U.S. patent application number 11/295271 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-27 for information management and material distribution for sterilization facilities.
This patent application is currently assigned to 3M Innovative Properties Company. Invention is credited to Rodney K. Hehenberger, Terry S. Nees.
Application Number | 20060089859 11/295271 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21848612 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060089859 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hehenberger; Rodney K. ; et
al. |
April 27, 2006 |
Information management and material distribution for sterilization
facilities
Abstract
An automated system for management of information and
distribution of materials associated with sterilization procedures
includes a network server and client computers that communicate via
a computer network. The client computers are distributed among
sterilization facilities that require sterilization services. The
network server exchanges a variety of information with the
sterilization facilities. In response to information from client
computers, the network server may trigger distribution of materials
to sterilization facilities, and generates reports for
record-keeping or cost-accounting purposes. The information
distributed by the network server may pertain to the operation,
maintenance and control of sterilization equipment, characteristics
and capabilities of sterilization materials, and expert technical
advice. The information received from sterilization facilities
includes requests for information, orders for purchase and delivery
of materials, and sterilization process information documenting
sterilization procedures performed within a sterilization
facility.
Inventors: |
Hehenberger; Rodney K.;
(Apple Valley, MN) ; Nees; Terry S.; (Shoreview,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
PO BOX 33427
ST. PAUL
MN
55133-3427
US
|
Assignee: |
3M Innovative Properties
Company
|
Family ID: |
21848612 |
Appl. No.: |
11/295271 |
Filed: |
December 6, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10029355 |
Oct 26, 2001 |
6991761 |
|
|
11295271 |
Dec 6, 2005 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/087 20130101;
G16H 40/40 20180101; G16H 40/20 20180101; Y10S 707/99931 20130101;
G06Q 30/0601 20130101; G16H 70/20 20180101; G06Q 30/018 20130101;
G06Q 10/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/002 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/00 20060101
G06Q010/00 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: receiving sterilization process information
from a sterilization facility via a computer network; arranging the
sterilization process information received from the facility to
illustrate compliance with a sterilization process standard;
generating a report that includes the arranged information; and
providing a network client with access to the report via the
computer network, wherein the network client is associated with a
reviewer that analyzes the report to evaluate compliance with the
sterilization process standard.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein providing access to the report
includes transmitting the report to the network client via the
computer network.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein providing access to the report
includes serving a document containing the report upon request by
the network client.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the document is a web page.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein arranging sterilization process
information and generating a report includes archiving the
sterilization process information, and arranging the sterilization
process information and generating the report upon request by the
network client.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the network client is a
regulatory agency or an audit organization.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the report identifies individual
sterilization loads and load contents.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the report includes sterilization
processing characteristics for the individual sterilization loads,
the sterilization processing characteristics for each load
including at least one of type of sterilizer, sterilizer
identification, cycle time, sterilization time, temperature,
pressure, humidity and sterilant concentration.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving sterilization process
information includes receiving sterilization process information
from multiple sterilization facilities, and generating a report
includes generating reports for the multiple sterilization
facilities.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein generating the report includes
generating the report to integrate sterilization process
information received from two or more of the sterilization
facilities.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining
consumption of a quantity of a sterilization material by the
sterilization facility based on the sterilization process
information received from the sterilization facility; and
processing an order for delivery of an additional quantity of the
sterilization material to the sterilization facility based on the
determination.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the sterilization material
includes at least one of sterilant, pack material, and
indicators.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving an order
for sterilization material from the sterilization facility; and
processing the order to direct delivery of the sterilization
material to the sterilization facility.
14. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing access to
information relating to sterilization materials; providing access
to information relating to sterilization processes; and providing
interactive communication between technical personnel knowledgeable
in sterilization processes and sterilization facility
personnel.
15. The method of claim 1, further comprising: accumulating
information concerning best practices and trends in sterilization
processing from multiple network clients; and providing access to
the best practices and trends information via the network.
16. A system comprising: a client computer, associated with a
sterilization facility, that transmits sterilization process
information via a computer network; and a network server that
receives the sterilization process information from the client
computer via the computer network, arranges the sterilization
process information received from the client computer to illustrate
compliance with a sterilization process standard, generates a
report that includes the arranged, and provides a network client
with access to the report via the computer network, wherein the
network client is associated with a reviewer that analyzes the
report to evaluate compliance with the sterilization process
standard.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the network server provides
access to the report by transmitting the report to the network
client via the computer network.
18. The system of claim 16, wherein the network server provides
access to the report by serving a document containing the report
upon request by the network client.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the document is a web page.
20. The system of claim 16, wherein the network server archives the
sterilization process information, and generates the reports upon
request by the network client.
21. The system of claim 16, wherein generating the report includes
arranging the sterilization process information to illustrate
compliance with sterilization process standards.
22. The system of claim 16, wherein the network client is a
regulatory agency or an audit organization.
