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Angel Medical Center Advances Patient Safety, Treatment Efficiency With New Technology From B. Braun

Posted on: Tuesday, 25 September 2007, 12:00 CDT

In an effort to boost patient safety and healthcare efficiency, Angel Medical Center today announced its rapid and successful conversion to B. Braun Medical Inc.'s innovative Outlook® 300 Safety Infusion System. The hospital's new infusion system now enables improved patient safety and streamlined patient care, as well as enhanced communication between nurses and pharmacists, through use of the its unique barcoding capabilities and dose monitoring software, DoseTrac™.

These two cutting-edge safety features help clinicians ensure that the right medication, in the right dose, is delivered to the right patient. Electronic barcoding matches the pharmacy-prepared medication to the patient's infusion pump, while dose monitoring software helps clinicians monitor the appropriate use and dosing of medications. After reviewing possible options, Angel Medical's senior leadership selected the Outlook® 300 System for its ease of use and advanced features.

"These machines were designed by nurses for use by nurses, which made the changeover and training seamless for our staff here at Angel Medical," said Tammy Dills, Chief Nursing Director, Angel Medical. "B. Braun has developed these pumps with efficiency in mind. With the Outlook's software monitoring each pump's location and usage, clinicians can focus attention on the patient, not the machine."

Angel Medical's new B. Braun Outlook® Infusion System provides wireless access to real-time infusion data, enabling both nursing and pharmacy staff to monitor medication administration remotely from any point in the hospital. Additionally, pharmacy staff can supervise dosage and frequency of use per patient remotely, ensuring the proper handling of each drug.

"The system's DoseTrac™ software electronically displays reports back to our department, allowing our pharmacy technicians to easily track the medication and dosage that each patient is receiving," said Debby Cowan, Director of Pharmacy, Angel Medical. "These reports allow us to monitor a patient's progress with their medication remotely and also provide us with a better tool to communicate directly with the treating physician regarding a patient's medication."

Angel Medical's conversion to the barcoding capabilities of the Outlook® 300 pump was easily integrated into the work flow with the cooperation of Angel Medical Center, B. Braun and Iatric Systems Inc., a software company hired to modify the Pharmacy IV labeling system. During the conversion, B. Braun provided round-the-clock hospital staff training to expedite the conversion process and Iatric Systems played a key role in building the drug library and setting up labeling systems for the Outlook 300® pumps. In the past, hospitals have been hesitant to undertake such larger conversions, which could take up to a year to fully implement -- but thanks to B. Braun's advanced technology and expertise, Angel Medical completed its conversion to the Outlook 300® system within five weeks.

"We demonstrate our commitment to customers not only by providing the latest infusion technology, which helps to protect patient safety, but also through unrivaled clinical support to enable a quick and efficient conversion," said Gale White, Vice President of Infusion Systems, B. Braun. "We are proud to support Angel Medical staff in their mission to care for the community with Outlook infusion pumps and appreciate their flexibility in working to get up and running on the technology so quickly."

About Angel Medical Center

Angel Medical Center is a leading provider of medical care for the Western North Carolina area. The facility is fully accredited by The Joint Commission. The hospital has an active medical staff of 36 whose specialties include internal medicine, family practice, radiology, obstetrics, gynecology, and pathology. A staff of 425 employees supports this group. Angel Medical Center's mission is to provide quality, cost effective healthcare to the local community and surrounding area.

About B. Braun

B. Braun is the recipient of the 2007 Frost & Sullivan Medical Technology Global Excellence Award for its excellence in helping healthcare providers improve the lives of their patients. B. Braun Smart Pumps have achieved "Category Leader" in the KLAS* Top 20 Mid-Year Report Card for Smart Pump Technology, 2007.

Since its founding in 1839, B. Braun has built an unparalleled store of knowledge and expertise in delivering innovative healthcare products, medical devices and programs that enhance working processes in hospitals, alternate care settings and medical practices -- increasing safety for patients, doctors and nurses. Its 34,000 employees worldwide are proud of their commitment to translating customer needs into products with unmatched quality, superior technology, cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility.

Through its "Sharing Expertise®" initiative, B. Braun promotes best practices for continuous improvement of healthcare products and services. For more information about B. Braun or its safety healthcare products, call 800-854-6851, email us at inquiry@bbraun.com or visit B. Braun at www.bbraunusa.com.

* To find out more about KLAS® visit, www.healthcomputing.com. ©2007 KLAS Enterprises, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Source: Business Wire

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