Patent Publication Number: US-11039797-B2

Title: Physiological parameter measuring platform device

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/751,579 filed on Mar. 31, 2010, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Health care practitioners, such as nurses and physicians, use various types of health-care equipment to assist with the task of providing health care to a patient, also referred to herein as a health-care recipient. Some health-care equipment, referred to as single function equipment, is designed to perform a particular function, such as temperature measurement. Some health-care equipment, referred to as multi-function equipment, is designed to implement the performance of more than one function, such as temperature measurement and blood pressure measurement. Such multi-function equipment may impose excess bulk and/or weight upon a user if such multi-function equipment is used for only one function or a subset of the functions implemented by the multi-function equipment. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a physiological measuring platform (PMP) device comprising: a central processing unit (CPU) that is configured to control operation of the PMP device; a display screen; and a set of one or more computer readable data storage media storing software instructions that, when executed by the CPU, cause the PMP device to: obtain a series of measurements of a physiological parameter of a monitored patient when the PMP device is operating within a monitoring workflow; display, on the display screen, a monitoring workflow home screen when the PMP device is operating within the monitoring workflow, the monitoring workflow home screen containing a first representation of the physiological parameter of the monitored patient, the first representation based on a measurement in the series of measurements; obtain a measurement of the physiological parameter of each patient in a series of patients when the PMP device is operating within a non-monitoring workflow; and display, on the display screen, a non-monitoring workflow home screen when the PMP device is operating within the non-monitoring workflow, the non-monitoring workflow home screen containing a second representation of the physiological parameter of a given patient in the series of patients, the second representation based on the measurement of the physiological parameter of the given patient in the series of patients; obtain a continuous measurement of the physiological parameter of the monitored patient when the PMP device is operating within a continuous workflow; and display, on the display screen, a continuous workflow home screen when the PMP device is operating within the continuous workflow, the continuous workflow home screen containing a third representation of the physiological parameter of the monitored patient, the third representation based on the measurement of the physiological parameter of the monitored patient; wherein the monitoring workflow home screen, the non-monitoring workflow home screen, and the continuous workflow home screen are each different. 
     Another aspect includes a method for performing physiological parameter measurements for a plurality of patients, the method including: displaying, by a physiological measurement platform (PMP) device, a settings screen on a display screen, the settings screen enabling a user to select a workflow within which the PMP device is to operate; when the PMP device is operating within a monitoring workflow: obtaining, by the PMP device, a series of measurements of a physiological parameter of a monitored patient; and displaying, by the PMP device, a monitoring workflow home screen on the display screen, the monitoring workflow home screen containing a first representation of the physiological parameter of the monitored patient, the first representation based on a measurement in the series of measurements; when the PMP device is operating within a non-monitoring workflow: obtaining, by the PMP device, a measurement of the physiological parameter of each patient in a series of patients; and displaying, by the PMP device, a non-monitoring workflow home screen on the display screen, the non-monitoring workflow home screen containing a second representation of the physiological parameter of a given patient in the series of patients, the second representation based on the measurement of the physiological parameter of the given patient in the series of patients; and when the PMP device is operating within a continuous workflow: obtaining, by the PMP device, continuous measurements of a continuous physiological parameter of the monitored patient; and displaying, by the PMP device, a continuous workflow home screen on the display screen, the continuous workflow home screen containing a third representation of the continuous physiological parameter of the monitored patient, the third representation based on a continuous measurement in the continuous measurements. 
     Yet another aspect includes a computer-readable storage medium comprising software instructions that, when executed, cause a physiological measurement platform (PMP) device to: obtain a series of measurements of a physiological parameter of a monitored patient when the PMP device is operating within a monitoring workflow; display, on the display screen, one of a plurality of workflow home screens, each of the workflow home screens being configured to address a different type of workflow; when a continuous workflow home screen is selected: obtain a continuous measurement of the physiological parameter of the monitored patient when the PMP device is operating within a continuous workflow; and display, on the display screen, the continuous workflow home screen when the PMP device is operating within the continuous workflow, the continuous workflow home screen containing a representation of the physiological parameter of the monitored patient, the representation based on the measurement of the physiological parameter of the monitored patient, the continuous workflow home screen including: an SpO2 frame displaying an oxygen saturation percentage and a pulse amplitude blip bar indicating a pulse beat relative pulse amplitude; an etCO2 frame displaying a numeric value representing etCO2 and a Capnogram waveform; an RR frame displaying a numeric value representing respirations per minute, wherein the aging is shown by changing a display color of the episodic data when an age of the data reaches a threshold. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an example system for collecting measurements of physiological parameters of patients. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a view of an example physiological parameter measuring platform (PMP) device. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates an example user interface displayed on a user interface display of the PMP device of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3A  illustrated an example continuous workflow home screen. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates an example monitoring workflow home screen. 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates an example spot check workflow home screen. 
         FIG. 3D  illustrates an example triage workflow home screen. 
         FIG. 3E  illustrates an example alternative view of a patient&#39;s SpO2 level. 
         FIG. 3F  illustrates the example monitoring workflow home screen when an alarm is active. 
         FIG. 3G  illustrates the example monitoring workflow home screen when an alarm is active and when an alarm sound for the alarm has been temporarily silenced. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an example patient selection screen. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an example review screen. 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates an example intervals pane of a settings screen. 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates an example device pane of the settings screen. 
         FIG. 6C  illustrates an example clinician pane of the settings screen. 
         FIGS. 6D-6F  illustrate example profile panes of the settings screen. 
         FIG. 6G  illustrates an example advanced pane of the settings screen. 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates an example global pane of an alarms screen. 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates an example temperature pane of the alarms screen. 
         FIG. 7C  illustrates an example NIBP pane of the alarms screen. 
         FIG. 7D  illustrates an example SpO2 pane of the alarms screen. 
         FIG. 7E  illustrates an example pulse rate pane of the alarms screen. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an example SpO2 frame of the continuous workflow home screen. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an example SpHb frame of the continuous workflow home screen. 
         FIGS. 10A-10B  illustrate an example etCO2 frame of the continuous workflow home screen. 
         FIGS. 11A-11B  illustrate an example IPI frame of the continuous workflow home screen. 
         FIGS. 12A-12B  illustrate an example RR frame of the continuous workflow home screen. 
         FIGS. 13A-13B  illustrate an example NIPB frame of the continuous workflow home screen. 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating an example operation performed by the PMP device. 
         FIG. 15  is a flowchart representing a continuation of the operation in which the workflow selection input indicates the triage workflow. 
         FIG. 16  is a flowchart representing a continuation of the operation in which the workflow selection input indicates the continuous workflow. 
         FIG. 17  is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed by the PMP device when the PMP device displays a workflow home screen. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates example physical components of the PMP device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a physiological parameter measuring platform (PMP) device having a user interface configured to operate within and transition between a plurality of workflows. These workflows can include a continuous workflow, a monitoring workflow, and a non-monitoring workflow. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustrations specific embodiments or examples. These embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements through the several figures, aspects of the present disclosure and an example computing operating environment will be described. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an example system  100  for collecting measurements of physiological parameters of patients. As illustrated in the example of  FIG. 1 , the system  100  comprises an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system  102 , an interface system  104 , a set of client devices  106 A- 106 N (collectively, “client devices  106 ”), and a network  108 . 
     The network  108  is an electronic communication network that facilitates communication between the client devices  106  and the interface system  104 . An electronic communication network is a set of computing devices and links between the computing devices. 
     The computing devices in the network use the links to enable communication among the computing devices in the network. The network  108  can include routers, switches, mobile access points, bridges, hubs, intrusion detection devices, storage devices, standalone server devices, blade server devices, sensors, desktop computers, firewall devices, laptop computers, handheld computers, mobile telephones, and other types of computing devices. In various embodiments, the network  108  includes various types of links. For example, the network  108  can include wired and/or wireless links. 
     Furthermore, in various embodiments, the network  108  is implemented at various scales. For example, the network  108  can be implemented as one or more local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks, subnets, wide area networks (such as the Internet), or can be implemented at another scale. 
     The EMR system  102  is a computing system that allows storage, retrieval, and manipulation of electronic medical records. As used herein, a computing system is a system of one or more computing devices. A computing device is a physical, tangible device that processes data. Example types of computing devices include personal computers, standalone server computers, blade server computers, mainframe computers, handheld computers, smart phones, special purpose computing devices, and other types of devices that process data. 
     Each client device in the set of client devices  106  is a computing device. The client devices  106  can provide various types of functionality. For example, the set of client devices  106  can include one or more PMP devices (such as the PMP device  200 ). In addition, the set of client devices  106  can include one or more wall-mounted devices. Such wall-mounted devices can have similar functionality to the PMP device  200  but are stationary instead of portable. 
     In addition, the set of client devices  106  can include one or more monitor devices. Such monitor devices can display representations of physiological parameters, but do not directly obtain measurements of the physiological parameters from patients. A monitor device could, for example, be used by a clinician to monitor the physiological parameters of multiple patients. 
     The client devices  106  can communicate with each other through the network  108 . In various embodiments, the client devices  106  can communicate various types of data with each other through the network  108 . For example, in embodiments where the set of client devices  106  includes a set of PMP devices and a monitor device, each of the PMP devices can send data representing measurements of physiological parameters of patients to the monitor device. In this way, the monitor device can display representations of physiological parameters to a clinician. 
     The interface system  104  is a computing system that acts as an interface between the EMR system  102  and the client devices  106 . In some embodiments, the interface system  104  is a Connex system. Different EMR systems have different software interfaces. For example, the EMR system used by two different hospitals can have two different software interfaces. The interface system  104  provides a single software interface to each of the client devices  106 . 
     The client devices  106  send requests to software interface provided by the interface system  104 . When the interface system  104  receives a request from one of the client devices  106 , the interface system  104  translates the request into a request that works with the software interface provided by the EMR system  102 . The interface system  104  then provides the translated request to the software interface provided by the EMR system  102 . 