23. The system of claim 16, wherein the report identifies
individual sterilization loads and load contents.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein the report includes
sterilization processing characteristics for the individual
sterilization loads, the sterilization processing characteristics
for each load including at least one of type of sterilizer,
sterilizer identification, cycle time, sterilization time,
temperature, pressure, humidity and sterilant concentration.
25. The system of claim 16, wherein the system includes multiple
client computers that transmit sterilization process information
for multiple sterilization facilities, and the network server
generates multiple reports for the multiple sterilization
facilities.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the network server generates a
report that integrates sterilization process information received
from client computers associated with two or more of the
sterilization facilities.
27. The system of claim 16, wherein the network server determines
consumption of a quantity of a sterilization material by the
sterilization facility based on the sterilization process
information received from the sterilization facility, and processes
an order for delivery of an additional quantity of the
sterilization material to the sterilization facility based on the
determination.
28. The system of claim 27, wherein the sterilization material
includes at least one of sterilant, pack material, and
indicators.
29. The system of claim 27, wherein the network server receives an
order for sterilization material from the sterilization facility,
and processes the order to direct delivery of the sterilization
material to the sterilization facility.
30. The system of claim 27, wherein the network server provides
access to information relating to sterilization materials, access
to information relating to sterilization processes, and interactive
communication between technical personnel knowledgeable in
sterilization processes and sterilization facility personnel.
31. The system of claim 16, wherein the network server accumulates
information concerning best practices and trends in sterilization
processing from multiple network clients, and provides access to
the best practices and trends information via the network.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to the health care industry and, more
particularly, to administration of sterilization procedures in a
health care facility.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In a health care facility, sterilization generally refers to
the process of eliminating bacteria and other microorganisms from
the surfaces of instruments, medical devices, implants and other
articles used in surgical procedures. A traditional sterilization
process uses steam under pressure. Alternative sterilization
processes use ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen
peroxide/plasma, or peracetic acid in vapor form as the sterilant,
as well as gamma irradiation and electron beam sterilization. In
each process, the sterilizer is designed to kill all viable living
organisms within a sterilization chamber. To achieve this
objective, health care personnel must select the appropriate
sterilization process and carefully monitor its parameters.
[0003] To verify successful sterilization, health care facilities
typically use sterilization indicators of either the chemical or
biological variety. A chemical sterilization indicator responds to
one or more conditions necessary for proper sterilization, such as
temperature, time, and sterilant concentration or exposure. A
biological indicator carries a biological agent, and indicates
successful sterilization when the biological agent has been killed.
The indicator is placed on or within a pack containing articles to
be sterilized.
[0004] Following the sterilization process, the sterilization
indicator aids health care personnel in identifying packs that have
been exposed to the conditions necessary for sterilization. The
pack may carry other information, often within the indicator, that
identifies the pack for record-keeping purposes. For example, the
indicator may carry text or bar code information that uniquely
identifies the pack, and indicates sterilization status. In some
cases, the information can be scanned in an automated manner to
assist in automated record-keeping via a computer system.
[0005] To achieve effective sterilization workflow, record-keeping,
and safety, a health care facility must devote substantial
personnel, training and administrative resources to the
sterilization process. For example, it is necessary to maintain a
sufficient inventory of sterilant, pack lists, and indicators, and
properly maintain sterilization equipment. Comprehensive knowledge
of sterilization procedures and control of associated parameters
are necessary for proper sterilization. In addition, efficient
workflow requires effective tracking of packs to ensure that
sterilized articles are available when needed. Cost accounting also
is desirable to allocate the costs of sterilization to appropriate
departments or entities. In addition, regulatory agencies and
independent audit organizations may require access to sterilization
records for verification of regulatory compliance or accreditation.
Access to information concerning best practices also is important
in maintaining and refining sterilization processes within a
sterilization facility.
SUMMARY
[0006] In general, the invention is directed to an automated system
for management of information and distribution of materials
associated with sterilization procedures. The invention may be
implemented via a computer network having at least one network
server and client computers distributed among a number of
sterilization facilities. In particular, the network server
exchanges information with sterilization facilities via the client
computers. For example, the network server may provide the
sterilization facilities with information relating to sterilization
products or processes. In response to information received from the
sterilization facilities, the network server may trigger
distribution of sterilization materials to the sterilization
facilities, and generate reports for record-keeping or
cost-accounting purposes.
[0007] The information distributed by the network server may
include information pertaining to the operation, maintenance and
control of sterilization equipment and processes, the
characteristics and capabilities of commercially available
sterilization materials such as particular sterilants, pack lists,
and indicators, and expert advice delivered in real-time, e.g., via
an online chat room facility, or by email or other communication
media. The information received from the sterilization facilities
may include requests for information, orders for purchase and
shipment of materials, and cost accounting and record-keeping
information pertaining to the sterilization procedures performed by
the sterilization facilities in the course of their operations.
