System and method of monitoring and managing a remote infusion regimen

Abstract

A method and system for monitoring and managing a remote infusion regimen where a prescribed infusion regimen is provided and compared to subsequent infusion event data to determine if the data falls within predetermined parameters. If the data does not fall within predetermined parameters a monitoring technician, supportive caregiver, patient or some combination thereof are immediately notified so that corrective action may be taken.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A system for monitoring and managing remote compliance with an infusion regimen, comprising:
 a controller having a processor and database that are connected to an electronic network;   a patient record stored in the database having a prescribed infusion regimen;   an infusion pump located remotely to the controller and connected to an electronic device that transmits infusion event data via the electronic network to the controller where the transmitted data is stored and compared to the prescribed infusion regimen.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a notification that is transmitted to at least one of a supportive caregiver, a monitoring nurse, or a technician when the transmitted infusion event data is not within predetermined compliance requirements. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the electronic device has a database that stores the infusion event data. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the database includes patient outcome information that is linked to therapeutic approaches. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein transmission of infusion event data is linked to a billing system to ensure charge capture. 
     
     
         6 . A method of monitoring and managing remote compliance with an infusion regiment, comprising the steps of:
 prescribing a remote infusion regimen;   storing the prescribed remote infusion regimen in a patient record of a database of a controller having a processing unit and a display;   capturing data on a remote electronic device of an infusion event for a patient using an infusion pump;   transmitting and then storing the captured infusion event data to the database of the controller via an electronic network;   comparing the transmitted infusion event data with the prescribed infusion regimen; and   transmitting a notification to a monitoring caregiver based upon the comparison.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising the step of transmitting a notification to a supportive caregiver from the controller via the electronic network when the transmitted infusion data is not compliant with the prescribed infusion regimen. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising the step of transmitting the infusion event data to a database of an infusion pump manufacturer via the electronic network to allow development of improved pump usage statistics. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the captured infusion event data is stored in a database on the electronic device of the supportive caregiver. 
     
     
         10 . A system for monitoring and managing remote compliance with an infusion regimen, comprising:
 an infusion pump having a processor and a database wherein the database includes a prescribed infusion regimen and stores infusion event data;   an electronic device disposed within an infusion pump and connected to an electronic network;   a controller having a processing unit, a database, and a display that receives infusion event data from the electronic device via the electronic network and compares the transmitted event data with the prescribed infusion regimen to determine compliance.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the controller provides a notification to a monitoring caregiver when the infusion event data is not in compliance. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the infusion pump provides a code to a patient on completion of an infusion event which the patient provides to a monitoring caregiver following a successful infusion event. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the controller on the infusion pump compares infusion event data with predetermined anticipated data to determine compliance. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 10  having a pharmacy system interface to capture orders. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the monitoring caregiver display provides on-screen triage of multiple remote infusion activity.