     When the interface system  104  receives a response from the EMR system  102 , the interface system  104  translates the response from a format of the EMR system  102  to a system understood by the client devices  106 . The interface system  104  then forwards the translated response to an appropriate one of the client devices  106 . 
     The client devices  106  can send various types of data to the interface system  104  for storage in the EMR system  102  and can receive various types of data from the EMR system  102  through the interface system  104 . For example, in some embodiments, the client devices  106  can send measurements of physiological parameters to the interface system  104  for storage in the EMR system  102 . In another example, a monitor device can retrieve past measurements of physiological parameters of patients from the EMR system  102  through the interface system  104 . 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a view of a PMP device  200 . The PMP device  200  is classified and referred to as a portable monitor platform device. The PMP device  200  includes multiple health care equipment (HCE) modules. Each of the HCE modules is configured to measure one or more physiological parameters of a health-care recipient, also referred to herein as a patient. 
     A temperature measurement module  212  is accessible from the front side of the PMP device  200 . An oxygen saturation (SpO2) module  214  and a non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) module  216  are accessible from a left hand side of the PMP device  200 . An upper handle portion  220  enables the PMP device  200  to be carried by hand. Other modules, such as those described below, can also be used. 
     A front side of the PMP device  200  includes a display screen  218  and an outer surface of the temperature measurement module  212 . The temperature measurement module  212  is designed to measure the body temperature of a patient. As used in this document, a “module” is a combination of a physical module structure which typically resides within the PMP device  200  and optional peripheral components (not shown) that typically attach to and reside outside of the PMP device  200 . 
     The temperature measurement module  212  includes a front panel  212   a . The front panel  212   a  has an outer surface that is accessible from the front side of the PMP device  200 . The front panel  212   a  provides access to a wall (not shown) storing a removable probe (not shown), also referred to as a temperature probe, that is attached to a probe handle  212   b . The probe and its attached probe handle  212   b  are tethered to the temperature measurement module  212  via an insulated conductor  212   c . The probe is designed to make physical contact with a patient in order to sense a body temperature of the patient. 
     A left hand side of the PMP device  200  includes an outer surface of the SpO2 module  214  and an outer surface of the NIBP module  216 . The SpO2 module  214  is a HCE module designed to measure oxygen content within the blood of a patient. The NIBP module  216  is a HCE module designed to measure blood pressure of a patient. 
     As shown, the SpO2 module  214  includes a front panel  214   a . The front panel  214   a  includes an outer surface that is accessible from the left side of the PMP device  200 . The front panel  214   a  includes a connector  214   b  that enables a connection between one or more peripheral SpO2 components (not shown) and a portion of the SpO2 module  214  residing inside the PMP device  200 . The peripheral SpO2 components reside external to the PMP device  200 . The peripheral SpO2 components are configured to interoperate with the SpO2 module  214  when connected to the SpO2 module  214  via the connector  214   b . In some embodiments, the peripheral SpO2 components include a clip that attaches to an appendage of a patient, such as a finger. The clip is designed to detect and measure a pulse and an oxygen content of blood flowing within the patient. 
     As shown, the NIBP module  216  includes a front panel  216   a  having an outer surface that is accessible from the left side of the PMP device  200 . The front panel  216   a  includes a connector  216   b  that enables a connection between one or more peripheral NIBP components (not shown) and a portion of the NIBP module  216  residing inside the PMP device  200 . The peripheral NIBP components reside external to the PMP device  200 . The peripheral NIBP components are configured to interoperate with the NIBP module  216  when connected to the NIBP module  216  via the connector  216   b . In some embodiments, the peripheral NIBP components include an inflatable cuff that attaches to an appendage of a patient, such as an upper arm of the patient. The inflatable cuff is designed to measure the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the patient, the mean arterial pressure (MAP) of the patient, and the pulse rate of blood flowing within the patient. 
     The PMP device  200  is able to operate within one or more workflows. A workflow is a series of one or more tasks that a user of the PMP device  200  performs. When the PMP device  200  operates within a workflow, the PMP device  200  provides functionality suitable for assisting the user in performing the workflow. When the PMP device  200  operates within different workflows, the PMP device  200  provides different functionality. 
     When the PMP device  200  is manufactured, the PMP device  200  is configured to be able to operate within one or more workflows. After the PMP device  200  is manufactured, the PMP device  200  can be reconfigured to operate within one or more additional workflows. In this way, a user can adapt the PMP device  200  for use in different workflows as needed. 
     In various embodiments, the PMP device  200  operates within various workflows. For example, in some embodiments, the PMP device  200  can operate within one or more of a continuous workflow, a monitoring workflow, and/or a non-monitoring workflow. Example types of non-monitoring workflows include, but are not limited to, a spot check workflow and a triage workflow. 
     In example embodiments, the names for the workflows can be defined by the user. For example, the user can rename a “triage workflow” as “ED 3 North” or any other nomenclature as desired to provide more context to the user. 
     When the PMP device  200  is operating with the continuous workflow, the PMP device  200  obtains a series of measurements of one or more physiological parameters of a single monitored patient continuously over a period of time. The continuous measurements can be taken over short intervals, such as 1 millisecond, 0.5 second, 1 second, 2 seconds, etc. In addition, the PMP device  200  displays, on the display screen  218 , a continuous workflow home screen. The continuous workflow home screen contains a representation of a physiological parameter of the monitored patient. The representation is based on the continuous measurements taken by the PMP device  200 . 
     When the PMP device  200  is operating within the monitoring workflow (sometimes referred to as “intervals monitoring”) the PMP device  200  obtains a series of measurements of one or more physiological parameters of a single monitored patient periodically over a period of time. These periodic measurements can be taken at intervals such as 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 12 hours, etc. In addition, the PMP device  200  displays, on the display screen  218 , a monitoring workflow home screen. The monitoring workflow home screen contains a representation of a physiological parameter of the monitored patient. The representation is based on at least one measurement in the series of measurements. 
     A representation of a physiological parameter is a visible image conveying information about the physiological parameter. For example, when the PMP device  200  is operating within the monitoring workflow, the PMP device  200  can obtain a temperature measurement of a single patient once every ten minutes for six hours. In this example, the PMP device  200  displays a monitoring workflow home screen that contains a representation of the patient&#39;s body temperature based on a most recent one of the temperature measurements. In this way, a user of the PMP device  200  can monitor the status of the patient. 
     When the PMP device  200  is operating within a non-monitoring workflow, the PMP device  200  obtains a measurement of one or more physiological parameters from each patient in a series of patients. In addition, the PMP device  200  displays a non-monitoring workflow home screen on the display screen  218 . The non-monitoring workflow home screen contains a representation of the physiological parameter of a given patient in the series of patients. The representation is based on the measurement of the physiological parameter of the given patient. 
     In one example, when the PMP device  200  is operating within a spot check workflow, the PMP device  200  obtains blood pressure measurements from a series of previously-identified patients. In this other example, the PMP device  200  displays a spot check workflow home screen containing a blood pressure measurement of a given patient in the series of previously-identified patients. In this way, a user of the PMP device  200  can perform spot checks on the blood pressures of patients who have already been admitted to a hospital. 
     As used in this document, a patient is a previously identified patient when the PMP device  200  stores information regarding the identity of the patient. In another example, when the PMP device  200  is operating within a triage workflow, the PMP device  200  can obtain a single blood pressure measurement from each patient in a series of unidentified patients as the patients arrive at a hospital. 
     In this example, the PMP device  200  displays a triage workflow home screen containing a representation of the patients&#39; blood pressure based on the single blood pressure measurements of the patients. In this way, a user of the PMP device  200  can perform triage on the series of unidentified patients as they arrive. As used in this document, a patient is an unidentified patient when the PMP device  200  does not store information regarding the identity of the patient. 
     The home screen for each type of workflow can be different to optimize the information shown. In some examples, the continuous monitoring workflow home screen displays measurements not shown in other workflows, such as SpO2, PR, etCO2, Fraction of inspired CO2 (FiCO2), IPI, RR and/or SpHb. In addition, the continuous monitoring workflow can display both continuous and episodic measurements. See  FIGS. 13A-13B  described below. 
     In some embodiments, the monitoring workflow home screen includes at least one user-selectable control that is not included in the non-monitoring workflow home screen. In other embodiments, a representation of a physiological parameter in the monitoring workflow home screen has a different size than a representation of the same physiological parameter in the non-monitoring workflow home screen. 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates an example user interface displayed on the display screen  218  of  FIG. 2A . The PMP device  200  outputs and displays user interfaces discussed in this document on the display screen  218 . 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates an example continuous workflow home screen  250 . The PMP device  200  displays the continuous workflow home screen  250  while the PMP device  200  is operating within a continuous workflow. 
     As described herein, the continuous workflow is designed for obtaining a continuous series of physiological measurements associated with an identified patient over a period of time. 
     As shown in the example of  FIG. 3A , the continuous workflow home screen  250  includes a device status area  312 , a navigation area  318 , and a content area  270 . 
     The device status area  312  contains data regarding a status of the PMP device  200 . In the example of  FIG. 3A , the device status area  312  includes text that identifies a clinician (“Patricia Jones”) and a health care facility location (“West  4 A”). A current time of day value (“19:31”) is located towards the center of the device status area  312 . A date value (“Jul. 3, 2012”) is located to the right side of the time of day value. A remaining time of a battery (“1:10”) value is located at the right side of the device status area  312 . 
     In one example, the device status area  312  also includes a workflow indicator  252  that provides the user with an indication of the current workflow configuration for the PMP device  200 . In this example, the workflow indicator  252  indicates that the PMP device  200  is in the “Continuous” workflow configuration. Other examples can include “Monitoring” and “Spot Check.” 