[0008] The network server may trigger the distribution of materials
by communicating orders to automated product ordering systems or
individuals responsible for order fulfillment. The network server
may trigger distribution of materials based on direct requests
communicated from sterilization facilities. Alternatively, the
network server may be equipped to monitor sterilization process
information communicated by the sterilization facilities to
determine when a need for additional materials exits. In this case,
the network server delivers materials on a predictive basis to
maintain sterilization product inventory and keep the operations of
a sterilization facility running smoothly.
[0009] The materials distributed according to requests generated by
the network server may include consumable materials such as
sterilants, pack lists, and indicators, as well as software
executed by sterilization facility computers to prepare and process
indicators. For example, a sterilization facility may provide the
network server with information concerning consumption of
sterilants, pack lists, indicators and the like, either directly or
as part of other information pertaining to sterilization processes
within the sterilization facility. In addition, a client computer
may directly request the download of software that, for example,
drives the printing of identification codes, such as bar codes, on
a pack or indicator, defines an indicator image to be printed, or
prints a pack list for central service employees. In some cases,
the identification code may be printed with self-indicating ink,
i.e., ink that changes appearance to indicate the sterilization
status of a pack.
[0010] In addition, the network server can be configured to
generate reports based on information communicated by the
sterilization facilities. For example, a client interface can be
incorporated in the sterilization facility to permit communication
of sterilization process monitoring information to the network
server. The sterilization process monitoring information may
indicate the status of sterilization equipment, sterilization loads
and particular packs within a load. On this basis, the network
server can generate reports, for real-time access or archival, that
track operations within a sterilization facility. In some cases,
the reports can be made accessible by the sterilization facilities
as well as regulatory agencies or independent audit organizations
to verify compliance with applicable standards. In other cases, the
reports may contain cost-accounting information for the charge-back
of sterilization costs to particular departments within a health
care facility.
[0011] In one embodiment, the invention provides a method
comprising receiving sterilization process information from a
sterilization facility via a computer network, generating a report
based on the received information, and providing a network client
with access to the report via the computer network.
[0012] In another embodiment, the invention provides a system
comprising a client computer and a network server. The client
computer, associated with a sterilization facility, transmits
sterilization process information via a computer network. The
network server receives the sterilization process information from
the client computer via the computer network, generates a report
based on the received information, and provides a network client
with access to the report via the computer network.
[0013] In an added embodiment, the invention provides a method
comprising receiving sterilization process information from a
sterilization facility via a computer network, determining
consumption of a quantity of a sterilization material by the
sterilization facility based on the sterilization process
information, and processing an order for delivery of an additional
quantity of the sterilization material to the sterilization
facility based on the determination.
[0014] In a further embodiment, the invention provides a system
comprising a client computer associated with a sterilization
facility. The client computer transmits sterilization process
information via a computer network to a network server. The network
server determines consumption of a quantity of a sterilization
material by the sterilization facility based on the sterilization
process information, and processes an order for delivery of an
additional quantity of the sterilization material to the
sterilization facility based on the determination.
[0015] In another embodiment, the invention provides a method
comprising receiving sterilization process information from a
sterilization facility via a computer network. The method further
comprises determining consumption of a quantity of a sterilization
material by the sterilization facility based on the sterilization
process information, and processes an order for delivery of an
additional quantity of the sterilization material to the
sterilization facility based on the determination. In addition, the
method involves scheduling maintenance for sterilization equipment
associated with the sterilization facility based on the
sterilization process information, and generating a report that
indicates compliance with sterilization process standards based on
the sterilization process information. A network client may be
given access to the report via the computer network.
[0016] In an added embodiment, the invention provides a system
comprising a client computer, associated with a sterilization
facility, that transmits sterilization process information via a
computer network to a network server. The network server determines
consumption of a quantity of a sterilization material by the
sterilization facility based on the sterilization process
information, and processes an order for delivery of an additional
quantity of the sterilization material to the sterilization
facility based on the determination. The network server also
schedules maintenance for sterilization equipment associated with
the sterilization facility based on the sterilization process
information. Further, the network server generates a report that
indicates compliance with sterilization process standards based on
the sterilization process information, and provides a reviewer with
access to the report via the computer network.
[0017] In another embodiment, the invention provides a method
comprising receiving sterilization process information from a
sterilization facility via a computer network, generating a cost
report based on the received information, and providing a network
client with access to the report via the computer network.
[0018] In a further embodiment, the invention provides a system
comprising a client computer and a network server. The client
computer, associated with a sterilization facility, transmits
sterilization process information via a computer network. The
network server receives the sterilization process information from
the client computer via the computer network, generates a cost
report based on the received information, and provides a network
client with access to the report via the computer network.
