WO2007061368A1

WO2007061368A1 - System for a patient treatment workstation

Info

Publication number: WO2007061368A1
Application number: PCT/SE2006/001359
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thore Falkvall
Original assignee: As Ldiamon
Priority date: 2005-11-28
Filing date: 2006-11-28
Publication date: 2007-05-31

Abstract

A system for monitoring and controlling a treatment workstation connectable to a patient. The treatment workstation has several sensor and functionality modules for obtaining information regarding the status of the patient, and a single control interface, including a display and an operation panel. The treatment workstation and the control interface are connected to a utility PC for processing capacity. The control interface has identification device for identification of the user and the patient, and for identification of modules and utility units and disposable and consumable products used during the process. Such identification takes place by a bar code, a PIN- code, a magnetic strip, a transponder or a data chip.

Description

TITLE: SYSTEM FOR A PATIENT TREATMENT WORKSTATION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of process monitoring and/or controlling at a patient treatment workstation or laboratory. More particularly the invention relates to enhanced functionality in a workstation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An example of a system and a method for a user interface for medical devices and systems within a healthcare/medication delivery system and/or medication information technology system is disclosed in US-Al-

2005/0055244. The user interface comprises a housing, a processor, a memory, a communications interface for providing communications between the user interface and a medical device/controller and for providing communications between the user interface and a first central computer, and a display for displaying a medical prompt and for displaying medical information received from the first central computer. The user interface also provides for indicating the loss of a wireless communication link within a healthcare facility.

Another example of a system and a method for tracking patients having renal disease, particularly Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), is disclosed in WO-A2-2004/053768. The system and method disclosed therein provide a continuum of care for renal patients, i.e., CKD, peritoneal dialysis

(PD) , home haemodialysis (HHD) , in-center haemodialysis and transplant within a single database associated with the system. The system and method track the access information of PD patients and/or HHD patients. The system and method may track PD and HHD information in one comprehensive module .

In the publication EP 1,291,802 A2 a method and apparatus for closed-loop pharmaceutical delivery is provided.

In the publication US2005/0143632A1 a processing device and display system is provided. The processing device and display system provides different functions used in delivering healthcare to a patient. A plurality of different individual modules includes at least one of: a patient monitoring module for acquiring and processing signals derived from sensors suitable for attachment to a patient; and a patient treatment module for providing treatment to a patient . In the US patent US 5,713,856 a modular patient care system is provided for patient monitoring and the supply of therapeutic requirements.

In a patient treatment workstation, the work may be centred on and around a main equipment, e.g. a dialysis station, intensive care department, laboratories, etc.

Technical developments may result in a need for additional functionalities and equipment as well as replacements of parts and functions of the main equipment at the patient treatment workstation. This may result in that a plurality of standard utilities, such as data processing capacity, displays with operation control, need to be integrated in the main equipment or function. This may result in more complicated equipment and increased risks for mistakes by the operators at the patient treatment workstation and higher costs. The same result applies when using multiple stand-alone devices at a patient treatment workstation.

Within medical treatment processes, like intensive care, the consequences of a maloperation by an operator can be disastrous and even fatal, resulting in high mental pressure on the operator and may in conjunction with complicated operation of the various patient workstation devices and procedures increase the risk of mistakes.

Thus, there is a need for a technical solution, which drastically simplifies the operation of a patient treatment workstation or laboratory and relieves the operator from the mentioned mental pressure .

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In order to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate at least partly one or several of the above-mentioned problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a technical solution for monitoring and controlling devices within a patient treatment workstation.

Another object is to increase the safety by including members for adjusting and interacting with the treatment workstation.

A further object is to increase the easiness and thereby the safety in operation of the control interface, which additionally, reduces the stress on the operator. This means that the increased risk for mistakes/errors when operating a workstation with several different logics and layouts is reduced.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a technical solution for adding desired medical functionalities on an existing patient treatment workstation, or medical device, such as a dialysis apparatus, and thus providing an existing apparatus with desired functionalities, without requiring the owner of said apparatus to buy a new expensive apparatus to be able to utilize the desired functionalities within the field of healthcare .