     The PMP device  200  is functionally connected to one or more sensors that enable monitoring of at least one physiological parameter that is associated with a patient. Typically, each sensor is physically attached to the patient while the PMP device  200  is operating within the continuous workflow. Examples of these sensors include a respiration rate (RR) probe, an SpO2 probe, and an end tidal CO2 (etCO2) probe that are each attachable to the PMP device  200  as described above. 
     The content area  270  illustrates the various measurements taken by the PMP device  200  while in the continuous workflow configuration. The examples include an IPI frame  254 , a SpO2 frame  256 , an NIBP frame  257 , a SpHbv frame  258 , an RR frame  262 , an etCO2 frame  264 , a pulse rate frame  265 , and a temperature frame  267 . 
     The continuous workflow home screen  250  also includes a patient information section  260  that provides information about the patient. As described herein, such information can include patient name, room number, age (e.g., adult or child), etc. 
     The navigation area  318  of the continuous workflow home screen  250  includes a home tab  318   a , a patients tab  318   b , an alarms tab  318   c , a review tab  318   d , a settings tab  318   e , and an applications tab  318   f . The home tab  318   a , the patients tab  318   b , the alarms tab  318   c , the review tab  318   d , the settings tab  318   e , and the applications tab  318   f  are referred to herein collectively as the screen tabs  318 . Selection of screen tabs  318   b - 318   f  causes substitution of the monitoring workflow home screen  300  with another screen associated with the screen tabs  318   b - 318   e . For example, the PMP device  200  displays a patient screen when a user selects the patients tab  318   b.    
       FIG. 4 , discussed elsewhere in this document, illustrates an example patient selection screen. Furthermore, the PMP device  200  displays an alarms screen when a user selects the alarms tab  318   c .  FIGS. 7A-7E , discussed elsewhere in this document, illustrate an example alarms screen. Furthermore, the PMP device  200  displays a review screen when a user selects the review tab  318   d .  FIG. 5 , discussed elsewhere in this document, illustrates an example review screen. 
     Furthermore, the PMP device  200  displays a settings screen when a user selects the settings tab  318   e .  FIGS. 6A-6G , discussed elsewhere in this document, illustrate an example settings screen. When the PMP device  200  displays a screen other than the monitoring workflow home screen  300  and a user selects the home tab  318   a , the PMP device  200  displays the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . 
     The PMP device  200  displays applications that have been installed on the PMP device  200  when the applications tab  318   f  is selected. Applications can be installed on the PMP device  200  to enhance the functionality of the PMP device  200 . One example of such an application is a body mass index (BMI) calculator that allows the caregiver to calculate a BMI on the PMP device  200 . When the applications tab  318   f  is selected, a list of the installed application is provided, and one or more of the applications can be launched by selecting the application. Additional details regarding a PMP device including such applications is provided in Patent Cooperation Treaty Application No. PCT/US2010/045814 filed on Aug. 17, 2010, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates an example monitoring workflow home screen  300 . The PMP device  200  displays the monitoring workflow home screen  300  while the PMP device  200  is operating within a monitoring workflow. The monitoring workflow is designed for obtaining a series of physiological measurements associated with an identified patient over a period of time. 
     The PMP device  200  is functionally connected to one or more sensors that enable monitoring of at least one physiological parameter that is associated with a patient. Typically, each sensor is physically attached to the patient while the PMP device  200  is operating within the monitoring workflow. These sensors include a temperature probe, a SpO2 clip, and a NIBP blood pressure cuff that are each attachable to the PMP device  200  as described above. 
     As shown in the example of  FIG. 3B , the monitoring workflow home screen  300  includes the device status area  312 , the navigation area  318 , and a content area  320 . The content area  320  is divided into a parameter reporting area  314  and a patient attribute area  316 . 
     The parameter reporting area  314  includes one or more parameter reporting frames. Each of the parameter reporting frames contains a representation of a different physiological parameter for a patient. The representations are based on one or more measurements of the physiological parameters of a monitored patient. In addition, each of the parameter reporting frames contains an alarm reporting area. The alarm reporting areas specify upper alarm limits and lower alarm limits for the physiological parameters. The upper alarm limits and the lower alarm limits define the alarm ranges for the physiological parameters. Alarms associated with the physiological parameters are active when measurements of the physiological parameters are outside the alarm range for the physiological parameters. 
     In the example of  FIG. 3B , the parameter reporting area  314  contains a NIBP frame  314   a , a pulse rate frame  314   b , a SpO2 frame  314   c , and a temperature frame  314   d . The NIBP frame  314   a  is located within an upper left portion of the parameter reporting area  314 . The pulse rate frame  314   b  is located within an upper right portion of the parameter reporting area  314 . The SpO2 frame  314   c  is located within a lower left portion of the parameter reporting area  314 . The temperature frame  314   d  is located within a lower right portion of the parameter reporting area  314 . 
     The NIBP frame  314   a  contains a representation of the blood pressure of the patient. The representation of the blood pressure of the patient is based on one or more measurements of the blood pressure of the patient. In various embodiments, the NIBP frame  314   a  contains various representations of the blood pressure of the patient. In the example of  FIG. 3B , the NIBP frame  314   a  includes enlarged numerical text that represents a systolic blood pressure value (“120”) and a diastolic blood pressure value (“80”), separated from each other via a slash ‘/’ text character. The systolic blood pressure value is located at the left side of the NIBP frame  314   a  and the diastolic blood pressure is located to the right side of the systolic blood pressure value. 
     An NIBP alarm status area  322   c  is located at the right side of the NIBP frame  314   a . The NIBP alarm status area  322   c  specifies an upper alarm limit and a lower alarm limit for the patient&#39;s systolic blood pressure and an upper alarm limit and a lower alarm limit for the patient&#39;s diastolic blood pressure. The upper alarm limit and the lower alarm limit for the patient&#39;s systolic blood pressure define a systolic blood pressure alarm range. The upper alarm limit and the lower alarm limit for the patient&#39;s diastolic blood pressure define a diastolic blood pressure alarm range. An alarm associated with the patient&#39;s blood pressure is active when the patient&#39;s systolic blood pressure is outside the systolic blood pressure alarm range or when the patient&#39;s diastolic blood pressure is outside the diastolic blood pressure alarm range 
     The NIBP frame  314   a  also contains a NIBP cuff inflation stop button  322   a . The NIBP cuff inflation stop button  322   a  is labeled with the text “Stop.” The NIBP frame  314   a  also contains a NIBP automatic interval timer  322   b . The NIBP automatic interval timer  322   b  is located between the diastolic blood pressure value and the NIBP alarm status area  322   c . Selection of the NIBP cuff inflation stop button  322   a  ceases inflation of the NIBP cuff and toggles the label of the NIBP cuff inflation stop button  322   a  to display the (“Start”) text. As used herein, a user selects a button or control when the user provides input to the PMP device  200  that specifies the control. For example, a user can select a control by pressing the control, by pressing another button while the control is highlighted, or by another means. Selection of the NIBP cuff inflation stop button  322   a  (now labeled the “Start” button) restarts inflation of the NIBP cuff and toggles the label of the NIBP cuff inflation stop button  322   a  to display the (“Stop”) text. The NIBP automatic interval timer  322   b  indicates an amount of time remaining before the next scheduled inflation of the NIBP cuff. Additionally, a user can determine the age of the current NIBP reading on the NIBP frame  314   a  by subtracting the remaining time on the NIBP automatic interval timer  322   b  from the original interval duration. In the example of  FIG. 3B , the NIBP frame  314   a  also displays a MAP value in an extended label field  322   d.    
     The pulse rate frame  314   b  contains a representation of the patient&#39;s pulse rate. The representation of the patient&#39;s pulse rate is based on one or more measurements of the patient&#39;s pulse rate. In different embodiments, the pulse rate frame  314   b  contains different representations of the patient&#39;s pulse rate. In the example of  FIG. 3B , the pulse rate frame  314   b  includes enlarged numerical text that represents a pulse rate value (“122”). The pulse rate value (“122”) is located at the left side of the pulse rate frame  314   b . A pulse rate alarm status area  324   a  is located at the right side of the pulse rate frame  314   b . The pulse rate frame  314   b  also indicates a source of the pulse rate in an extended label field  324   b.    
     The pulse rate alarm status area  324   a  specifies an upper alarm limit and a lower alarm limit. The upper alarm limit and the lower alarm limit define a pulse rate alarm range. An alarm associated with the patient&#39;s pulse rate is active when the patient&#39;s pulse rate is outside the pulse rate alarm range. 
     The SpO2 frame  314   c  contains a representation of the patient&#39;s SpO2 level. The representation of the patient&#39;s SpO2 level is based on one or more measurements of the patient&#39;s SpO2 level. In different embodiments, the SpO2 frame  314   c  contains different representations of the patient&#39;s SpO2 level. In the example of  FIG. 3B , the SpO2 frame  314   c  includes enlarged numerical text that represents an SpO2 value (“97%”). The SpO2 value (“97%”) is located at the left side of the SpO2 frame  314   c  and is accompanied by a ‘%’ text character on the right side of the SpO2 value. A SpO2 alarm status area  326   a  is located at the right side of the SpO2 frame  314   c . An SpO2 alarm parameter  326   d , appearing as a circle adjacent to the text (“ 25 ”), indicates a duration of time. The SpO2 alarm status area  326   a  specifies an upper alarm limit and a lower alarm limit. The upper alarm limit and the lower alarm limit define a SpO2 alarm range. An alarm associated with the patient&#39;s SpO2 level is active when the patient&#39;s SpO2 level is outside the SpO2 alarm range for the duration of time indicated by the SpO2 alarm parameter  326   d . The SpO2 frame  314   c  also includes a pulse amplitude blip bar  326   b  which indicates pulse beat and shows the relative pulse amplitude. As the detected pulse becomes stronger, more bars in the pulse amplitude blip bar  326   b  light up. The SpO2 frame  314   c  also includes an SpO2 response time control button  326   c  that is configured for a user to control the SpO2 alarm parameter  326   d.    