[0019] The invention is capable of providing one or more
advantages. In general, the invention can promote the delivery of
effective sterilization services. In some embodiments, the
invention can improve workflow, inventory control, accounting,
record-keeping, and/or compliance with applicable standards. With
the invention, sterilization personnel can obtain ready access to
information concerning sterilization procedures and control of
parameters necessary for proper sterilization.
[0020] Automated distribution of materials used in sterilization
procedures can provide more efficient inventory management and
ensure availability of vital materials, including consumable
materials and electronic information used in sterilization
processes. Also, use of automated purchasing systems can simplify
the ordering of materials by sterilization facility personnel. In
addition, with the invention, a sterilization facility can benefit
from automation and centralization of process tracking and cost
accounting. The invention also can facilitate reporting to
regulatory agencies and independent audit organizations.
[0021] As a further advantage, the network server may use the same
sterilization process information provided by a sterilization
facility for multiple purposes in some embodiments. For example,
the network server may prepare sterilization process reports based
on the sterilization process information, and extract information
to determine usage levels for materials and equipment. In this
manner, the network server can also estimate inventory levels,
order additional materials based on the inventory levels, and
schedule maintenance of sterilization equipment.
[0022] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are
set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below.
Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example system for
managing information and material distribution for sterilization
facilities via a computer network.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the system of FIG. 1
in greater detail.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example file
archive associated with a network server of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating generation of reports
and distribution of sterilization materials in the system of FIG.
1.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a flow chart further illustrating distribution of
sterilization materials in the system of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system 10 for
management of information and distribution of materials for
sterilization facilities. System 10 is implemented via a computer
network 12, which may take the form of a local area network, wide
area network, or a global computer network such as the World Wide
Web. As shown in FIG. 1, system 10 may include a network server 14
coupled via network 12 to a number of client computers associated
with sterilization facilities 16A, 16B, 16C, reviewer 18 and
supplier 20. Network server 14 provides sterilization facilities 16
with access to information relating to sterilization processing. In
addition, network server 14 receives sterilization process
information from sterilization facilities 16.
[0029] In general, network server 14 operates as a central
management server for one or more of sterilization facilities 16.
Network server 14 may include one or more computers that cooperate
to provide the functionality described herein. In addition, network
server 14 may execute a variety of software applications that
interact with software processes running on different machines to
provide the functionality described herein. As will be described,
network server 14 can be used to promote delivery of effective
sterilization services by sterilization facilities 16. In
particular, network server 14 can improve workflow, inventory
control, record-keeping and compliance with applicable standards.
For example, sterilization facilities 16 can access network server
14 to obtain detailed technical information concerning
sterilization procedures, products and equipment. Based on
information provided by sterilization facilities 16, network server
14 can trigger distribution of sterilization materials from
supplier 20 to the sterilization facilities, promoting efficient
inventory management and availability of materials. In addition,
network server 14 can provide sterilization process tracking and
automatically generate compliance reports for inspection by
reviewer 18.
[0030] Sterilization facilities 16 and reviewer 18 are network
clients within system 10. Each sterilization facility 16 may take
the form of a health care facility, such as a hospital or clinic,
or a department within a health care facility such as central
services, infection control, an operating room, a laboratory, or an
accounting department that perform, manage or make use of
sterilization services. Reviewer 18 may take the form of a
regulatory agency or an independent audit organization responsible
for verifying compliance of sterilization facilities 16 with
applicable standards. In addition, reviewer 18 may be part of an
organization internal to a health care facility. Supplier 20 may
take the form of a manufacturer or distributor of sterilization
materials, such as sterilizer equipment, sterilants, pack lists,
indicators and the like. System 10 may have numerous sterilization
facilities 16, reviewers 18 and suppliers 20, each of which may
interact with network server 14 via network 12.
[0031] The client computers associated with sterilization
facilities 16, reviewer 18 and supplier 20 may take the form of a
variety of devices that permit a user to access resources on
network 12. Examples of suitable client computers include desktop
or portable computers operating in a Windows, Macintosh, Unix, or
Linux environment, personal digital assistants (PDA's), based on
the Palm, Windows CE, or similar operating system environments,
Internet-equipped wireless telephones, and other Internet
appliances. Each client computer may execute a graphical viewing
application, such as a web browser, to access resources residing on
network server 14 or other network resources.
[0032] Network server 14 may generate web pages, e.g., encoded with
Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Extensible Markup Language (XML),
or the like, and may incorporate tags that point to objects or
files stored on other network resources. When product information
is requested, for example, network server 14 may embed tags for
objects or files stored at supplier 20, or simply redirect
sterilization facility 16 to a web site maintained by supplier 20.
