Driving the benefits of Capsule Medical Device Information Platform

Memorial Healthcare System’s previous EMR was limited in functionality and unable to support many of the advanced MDIP features Memorial desired — features it knew Capsule would continue to pay forward by enhancing the function of downstream IT systems. Additionally, Memorial planned a truly big, big-bang implementation that would reverberate across the entire hospital system that consolidated the implementation and go-live of both the Epic and Capsule systems.

The MDIP project goals were broad, demanding the installation of a large inventory of device drivers that would keep pace with the rapidly changing device market. Supported by Epic’s OpTime operating room management system, Capsule would make device integration a reality in the OR, where complex anesthesia cart data was becoming increasingly difficult to record manually. In high-acuity care areas, Memorial sought to integrate not only typical physiological monitor data but additional parameters to provide a more robust patient record. In low-acuity areas, the hospital system also wanted to automate data collection and provide clinicians with near real-time data using mobile spot check monitors. “With a commitment to remaining in the forefront of technology, Memorial sought a vendor that would continue to expand its system to keep pace with rapidly evolving health care technology. Also, key to our solution was the ability to harness the full value of medical device data for use in a variety of additional IT applications,” explains Lisa Levine, Memorial Healthcare System’s Supervisor of Clinical Systems.

Experience successfully integrating with Epic’s OpTime module was crucial to managing the dozens of data points generated by anesthesia equipment. The system also needed to support custom integration of optional physiological monitor fields to address nurses’ desire for enhanced patient data. Clearly, identifying a robust, reliable and scalable MDIP solution was imperative for realizing the large multi- too, was choosing a vendor partner that shared a commitment to making this a success.

Today, Capsule’s Vitals Stream application seamlessly runs on over 250 Capsule Neurons to collect physiological monitor, ventilator, dialysisand other device data in intensive care units. Vitals Stream also runs on mobile Neurons outside the ICU where continuous data monitoring is required. In the operating rooms, anesthesia carts are equipped to connect with Capsule and send anesthesia parameters to Epic’s OpTime. And, over 500 Neurons run Capsule Chart Xpress application in medical-surgical units to provide bedside connectivity and transmission of vital signs to the Epic EMR.

Clinicians are extremely enthusiastic about results. “'I can’t do my job without it,' is the typical reaction of anyone who has used the system more than a few months,” notes Levine. “One of the first questions asked about any new equipment is whether it can be brought online with Capsule.” Memorial is currently implementing an early warning scoring system to use device data to identify patients experiencing a serious decline in condition. The future may also hold MDIP data integration to other systems such as clinical decision support applications — ensuring that Capsule continues to expand its benefits throughout the hospital and help pay it forward for better future health care.

Memorial Healthcare System has been a leader in providing high-quality medical care to South Florida residents since it was founded in 1953. With six hospitals and numerous ancillary facilities, it is the nation’s third-largest public health care system, highly regarded for its outstanding patient and family-centered care. Flagship facility Memorial Regional Hospital (Hollywood, Florida) ranks among the largest hospitals in the state. Nearby Memorial Regional Hospital South shares its commitment to leveraging the latest technology to deliver advanced medical care. Joe DiMaggio Children’s Center provides a comprehensive array of pediatric services. Other hospitals meet a full range of needs in their local Florida communities.