Instrument management systems move beyond tracking level - Products & Services

Healthcare Purchasing News, Jan, 2004 by Julie E. Williamson

"If an OR continues to experience the same errors or missing instruments in sets, the system can help them identify the source of the problem and solve it with follow-up education," he noted.

Improved tracking and awareness could also lead to less instrument damage and repair costs. "If a scope is steam sterilized, but was designed for gas sterilization, the system will deliver a pop-up box warning of the error," said Haitchox.

Patient and healthcare worker safety is yet another critical component. In the event of a sharps injury or suspected infection transmission via an instrument, for example, facilities can use their systems to trace that item back to a specific case.

On the horizon

Hospitals may soon have even more asset management opportunities at their fingertips as vendors move to incorporate real time wireless scanning capabilities into their systems. Software solutions providers are already recognizing the need for modules that can track durable medical equipment throughout a hospital. St. Vincent's is looking to tracking mobile assets like gurneys, infusion pinups, crash carts, beds and wheel chairs, to further capitalize on the value of its equipment management system.

In their quest to emphasize efficiency and overall commitment to quality, healthcare providers will demand more from instrument vendors in the way of product enhancements and ongoing system support, noted Cannady.

"The objective realities of hospitals will not likely change any time soon. They must stress uncompromising quality in patient care within the financial constraints of facility budgets," he explained. "Systems must continue to evolve and become more robust. Those systems that speak to these issues and provide the means for these objectives to be met will [stand apart] from the competition."