     The temperature frame  314   d  contains a representation of the patient&#39;s body temperature. The representation of the patient&#39;s body temperature is based on one or more measurements of the patient&#39;s body temperature. In different embodiments, the temperature frame  314   d  contains different representations of the patient&#39;s body temperature. In the example of  FIG. 3B , the temperature frame  314   d  includes enlarged numerical text that represents a temperature value (“101.5”). The temperature value (“101.5”) is located at the left side of the temperature frame  314   d  and is accompanied by a Fahrenheit degree indicating symbol on the right side of the temperature value. A temperature alarm status area  328   a  is located at the right side of the temperature frame  314   d . The temperature alarm status area  328   a  specifies an upper alarm limit and a lower alarm limit. The upper alarm limit and the lower alarm limit define a temperature alarm range. An alarm associated with the patient&#39;s temperature is active when the patient&#39;s temperature level is outside the temperature alarm range. 
     In some embodiments, the PMP device  200  can measure the patient&#39;s temperature in either a predictive mode or in a direct mode. When the PMP device  200  measures the patient&#39;s temperature in the predictive mode, the PMP device  200  predicts the patient&#39;s current temperature based on periodic readings of the patient&#39;s temperature. When the PMP device  200  measures the patient&#39;s temperature in the direct mode, the PMP device  200  continually measures the patient&#39;s temperature. 
     The temperature value in the temperature frame  314   d  is based on measurements received from a thermometer attached to a patient. When the PMP device  200  measures the patient&#39;s temperature in the predictive mode, the thermometer can be located at various places on the patient&#39;s body. Example locations on the patient&#39;s body where the thermometer can be located include in the patient&#39;s mouth, on the patient&#39;s thigh, in the patient&#39;s armpit, in the patient&#39;s rectum, and other locations. The temperature frame  314   d  includes a thermometry location control  328   b . The thermometry location control  328   b  indicates a location on the patient&#39;s body where the thermometer is located. In the example of  FIG. 3B , the thermometry location control  328   b  indicates that the thermometer is located in the patient&#39;s mouth. 
     When a user selects the thermometry location control  328   b , the PMP device  200  updates the thermometry location control  328   b  such that the thermometry location control  328   b  indicates a different location on the patient&#39;s body or whether the PMP device  200  is to obtain measurements of the patient&#39;s temperature in direct mode. The user can continue selecting the thermometry location control  328   b  until the thermometry location control  328   b  indicates a location where the thermometer is located on the patient&#39;s body or until the thermometry location control  328   b  indicates that measurements are to be obtained in direct mode. For example, in some embodiments, the PMP device  200  accepts readings from a thermometer when the thermometer is located in the patient&#39;s mouth, in an adult patient&#39;s armpit, or in a pediatric patient&#39;s armpit. In this example, the thermometry location control  328   b  initially indicates that the thermometer is in a patient&#39;s mouth. When the user selects the thermometry location control  328   b  one time, the thermometry location control  328   b  indicates that the thermometer is located in an adult patient&#39;s armpit. When the user selects the thermometry location control  328   b  again, the thermometry location control  328   b  indicates that the thermometer is located in a pediatric patient&#39;s armpit. When the user selects the thermometry location control  328   b  yet again, the thermometry location control  328   b  indicates that the measurements of the patient&#39;s temperature are to be obtained in direct mode. When the user selects the thermometry location control  328   b  yet again, the thermometry location control  328   b  again indicates that the thermometer is located in a patient&#39;s mouth. 
     The display screen  218  enables a user to select the parameter reporting frames  314   a - 314   d  in order to change how the physiological parameters are represented in the parameter reporting frames  314   a - 314   d . In other words, each of the parameter reporting frames  314   a - 314   d  contains an initial representation of a physiological parameter. The parameter reporting frame displays an alternate representation of the physiological parameter instead of the initial representation of the physiological parameter when a user selects the parameter reporting frame. 
     For example, selecting the temperature frame  314   d  toggles the temperature value between being expressed in Fahrenheit or Centigrade. This feature is referred to as “tap to toggle.” In another example, when a user selects the pulse rate frame  314   b , the PMP device  200  displays a waveform in the pulse rate frame  314   b  instead of a number representing the patient&#39;s current pulse rate. The waveform represents a patient&#39;s pulse over time. In this example, when the user selects the pulse rate frame  314   b  again, the PMP device  200  displays a number in the pulse rate frame  314   b  representing the patient&#39;s current pulse rate. In yet another example, when the user selects the SpO2 frame  314   c , the PMP device  200  displays a plethysmographic waveform view in the SpO2 frame  314   c .  FIG. 3E  illustrates an example alternate representation of a patient&#39;s SpO2 level. In the example of  FIG. 3E , the SpO2 frame  314   c  contains a plethysmographic waveform view  325 . 
     The patient attribute area  316  contains data that specify attributes of a patient. In various embodiments, the patient attribute area  316  contains data that specify various attributes of a patient. For example, in some embodiments, text that identifies a patient is located at the left side of the patient attribute area  316 . In the example of  FIG. 3B , the patient attribute area  316  contains the value “83645211” to identify the patient. 
     Furthermore, in the example of  FIG. 3B , the patient attribute area  316  contains a patient type button  316   b  that is labeled with the text “Adult.” The patient type button  316   b  is located towards the center of the patient attribute area  316 . Patient-related attribute values that are labeled with the text (“HEIGHT”), (“WEIGHT”), (“PAIN”) and (“RR”) are located to the right side of the patient type button  316   b . A save button  316   g  that is labeled with the text (“Save”) is located at the right side of the patient attribute area  316 . 
     The patient type button  316   b  indicates a value of a patient type parameter associated with the current patient. The patient type parameter can store a value of “Adult”, “Pediatric”, or “Neonatal” patient type. The patient type parameter controls the amount of air pressure applied to the NIBP cuff. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the patient type parameter controls the default alarm limits for the patient&#39;s physiological parameters. Thus, by using the patient type button  316   b  to change the patient type parameter, the user can automatically change the alarm limits for the patient&#39;s physiological parameters. As described elsewhere in this document, the user can also manually set the alarm limits for physiological parameters. When a user selects the patient type button  316   b , the monitoring workflow home screen  300  is replaced by the patient selection screen as if the patients tab  318   b  was selected. 
     When the save button  316   g  is selected while the PMP device is operating in the monitoring workflow, the PMP device  200  saves a patient reading to local non-volatile storage within the PMP device  200 . The patient reading is a set of data that includes measurements of the physiological parameters of the patient. If applicable, the patient reading can also include data indicating attributes of the patient. A user can use the review screen to review saved patient reading. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the PMP device  200  automatically attempts to transmit the patient reading to another computing node. A user can use the settings screen to specify the other computing node. In some embodiments, the other computing node is an electronic medical records system. Optionally, the other computing node is the interface system  104 . The PMP device  200  does not clear the monitoring workflow home screen  300  when the save button  316   g  is selected. 
     The PMP device  200  can be configured to automatically save measurements as well. For example, when in the continuous workflow mode, the PMP device  200  can be configured to automatically store measured values at periodic intervals, such as once per second, once per minute, once every 5 minutes, etc. 
     The monitoring workflow is designed for obtaining a series of measurements of one or more physiological parameters of an identified patient over a period of time. A user uses the patient selection screen to select the identified patient. The PMP device  200  is programmable via an intervals pane of the settings screen to periodically record measurements of one or more physiological parameters over time from the identified patient. 
     A user may select the save button  316   g  one or more times. Each time the user selects the save button  316   g , the PMP device  200  locally saves the patient reading and may attempt to send the patient reading to another computing node. The sending is dependent on the workflow in which the PMP device  200  is operating. In the spot check workflow (see  FIG. 3C ), the PMP device  200  automatically sends the patient reading because a clinician is present when the measurements are obtained. When the PMP device  200  is operating in the monitoring workflow, a clinician may not be always present. Thus, the patient reading is not sent automatically. Instead, a clinician navigates to the review screen (See  FIG. 5 ) and manually selects the patient reading that the user wants to send. 
     When the PMP device  200  is operating in the monitoring workflow, the representations of the physiological parameters and patient attributes remain displayed on the monitoring workflow home screen  300 , regardless of whether or not the patient reading is saved locally and/or transmitted to another computing node in response to a selection of the save button  316   g . Unlike the spot check and triage workflows, the PMP device  200  does not clear the monitoring workflow home screen  300  when a user selects the save button  316   g.    
     In some embodiments, the home screens for each workflow supported by the PMP device  200  contain at least one common user interface element. The common user interface element has the same appearance in each of the home screens, but does not necessarily perform the same function in the home screens of the different workflows. In the example of  FIG. 3B , the patient type button  316   b  and the save button  316   g  are user interface elements that are included within and common to the monitoring workflow home screen  300  and to home screens for the spot check workflow ( FIG. 3C ) and the triage workflow ( FIG. 3D ). Further, the patient type button  316   b  and the save button  316   g  have a same appearance but also have different functions depending upon which workflow the PMP device  200  is operating within. 
     When the PMP device  200  is operating in the monitoring workflow, the PMP device  200  clears the monitoring workflow home screen  300  upon discharge of the current (first) identified patient for which physiological parameters are being obtained. When the PMP device  200  clears the monitoring workflow home screen  300 , the PMP device  200  modifies the monitoring workflow home screen  300  such that the monitoring workflow home screen  300  no longer contains data representing physiological parameters of a patient and attributes of the patient. The monitored patient is discharged by the selection of another (second) identified patient for which to obtain physiological data, via the patient selection screen  400  or by power-cycling the PMP device  200 . Upon selection of the second patient, the PMP device  200  locally stores the patient reading for the first patient and transmits the patient reading for the first patient to another computing node when a user selects a send patient reading control  448   a  on the review screen (see  FIG. 5 ). Upon attaching the sensors to the second identified patient, the PMP device  200  obtain measurements of a set of one or more physiological parameter from the second identified patient, periodically over time. 
