GE Monitor Integrates Patient Data, EMRsGE Monitor Integrates Patient Data, EMRs

GE Healthcare has received FDA approval on a device that provides clinicians with integrated data from patient monitoring systems and hospital information systems, such as lab reports, X-rays, and e-medical records.

The Carescape Monitor B850 is aimed at providing clinicians with realtime access to patient data to improve decision-making by clinicians in intensive care units, emergency departments, operating rooms, recovery rooms, and other areas where critically ill patients are cared for or where fast medical decision-making is crucial.

The device directly links into hospital networks, EMR systems, diagnostic image and lab systems, as well as third-party patient monitoring devices, including anesthesia systems and ECG equipment. This provides clinicians with continuous, real-time clinical measurement data and easy access to other patient record information systems all from one display unit at the patient's bedside.

Typically, while patient monitoring devices provide realtime data and alerts to clinicians in ICU units, for instance, access to other patient data, such as test results or drug information, must be obtained via a separate terminal outside a patient's room.

"The real focus is on information access and decision support," said David Ataide, a VP and general manager of GE Healthcare. "We're bringing into the same device at point-of-care all the information that's needed to make care decisions as quick as possible," he said.

The Carescape Monitor B850 works with third-party patient monitoring devices and EMR software packages, in addition to GE's own medical monitoring gear and its Centricity EMR applications.

There are Carescape Monitor B850 offerings tailored to the specific needs of various hospitals departments, such as the operating room and ICU, said Ataide. Pricing is variable depending on the specific needs of each hospital.

information has published an in-depth report on e-health and the federal stimulus package. Download the report here (registration required).