Thus, the content of web pages assembled for sterilization
facilities 16 may include objects obtained from a variety of
resources within network 12. In some embodiments, network server 14
and supplier 20 may be integrated with one another. In the example
of FIG. 1, however, network server 14 and supplier 20 are separate
entities and maintain separate servers on network 12.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating system 10 of FIG. 1
in greater detail. As shown in FIG. 2, network 12 may be
implemented via the World Wide Web. Also, network server 14 may
include a collection of computers, including a web server 22,
database server 24, and file server 28, that interact with database
26 and file archive 30. Web server 22 interacts with database
server 24 to identify objects and files to be served with web
pages. The locations of the objects and files are indicated within
database 26. Web server 22 interacts with file server 28 to access
the objects and files identified by database 26 within file archive
30. Web server 22 also may interact with an order system 32 and a
chat interface 34. Order system 32 permits web server 22 to
generate orders for delivery of sterilization materials to
particular sterilization facilities 16.
[0034] Chat interface 34 manages interactive communications between
personnel associated with sterilization facilities 16 and technical
experts in the field of sterilization, as well as other
sterilization personnel associated with different sterilization
facilities. In this manner, sterilization personnel can submit
questions to experts and share experiences with both experts and
other sterilization personnel across a broad geographic community.
This form of interactive communication may relate to use of
sterilization products already purchased by sterilization
facilities 16, or prospective products that a sterilization
facility is considering for use in its operations. In addition, in
some embodiments, supplier 20 may use the chat interface 34, email
or other communication media to provide sterilization facilities 16
with notices concerning new products, documentation for existing
products, and advice about the suitability of new materials for
sterilization processes used by a particular sterilization
facility. In this sense, the communication from experts or
manufacturers may be personalized.
[0035] As further shown in FIG. 2, sterilization facility 16B may
provide an interface 36 to network 12 for access by personnel
associated with a number of departments within a health care
facility. For example, sterilization facility 16B may include
independent sterilization facilities associated with accounting 37,
central services 38, operating room 40, intensive care 42, and
various medical laboratories 44, as well as other departments such
as receiving, maintenance and procedure scheduling. Each
independent sterilization facility 37, 38, 40, 42, 44 may have one
or more client computers that communicate with interface 36 via an
intranet or other local area network. In this case, interface 36
acts as an intranet server that submits and receives information
via web 12 on behalf of the independent sterilization facilities
37, 38, 40, 42, 44. Other sterilization facilities 16A, 16C may be
associated with only a single department that communicates directly
via network 12.
[0036] A firewall preferably is provided as a security measure. The
firewall separates database server 24 and file server 28 from
network server 14 to avoid unauthorized intrusions into the
information maintained for particular sterilization facilities 16.
Due to its nature as a repository of information concerning
sterilization processing of individual sterilization facilities 16
and health care organizations, the security and confidentiality of
database 26 and file archive 30 is a serious concern. To promote
increased security and confidentiality of the information, web
pages generated by network server 14 can be communicated using
public key encryption mechanisms such as SSL. Other security
measures, such as the use of login accounts for network clients,
can provide added benefits.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a file archive 30
associated with network server 14. As shown in FIG. 3, file archive
30 may store a variety of personalized information about particular
sterilization facilities 16. In this manner, network server 14 can
process and deliver information on a customized basis for an
individual sterilization facility 16. To that end, file archive 30
may include files containing product information 46 that pertains
to a particular sterilization facility 16.
[0038] The files may contain catalog information identifying
products, product capabilities and characteristics, pricing, and
the like. In some cases, the files may define links to other
network resources or objects or files stored on other resources.
For example, a product information file served by network server 14
may be a web page with tagged objects obtained from a server
associated with supplier 20. Alternatively, a sterilization
facility 16 may be redirected to a server associated with supplier
20 to obtain detailed product information.
[0039] Database server 24 may identify the product information
files or other files pertaining to the sterilization facility 16 by
reference to a profile in database 26. The profile can be built for
a sterilization facility 16 based on the individual characteristics
of its operations, such as the particular types of equipment,
sterilants, pack lists and indicators the facility uses in
sterilization processing, the size of the facility, and the
throughput and product consumption of the facility. Different
sterilization facilities 16 may have different profiles, reflected
in database 26, which identify different sets of product
information 46.
[0040] Hence, different sets of files may be organized within file
archive 30 for particular sterilization facilities 16 by directory
mapping. More preferably, however, a profile in database 26 maps
various files within file archive 30 to particular sterilization
facilities 16. In other words, the profile can be used by web
server 22 to select, for individual sterilization facilities 16,
subsets of the information provided in file archive 30. Based on
the profile, a sterilization facility 16 is permitted to gain
network access to selected subsets of the larger body of
information. In this manner, information for one individual
sterilization facility 16A can be protected from view by the other
sterilization facilities 16B, 16C. The profile may be built
initially based on an online or offline survey taken by the
sterilization facility 16, and refined over time by interaction
with the sterilization facility.
