Overview

Advancing the communication of alarm notification information

The Ascom secondary alarm notification solution from GE Healthcare provides caregivers with content-rich alarm information in the form of a text-based alarm notification (e.g., bed location, severity and status) along with up to a 12-second waveform snapshot for ECG-related events. This additional information provided to caregivers may enable them to better understand and react to a given clinical situation.

The release of Ascom Unite Axess for Smart Devices expands the mobility of patient data distribution in near-real-time. Ascom Unite Axess enables caregivers to receive secondary alarm notifications on devices such as iPhones**, iPads**, and Android** smartphones.

With filtering and prioritization available in the Ascom Mobile Monitoring Gateway (MMG), alarm management is enhanced, helping to avoid alarm fatigue.

 

Benefits

Benefits of the Ascom Secondary Alarm Notification Solution from GE Healthcare

Smart phone showing ICU notification from GE Ascom Secondary Alarm Notification Solution.The Ascom secondary alarm notification solution provides caregivers with a number of advanced capabilities and benefits, including:

Filtering

Filters may help minimize alarm fatigue; they are designed to optimize alarm distribution and help ensure caregivers receive relevant alarms. Filters are applied before any other processing of the message occurs. Alarm priority is not removed by filters. 

Activity Logging

The Activity Logging capability provides access to hospital alarm notification activity via the hospital network. All activity logs are stored in the Unite Connectivity Manager and can be used for future analyses, such as audit trail reviews and performance monitoring.  Activity log files can also be exported to an external file server if required.

Duty Assignment

The flexible Duty Assignment interface manages the escalation and distribution of secondary alarm notifications for optimal resource utilization. 

Waveform Presentation

Smart phone showing ICU notification from GE Ascom Secondary Alarm Notification Solution.Waveform Presentation enables the caregiver to receive up to a 12-second waveform snapshot of the alarm on Ascom IP-DECT and VoWiFi handsets and on select smart devices, along with a text-based alarm notification. The user can view a waveform segment sent to the handset by scrolling forward after the alarm occurred or scrolling backward before the alarm occurred. By providing more content and context related to the alarm, the caregiver now has the ability to better understand the alarm situation and respond to the event accordingly.

Ascom Unite Axess for Smart Devices

Ascom Unite Axess for Smart Devices enables messaging to smart devices (i.e., iPhones, iPads and Android smartphones). This new messaging architecture is in addition to the existing messaging capabilities of IP-DECT handsets, VoWiFi handsets, pagers, and LED signs. Configurable automatic message diversion to smart devices helps ensure critical information is sent to appropriate devices. Categorizing notifications can provide clinicians faster and easier access to messages and centrally storing data prevents unauthorized data disclosure and enhances data security.

MMG Redundency: Active Failover Monitory

MMG with Redundancy

The MMG with redundancy capability enables a secondary module to become active automatically within 60 seconds of the primary module failure. Redundancy in MMG enables continuous alarm management with limited down time.

Technology

Hardware platform

The Mobile Monitoring Gateway (MMG) and Unite Connectivity Manager operate on the Elise3 embedded solid state server platform for enhanced performance and lower operating costs.

  • Network appliance
  • Highly secure, solid state, and embedded hardware
  • Small footprint:  1.73” x 8.66” x 7.84” (H x W x D)
  • Linux** kernel, not full operating system
    • NO anti-virus required
    • NO patch management required
  • Low heat generation
    • NO spinning fans needed for cooling
  • Rack mountable
    • Two modules side-by-side
    • One module, one insert
    • 1U rack space 

Compatibility

Compatible with these GE products:

  • ApexPro* Telemetry System
  • CARESCAPE* Modular Monitors
  • CDT-LAN
  • Dash* 2000/2500/3000/4000/5000 monitors
  • GE DINAMAP* PRO 1000 monitor
  • Octacomm
  • Solar* 7000/8000/8000i/8000M/9000/9500monitors
  • Tramscope
  • Unity Network* ID 

 

1. Contact your local GE and Ascom Sales Specialist for compatibility and functionality details, and prior to any commercial agreement made regarding third-party devices.

GE Ascom Secondary Alarm Notification Mobile Monitoring Gateway hardware platform 

Interfaces/supported devices

Ascom devices1

  • DECT
  • Paging
  • VoWiFi

Smart devices1

  • iOS (iPhones**, iPads**)
  • Android** smartphones

Third-party devices1

  • Cisco** IP phones
  • Polycom SpectraLink** phones
  • Pagers
  • Text displays