According to a first aspect, there is provided a system as defined in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further objects, features and advantages of which the invention is capable of will be apparent and elucidated from the following description of embodiments of the present invention, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a block scheme showing the overall structure of an embodiment of the present invention using a dialysis station as an example; Fig. 2 is a block scheme similar to Fig. 1 showing an alternative embodiment;

Fig. 3 is a block scheme similar to Fig. 1 showing a further alternative embodiment;

Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing the activation of the system of the invention;

Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing the activation and operation of a sensor module of the invention; and

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the activation and operation of a functionality module of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention also relates to an individual modular product structure with an open architecture, which is designed for integrating products, which may be standalone products and/or disposable and/or consumable products, at various patient treatment workstations and/or laboratories, both henceforth called patient treatment workstation.

A stand-alone technical solution is provided simplifying the operation of additional equipment at a patient treatment workstation for an operator, thereby- increasing the overall safety and reducing costs.

In a first embodiment of the invention according to Fig. 1, the system comprises two patient treatment workstations, e.g. two haemodialysis workstations 1 and 2, and a single control interface 3 for each workstation, such as a display and operations panel, e.g. a touch screen panel. The system further comprises several sensor modules 11, 21, 31, 211, 221, 231 several functionality modules 12, 22, 32 and a processing capacity means 4. The processing capacity means is shared between the individual patient treatment workstations 1, 2. The sensor modules and the functionality modules may be additional equipment arranged on or adjacent a haemodialysis monitor included in the workstation.

Each patient treatment workstation 1, 2 may be provided with an indentification unit Ia, 2a, comprising identity information and property information relevant for the workstation. Such property may be type and manufacturing date for the machine, the individual number of the machine, rated data regarding maximum fluid flows, how often the machine should be cleaned or desinfected, type of allowed connection of RO-water, range of allowed power voltage, type of fuse, type of interconnection with Internet or other communication method, etc. The information may be included in a transponder or any other identification means mentioned.

The control interface 3 is connected to the sensor modules 11, 21, 31 via a connection indicated by arrow 41, such as a one-way Bluetooth communication link. The communication between the sensor module and the control interface may also be a two-way connection. The control interface 3 is furthermore connected to the functionality modules 12, 22, 32 via a connection as indicated by arrow 42, such as a two-way Bluetooth communication link or any other means of communication, as mentioned in greater detail below. Finally, the control interface 3 is connected to the processing capacity means 4 by a connection indicated by arrow 43, such as a two-way WLAN connection or any other means of communication, as mentioned in greater detail below.

The processing capacity means 4 may also be coupled directly to the devices of the patient workstation (s) , 1 and 2 in Fig. 1, via a two-way connection (not shown) , such as a WLAN connection, or any other means of communication, as mentioned in greater detail below.

Sensor Module

The purpose of the sensor module 11, 21, 31 is to perform a specific sensing function required by the treatment system for monitoring of the patient treatment process at the patient treatment workstation. The output signal from the sensor is dependent of the sensing information. An example of such sensing function may be to provide information about waste products, such as urea, in the dialysate after the dialyser and about the adequacy of the treatment delivered to the patient. A further example is sensing coagulation parameters resulting from dosing for example heparin. This information enables manual or automatic monitoring and provides information for decision making of how to control the dialysis treatment process .

Each sensor module has an individual identity and a means of communicating said individual identity by means of an identification signal to the control interface and/or processing capacity means. The identity and property data may be included in a transponder 11a arranged in the sensor module, or any other identificatio means mentioned.

The identity signal may also comprise information about properies of the sensor module, such as sensing intervals, frequency, bandwidth of output signal etc. Each sensor module has a means of communication for receiving and/or sending said information signal, including control parameters. Such communications may take place via any communication line, such as a connection, a one-way Bluetooth communication or any other means of communication. Each sensor also has a communication means for sending sensing information via a communication line, such as a connection, a one-way Bluetooth communication or any other means of communication, to the control interface. Hence the sensor may comprise two one-way communications, i.e for sending and receiving, and accordingly in total a two-way communication. The identification signal may comprise identification and device information parameters, such as device status, device type etc., useable by the control interface and/or the processing capacity means . For the control interface and/or processing capacity means to be able to interpret the device information parameters, such as sensor parameters, in use, information regarding how the control interface should manage the received parameters, may be comprised in the information signal.

