door coupled to the first side and a second door
coupled to the second side. The first door is movable between a
position permitting access to the supply receptacle from inside the
patient room and a position limiting such access. The second door
is movable between a position permitting access to the supply
receptacle from outside of the room and a position limiting such
access.
[0098] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the tote drawer units each include a plurality of
compartments for holding the patient-care supplies.
[0099] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, each tote drawer unit includes a feature for selectively
coupling the tote drawer unit to the cabinet.
[0100] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the feature for selectively coupling the tote drawer unit to the
cabinet includes a hook-shaped portion to couple the tote drawer
unit to a foot board of the hospital bed.
[0101] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the apparatus includes a mobile supply cart to transport
the patient-care supplies. The mobile supply cart has at least one
opening sized to receive a tote drawer unit.
[0102] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, each tote drawer unit includes a feature for selectively
coupling the tote drawer unit to the mobile supply cart.
[0103] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the cabinet includes a first side in the room and a second side
opposite the first side. The cabinet includes a waste receptacle
having a first door coupled to the first side and a second door
coupled to the second side. The first door is movable between a
position permitting access to the waste receptacle from inside the
patient room and a position limiting such access. The second door
is movable between a position restricting access to the waste
receptacle from outside the room and a position permitting such
access.
[0104] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for
managing supplies in a healthcare facility including a hospital bed
includes providing a cabinet including a space for receiving a tote
drawer unit configured to carry patient-care supplies, providing a
plurality of tote drawer units, and providing on each tote drawer
unit a feature for selectively coupling the tote drawer unit to the
hospital bed to be transported with the hospital bed.
[0105] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
providing a cabinet including a space for receiving a tote drawer
unit includes providing a cabinet having a first side in a room of
the healthcare facility and a second side opposite the first side,
providing on the first side a first door movable between a position
permitting access to a supply receptacle within the cabinet from
inside the patient room and a position limiting such access, and
providing on the second side a second door movable between a
position permitting access to the supply receptacle from outside of
the room and a position limiting such access.
[0106] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, providing a plurality of tote drawer units includes
providing a plurality of tote drawer units, each having a plurality
of compartments for holding the patient-care supplies.
[0107] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, providing a plurality of tote drawer units includes
providing a plurality of tote drawer units, each including a
feature for selectively coupling the tote drawer unit to the
cabinet.
[0108] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
providing a plurality of tote drawer units, each including a
feature for selectively coupling the tote drawer unit to the
cabinet includes providing a plurality of tote drawer units, each
including a hook-shaped portion for selectively coupling the tote
drawer unit to a foot board of the hospital bed.
[0109] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the method includes providing a mobile supply cart
having at least one opening sized to receive a tote drawer unit to
transport patient-care supplies.
[0110] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the method further includes providing on each tote drawer unit a
feature for selectively coupling the tote drawer unit to the mobile
supply cart.
[0111] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
providing a cabinet includes providing a cabinet having a first
side in the room and a second side opposite the first side,
providing on the first side a first door movable between a position
permitting access to a waste receptacle from inside the patient
room and a position limiting such access, and providing on the
second side a second door movable between a position permitting
access to the waste receptacle from outside of the room and a
position limiting such access.
[0112] According to another aspect of the invention, a tote drawer
unit is provided for use in a supply management system of a
healthcare facility. The tote drawer unit includes a housing
configured to carry patient-care supplies, a handle for
facilitating handling of the housing, and at least one feature
adapted to engage a portion of a hospital bed to couple the tote
drawer unit selectively to the hospital bed.
[0113] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the housing includes at least one interior wall forming a plurality
of compartments for holding patient-care supplies.
[0114] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, a door is coupled to the housing to selectively close at
least one of the compartments.
[0115] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the at least one feature is adapted to engage a cabinet
to couple the tote drawer unit to the cabinet.
[0116] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the at least one feature is adapted to engage a portion of a mobile
supply cart to couple the tote drawer unit to the mobile supply
cart for transportation of the tote drawer unit therewith.
