According to a study by Berg Insights, more than seven million patients now use connected medical devices as part of their medical care routines. The use of IoT connected medical devices is expected to continue at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 47.9 percent to reach 50.2 million connected devices by 2020.
Even with the best security measures in place, devices containing sensitive information can go missing. Data encryption helps prevent this information from being used for damaging purposes. Even if information is not accessed, loss of medical devices can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in loss for manufacturers, distributors, and medical facilities.
Many companies use sales reps to attract more buyers. These reps often carry large quantities of devices, many of which are small and easily misplaced. Sales reps may lose devices during transport, or as a result of human error. Sometimes, devices are accidentally left at medical facilities. Other times, sales reps give devices out in an attempt to sell more products. Whatever the reason, this type of loss has a significant affect on a distributor’s bottom line.
Mint Controls’ medical device tracking solution monitors and tracks medical devices carried by sales reps. Sales reps are given a “smart” container to hold products. Sensors are used to track when individual devices are removed or returned to the container. This helps ensure that every device is accounted for. The data collected by these sensors is stored on the cloud where it can be viewed in real-time from a mobile device.
The container is powered by a lithium battery, which can be recharged as many times as necessary. Real-time alerts to both the sales rep and the distributor provide notifications when battery power is running low. These alerts are sent in intervals to provide ample opportunity to recharge.
If the battery is not recharged within a reasonable window of time, magnetic locks automatically secure the unit so that medical devices cannot be accessed. This eliminates the possibility of unreported theft or loss. The unit can be locked or unlocked as necessary by the distributor.
This system is especially beneficial to companies offering small devices such as ophthalmic implants or other devices that are in high demand and easily misplaced.
It’s imperative that medical device distributors are able to ensure that medical devices arrive at the right location and are used for the correct purpose. These devices are imperative for the health and safety of people around the world. Accurate monitoring is crucial. Improper handling and distribution can result in damaged reputation and considerable loss.