In an embodiment, when a sensor device should be connected to the system, the first communication between the device and the control interface comprises both the identity of the device and information about properties, such as how the control interface should interpret subsequent information sent from the device, and what signals that the device is able to receive from the control interface, and the format of the signals sent by the device . The device information parameters may not be directly related to the actual treatment but may be used in pre- treatment to calibrate the system.

Control Interface The control interface 3 may be arranged to present the status of the connected devices, e.g. stand-alone devices, at a patient treatment workstation including the sensor output signal sent from the sensor module (s) and status information sent from the functionality modules etc. The control interface also monitors and interacts with other devices connected to the patient treatment workstation.

The control interface comprises a processor, memory, a display, input means, such as a touch screen panel or similar, low voltage power supply and a communication means. The processor and memory may be at least of sufficient capacity for handling the display and/or touch screen panel . The control interface is able to supply the connected devices at the patient treatment workstation with power from the power supply by wire. The control interface is further able to communicate with several types of medical devices, which operates with different standards and communication protocols. The control interface is also optionally able to present the communicated information from the processing capacity means into one user friendly interface, making it possible for the operator to monitor and control all devices, which are connected to the control interface, in a patient treatment workstation system from a single place or location. Furthermore, the control interface is able to receive controlling information from the processing capacity means that may be presented on the screen. The information may also be sent directly via said control interface as a control signal to the connected devices, such as the functionality modules and/or the sensors, within the patient treatment workstation, e.g. for changing the frequency of a connected sensor.

The user-friendly control interface may use the same logics and layout for all devices throughout the patient treatment workstation that are connected to the control interface. The control interface is able to use two-way communication with all connected devices of the patient treatment workstation. By using a single interface for monitoring and controlling the process, an advantage is obtained, since the risk of mistakes by an operator is reduced.

The control interface additionally comprises an individual identity and properties and a means of communicating said individual identity. The identity and properties are comprised in an identification unit 3a, comprising data relevant for the control interface. The identification unit 3a may be a transponder or any other means mentioned. In receiving mode the control interface receives the identity comprised in identification signals of the connected devices separately, at the set-up of the system or at the activation of the power supply. Alternatively, or additionally, the identity may be sent together with the device information, such as urea levels from a sensor module. The control interface may forward the combined information, comprising sensor identity and property information, as well as identity information of the control interface, to the processing capacity means which registers and processes said combined information.

In an embodiment the identification signal sent from the functionality module or a sensor module comprises both the device identity and the device property.

An advantage of this embodiment is that the control interface and/or processing capacity means may use the information both to identify the connected device and be provided with control parameters for the connected device, such that an accurate setting of the connected device may be provided. In this way the identification signal may provide both identification and controlling information that is used by the control interface and/or processing capacity means.

In an embodiment the device information signal comprises at least a parameter required for accurately controlling the device. As an example, when the functionality module is a bag for providing a medical solution, the parameter may be the amount of fluid that should be introduced into the bag. The parameter may be controlled by the control interface and/or processing capacity means to assure that the exact amount of fluid is introduced into the bag. The amount of resulting medical solution, e.g. dialysate, may e.g. in combination with a predetermined flow be used to estimate the residual time before a new bag of medical solution must be provided. The control interface is able to forward information to said processing capacity means, through the two-way communication. The processing capacity means is able to process the received data from said control interface and resend the processed data to the connected devices via the control interface, such as relayed via the control interface. The feature of forwarding information to the processing capacity means may either be performed automatically or manually, and the settings for which information will be sent and in what way can be controlled either from the processing capacity means or the control interface of each patient treatment workstation.

Processing capacity means

The processing capacity means or unit 4 or processing utility is shared by the patient treatment workstations.

