ivWatch, a provider of continuous monitoring devices for the early identification of intravenous (IV) infiltrations and extravasations, has signed a long-term development and commercialization agreement with ICU Medical.
The collaboration will offer a way forward for Electronic Health Records (EHR) interoperability by connecting the two companies’ systems in order to exchange and use high-quality data.
ivWatch president and CEO Gary Warren said: “Our two companies can optimize our services with the multi-dimensional interchange of data sets to not just improve the continuum of care, but also patient outcomes.
“ICU Medical’s expertise in developing IV-EHR interoperability solutions will support our mission to help advance patient safety.”
The current health care atmosphere emphasizes both efficiency and quality, and clinicians are faced with the challenge of doing more with less.
ICU Medical marketing and innovation for IV Systems senior director Matthew Hutchings said: “Interoperability provides significant value to health care organizations with improvements in safety and efficiency.
“We see a great opportunity to enhance these benefits through our relationship with ivWatch.”
Industry best practices of peripheral IV insertion, maintenance and assessment have been unable to completely address the issue of infiltration/extravasation. A new standard of care is required to minimize injuries associated with this common complication of IV therapy.
The use of continuous monitoring technology for earlier identification will more aggressively take on this potential for patient harm.
ivWatch sales and business development vice president Scott Hensley said: “Interoperability is essential for customers and often a requirement during the buying decision process.
“With ivWatch and ICU Medical working together, we can reach more patients and assist institutions with keeping patients safe from preventable harm and drug delivery errors.”
Source: Company Press Release.
