Patient identification system
The patient identification system of the preferred embodiments includes a transponder that is affixed to a patient and functions to communicate information that identifies the patient to a device or series of devices. The series of devices includes at least a first device that collects data from the patient and communicates with the transponder. The patient identification system is preferably designed to identify a patient, and more specifically to identify a patient to be associated with the data collected by the device. The patient identification system, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment and for any suitable reason.
1. A method of collecting data associated with a patient, comprising:
affixing a transponder to the patient;
affixing a first device to the patient;
transmitting information that identifies the patient with the transponder;
receiving the information that identifies the patient with the first device;
collecting data from the patient with the first device during a first time period;
associating the data collected from the patient during the first time period with the information that identifies the patient;
collecting data from the patient with the first device during a second time period; and
associating the data collected from the patient during the second time period with the information that identifies the patient.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein receiving step occurs when the first device is within communication range of the transponder.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
storing the associated data during the first time period; and
storing the associated data during the second time period.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first time period and the second time period are non-overlapping time periods.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first time period and the second time period are substantially equal periods of time.
6. A patient data collection system, comprising:
a transponder adapted to be affixed to a patient, the transponder configured to provide information that identifies the patient;
a first device adapted to be coupled to the patient, the first device including an input element configured to collect data from the patient, a receiver configured to receive the information that identifies the patient from the transponder, and a processor configured to associate the data collected from the patient with the information that identifies the patient; and
a second device adapted to be coupled to the patient, the second device including an input element configured to collect data from the patient, a receiver configured to receive the information that identifies the patient from the transponder, and a processor configured to associate the data collected from the patient with the information that identifies the patient.
7. The patient data collection system of claim 6 wherein the first device is configured to receive the information that identifies the patient from the transponder when the first device is within communication range of the transponder and the second device is configured to receive the information that identifies the patient from the transponder when the second device is within communication range of the transponder.
8. The patient data collection system of claim 6 , wherein the first device further includes a storage device configured to store the data associated by the first device, and wherein the second device further includes a storage device configured to store the data associated by the second device.
9. The patient data collection system of claim 6 , wherein the first device and the second device are disposable.
10. The patient data collection system of claim 6 , wherein the first device and the second device are electrocardiogram systems that collect data on the cardiac rhythm of the patient.
11. The patient data collection system of claim 6 , wherein the first device and the second device are neurostimulation devices.