[0117] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of
supply management in a healthcare facility includes providing a
tote drawer unit configured to carry patient-care supplies, and
providing on the tote drawer unit at least one feature adapted to
engage a portion of a hospital bed to couple the tote drawer unit
selectively to the hospital bed.
[0118] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
providing a tote drawer unit includes providing a tote drawer unit
including at least one interior wall forming a plurality of
compartments for holding patient-care supplies.
[0119] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, providing a tote drawer unit includes providing a door
to selectively close at least one of the compartments.
[0120] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, providing on the tote drawer unit at least one feature
adapted to engage a portion of a hospital bed includes providing on
the tote drawer unit at least one feature adapted to engage a
cabinet to couple the tote drawer unit to the cabinet.
[0121] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
providing on the tote drawer unit at least one feature adapted to
engage a portion of a hospital bed includes providing on the tote
drawer unit at least one feature adapted to engage a mobile supply
cart to couple the tote drawer unit to the mobile supply cart for
transportation of the tote drawer unit therewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0122] FIG. 1 illustrates a fragmentary perspective view of a
patient care system in a hospital room, the system including a
modular work cell having a hand-washing portion, a supply-and-waste
cabinet portion, a data-communication portion, and a network
connection;
[0123] FIG. 2 illustrates a fragmentary sectional view taken
generally along section lines 2-2 of FIG. 1 showing the
hand-washing portion, the supply-and-waste cabinet portion, and the
data-communication portion, with a patient communicating through a
window in the data-communication portion with a caregiver operating
a keyboard at a monitor in the hallway outside the room;
[0124] FIG.3 illustrates a fragmentary perspective view of the
data-communication portion showing a recess formed therein, a
hallway shelf supporting the keyboard and monitor, and a chair
positioned in the recess;
[0125] FIG. 4 illustrates a fragmentary sectional view taken
generally along section lines 4-4 of FIG. 2 showing the
data-communication portion including the window, a room shelf
supporting a room keyboard, and a rotating mount supporting the
monitor on the hallway shelf for pivoting movement between a
position facing into the room and a position facing the hallway,
the rotating mount being a pulley operatively coupled by a belt to
a second pulley in the room with a crank arm attached thereto to
permit a person in the room to rotate the monitor;
[0126] FIG. 5 illustrates a fragmentary perspective view of a
second embodiment of a cabinet accessible from within or outside
the room in the hallway, first, second, and third tote drawer units
for transporting and housing supplies, and a mobile cart for
carrying supplies in standard drawers and in the tote drawer
units;
[0127] FIG. 6 illustrates a fragmentary sectional view taken
generally along section lines 6-6 of FIG. 5 showing an upper
portion of the cabinet of FIG. 5, showing doors coupled to a front
portion of the cabinet and a second door coupled to a rear portion
of the cabinet; and
[0128] FIG. 7 illustrates a fragmentary sectional view taken
generally along section lines 7-7 of FIG. 5 showing the third tote
drawer unit coupled to a foot board of a hospital bed, hook-shaped
retainers coupling the tote drawer unit to the foot board, and
compartments inside the tote drawer unit for storing supplies.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0129] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, a patient care system 10 is
provided in a patient room 12 to improve the efficiency with which
care is provided to a patient. Patient room 12 is separated by a
wall 14 from a hallway 16. Patient care system 10 includes a
modular work cell 20 cooperating with wall 14. Modular work cell 20
includes a hand-washing portion 30, a supply-and-waste cabinet
portion 50, and a data-communication portion 70. Illustratively,
supply-and-waste cabinet portion 50 is next to hand-washing portion
30, and data-communication portion 70 is next to supply-and-waste
portion 50, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2. Portions 30, 50, 70 of
illustrative work cell 20 are formed integrally with one another.
However, it is within the scope of this disclosure for portions 30,
50, 70 to be formed separately and coupled to wall 14 or coupled
together with fasteners. It is also within the scope of this
disclosure to use any of portions 30, 50, 70 with or without the
other portions, to position them in any order, or to space them
apart from one another.