[0041] File archive 30 may have other types of information that can
be arranged for or mapped to a particular sterilization facility 16
on a customized basis. For example, file archive 30 may store
service information 48, which indicates the type of maintenance
services required by a sterilization facility 16 based on the
installed based of sterilization equipment. Service information 48
may indicate a schedule for maintenance of such equipment, and may
be accessed by not only sterilization facility 16 but also by
service personnel who contract with sterilization facility for
maintenance services. In this case, service information 48 may be
formatted for automated use with scheduling software used by
service personnel.
[0042] Service information 48 may be based on a static, time-based
metric for scheduling maintenance of sterilizer equipment. For
example, maintenance can be scheduled on a monthly or quarterly
basis. Alternatively, network server 14 may schedule maintenance
based on sterilization process information 50 received from
sterilization facilities 16 that indicates actual usage of
equipment. Sterilization process information 50 can be stored in
file archive 30 and used to dispatch service personnel, trigger
distribution of sterilization materials, and prepare sterilization
process reports, as will be described. Maintenance services may be
integrated with the services provided by network server 14 and the
operations of supplier 20. Sterilization process information 50 may
include specific data concerning sterilization processes and loads
run through sterilization equipment at a sterilization facility
over a period of time. Sterilization facility 16 may upload data
representative of actual usage to web server 22 on a periodic
basis, e.g., once per day.
[0043] Based on the data provided by sterilization facility 16,
network server 14 can determine not only a maintenance schedule,
but also an estimate of consumption of sterilization materials in
the course of performance of the sterilization processes. By
estimating consumption, network server 14 can anticipate a need for
additional sterilization materials by the particular sterilization
facility 16. Network server 14 can track history and usage patterns
of particular types of sterilization materials. On this basis,
network server 14 can trigger distribution of additional
sterilization materials to sterilization facility 16 on a
predictive basis, ensuring ready availability of the sterilization
materials on an automated basis without the need for significant
human intervention.
[0044] Network server 14 may generate a request for particular
sterilization materials, for example, and communicate the request
to an order system 32, as shown in FIG. 2, or directly to a
supplier 20 via network 12. Order system 32 passes the request
along to a supplier 20. In each case, supplier 20 responds by
shipping the sterilization materials to the particular
sterilization facility 16. Electronic payment can be readily
arranged between sterilization facility 16 and supplier 20. In some
embodiments, network server 14 may be operated by a supplier 20
such that the services offered by the network server are integrated
with the operations of the supplier.
[0045] In some embodiments, network server 14 may communicate an
email, page or other message to personnel associated with a
sterilization facility 16 prior to requesting distribution of
materials. The message may take the form of a simple reminder that
the inventory of particular sterilization materials may require
replenishment. In this, case, the sterilization facility personnel
may contact the supplier to order additional sterilization
materials. Alternatively, the message may provide an interactive
medium such as a hypertext link that can be used to acknowledge
approval of a proposed order of sterilization materials. For
example, the message may list the details of a purchase order and
an "approval" button. When a sterilization facility personnel
clicks on the button, web server 22 receives notification of
approval and proceeds with the order on an automated basis, as
described above. In any event, sterilization facility 16 benefits
from automated monitoring of its inventory based on analysis of
sterilization process information 50 uploaded to web server 22 from
the sterilization facility.
[0046] Network server 14 may use sterilization process information
50 to prepare not only orders for sterilization material, but also
reports 52 that track the sterilization operations of a
sterilization facility 16 over a period of time. Reports 52 may
contain information relating to the use of particular sterilization
equipment, process parameters, particular loads processed, and
particular packs within a load. This type of report 52 can be used
to record the precise conditions and characteristics associated
with the actual sterilization processing operations performed by a
sterilization facility. In this manner, a reviewer 18, e.g., a
regulatory agency or independent audit organization, can use the
report to verify compliance with applicable standards. In some
cases, a report 52 may integrate sterilization processing
information received from two or more sterilization facilities 16,
e.g., if the sterilization facilities are controlled by a common
entity such as a hospital, clinic, or health maintenance
organization. Report 52 also can be made accessible to personnel
within a health care facility, e.g., for internal auditing or
analysis.
[0047] In each case, report 52 provides automated, centralized
record-keeping that eases the administrative burden on individual
sterilization facilities 16. In addition, reviewer 18 can readily
access reports 52 online, either by accessing network server 14 or
receiving emails with attachment documents containing report
content. In some embodiments, reviewer 18 may download a plug-in
from network server 14 that permits viewing of information embodied
in reports 52, e.g., graphically. In other embodiments, network
server 14 may be configured to assemble a report 52 for reviewer 18
only upon request. In this case, network server 14 may assemble
items stored in sterilization process information 50 for a
particular sterilization facility 16. Also, a sterilization
facility 16 may be permitted to control access to reports 52 by
reviewers 18, including the scope of access and the time at which
the reviewer can access the reports. For example, in some
embodiments, sterilization facility 16 may limit access by
reviewers 18 to only those portions of an overall report 52
necessary for evaluation of compliance.