This processing capacity means is able to perform two-way communications with all connected control interfaces and thereby all separate patient treatment workstations, which are utilising the processing capacity. The processing capacity means may either be powered from an internal power supply or using power from the control interface by separate cables and thus providing flexible placement. The processing capacity means is able to receive, process and store incoming data, and send data information to the individual control interfaces and/or directly to the connected devices at the patient treatment workstation. Additionally the processing capacity means is capable of sending information to an external device, such as a dialysis monitor or an alarm central . The processing capacity means also has an individual identity and properties included in a identification unit 4a, which may be a transponder or any other means mentioned. Moreover, the processing capacity means includes a means of communicating said individual identity. During operation of the present invention the processing capacity means receives data and identity signals from each connected device via the control interface. The desired processed patient information may be stored in a PU created database, in parameters such as functionality settings for each patient, patient characteristics and patient treatment history. Additionally statistics information for the connected patient treatment workstations may be stored in the database. The processed data can subsequently be communicated to each connected device, via the control interface, by use of the individual identity signal. After processing, the processing capacity means can communicate the resulting data to the connected devices, such as functionality modules, via the control interface. The processing capacity means may comprise a tandem PC for secure operation and hence utilize two individual identities. Optionally, the processing capacity means additionally may comprise a display, such as a computer monitor, for presenting real-time desired information regarding at least one connected patient treatment workstations or for presenting stored database information. There may be arranged a single processing capacity means serving all workstations in a centre. In for example a large facility, each processing capacity means may serve a group of workstations. In for example a small facility, each processing capacity means may serve a single workstation .

Functionality Module

The functionality module 12, 22, 32 may comprise members or devices for providing a functionality. One example of a functionality module is a fluid preparation module for preparing a dialysis liquid, which may be concentrated, from one or several powder concentrates and/or electrolyte fluids and water supplied to the functionality module. The dialysis fluid is delivered to a dialyzer for hemodialysis, normally controlled by a dialysis machine.

Another functionality module may be an infusion device for infusing heparin into the blood. The functionality modules may be provided with disposable products, such as one or several needles, and consumable products, such as powder or electrolyte fluids.

A further functionality module may be a disposable product per se, such as a tube set for connection to the patient for forming an extracorporeal blood circuit. The tube set may be provided with needles (disposable product) for insertion into the blood vessels of the patient. Moreover, the tube set can be rinsed in advance by a rinsing or priming solution (consumable product) . The functionality module, the disposable product and/or the consumable product may each be provided with an indentity information carrier comprising identification information about the product or module as well as data about properties of the product or module, such as powder substance or electrolyte composition, amount, expiration date of the product, etc.

In an embodiment, wherein the functionality module or product is a flexible container comprising consumable products, such as a bag suitable for providing a medical solution, such as a dialysate, by introducing a fluid into the bag, the information may be the amount of fluid to be introduced into the bag and in what sequence, pump sequences for mixing the medical solution etc. The device information may furthermore comprise information about the type and amount of substances included in the consumable product .

The identity and property information is included in an identification unit 11a, which may be a transponder or any other identification unit mentioned.

The functionality module may gather identity and property data from the products attached to the module, such as powder columns or electrolyte fluids (consumable products) or dialyzers or needles (disposable products) . Such data is then relayed further to the other devices of the system. Alternatively, when the identification unit is a transponder, it can be read by a reader arranged sufficiently close to the transponder, such as a reader included in the control interface 3. Other means of reading the identification unit may be a bar code reader, etc. The functionality module 12, 22, 32 may perform specific functions requested by for example the patient treatment workstation. This request may either originate from the sensor modules, control interface, the processing capacity means, or any other device in connection with the patient treatment workstation. The settings of the functionality module for a patient may originate from said patient treatment history information within the database in the processing capacity means. An example of such a function may include providing a predetermined set flow of saturated bicarbonate concentrate to the dialysate fluid or to the dialysis monitor. Such a saturated bicarbonate solution may be obtained from a fluid functionality module, comprising a bicarbonate powder vessel through which clean water is brought. The fluid functionality module may comprise further means for providing a sodium chloride solution from a separated powder column. The fluid functionality module may further comprise mixing means for preparation of a dialysis solution having a predetermined concentration of different solutes obtained from said powder and other sources, such as concentrated electrolyte solution. Another function is to pump a separate or seperated infusate flow at a constant predetermined flow rate into the patient blood before or after the dialysor for so called haemofiltration or haemodiafiltration.

The functionality module also has a means of two-way communication to the control interface and/or processing capacity means. The module also has an individual identity and property and a means of communicating said individual identity and property.