[0130] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, modular work cell 20
includes a back wall 24 that is shared by portions 30 and 50. Back
wall 24 extends along wall 14 of hospital room 12 in which a
doorway 22 is formed. Ceiling panel 40 extends from the top of back
wall 24 perpendicular thereto as illustrated in FIG. 1. A first
vertical wall 46 separates hand-washing portion 30 from
supply-and-waste portion 50 and a second vertical wall 48 separates
supply-and-waste portion 50 from data-communication portion 70.
Each of walls 46, 48 extends from back wall 24 perpendicular
thereto. Ceiling panel 40 is illustratively shared by portions 30,
50, 70. However, it is within the scope of this disclosure to omit
ceiling panel 40 from one or more of portions 30, 50, 70 and couple
back wall 24 and/or walls 46, 48 to wall 14 or a ceiling 15 of room
12.
[0131] As illustrated in FIG. 1, hand-washing portion 30 includes a
counter or shelf 32 extending from back wall 24. Shelf 32 is
coupled to back wall 24 and to wall 46. Shelf 32 includes a sink
34, a water faucet 36, and handles 38 for turning hot and cold
water on and off. Hand-washing portion 30 is illuminated by a task
light 42 provided in ceiling panel 40. Illustratively, hand-washing
portion 30 is positioned in room 12 near doorway 22 to encourage
hand-washing upon entry and prior to exit from room 12.
[0132] Supply-and-waste portion 50 includes an upper shelf 52
coupled to and extending between walls 24, 46, 48. An intermediate
shelf 54 below upper shelf 52 and a lower shelf 56 below
intermediate shelf 54 are similarly coupled to walls 24, 46, 48. A
first space 58 is bounded by shelf 52, a portion of ceiling panel
40, and walls 46, 48. A second space 60 is bounded by shelf 52,
shelf 54, and walls 46, 48. A third space 62 is bounded by shelf
54, lower shelf 56, and walls 46, 48. Supplies (not shown) such as
linens, drugs, wound dressings, sterilized syringes, and the like
can be placed in spaces 58, 60. A waste bin, basket, or receptacle
(not shown) can be placed in space 62. Supply-and-waste portion 50
includes doors 59, 61, 63 coupled to second wall 48 to selectively
close spaces 58, 60, 62, as illustrated in FIG. 1. As explained
more fully below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, it is within the
scope of this disclosure for access openings to be provided in
hospital room wall 14 and in back wall 24 so that an attendant can
access each of spaces 58, 60, 62 from the hallway to deliver
supplies and remove waste without having to enter the hospital
room.
[0133] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, data-communication portion
70 includes a side wall 72 and a front wall 74 coupled to and
extending perpendicularly between side wall 72 and wall 48.
Illustratively, front wall 74 extends into room 12 and is generally
flush with doors 59, 61, 63 to provide a recess 76 in
data-communication portion 70 in hallway 16. Recess 76,
illustratively bounded by walls 48, 72, 74, permits a caregiver
using data-communication portion 70 to get out of traffic in
hallway 16. It is within the scope of this disclosure for side wall
72 to be a wall of room 12 or a wall installed with, and/or as a
part of, modular work cell 20.
[0134] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, data-communication portion 70
includes a privacy window 78 (illustratively incorporating a liquid
crystal display or LCD) that can be activated by a patient or a
caregiver to change the window from transparent to opaque to
prevent viewing through window 78. Window 78 is oriented in wall 74
to permit a caregiver to see the patient from hallway 16 and to see
equipment such as monitors and the like. Operation of the LCD
feature can be limited to caregivers, the patient, or other
designees for safety, privacy, and security. Limitations can be
maintained by coupling the LCD to a system that limits access, for
example, by requiring entry of a security code before the LCD
feature will function to render the window opaque or
transparent.