[0048] As an example, reviewer 18 may be an independent audit
organization such as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of
Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). The audit organization, as
reviewer 18, retrieves sterilization process reports from network
server 14, and reviews the reports for compliance with applicable
standards. The online availability of the reports can greatly
reduce the administrative overhead required by a sterilization
facility 16 when an audit takes place. In addition, in the event of
a recall, the necessary data concerning which instruments were
affected and the sterilization processing status of each pack can
be readily retrieved for tracking purposes.
[0049] To facilitate preparation of a report 52, sterilization
process information 50 uploaded by sterilization facility 16 should
include sufficient data concerning sterilization processes carried
out by the sterilization facility. For a sterilization load using
biological indicators, for example, a sterilization facility 16 may
provide a sterilization summary including the date a load is
processed, the particular sterilizer used, e.g., by number or name,
the type of sterilizer, the start and end times for a load, a load
identification, an indication of indicator growth, i.e., positive
or negative, and a status indication, i.e., whether the load was
released or is in process. For a chemical indicator, the
sterilization facility would include similar information plus a
simple indication of whether the chemical indication exhibited a
pass or fail status. The sterilization summary also may include
process parameters such as cycle time, sterilization time,
temperature, pressure, humidity, sterilant concentration and the
like.
[0050] Network server 14 also may use sterilization process
information 50 to assemble cost-accounting data 54 for a
sterilization facility. Sterilization process information 50 may
identify sterilization processing operations associated with
departments or other entities within a health care facility. Using
sterilization process information 50 and a cost database prepared
for a sterilization facility 16, network server 14 can prepare cost
accounting data 54, which then facilitates cost management and
charge-backs to appropriate departments. The cost account data can
be made available for online access and downloading by accounting
personnel associated with a sterilization facility 16.
Alternatively, network server 14 may forward the cost account data
to sterilization facility 16 on a periodic basis, e.g. monthly.
[0051] With further reference to FIG. 3, file archive 30 also may
store indicator software files 56 that are used to drive a printer
to produce chemical indicators. As one option, a downloadable
catalog of standardized sterilization pack software can be
displayed in a web page delivered to a sterilization facility 16 by
network server 14. The sterilization facility personnel can then
choose the desired sterilization pack, and download the associated
software. Each indicator software file 56 may define a bar code,
alphanumeric code, or other code that carries information
sufficient to identify a particular sterilization pack and the
sterilization conditions under which it is processed. Thus,
indicator software file 56 could be an executable file that
functions as a custom print driver to produce an indicator, or
simply a graphic file that defines a bar code or other code for
printing via standard print drivers.
[0052] In some cases, the indicators may be printed with
self-indicating ink that changes appearance to indicate exposure to
sufficient sterilization conditions. If self-indicating ink is
used, it may be shipped to sterilization facility 16 in response to
a request by network server 14 for "print-on-demand" applications.
The bar codes, in turn, can be used within a sterilization facility
16 to track individual sterilization packs and sterilization
conditions. The information contained in the bar code, upon
scanning, could form part of the sterilization process information
uploaded from a sterilization facility 16 to network server 14 for
other purposes as described above.
[0053] Chemical indicators may be pre-printed by a manufacturer
according to sterilization process information uploaded to network
server 14 by a sterilization facility 16, and then shipped to the
sterilization facility. In addition, sterilization facilities 16
can order settings for specific types and cycles of sterilization
as they install new equipment or begin to use new types of
sterilization cycles, e.g., longer steam cycles and the like.
Similar techniques, relying on information uploaded by
sterilization facilities 16, could be used to obtain biological
indicators, sterilization tape and other types of sterilization
indicators.
[0054] File archive 30 also may include a set of files that form a
knowledge base 58. Knowledge base 58 may store technical reports,
advisories, user documentation and other information associated
with sterilizer equipment, processes, and materials. In addition,
knowledge base 58 may store protocols and process parameter tables
useful to personnel associated with sterilization facilities 16 in
processing particular types of sterilization loads. Case histories,
trouble-shooting tips, problem fixes, and transcripts from
interactive chat sessions with sterilization experts and online
education seminars can also be provided in knowledge base 58.
[0055] If desired, profiles can be applied to filter portions of
file archive 30 from view by sterilization facilities 16. If a
sterilization facility 16 uses only steam-based sterilizers, for
example, there may be no need to access information in knowledge
base 58 pertaining to ethylene oxide sterilization. Accordingly,
database 26 may map particular files in knowledge base 58 for
access by particular sterilization facilities 16. Alternatively,
database 26 may flag particular files to prohibit access by
particular sterilization facilities 16. This type of access scheme
also can be made applicable to reviewers 18 to limit the scope of
access.