The first embodiment comprises several workstations 1, 2 each with one or several sensor modules 11, 21, 31, one or several functionality modules 12, 22, 32 and a control interface 3, which is connected to the processing capacity means 4. In this way it is possible to monitor and control information from a patient treatment workstation

It may also be possible for an operator to monitor several patient treatment workstations, including functionalities and sensors, from the control interface at any patient treatment workstation. This first embodiment reduces the risk of mistakes because the operator can control the connected devices at patient treatment workstation (s) from a single control interface with a single familiar user interface.

Means of communication The means of communication of the present invention, in between the sensor modules, functionality modules, control interfaces, and processing capacity means, may be any of the following, but is not limited to: wire, Ethernet, WLAN, Bluetooth, Radio Waves, 3G, USB, GSM, GPRS, ADSL, Modem, Electrical Power Cables, Transponder

Technology, light of infrared, ultraviolet or ordinary wavelengths or ultrasound communication or any combination thereof. The choice of the means of communication is dependent on the communication protocols of the connected devices of the patient treatment workstation, the distance for the communication, the environment, the type information that is transferred, regulatory demands and the desire of the user.

Means of identification

In the present embodiment all connected devices, sensor modules, functionality modules, control interfaces, processing capacity means, operators, users, and patients will have a means of identification. At a dialysis station identification is needed for, or can be used for: the patient, the operator, the sensor and functionality modules, the control interface and disposable and/or consumable products used during the process . The means of identification can be, but is not. limited to, ID-cards with PIN-code, magnetic strip, transponder in cards or other objects, data chips etc for the individuals, i.e. patient and operator. Single use products and/or other products may use, but are not limited to, labels equipped with bar code or PIN-code, magnetic strip, transponder or chips as means of identification. Permanent equipment integrated in the system like sensor and functionality modules, control interface and the processing capacity means, may have electronic means of identification built into the electronics and/or software. The identification means are built into the product or may be introduced at the control interface 3 and relayed to the processing capacity means, in which it will be processed and stored.

In the first embodiment, the patient information from the sensor modules is relayed to the processing capacity means which processes the information and returns the processed information to the display of the control device. The information from the sensor modules may be used to identify backup information in the processing capacity means which is applicable to regulate the settings of the functionality modules, for creating optimal conditions for the patient. This feedback regulation can either be performed automatically or by manually inputting the setting parameters on the control interface, or a combination thereof. The feedback may be partially manual in that the control interface may suggest setting parameters and only request an OK from the user, or alternatively that the user changes the parameters .

The automatic feedback regulation feature further reduces the stress on the operator and give time to focus on other prioritized steps in the process. Examples on feed-back monitoring and regulation of the process can be; automatic adaptation of the equipment to preferences set by the operator, automatic adaptation of the equipment to the individual patient's treatment parameters, automatic adaptation of the process to the type and contents of a single use product that is used, automatic monitoring of the functionalities dependent on the sensor information and the adaptation to the user/operator, e.g. change of dialysate flow rate or blood flow rate, infusion rates, etc. The control interface is continuously monitoring, by the decision of the processing capacity means, the status of the patient treatment workstation. It simplifies the currently available different standards and logics of the connected devices in only one interface. The information received from the patient treatment workstation devices by the control interface is always relayed to the processing capacity means for processing and then returned to the control interface for displaying. The manually entered parameter/function settings performed on the control interface by an operator, may be sent to the processing capacity means either automatically or manually. The type of sent information can either be controlled on the processing capacity means or on the control interface of each patient treatment workstation. This allows for the logging of all events of the patient treatment workstation (s) .

In another embodiment according to Fig. 2, the present invention comprises only one patient treatment workstation with two sensor modules (sensor module 51 and

61), one functionality module (functionality module 52), a control interface and a processing capacity means . In this embodiment only the two sensor modules 51 and 61 and functionality module 52 are required in the patient treatment workstation and the processing capacity means is used only by the control interface of one patient treatment workstation 1.

In still another embodiment according to Fig. 3, the present invention comprises one patient treatment workstation 1 with one sensor module 71 and a control interface 3.

