Philips is introducing its IntelliVue X3 patient monitoring system in Europe. The device is designed to monitor vitals at the bedside and when patients are being moved between locations to cut the risk of data loss.
When patients connected to nonmobile monitors are moved, they must be recabled at the start and end of their journeys. Separate transport monitors are also used. These transitions from one patient monitoring system to another can result in data not being recorded or stop physicians from viewing information quickly.
Philips has designed IntelliVue to eliminate these transitions. The monitor clips onto the bedside monitoring stand when the patient is stationary. If the team needs to move the patient, they clip the monitor onto the bed. The positioning of the monitor is designed to enable the team to see and interact with the monitor during transit. And wireless connectivity means remote physicians can also keep tabs on the patient.
The goal is to improve data quality and availability.
“With the development of the IntelliVue X3, we're aiming to ensure that data isn't being lost during transitions and that we're able to better equip clinicians with the information they need, when they need it,” Philips’ Felix Baader said in a statement.
In making the monitor mobile, Philips has increased the likelihood someone will drop it or damage it in some other way. Recognizing this, Philips has made design choices and put the device through tests intended to ensure making the monitor mobile won’t create more problems than it solves.
The touchscreen is made of an antimicrobial version of Gorilla Glass, the chemically strengthened Corning product used by many high-end smartphone manufacturers. Philips thinks this will result in fewer screen breakages. The company has put this to the test in its lab by dropping the device from up to one meter and inflicting blows against the screen.
Philips claims its actions will reduce the amount of time the device is offline for maintenance and repair. The company has tried to further cut downtime by making it easy to access and replace parts. Users can get inside the device without proprietary tools. Inside, Philips has opted for a modular design intended to make it easy to remove and replace faulty components.
The ability of Philips to deliver on these claims and get users to buy into their significance is key to the company’s strategy. Philips has made growth in the connected care market central to its plans. And, having sold more than 1 million IntelliVue monitors since 2002, it is now looking to the X3 to drive growth.
Amsterdam, the Netherlands-based Philips has chosen its home continent as the first big market to receive the X3. Philips' websites covering countries and regions including Kenya, Nigeria and the Middle East already featured the product prior to the European announcement.