     Unlike the home screens for non-monitoring workflows (e.g., the spot check workflow and the triage workflow), the monitoring workflow home screen  300  provides direct access to the alarm screen via the alarm status areas  322   c ,  324   a ,  326   a ,  328   a  located within the parameter reporting frames  314   a - 314   d . Each alarm status area  322   c ,  324   a ,  326   a ,  328   a  (including the bell-shaped symbols) indicates high and low alarm limits and provides a visual indication of when an alarm is active. 
       FIG. 3F  illustrates the monitoring workflow home screen  300  when an alarm is active. When an alarm is active with respect to a particular physiological parameter, a perimeter around the parameter reporting frame for the particular physiological parameter transitions from a gray color to a red color. Changing the color of the perimeter provides a visual indication that the alarm is active. In some embodiments, the perimeter around the parameter reporting frame also flashes, thereby providing another visual indication that the alarm is active. Furthermore, the bell-shaped symbol within the alarm status area transitions from a white color to a red or yellow color, depending on a priority of the alarm. This provides another visual indication that the alarm is active. When the alarm is resolved, the bell-shaped symbol within the alarm status area transitions from the red or yellow color to the white color. In the example of  FIG. 3F , an alarm associated with the patient&#39;s pulse rate is active. Accordingly, the perimeter around the pulse rate frame  314   b  is red instead of gray. 
     Furthermore, as illustrated in the example of  FIG. 3F , when an alarm associated with a particular physiological parameter is active, the PMP device  200  causes the device status area  312  to display an alarm message  380 . The alarm message  380  visually indicates that an alarm is active and indicates a brief description of the alert. In the example  FIG. 3F , the alarm message  380  indicates that the reason for the alert is that the patient&#39;s heart rate is too high. 
     Furthermore, when an alarm associated with a particular physiological parameter is active, the PMP device  200  emits an alarm sound. The PMP device  200  continues to emit the alarm sound until the alarm is deactivated or until a user temporarily silences the alarm sound. When the user temporarily silences the alarm sound, the PMP device  200  suspends emitting the alarm sound for a given time period. In various embodiments, the user is able to temporarily silence the alarm sound in various ways. For example, in some embodiments, the user temporarily silences the alarm sound by touching the parameter reporting frame corresponding to the alarm. In other embodiments, the user temporarily silences the alarm sound by touching the alarm message  380 . In yet other embodiments, the user temporarily silences the alarm sound by selecting a physical button on the PMP device  200 . 
     When the user temporarily silences the alarm sound, the PMP device  200  resumes emitting the alarm sound after a given time period expires. For example, in some embodiments, the PMP device  200  resumes emitting the alarm sound after 30 seconds. When the user temporarily silences the alarm sound, the alarm message  380  indicates a time remaining before the PMP device  200  resumes emitting the alarm sound. 
       FIG. 3G  illustrates the monitoring workflow home screen  300  when an alarm is active and when the alarm sound for the alarm has been temporarily silenced. In the example of  FIG. 3G , the alarm message  380  indicates that eighty-nine seconds remain before the PMP device  200  resumes emitting the alarm sound. 
     In some embodiments, the user is able to temporarily silence the alarm sound for various lengths of time by selecting a button on the PMP device  200  or a control displayed by the PMP device  200  multiple times. For example, when the user selects the alarm message  380  one time, the PMP device  200  resumes emitting the alarm sound after sixty seconds. In this example, each time the user selects the alarm message  380 , the PMP device  200  adds thirty seconds to the length of time before the PMP device  200  resumes emitting the alarm sound. In some embodiments, the PMP device  200  prevents the user from temporarily silencing the alarm sound for more than a given amount of time. For example, in some embodiments, the PMP device  200  prevents the user from temporarily silencing the alarm sound for more than five minutes. 
     When the user temporarily silences an alarm sound for an alarm, the monitoring workflow home screen  300  visually indicates that the alarm sound has been temporarily silenced. In various embodiments, the monitoring workflow home screen  300  visually indicates that the alarm sound has been temporarily silenced in various ways. For example, in some embodiments, the alarm message  380  contains a bell-shaped icon when the alarm sound has been temporarily silenced. In this example, the bell-shaped icon has an X-shaped mark over a bell. The lines of the X-shaped mark are dashed. In other example embodiments, the alarm message  380  or other parts of the monitoring workflow home screen  300  contain differently shaped icons or visual indicators. 
     The alarm status areas  322   c ,  324   a ,  326   a ,  328   a  act as navigational short cuts to appropriate panes within the alarms screen for each respective physiological parameter (See  FIG. 7A ). In this way, selecting an alarm status area while no alarm is active results in the PMP device  200  displaying the same user interface as if a user selects the alarms tab  318   c  and then selects an appropriate pane of the alarms screen. Navigation to the appropriate pane of the alarms screen happens only when the PMP device  200  is not emitting an alarm sound. In other words, the first selection of this area (or anywhere in the parameter reporting frame) would cause the alarm to silence the audio. A subsequent selection of the alarm status area performs the navigation. 
     Various alarms have various priority levels. For example, an alarm associated with a patient&#39;s pulse rate has a high priority level and an alarm associated with detachment of a SpO2 clip has a medium priority level. The PMP device  200  visually and/or sonically indicates alarms having different priority levels in different ways. For example, in some embodiments, when an alarm having a high priority level is active, the PMP device  200  displays visual indications of the alarm in a given color, such as red. When an alarm having a medium or low priority level is active, the PMP device  200  displays visual indications of the alarm in another color, such as yellow. Furthermore, in some embodiments, when an alarm having a high priority level is active, the PMP device  200  emits a given alarm sound, such as a continuous tone. When an alarm having a medium or low priority level is active, the PMP device  200  emits another alarm sound, such as a periodic beep. 
     When the PMP device  200  is operating in different workflows, the PMP device  200  can activate different alarms and/or emit different alarm sounds. For example, the PMP device  200  activates an alarm when a SpO2 clip detachment event occurs while the PMP device  200  operating within the monitoring workflow, but does not activate the alarm while in a non-operating in the monitoring workflow. This feature can be convenient considering that the PMP device  200  and the patient are more likely to be unattended by a user of the PMP device  200  for periods of time when the PMP device  200  is operating in the monitoring workflow, but less likely when the PMP device  200  is operating in the spot check or the triage workflows. In one embodiment, monitoring of SpO2 may be prevented by the PMP device  200  beyond ten minutes if the PMP device  200  is operating in the spot check or the triage workflows. 
     Under certain circumstances, multiple alarms can be active concurrently. For example, one alarm can be active because a patient&#39;s pulse rate is too high and another alarm can be active because a SpO2 clip has been detached from the patient. When multiple alarms are active concurrently, the PMP device  200  indicates that multiple alarms are active. In various embodiments, the PMP device  200  indicates that multiple alarms are active in various ways. For example, in some embodiments, the alarm message  380  includes an icon that indicates a number of alarms that are currently active. In this example, icon can be a triangle containing the number of alarms that are currently active. 
     In some embodiments, the PMP device  200  displays different visual indicators depending on the priority levels of concurrently active alarms. For example, when two or more high level alarms are active concurrently, the PMP device  200  displays visual indications for each of the high level alarms. In another example, when an alarm having a medium priority level (“the medium level alarm”) and an alarm having a high priority level (“the high level alarm”) are active concurrently, the PMP device  200  displays visual indications for the high level alarm and does not display visual indications for the medium level alarm. If the user of the PMP device  200  temporarily silences the alarm sound for the high level alarm, the PMP device  200  does not emit the alarm sound for the high level alarm or the alarm sound for the medium level alarm. When the high level alarm is resolved before the medium level alarm is resolved, the PMP device  200  displays visual indications for the medium level alarm and the PMP device  200  resumes emitting the alarm sound for the medium level alarm. 
     In some embodiments, the user of the PMP device  200  is able to toggle between multiple concurrently active alarms by selecting one or more controls in the user interface of the PMP device  200  or by selecting one or more buttons on the PMP device  200 . In this way, the user causes the PMP device  200  to display the visual indications for each of the multiple concurrently active alarms. For example, a first alarm and a second alarm can be concurrently active. In this example, the PMP device  200  displays an alarm message describing a first alarm. In this example, the PMP device  200  modifies the alarm message to describe a second alarm when a user selects the alarm message. 
     In some alternative embodiments, the PMP device  200  enables a user to customize the content within the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . For example, the PMP device  200  enables a user to adjust the relative sizes of the parameter reporting frames  314   a - 314   d  within the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . In another example, the PMP device  200  enables the user to add or remove parameter reporting frames from the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . Furthermore, in some such embodiments, the PMP device  200  includes one or more predefined templates for the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . Each of the predefined templates specifies a predefined set of content within the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . For example, one predefined template specifies that the monitoring workflow home screen  300  includes a large parameter reporting frame for the patient&#39;s blood pressure and three smaller parameter reporting frames for the patient&#39;s pulse rate, SpO2 level, and body temperature. In this example, another predefined template specifies that the monitoring workflow home screen  300  includes only a frame for the patient&#39;s SpO2 level and the patient&#39;s blood pressure. The user can customize the content within the monitoring workflow home screen  300  by selecting one of these predefined templates or by modifying one of these predefined templates. 
       FIG. 3C  illustrates an example spot check workflow home screen  330 . The PMP device  200  displays the spot check workflow home screen  330  when the PMP device  200  is operating in a spot check workflow. The spot check workflow home screen  330  is referred to as the “Home” screen for the spot check workflow. Like when the PMP device  200  is operating in the monitoring workflow, each sensor is physically attached to an identified patient when the PMP device  200  is operating in the spot check workflow. These sensors include a temperature probe, a SpO2 clip, and a NIBP blood pressure cuff. As described elsewhere in this document, the temperature probe, the SpO2 clip and the NIBP blood pressure cuff are peripheral to the PMP device  200 . 