[0056] In some embodiments, system 10 may be used to accumulate
information concerning best practices and trends in sterilization
processing from multiple network clients. This feature may be
particularly useful for organizations responsible for management of
multiple sterilization facilities 16. For example, a health
maintenance organization that manages several different hospitals
may be given access to sterilization process information collected
from those hospitals. The information, which may include types of
sterilization processes used, consumption of sterilization
materials, throughput, process control settings and the like within
the individual hospitals, can be used to develop overall trends and
establish best practices for sterilization processing.
[0057] The larger management organization can use the information
to make purchasing decisions, schedule preventative maintenance,
perform trouble shooting of problems, develop training programs,
improve process quality and throughput, and minimize recalls. Thus,
network server 14 can be configured to accumulate information for
trend analysis and establishment of best practices guidelines and
provide network clients with access to such information. Network
server 14 also may provide more general best practices information
obtained from industry organizations such as the Association for
the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), the Association
of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN), the American Society for
Healthcare Central Service Professionals (ASHCSP), and others, and
provide frequent updates.
[0058] The trend analysis and best practices guidelines may be
processed by the network client based on the information form
network server 14, and then uploaded, if desired, to the network
server for access by other network clients. Alternatively, network
server 14 may simply store the raw information used by individual
network clients in trend analysis and establishment of best
practices. Typically, access to information pertaining to a group
of sterilization facilities 16 will be limited to network clients
affiliated with those facilities rather than shared with
others.
[0059] If information is gathered from a relatively large number of
health care facilities, the trend information can be used to
compare any given hospital to a standard or "norm." Health care
facilities, such as hospitals, typically are quite competitive,
with each hospital seeking to distinguish itself in the quality and
level of service it provides. Trend information could be used to
provide a relative ranking of a hospital in the field of
sterilization services, and reveal areas for improvement.
[0060] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating generation of reports
and distribution of sterilization materials in system 10 of FIG. 1.
As shown in FIG. 4, upon receipt of sterilization process
information (60) from a sterilization facility 16 via network 12,
network server 14 prepares a sterilization process report (62) for
access by the sterilization facilities and reviewer 18. In some
embodiments, network server 14 may apply an checking process (64)
to identify errors within the sterilization process information.
Errors may arise due to human error in entry of the sterilization
process information. If errors exist, network server 14 may
generate an error list and send it to the pertinent sterilization
facility (66). If not, network server 14 makes the report available
to authorized reviewers 18 via network 12 (68).
[0061] Network server 14 also may analyze the sterilization process
information to determine inventory levels of sterilization
materials (70) for the pertinent sterilization facility 16. If the
inventory level drops below a predetermined threshold (72), network
server 14 may generate an order for distribution of additional
sterilization materials to the sterilization facility (74). If the
inventory level is satisfactory (no branch from 72), or upon
generation of an order for additional sterilization materials,
network server 14 may further analyze sterilization process
information to determine a maintenance schedule for the
sterilization equipment used by the sterilization facility 16 (76).
In particular, based on the number and types of sterilization loads
processed by sterilization facility 16, network server 14
determines whether equipment maintenance is due (78). If
maintenance is due, network server 14 issues an order for
scheduling of maintenance (80). In some cases, the order may be
directed to a particular individual for immediate sterilizer
maintenance. If no maintenance is due, network server 14 waits for
the next set of sterilization process information to be uploaded
(no branch of 80).
[0062] As discussed above, network server 14 may analyze the
sterilization process information to estimate consumption of
sterilization materials, as well as usage of sterilization
equipment. Thus, in some embodiments, network server 14 may use the
same sterilization process information for multiple purposes, e.g.,
to prepare sterilization process reports, estimate inventory
levels, and schedule sterilizer equipment maintenance.
[0063] FIG. 5 is a flow chart further illustrating distribution of
sterilization materials in the system of FIG. 1. In particular,
FIG. 5 illustrates the distribution of indicator materials. As
shown in FIG. 5, upon receipt of sterilization process information
(82), network server 14 may determine the characteristics of
indicators (84) used in one or more of the sterilization processes
performed by sterilization facility 16. Based on this
determination, if inventories of the indicator are running for a
print on demand application, network server 14 prepares indicator
information and formats it appropriately (86). Network server 14
then transmits the indicator information and format to
sterilization facility 16 (88).
[0064] If self-indicating ink is required (90) by sterilization
facility 16, rather than ordinary ink, network server 14 may assess
the inventory of self-indicating ink maintained by the
sterilization facility (92). If self-indicating ink is not
required, the indicator is simply printed at sterilization facility
16 (91). If the inventory of ink is greater than a predetermined
threshold (94), sterilization facility 16 may proceed to print the
indicator (96) defined by the indicator information and format sent
by network server 14. If the inventory is less than the
predetermined threshold (94), indicating insufficient supply,
network server 14 prepares an order to send an additional supply of
ink to the sterilization facility (98).
[0065] Various embodiments of the invention have been described.
These and other embodiments are within the scope of the following
claims.
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