#USA #Germfree #Smarthood #IV Workflow #Ormond Beach, Florida

Germfree Revolutionizes IV Workflow with Smarthood™

On December 9, 2024, Germfree, a frontrunner in the modular and mobile cleanroom sector, announced the launch of Smarthood™, a revolutionary IV workflow solution that aims to transform sterile compounding processes in healthcare. This avant-garde system encompasses a fully integrated hardware and software solution that prioritizes patient safety, minimizes contamination risks, and ensures operational efficiency.

Addressing the Challenges in Sterile Compounding

For over twenty years, the healthcare industry has grappled with evolving standards and regulations aimed at preventing compounding errors. Traditional workflows often fall short due to inadequate integration of hardware and software systems. Smarthood™ stands out by offering a comprehensive platform that not only combines all necessary elements but also optimizes them to mitigate contamination and reduce workflow interruptions.

Judd Baker, the VP of Healthcare Innovation at Germfree, emphasized that the inception of Smarthood™ was driven by a critical need to improve compounding practices. He noted, "By integrating technology directly into the hood itself, Smarthood™ provides an unprecedented level of precision, efficiency, and patient safety. It encompasses real-time video monitoring and gravimetric analysis, all designed to meet the pressing demands of modern pharmacies."

Features that Enhance Workflow and Safety

Smarthood™ differentiates itself with features that enhance sterile practices, including:

• - Integrated Hardware: Seamlessly connects with the pharmacy's existing software, eliminating the need for assembling disparate components, which often leads to errors.
• - Real-time Monitoring: Incorporates video monitoring and barcode scanning, ensuring compliance with sterile procedures and drastically minimizing human error.
• - Standardized Processes: Creates a consistent workflow, thus enhancing productivity for technicians and pharmacists alike, and alleviating the common pitfalls of fragmented systems.
• - User-Centric Design: The solution is crafted for hands-free use, eliminating excess cabling and thereby maintaining critical airflow essential for sterile environments.

Kevin Hansen, Senior Director of Pharmacy Compounding Services at Premier Inc., highlighted the critical importance of an integrated workflow management system, stating, "An ideal system should not disrupt the aseptic processing environment. Smarthood™ achieves this by utilizing compact hardware that aligns seamlessly with electronic health records."

A Commitment to Patient Safety and Efficiency

The introduction of Smarthood™ is poised to significantly uplift patient safety standards in sterile compounding by combatting two major issues: contamination risks and workflow errors. Contamination often stems from human oversight or improper procedure adherence. With capabilities such as barcode scanning and built-in camera technology, Smarthood™ ensures strict adherence to protocols, effectively reducing human error.

Moreover, inefficient operations—often resultant from outdated equipment—can severely hamper hospital pharmacies’ productivity. Smarthood™ resolves these inefficiencies by integrating core equipment into one user-friendly interface, thus accelerating compilation processes and reducing task completion time.

Demonstration and Future Prospects

Interested parties can witness Smarthood™ in action during the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) Midyear Clinical Meeting Exhibition held from December 8 to 12, 2024, at booth #1819 in New Orleans, LA.

Germfree, backed by healthcare growth equity investor EW Healthcare Partners, continues to establish itself as a global leader in cleanroom solutions since its inception over sixty years ago. The company is dedicated to delivering innovative technologies that enhance access to impactful patient therapies.

For further information about Smarthood™ and its contribution to improving sterile compounding, visit Germfree at germfree.com.