A company was started in 1985 to develop a hospital-wide,
wireless, bar code system for patients and medications. At the time,
several studies had reported the disturbing statistics that up to
33% of medications were given in error to patients in hospitals.
The product concept consisted of a central computer with a
database of patients and their prescriptions, and a data collection
system consisting of portable, wireless, bar code readers. Each time
drugs were administered, nurses used the portable readers to verify
that the bar code on the patient's wristband matched the
prescription each time drugs were administered. The application
software in the central computer maintained records of all drug
administrations and issued warnings whenever an error was imminent.
This system covered the whole hospital, including admissions,
operating rooms, treatment rooms, patient rooms, and pharmacy.
The company's founder hired me to manage, and provide technical
direction during, the development of the system. The project
proceeded on two fronts: the development of the database and central
computer operation, and the development of the portable, wireless
bar code reader. A software firm was contracted to develop the
computer application, and several hardware and software consultants
were hired to develop the reader.
I interviewed hospital personnel and wrote a description of
hospital operations. I used this description to write the functional
specification for the computer application developers. I managed the
computer application project through the prototype stage. Throughout
the project, I was involved in all aspects of the technical
development including meeting with prospective vendors, such as
computer and peripheral manufacturers, wireless developers,
industrial designers, and model-makers. I also interacted with the
developers of the bar code reader's specifications, hardware, and
firmware.
This project illustrates my experience with managing projects and
teams of engineers, defining product requirements based on end-user
interviews, interacting with vendors and customers, and advising
executive management.