[0135] As illustrated in FIG. 1, data-communication portion 70
includes a work stool 80 beneath window 78. Illustrative work stool
80 includes a triangular frame 82 pivotably mounted to wall 74 and
a seat 84 carried by frame 82. Portion 70 includes a room shelf 86
coupled to front wall 74 inside room 12 below window 78 and above
stool 80. A hallway shelf 88 is coupled below window 78 to the
outside of front wall 74 and extends into recess 76.
[0136] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, data-communication portion 70
includes a display terminal or monitor 90 pivotally mounted to
hallway shelf 88. Monitor 90 is positioned to be viewed through
window 78 and is equipped with a rotating mount 92 to turn the
monitor between a first position facing the room (illustrated in
FIG. 1) and a second position facing the hallway (illustrated in
FIGS. 2-4). Rotating mount 92 can be actuated from inside room 12
or in hallway 16. Illustratively, rotating mount 92 includes a
first pulley coupled to a second pulley 94 by a belt 96 extending
through an opening provided therefor in wall 14. A crank 98 is
coupled to second pulley 94. First and second pulleys 92, 94 are
coupled to hallway shelf 88 and room shelf 86, respectively, for
rotation. As a caregiver turns crank 98 about axis 100, belt 96
rotates mount 92 about axis 102 and this in turn rotates monitor
90. A similar crank arm can be coupled to rotating mount 92 so that
the caregiver can rotate monitor 90 from hallway 16. It is within
the scope of this disclosure to couple monitor 90 to shelf 88 for
pivoting movement relative to shelf 88 using any suitable method,
including a switched electric motor coupled to monitor 90, or the
like.
[0137] As illustrated in FIG. 1, data-communication portion 70
further includes first and second keyboards 104, 106 in
communication with monitor 90. Keyboards 104, 106, positioned in
room 12 and hallway 16 respectively, cooperate with monitor 90 to
permit a caregiver or patient to interact with a database,
computer, or computer network 108. A dual-screen computer terminal
110 is coupled to front wall 74 by an articulated counterbalance
arm 112. An activity-tracking sensor 114 is illustratively mounted
to the ceiling of the hospital room; however, it is within the
scope of this disclosure to couple sensor 114 to ceiling panel 40
or another part of modular work cell 20. Sensor 114 sends signals
to and receives signals from a communication badge 116 worn by the
caregiver to track the presence and activities of the caregiver.
Monitor 90, keyboards 104, 106, terminal 110, sensor 114,
hand-washing equipment of portion 30, and asset-tracking sensors
(not shown) for sensing the presence of supplies in spaces 58, 60
of portion 50, are all connected electrically to the hospital
database, computer, or computer network as indicated by the
diagrammatic dashed lines 108 illustrated in FIG. 1. Terminal 110,
keyboards 104, 106, and monitor 90 can be used to enter or retrieve
patient data, to manually enter supply refill orders or waste
removal orders, to automatically receive supply data, and to carry
out similar activities. Illustratively, devices such as terminal
10, keyboards 104, 106 can include, serve as, be part of, or
communicate with a supply data receiver to receive the supply data
from a supply data source such as a manual entry device or an
automatic supply sensor. Manual entry devices can include
keyboards, keypads, touch screens, voice systems, and the like.
Automatic supply sensors can include proximity sensors, weight
sensors to measure a quantity of supplies remaining, bar code
readers to record items remaining or items as they are used, and
the like.
[0138] Hand-washing portion 30 also includes monitoring equipment
(not shown) that operates to monitor whether a caregiver washes
his/her hands at the appropriate time, such as upon entering the
hospital room or just prior to exiting the hospital room. The
hand-washing monitoring equipment provides an alarm signal, such as
an audible alarm or a visible alarm, to remind the caregiver to
wash his/her hands when the hand-washing equipment senses
parameters that indicate that the caregiver has not washed his/her
hands.
[0139] Another aspect of patient care system 10 is illustrated in
FIGS. 5-7. As illustrated in FIG. 5, modular work cell 20 includes
a second embodiment of a supply-and-waste portion, including a
cabinet 120 situated in an opening formed in hospital room wall 14.