     Also, like the monitoring workflow home screen  300  illustrated in the example of  FIG. 3B , the spot check workflow home screen  330  includes a device status area  312 , a content area  320 , and a navigation area  318 . The content area  320  includes a parameter reporting area  314  and a patient attribute area  316 . The parameter reporting area  314  of the spot check workflow home screen  330  includes an NIBP frame  334   a , a pulse rate frame  314   b , a SpO2 frame  334   c  and a temperature frame  334   d.    
     The NIBP frame  334   a  contains a representation of a patient&#39;s blood pressure. The representation is based on one or more measurements of the blood pressure of a previously identified patient. In the example of  FIG. 3C , the NIBP frame  334   a  includes text representing the patient&#39;s systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In the spot check workflow home screen  330 , the text representing the patient&#39;s systolic and diastolic blood pressure is larger than the text in the monitoring workflow home screen  300  representing the patient&#39;s systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The NIBP frame  334   a  of the spot check workflow home screen  330  does not include the NIBP alarm status area  322   c  and does not include the NIBP automatic interval timer  322   b  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . 
     The pulse rate frame  334   b  contains a representation of the patient&#39;s pulse rate. The representation is based on one or more measurements of the pulse rate of the patient. In the example of  FIG. 3C , the pulse rate frame  334   b  includes text representing the patient&#39;s pulse rate. In the spot check workflow home screen  330 , the text representing the patient&#39;s pulse rate is larger than the text in the monitoring workflow home screen  300  representing the patient&#39;s pulse rate. The pulse rate frame  334   b  of the spot check workflow home screen  330  does not include the pulse rate alarm status area  324   a  included within the pulse rate frame  314   b  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . 
     The SpO2 frame  334   c  contains a representation of the patient&#39;s SpO2 level. The representation is based on one or more measurements of the SpO2 level of the patient. In the example of  FIG. 3C , the SpO2 frame  334   c  includes text representing the SpO2 value. In the spot check workflow home screen  330 , the text representing the patient&#39;s SpO2 level is larger than the text in the monitoring workflow home screen  300  representing the patient&#39;s SpO2 level. The SpO2 frame  334   c  does not include the alarm status area  326   a , the SpO2 response time control button  326   c , or the SpO2 alarm parameter  326   d  of the SpO2 frame  314   c  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . 
     The temperature frame  334   d  contains a representation of the patient&#39;s body temperature. The representation is based on one or more measurements of the body temperature of the patient. In the example of  FIG. 3C , the temperature frame  334   d  includes text representing the patient&#39;s body temperature. In the spot check workflow home screen  330 , the text representing the patient&#39;s body temperature is larger than the text in the monitoring workflow home screen  300  representing the patient&#39;s body temperature. The temperature frame  334   d  of the spot check workflow home screen  330  does not include the temperature alarm status area  328   a  included within the temperature frame  314   d  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . 
     The patient attribute area  316  of the spot check workflow home screen  330  includes text that identifies the patient by name, initials, numerical identifier, or location. In the example of  FIG. 3C , the patient attribute area  316  includes text that identifies the patient as “Bar, D.” A user is able use the settings screen to configure the PMP device  200  to identify the patient by name or by number. The user is also able to use the settings screen to configure the PMP device  200  not to save or send patient readings when the PMP device  200  does not store information regarding the identity of the patient. 
     The navigation area  318  of the spot check workflow home screen  330  includes the home tab  318   a , the patients tab  318   b , the review tab  318   d , and the settings tab  318   e . The navigation area  318  excludes the alarms tab  318   c  included in the navigation area  318  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . As a result, the spot check workflow home screen  330  does not provide direct navigation to the alarms screen as provided by the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . 
     When the PMP device  200  is operating in the spot check workflow, the PMP device  200  locally saves a patient reading and attempts to send the patient reading to another computing node when a user selects the save button  316   g . The patient reading includes measurements of the physiological parameters of the patient and data identifying the patient. Unlike when the PMP device  200  is operating in the monitoring workflow, the PMP device  200  clears the spot check workflow home screen  330  when the user selects the save button  316   g . When the PMP device  200  clears the spot check workflow home screen  330 , the PMP device  200  modifies the spot check workflow home screen  330  such that the spot check workflow home screen  330  no longer contains representations of the physiological parameters of the patient and attributes of the patient. 
     Because the PMP device  200  clears the spot check workflow home screen  330  when a user selects the save button  316   g  of the spot check workflow home screen  330 , a first identified patient is essentially discharged when the user selects the save button  316   g . After selecting the save button  316   g , the user selects a second identified patient via the patient selection screen. Upon attaching the sensors to the second identified patient, the PMP device  200  obtains a set of one or more physiological parameter values from the second identified patient. 
     The spot check workflow is designed for obtaining measurements of physiological parameters from each patient in a series of identified patients. A user selects each patient in the series of identified patients from the patient selection screen. Alternatively, a user can select each patient in the series of identified patient by scanning barcodes of the patients, thereby bypassing the patient selection screen. Further, a user can identify a patient at any step in the workflow prior to saving the patient reading of the spot check workflow home screen  330 . Upon attaching the sensors a patient in the series of identified patients, a user uses the PMP device  200  to obtain measurements of one or more physiological parameters of that patient. Typically, the PMP device  200  is attached to a first patient for no more time than is required to obtain one measurement for each of the NIBP, the pulse rate, the SpO2, and the body temperature of the first patient. The user then detaches the sensors from the first patient and attaches the sensors to a second patient that is next in the series of patients. 
     In one use scenario, a user can use the spot check workflow “making rounds” within a health care facility. For example, a clinician can use the PMP device  200  to obtain one set of measurements of physiological parameters for each patient in a group of twelve patients within a health care facility. Optionally, the clinician can transport the PMP device  200  sequentially to each patient in the group of patients within one “round” of obtaining measurements of physiological parameters. Each “round” of obtaining measurements of physiological parameters can be obtained for each patient in the patients of the group every hour during a working shift. 
     In some embodiments, the PMP device  200  enables a user to customize the content within the spot check workflow home screen  330 . For example, the PMP device  200  enables a user to adjust the relative sizes of the parameter reporting frames  334   a - 334   d  within the spot check workflow home screen  330 . In another example, the PMP device  200  enables the user to add or remove parameter reporting frames from the spot check workflow home screen  330 . Furthermore, in some such embodiments, the PMP device  200  includes one or more predefined templates for the spot check workflow home screen  330 . Each of the predefined templates specifies a predefined set of content within the spot check workflow home screen  330 . The user can customize the content within the spot check workflow home screen  330  by selecting one of these predefined templates or by modifying one of these predefined templates. 
       FIG. 3D  illustrates an example triage workflow home screen  360 . The PMP device  200  displays the triage workflow home screen  360  when the PMP device  200  is in a triage workflow. 
     Like when the PMP device  200  is operating in the monitoring workflow or the spot check workflow, a user physically attaches each sensor to an unidentified patient when the PMP device  200  is operating in the triage workflow. These sensors include the temperature probe, the SpO2 clip, and the blood pressure cuff that are each attachable to the PMP device  200  as described elsewhere in this document. 
     The triage workflow home screen  360  includes a device status area  312 , a content area  320 , and a navigation area  318 . The content area  320  of the triage workflow home screen  360  includes a parameter reporting area  314  and a patient attribute area  316 . The parameter reporting area  314  of the triage workflow home screen  360  includes an NIBP frame  364   a , a pulse rate frame  364   b , a SpO2 frame  364   c  and a temperature frame  364   d.    
     The NIBP frame  364   a  contains a representation of the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the patient. The representation is based on one or more measurements of the blood pressure of the patient. In the example of  FIG. 3D , the NIBP frame  364   a  includes text representing the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the patient. The size of the text in the NIBP frame  364   a  is similar to the size of the text in the NIBP frame  334   a  of the spot check workflow home screen  330  and larger than the size of the text in the NIBP frame  314   a  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . The NIBP frame  364   a  does not include the NIBP alarm status area  322   c  and does not include the NIBP automatic interval timer  322   b  included in the NIBP frame  314   a  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . 
     The pulse rate frame  364   b  contains a representation of the pulse rate of the patient. The representation is based on one or more measurements of the pulse rate of the patient. In the example of  FIG. 3D , the pulse rate frame  364   b  contains text representing the pulse rate value of the patient. The size of the text in the pulse rate frame  364   b  is similar to the size of the text in the pulse rate frame  334   b  of the spot check workflow home screen  330  and larger than the size of the text in the pulse rate frame  314   b  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . The pulse rate frame  364   b  does not include the pulse rate alarm status area  324   a  that is included within the pulse rate frame  314   b  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . 
     The SpO2 frame  364   c  contains a representation of the SpO2 level of the patient. The representation is based on one or more measurements of the SpO2 level of the patient. In the example of  FIG. 3D , the SpO2 frame  364   c  includes text representing the SpO2 value of the patient. The size of the text in the SpO2 frame  364   c  is similar to the size of the text in the SpO2 frame  334   c  of the spot check workflow home screen  330  and larger than the size of the text in the SpO2 frame  314   c  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . The SpO2 frame  334   c  does not include the alarm status area  326   a , the SpO2 response time control button  326   b , or the SpO2 alarm parameter  326   b  of the SpO2 frame  314   c  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . 
     The temperature frame  364   d  contains a representation of the body temperature of the patient. The representation is based on one or more measurements of the body temperature of the patient. In the example of  FIG. 3D , the temperature frame  364   d  includes text representing the body temperature of the patient. The size of the text in the temperature frame  364   d  is similar to the size of the text in the temperature frame  334   d  of the spot check workflow home screen  330  and larger than the size of the text in the temperature frame  314   d  of the temperature frame  314   d  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . The temperature frame  364   d  does not include the temperature alarm status area  328   a  that is included within the temperature frame  314   d  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . 