In another embodiment of the invention multiple patient treatment workstations, each including one control interface, one or several sensor modules and one or several functionality modules, are interconnected via a processing capacity means. The largest patient dialysis clinic today has capacity for 110 patients simultaneously and is located in Japan. In other areas, such as intensive care, still larger facilities may comprise several hundreds of patients and related workstations.

Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing the activation procedure of the system of an embodiment, having the following steps :

Step A: Activate the product system by a push button on the control interface 3 and introduce ID-number and send information signal 46 to the processing capacity means 4, or processing utility or unit, called PU below, which is operating in stand-by mode.

Step B: PU 4 identifies the stored data related to the ID-number.

Step C: PU 4 selects the information from the stored data that shall be displayed on the control interface and sends the corresponding signal 47 to the control interface with the order to display the data. Step D: The control interface displays the data.

Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing the activation and operation of a sensor module of the invention. The control interface is first activated as described in the operation steps A-D shown in Fig. 4. Then, the following steps are performed:

Step E: After selecting a sensor 55 that shall be activated, e.g. by using the control interface 3 screen, the corresponding information will be sent to the PU 4 by signal 51. Step F: The PU processes this information together with the information available in the PU database on both the patient ID as well as the sensor ID.

Step G: The appropriate amount of the processed information together with order to activate the sensor module is sent as a signal 53 via the control interface 3 to sensor 55.

Step H: Sensor 55 is activated in the appropriate way. Step I: Sensor 55 sends continuously or semi- continuously the unprocessed sensor information as a signal 54 via the control interface to the PU.

Step J: The PU 4 processes and formats the sensor information according to the database information. Step K: The PU 4 sends the processed sensor information to the control interface 3 via signal 52 continuously or semi-continuously.

Step L: The control interface 3 displays the sensor information. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the activation and operation of a functionality module 65 of the invention. The control interface is first activated as described in the operation steps A-D of Fig. 4. Then, the following steps are performed: Step M: The operator enters his ID and the PU 4 confirms access to operate. The operator selects the functionality module 65 to be activated, such as from the screen on the control interface, and this information is subsequently sent to the PU 4 as signal 61. Step N: The PU 4 processes the transferred information together with the information available in the database on both the patient ID as well as the selected functionality ID.

Step 0: The appropriate amount of the processed information together with activation order is sent by signal 63 via the control interface 3 to the functionality module 65.

Step P: The functionality module 65 is activated in the appropriate way. Step Q: The functionality module 65 confirms that the activation is OK/not OK by signal 64 via the control interface 3 to the PU 4.

Step R: The PU 4 formats the settings for operators input to the functionality module according to the database information.

Step S: The PU 4 sends the processed screen information, which enables the operator to input appropriate settings for the functionality module, to the control interface 3 via signal 62.

Step T: The control interface 3 displays the screen information about the functionality module settings.

The following additional steps are not shown in Fig. 6; Step U: The operator enters appropriate settings for the operation of the functionality module through the control interface screen.

Step V: The control interface 3 sends the settings on-line to the PU. Step W: The PU immediately reacts on possible operator errors in the entering of settings and sends an error message and corrective actions to the control interface 3.

Step X: Once the PU get the settings from operator input at the control interface 3 and verified that the identified user has access to operate, the operating parameters are calculated and sent to the functionality module 65 via the control interface 3.

Step Y: The functionality module 65 starts operation according to the operating parameters and continuously sends feedback to the PU means via the control interface 3.

Step Z: When the PU, based on the feedback information, detects that the operating parameters need to be changed, the new parameters are accordingly sent via the control interface. This process and/or individual steps within the process may be repeated when desired.

In order to shut down operation of the system of the present invention at a patient treatment workstation, the operators ID is required to be re-entered.

In still another embodiment, the processing capacity means 4 may be replaced by a computer, such as a normal PC, Laptop or any other computer or server.

In a still further embodiment the control interface and the processing capacity means are integrated into one device .

In another embodiment of the invention existing equipment, such as a dialysis apparatus, may be integrated into the technical solution of the invention, making it possible to monitor and control from the control interface the entire patient treatment workstation functionalities, including already present, more or less stand-alone equipment as well as add-ons or separate equipment enhancing the functionality of the previous equipment or adding new functionality to the workstation.