Cabinet 120 is accessible in patient room 12 through a front 122 of
cabinet 120 and is accessible in hallway 16 through a rear 123 of
cabinet 120. An upper portion 124 of cabinet 120 (a.k.a. a
pass-through nurse server) includes a space in which a first tote
drawer unit 126 is received. A second tote drawer unit 128 is
illustrated in FIG. 5 being removed from a mobile supply cart 118
and arranged for insertion into the upper portion 124 of cabinet
120 from hallway 16. Second tote drawer unit 128 replaces first
tote drawer unit 126 in upper portion 124 of cabinet 120 once first
unit 126 is removed. A third tote drawer unit 130 is also
illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7 coupled to a foot board 132 of a
hospital bed 134. In this orientation, third tote drawer unit 130
can be transported with bed 134 so that desired supplies can move
with the bed 134.
[0140] As illustrated in FIG. 7, each tote drawer unit 126, 128,
130 includes spaces or compartments 136 of shapes and sizes to
house various patient-care supplies such as, for example, linens,
drigs, wound dressings, sterilized syringes, and the like. It is
understood that tote drawer units 126, 128, 130 are interchangeable
with each other and can be moved between mobile supply cart 118,
cabinet 120, and bed 134. Tote drawer units 126, 128, 130 can be
re-supplied while the tote drawer units are coupled to cabinet 120
or on foot board 132 using supplies stored on board supply cart
118, for example. If desired, tote drawer units 126, 128, 130 with
depleted supplies can be swapped with restocked tote drawer
units.
[0141] As illustrated in FIG. 5, supply cart 118 includes several
drawer openings 146 to hold standard drawers for supplies to refill
the tote drawer units. Alternatively, tote drawer units 126, 128,
130 can be placed in drawer openings 146 or can be attached to push
handles 148 that are coupled to sides 150 of mobile supply carts
118. The tote drawer units can be stocked with supplies at other
locations in the hospital, such as a supply room or pharmacy, and
transported to hospital room 12, for example on cart 118.
[0142] As illustrated in FIG. 7, each tote drawer unit 126, 128,
130 includes a housing 137 having coupled thereto an upper carrying
handle 138 and a pair of retainers or rear handles 140. Retainers
140 hold tote drawer units 126, 128, 130 in position on mobile
supply cart 118, in cabinet 120, or on foot board 132 of bed 134.
Illustratively, retainers 140 include somewhat hook-shaped portions
142 that hook over an upper edge 144 of foot board 132 when the
associated tote drawer unit 126, 128, 130 is mounted to bed 134.
Retainers 140 also cooperate with upper portion 124 of cabinet 120
and handle 148 of mobile supply cart 118 to hold tote drawer units
126, 128, 130 in the desired position. Compartments 136
illustratively include flip-out doors 139 coupled to housing 137 to
retain articles therein during movement of tote drawer units 126,
128, 130.
[0143] As illustrated in FIG. 5, cabinet 120 also includes a pair
of waste-management bins 160 and a set of foot pedals 162 that are
depressed to open associated waste-management bins 160. Each bin
160, is biased to close automatically when the associated foot
pedal 162 is released, retracting into lower portion 125 of cabinet
120. A sharps-disposal bin 164 is included in the upper portion 124
of cabinet 120. Used needles, syringes, and the like are placed in
sharps-disposal bin 164 for later disposal. Waste placed in bins
160, 164 can be removed from the backside of cabinet 120 in hallway
16 and transported away for disposal of their contents.
[0144] As illustrated in FIG. 6, cabinet 120 is positioned in wall
14 and is accessible from the hallway 16 or inside room 12. Upper
portion 124 of cabinet 120 includes a first door 190 accessible
inside room 12 and a second door 192 accessible in hallway 16.