     The navigation area  318  of the triage workflow home screen  360  includes the home tab  318   a , the review tab  318   d , and the settings tab  318   e . The navigation area  318  of the triage workflow home screen  360  excludes the alarms tab  318   c  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . As a result, the triage workflow home screen  360  does not provide direct navigation to the alarms screen as provided by the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . Furthermore, the navigation area  318  of the triage workflow home screen  360  excludes the patients tab  318   b  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300  and the spot check workflow home screen  330 . As a result, the triage workflow home screen  360  does not provide direct navigation to the patient selection screen as provided by the monitoring workflow home screen  300  and the spot check workflow home screen  330 . 
     The patient attribute area  316  of the triage workflow home screen  360  includes a patient type button  316   b  and a save button  316   g . The patient attribute area  316  does not include text that identifies the patient. 
     When the PMP device  200  is operating within the triage workflow, the PMP device  200  locally saves a patient reading of the triage workflow home screen  360 . The home screen data of the triage workflow home screen  360  includes measurements of the physiological parameters of the unidentified patient. Furthermore, a user can configure the PMP device  200  to transmit the patient reading of the triage workflow home screen  360  to another computing node in response to a selection of the save button  316   g . Unlike the monitoring workflow home screen  300  and like the spot check workflow home screen  330 , the PMP device  200  clears the triage workflow home screen  360  when a user selects the save button  316   g . When the PMP device  200  clears the triage workflow home screen  360 , the PMP device  200  modifies the triage workflow home screen  360  such that the triage workflow home screen  360  no longer contains representations of the physiological parameters of the patient. 
     When the PMP device  200  is operating in the triage workflow, selection of the patient type button  316   b  toggles the text label of the patient type button  316   b  and toggles a value of a patient type parameter within the triage workflow home screen  360 . The text label and data value associated with the patient type button  316   b , toggles between the label/values of (“Adult”), (“Pediatric”) and (“Neonatal”). 
     When the user selects the save button  316   g , the patient reading transmitted to another computing node includes a patient type parameter value equal to (“Adult”), (“Pediatric”) and (“Neonatal”). The patient type data substitutes for patient identification data that is absent from the patient reading while operating within the triage workflow. 
     As a result, when the PMP device  200  is operating in the triage workflow, a first unidentified patient is essentially discharged when a user selects the save button  316   g . Upon attaching the sensors to a second unidentified patient, the user uses the PMP device  200  to obtain a set of one or more measurements of physiological parameter from the second unidentified patient. 
     The triage workflow is designed for obtaining measurements of physiological parameters from each of a series of unidentified patients. A user does not select each patient in the series of unidentified patients from the patient selection screen. Instead, the user attaches the sensors to each unidentified patient in sequence. Upon attaching the sensors to a patient in the series of the unidentified patients, the user uses the PMP device  200  to obtain measurements of one or more physiological parameters of that patient at that time. Typically, the user attaches the sensors to the patient for no more time that is required to obtain one measurement for each of the NIBP, the pulse rate, the SpO2 level, and the body temperature of the patient. The user then detaches the sensors are from the patient and attaches the sensors to another patient that is next in the series of patients. 
     In one use scenario, the triage workflow can be used for obtaining measurements of physiological parameters from unidentified health care recipients. The recipients may or may not be patients of a health care facility. The other computing node is a personal computer which receives the patient reading from the PMP device  200  with no patient names attached. 
     In some embodiments, the PMP device  200  enables a user to customize the content within the triage workflow home screen  360 . For example, the PMP device  200  enables a user to adjust the relative sizes of the parameter reporting frames  364  within the triage workflow home screen  360 . In another example, the PMP device  200  enables the user to add or remove parameter reporting frames from the triage workflow home screen  360 . Furthermore, in some such embodiments, the PMP device  200  includes one or more predefined templates for the triage workflow home screen  360 . Each of the predefined templates specifies a predefined set of content within the triage workflow home screen  360 . The user can customize the content within the triage workflow home screen  360  by selecting one of these predefined templates or by modifying one of these predefined templates. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an example patient selection screen  400 . A user can navigate to the patient selection screen  400  by selecting the patients tab  318   b . The patient selection screen  400  includes a device status area  312 , a pane selection tab area  310  and a navigation area  318 . The pane selection tab area  310  includes four pane selection tabs that are labeled “List”, “Summary”, “Modifiers” and “Manual.” The list pane  418  includes a column label area  412 , a patient listing area  414 , and a screen control area  416 . The device status area  312  appears like the device status area  312  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300 , the device status area  312  of the spot check workflow home screen  330 , and the device status area  312  of the triage workflow home screen  360 . The navigation area  318  appears like the navigation area  318  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . 
     The patient listing area  414  includes lines  415   a - 415   e  (collectively, “lines  415 ”). Each of the lines  415  is associated with a different patient. For example, a patient having a name “Barker, D.” is listed on the line  415   a , a patient having a name “Connor, W.” is listed on the line  415   c , and a patient having a name “Davison, A” is listed on the line  415   e.    
     The screen control area  416  includes three buttons. A first (left) button that is labeled “Add” is utilized to add a patient to the patient listing area  414 . A second (middle) button that is labeled “Delete” is utilized to delete a patient from the patient listing area  414 . A third (right) button that is labeled “Select” is utilized to highlight a patient that listed within the patient listing area  414 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example review screen  500 . A user can navigate to the review screen  500  using the review tab  318   d . The review screen  500  includes a device status area  312 , a review table  541 , a screen control area  548 , and a navigation area  318 . The device status area  312  appears like the device status area  312  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300 , the device status area  312  of the spot check workflow home screen  330 , and the device status area  312  of the triage workflow home screen  360 . The navigation area  318  of the review screen  500  appears like the navigation area  318  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . 
     The review table  541  includes a column label line  542 . In addition, the review table  541  includes patient readings  546   a - 546   f  and columns  552   a - 552   i . Each of the patient readings  546   a - 546   f  comprises a different set of measurements of physiological parameters of a patient. Each of the columns  552   b - 552   h  is associated with a different physiological parameter. Check marks in the column  552   a  indicate whether particular ones of the patient readings  546   a - 546   f  are selected. In the example of  FIG. 5 , the patient readings  546 A and  546   e  are selected. 
     For example, the patient reading  546   a  includes a patient name (“Barker, D.”) in the column  552   b , a date and time value in the column  552   c , a systolic and diastolic measurement value in the column  552   d , a mean arterial pressure (MAP) measurement value (not shown), a temperature measurement value in the column  552   f , a pulse measurement value in the column  552   g , an SpO2 measurement value in the column  552   h , and a patient attributes set of values in the column  552   i.    
     The screen control area  548  includes a send patient reading button  548   a , a print patient reading button  548   b , a delete patient reading button  548   c  and a view list box  548   d . The print patient reading button  548   b  is utilized to send a selected patient reading. The print patient reading button  548   b  is utilized to print selected patient readings. The delete patient reading button  548   c  is utilized to delete selected patient readings. The view list box  548   d  enables filtering of the review table  541 . A user can use the view list box  548   d  to select to view all available patient readings or only particular patient readings based on sent, unsent or alarm status. 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates an example intervals pane  610  of a settings screen  600 . Direct navigation to the settings screen  600  is provided from the monitoring workflow home screen  300 , from the spot check workflow home screen  330 , and from the triage workflow home screen  360 . For example, in some embodiments, a user of the PMP device  200  navigates to the settings screen  600  by selecting the settings tab  318   e . As illustrated in the example of  FIG. 6A , the settings screen  600  includes a device status area  312 , a pane selection tab area  604 , the intervals pane  610  and a navigation area  318 . 
     The device status area  312  of the settings screen  600  appears like the device status area  312  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300 , the device status area  312  of the spot check workflow home screen  330 , and the device status area  312  of the triage workflow home screen  360 . The pane selection tab area  604  includes five pane selection tabs that are labeled “Intervals,” “Device,” “Clinician,” “Profiles,” and “Advanced.” The navigation area  318  of the settings screen  600  appears like the navigation area  318  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . 
     A user can use the intervals pane  610  to program the PMP device  200  to save NIBP measurements, pulse rate measurements, SpO2 measurements, and temperature measurements for a patient at given intervals over an given time period. Other combinations of physiological parameters can be obtained at other fixed or non-fixed intervals. 
     The intervals pane  610  includes an automatic control  611 , a program control  612 , a stat control  613 , an off control (not shown), a print control  615 , and a start control  616 . When the automatic control  611  is selected, the settings screen  600  contains one or more controls for entering a fixed time period to right of control. When the program control  612  is selected, the settings screen  600  contains controls for defining and selecting interval programs. When the stat control  613  is selected, the settings screen  600  contains one or more controls for capturing and saving as many measurements of physiological parameters as possible within a time period, for example a five minute period. When the off control is selected, intervals are turned off. When the print control  615  is selected, a captured measurement at each interval may be printed. The start control  616  is a command button to start the selected interval workflow: Automatic, Program, or Stat. The PMP device  200  automatically initiates an NIBP reading and initiates the interval program once the start control  616  is selected. 
     In the example of  FIG. 6A , the program control  612  is selected. Consequently, the intervals pane  610  includes controls for defining and selecting interval programs. An interval program is a set of parameters that governs the intervals at which the PMP device  200  records measurements of one or more physiological parameters of a patient and for lengths of time for which the PMP device  200  records the measurements of the one or more physiological parameters of the patient. 
     In the example of  FIG. 6A , the intervals pane  610  contains interval program selection controls  660   a ,  660   b  (collectively, interval program selection controls  660 ). More or fewer controls  660  can be provided. The interval program selection controls  660  specify the names of interval programs. In some examples, the interval program selection controls  660  specify names associated with the controls, such as “Transplant,” “Transfusion,” “Cardiac,” which represent names of interval programs. 