The expression "workstation" is intended to encompass all equipments and apparatuses which are controlled via the control interface for a single patient bed. Such equipment may be new sensors and functionality modules, but may also be old equipment having the capability to be connected to the system. Old equipment, such as present dialysis monitors originally having no such connection capability, can be rebuilt and provided with appropriate interface to the system. As mentioned above, a single control interface associated with a workstation, may also interact with other workstations. Such interaction can take place via a common processing utility 4. Alternatively, any of the previously mentioned communication methods or paths may be used. According to another embodiment of the invention, the control interface is enhanced with processing capacity, i.e. intelligent control interface. In this way the control interface will be able to show information originating directly from the sensors and functionality modules without relaying/converting the received information to the processing capacity means. The intelligent control interface also has the capability of processing at least some of the received information from the connected devices and controlling the operation and functionality of the devices .

According to another embodiment of the invention the intelligent control interface comprises a personal computer providing possibility of limited care, self care and home dialysis . The personal computer has a means for communication, such as a modem or LAN, for connection to the processing capacity means.

According to another embodiment of the invention an additional control interface is connected on or adjacent the processing capacity means for providing separate presenting and monitoring capability for the processing capacity means and thus enabling displaying database and patient treatment workstation information at the location of the processing capacity means. The various functionalities and sensors in the present invention may share standard utility modules for their need of capacity in data processing, display and operating panel. Consequently the production cost per functionality and sensor may be lower when sharing standard utilities between other functionalities and/or sensors.

Applications and use of the above-described embodiments according to the invention include fields such as process monitoring and process control within all areas of medical technology. Furthermore, the present invention includes computer hardware, software, firmware or any combination of these, for allowing monitoring and/or controlling of one or several patient treatment workstations. However, the invention may be implemented as computer software running on one or more data processors and/or digital signal processors. The elements and components of an embodiment of the invention may be physically, functionally and logically implemented in any suitable way. In the claims, the term "comprises/comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements or method steps may be implemented by e.g. a single unit or processor. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. The terms "a", "an", "first", "second" etc do not preclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way. Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the invention is limited only by the accompanying claims and other embodiments than those specified above are equally possible within the scope of these appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for controlling at least one patient treatment workstation connectable to a patient, having a control interface for receiving information about identity and properties of at least one member, directly or indirectly connected to said treatment workstation and included in the group comprising: an individual, such as a user or a patient; a device, such as a functionality module, a sensor module, a processing capacity unit, a utility unit, a medical device or a workstation; a disposable, such as a dialyzer, a tube set, or a needle; a consumable, such as a fluid, powder or agents.

2. The system according to claim 1, in which: said information about identity and properties of an individual is comprised at an ID-card with PIN-code, magnetic strip, transponder in cards or other objects, or data chips.

3. The system according to any one of the previous claims, in which: said information about identity and properties of a device is comprised at a bar code, a PIN-code, magnetic strip, transponder in cards or other objects, data chips, or electronic means of identification built into the electronic and software.

4. The system according to any one of the previous claims, in which: said information about identity and properties of a disposable is comprised at a bar code, a PIN-code, magnetic strip, transponder in cards or other objects or data chips.

5. The system according to any one of the previous claims, in which: said information about identity and properties of a consumable is comprised at a bar code, a PIN-code, magnetic strip, transponder in cards or other objects or data chips.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein information about the consumable comprises property data, such as amount and pressure of fluid to be entered into a bag, as well as contents data, such as identification of the substances included, such as bicarbonate or electrolytes.

7. The system according to any one of the previous claims, comprising several patient treatment workstations all interacting with said processing capacity means.

8. The system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said processing capacity means comprises a single computer for operating several workstations.

9. The system according to any of the previous claims, wherein said single control interface comprises: means for identifying an individual, such as a user or a patient, or a device, such as a module, a sensor, the processing capacity means, a utility unit, a medical device or a workstation; said means for identifying an individual comprising an ID-card with PIN-code, magnetic strip, transponder in cards or other objects, or data chips; and said means for identifying a device comprising labels equipped with a bar code, a PIN-code, magnetic strip, transponder in cards or other objects, data chips, or electronic means of identification built into the electronic and software.