Hinges 194 movably couple doors 190, 192 to upper portion 124 for
movement between open positions (illustrated in phantom) permitting
access to an interior of cabinet 120 and closed positions
(illustrated in solid lines). Doors 190, 192 can include locks (not
shown) to prevent access to the contents of cabinet 120 by
unauthorized persons from inside room 12, from hallway 16, or both.
It is within the scope of this disclosure for cabinet 120 to
include additional doors with or without locks to permit access to
different portions of cabinet 120, including sharps disposal or
other waste disposal, limiting access to these various portions of
cabinet 120 to proper hospital personnel. As illustrated in FIG. 5,
a task light 196 is coupled to upper portion 122 of cabinet 120
above the space that receives tote drawer units 126, 128, 130. As
illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, cabinet 120 includes a work shelf 198
below front door 190.
[0145] As illustrated in FIG. 5, patient care system 10 further
includes a computer terminal or touch-screen monitor 170 coupled to
wall 14. It is within the scope of this disclosure to couple
terminal 170 to cabinet 120. Caregivers use computer terminal 170
to enter supply information such as usage or refill orders. It is
within the scope of this disclosure for computer terminal 170 to be
part of a networked computer system that also serves to permit
automatic entry, recording, and monitoring of patient data..
Illustratively, devices such as terminal 170 can include, serve as,
be part of, or communicate with a supply data receiver to receive
the supply data from a supply data source such as a manual entry
device or an automatic supply sensor. Manual entry devices can
include keyboards, keypads, touch screens, voice systems, and the
like. Automatic supply sensors can include proximity sensors,
weight sensors to measure a quantity of supplies remaining, bar
code readers to record items remaining in stock, or items as they
are used, and the like.
[0146] As illustrated in FIG. 5, patient care system 10 further
includes a plurality of mobile supply carts 118 (only one of which
is illustrated in FIG. 5) that are located throughout the
healthcare facility. Each cart 118 includes a cart housing 180, a
data entry and management unit 184 carried by housing 180, and a
transmitter/receiver unit 182 carried by housing 180. Data entry
and management unit 184 is used for inventory control to record
supply management data, such as the type and quantity of supplies
being added to or removed from the associated cart 118. In one
embodiment, data entry and management unit 184 receives from
receiver 182 a signal containing information regarding needed
supplies in patient room 12. Supply personnel can then use this
information to stock the cart with proper supplies and deliver the
supplies to room 12. For example, a caregiver can place supply
refill orders using monitor 170. The order information is sent to a
hospital computer (not shown) of a hospital computer network (not
shown). The network transmits a signal to one or more carts 118
that contain the needed supplies to alert the attendants of the
respective one or more carts 118 to deliver the needed supplies.
Data entry and management unit 184 can be a stand-alone computer,
or may be somewhat less sophisticated, for example, a keyboard,
barcode reader and/or the like coupled to the transmitter/receiver
182.
[0147] It is within the scope of this disclosure that supply
information is entered to the network automatically or manually.
For example, supply data can be entered to a supply data receiver
using an automatic supply sensor such as a device that
automatically determines the quantities of certain supplies present
or used, or supply data can be entered on a manual entry device.
Such supply data sources can comprise, for example, a scanning
system such as a bar code reader to record presence of remaining
supplies or the use of a supply item, a weight sensor to detect the
amount of remaining supplies, or a manual entry system, such as a
keyboard or keypad, to track usage or remaining supplies. It is
also within the scope of this disclosure that the exchange of data
relating to supplies, relating to the condition of the patient, and
the like can take place by any suitable method, such as, a
wireless, optical, or wired network of computers, databases, and
the like. It is within the scope of this disclosure to record such
patient or supply data on memory coupled to carts 118, terminal
170, data entry and management unit 184, tote drawer units 126,
128, 130, or other devices, to be connected to the network later
for transmission of the data to the network at a convenient time.
It is also within the scope of this disclosure for
transmitter/receiver unit 182 to inform caregivers of the locations
of carts 118 and the supplies that are on board the carts 118.
[0148] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to certain illustrative embodiments, variations and
modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as
described and defined in the following claims.
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