The case for remote monitoring

The current HTM 02-01, “Medical gas pipeline systems”, in its Operational Management Part B, summarises warning and alarm systems by stating: “Warning and alarm systems are provided to give information to the staff who are responsible for operating the MGPS, changing cylinders, responding to plant faults, and to the medical staff responsible for the administration of medical gases and clinical users.” Because only standard alarm panels have been available until very recently, little emphasis has been put on considering the advantages of remotely monitored alarms as part of medical gas operational policy. This paper discusses the importance of monitoring medical gases, and how new technology can promote a change in emphasis from in-house to remote monitoring, with its facility for shared system responsibility. With more accurate, timely data now available to personnel defined in HTM 02-01, why, however, might a hospital wish to use the services of remotely-sited monitoring personnel, what are such a system’s benefits, and might they result in safer patient environments? In this paper we will seek to answer these questions, and consider the use of current technology to enhance monitoring systems already in place. However, this does not mean that new technology will, or should, take over from existing equipment. The paper also examines the case for maintaining the status quo, except where procedures are not in accord with HTM 02-01. However, if the next HTM 02-01, or any addendum, proposes adopting contemporary technology, then this white paper should provide the necessary arguments for “upgrading” existing MGPS monitoring systems.

The existing HTM

Paragraph 12.2 of Part A of the HTM 02-01 in fact opens the door for technology’s increasing role in monitoring of medical gas alarms, stating: “To date, practice has been to have a ‘dedicated’ medical gas warning and alarm system and this approach will remain in many situations. With the development of computer-based integrated patient/management systems, nurse call, and other alarm systems, however, there is considerable scope for including medical gas system information, including text action prompts etc. Additionally, building management IT-based systems will play an increasing role in the operation and management of an MGPS.” This paper proposes not only to retain “dedicated” MGPS alarms on patient safety grounds, but also to enhance alarm responses by linking these alarms with a remote monitoring facility. To fully appreciate the significance of the concept and strategies behind remote monitoring, we offer some comparisons; examining products available today for functionality. This exercise is not intended to be an exhaustive compilation, nor will it provide any conclusive evidence of fitness-forpurpose. Instead, the product matrix serves to illustrate emerging solutions. As with most new things, there are arguments for and against. Hence we also provide an opposing view to the acceptance of remote monitoring.