     A user selects an interval program by selecting one of the interval program selection controls  660  that corresponds to the interval program. After selecting the interval program, the user starts the interval program by selecting the start control  616 . When the user starts the interval program, the PMP device  200  records measurements of physiological parameters of a patient at the intervals specified by the interval program for the duration specified by the interval program. 
     In some embodiments, the monitoring workflow home screen  300  contains remaining time controls. The remaining time controls indicate amounts of time remaining before the PMP device  200  records measurements of the physiological parameters. For example, the pulse rate frame  314   b  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300  can include a remaining time control that indicates that twenty seconds remain before the PMP device  200  records a measurement of the patient&#39;s pulse rate. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the PMP device  200  displays the intervals pane  610  when the user selects the remaining time controls. In this way, the user of the PMP device  200  can easily access the intervals pane  610 . 
     Furthermore, in the example of  FIG. 6A , the intervals pane  610  contains a program name control  662 , duration controls  664   a - 664   e  (collectively, “duration controls  664 ”), and interval controls  666   a - 666   e  (collectively, “interval controls  666 ”). The duration controls  664  and the interval controls  666  are organized into rows. Each row corresponds to a different physiological parameter of the patient. For example, a first row corresponds to the patient&#39;s blood pressure, a second row corresponds to the patient&#39;s pulse rate, and so on. 
     When the user selects an interval program using one of the interval program selection controls  660 , the program name control  662  contains the name of the interval program. In the example of  FIG. 6A , the program name control  662  indicates that the name of the interval program is “Transfusion.” The duration controls  664  specify lengths of time during which the PMP device  200  is to record measurements of the physiological parameters. The interval controls  666  specify lengths of time that the PMP device  200  waits between recording measurements of the physiological parameters. In the example of  FIG. 6A , the duration control  664   a  indicates 1 hour and the interval control  666   a  indicates 15 minutes. Consequently, the PMP device  200  records measurements of a physiological parameter at 15 minute intervals for one hour after the “Transfusion” interval program starts. 
     When the user selects an interval program using one of the interval program selection controls  660 , the user is able to change the values in the program name control  662 , the duration controls  664 , and the interval controls  666 . For example, the user can change the value of the duration control  664   b  from one hour to two hours. 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates an example device pane  620  of the settings screen  600 . The settings screen  600  includes a device status area  312 , a pane selection tab area  604 , a device pane  520  and a navigation area  318 . The device status area  312 , the pane selection tab area  604 , and the navigation area  318  appear like that of  FIG. 6A . 
     The device pane  620  provides controls and information for a user to select or view device characteristics. The device pane  620  includes a set date and time control  622 , a touch-screen lock-out control  628 , and a command button  629 . The set date and time control  622  is configured to set up a date and time for the PMP device  200 . A user may select a date display format through the date format selection (not shown), such as MM/DD/YYYY. A user may also select a time zone offset from UTC based on where the PMP device  200  is located. The touch-screen lock-out control  628  is configured to allow a user to lock out the touch screen. When the command button  629  is selected, the touch screen is locked out immediately. 
       FIG. 6C  illustrates an example clinician pane of the settings screen  600 . The settings screen  600  includes a device status area  312 , a pane selection tab area  604 , a clinician pane  630  and a navigation area  318 . The device status area  312 , the pane selection tab area  604  and the navigation area  318  appear like that of  FIG. 6A . The clinician pane  630  provides for entry of clinician identification. The clinician identified can include a first name, a last name, a middle initial, and an identification number. 
       FIGS. 6D-6F  illustrate an example profiles pane  640  of the settings screen  600 . The settings screen  600  includes the device status area  312 , a pane selection tab area  604 , the profiles pane  640  and a navigation area  318 . The device status area  312 , the pane selection tab area  604  and the navigation area  318  appear like that of  FIG. 6A . The profiles pane  640  allows a user to select a desired workflow within which the PMP device  200  is to operate. In the examples of  FIG. 6D-6F , the profiles pane  640  includes a “Med/Surge” control  642 , a “Spot Check” control  644 , and an “ED Triage” control  646 . A user selects the “Med/Surge” control  642  to select a “Med/Surge” workflow as the workflow in which the PMP device  200  is to operate. The user selects the “Spot Check” control  644  to select the spot check workflow as the workflow in which the PMP device  200  is to operate. The user selects the “ED triage” control  646  to select the triage workflow as the workflow in which the PMP device  200  is to operate. As shown in the examples of  FIGS. 6D-6F , the profiles pane  640  shows a preview of the home screen of the selected workflow. 
       FIG. 6G  illustrates an example advanced pane  650  of the settings screen  600 . The settings screen  600  includes a device status area  312 , a pane selection tab area  604 , the advanced pane  650  and a navigation area  318 . The device status area  312 , the pane selection tab area  504  and the navigation area  318  appear like that of  FIG. 6A . The advanced pane  650  enables an administrator to access configuration settings that are likely to be set once or less frequently than those required for a normal use. When a proper access code is entered, the PMP device  200  switches to an administration workflow and the navigation tabs switch to advanced settings tabs. The advanced pane  650  also provides read-only information about the PMP device  200 . 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates an example global pane  710  of an alarms screen  700 . A user of the PMP device  200  navigates to the alarms screen  700  by selecting the alarms tab  318   c . The alarms screen  700  includes controls that enable a user to configure global alarm settings and parameter-specific alarm settings. 
     As illustrated in the example of  FIG. 7A , the alarms screen  700  includes the device status area  312 , a compressed parameter reporting area  702 , a pane selection tab area  704 , the global pane  710 , and the navigation area  318 . The device status area  312  appears like the device status areas of the monitoring workflow home screen  300 , the spot check workflow home screen  330  and the triage workflow home screen  360 . The navigation area  318  of the alarms screen  700  appears like the navigation area  318  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . 
     The compressed parameter reporting area  702  contains one or more compressed parameter frames containing data representing live physiological parameters of a patient. In the example of  FIG. 7A , the compressed parameter reporting area  702  contains a compressed NIBP frame  703   a , a compressed SpO2 frame  703   b , a compressed pulse rate frame  703   c , and a compressed temperature frame  703   d . The compressed NIBP frame  703   a , the compressed SpO2 frame  703   b , the compressed pulse rate frame  703   c , and the compressed temperature frame  703   d  are referred to herein collectively as the compressed frames  703 . The compressed parameter reporting area  702  has frame dimensions that are smaller than the frame dimensions of the parameter reporting area  314  of the monitoring workflow home screen  300 . Because the compressed parameter reporting area  702  is smaller than the parameter reporting area  314 , the compressed parameter reporting area  702  appears “squished” relative to the parameter reporting area  314 . 
     The compressed NIBP frame  703   a  contains a representation of the systolic and the diastolic blood pressure of the patient. The compressed SpO2 frame  703   b  contains a representation of a SpO2 percentage of the patient, a pulse amplitude blip bar, and alarm limits for the SpO2 parameter. The compressed pulse rate frame  703   c  contains a representation of a pulse rate of the patient. The compressed temperature frame  703   d  contains a representation of the body temperature of the patient. In the example of  FIG. 7A , the compressed frames  703  do not contain user-selectable controls. Consequently, the user is unable to toggle views of the physiological parameters from the compressed frames  703 . 
     When an alarm associated with one of the physiological parameters is active, the corresponding one of the compressed frames  703  provides a visual indication of the alarm. For example, when the patient&#39;s blood pressure is too high, a perimeter of the compressed NIBP frame  703   a  changes from one color (e.g., gray) to a different color (e.g., red). Furthermore, when an alarm is active, the device status area  312  of the alarms screen  700  is replaced by an alarm message describing the alarm. In some embodiments, selecting the alarm message causes the PMP device  200  to temporarily stop emitting an alarm sound associated with the alarm. 
     The pane selection tab area  704  includes five pane selection tabs that are labeled “Global”, “NIBP”, “SpO2”, “Pulse” and “Temperature.” When the user selects one of the pane selection tabs in the pane selection tab area  704 , the PMP device  200  updates the alarms screen  700  to contain a pane associated with the selected pane selection tab. 
     The global pane  710  is located below the compressed parameter reporting area  702 . The global pane  710  provides controls for configuring global alarm settings for the PMP device  200 . The global alarm settings are settings that apply to all alarms provided by the PMP device  200 . In the example of  FIG. 7A , the global pane  710  includes a reset button  712   a , a display alarm limit parameter button  712   b , a set of alarm audio buttons  712   c , a set of volume buttons  712   d , and a silence/reset button  712   e . A user can use the reset button  712   a  to reset alarm limits. The user can use the display alarm limit parameter button  712   b  to configure the PMP device  200  to display or not to display alarm limits. The user can use the set of alarm audio buttons  712   c  to configure the PMP device  200  to emit alarm sounds. The user can use the set of volume buttons  712   d  to set a volume of the alarm sounds to high, medium or low. Also, the user can use the silence/reset button  712   e  to silence or reset alarms. 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates an example temperature pane  720  of the alarms screen  700 . The alarms screen  700  includes the device status area  312 , the compressed parameter reporting area  702 , the pane selection tab area  704 , the temperature pane  720 , and a navigation area  318 . The device status area  312 , the compressed parameter reporting area  702 , the pane selection tab area  704  and the navigation area  318  appear like that of  FIG. 7A . 
     The temperature pane  720  is located below the compressed parameter reporting area  702 . The temperature pane  720  enables a user of the PMP device  200  to configure parameter-specific alarm settings for the temperature alarm. In the example of  FIG. 7B , the temperature pane  720  provides controls  722   a ,  722   b  and  722   c . The control  722   a  sets the temperature alarm to ON or OFF. The control  722   b  sets an upper temperature limit for the temperature alarm. The control  722   c  sets a lower temperature limit for the temperature alarm. 
       FIG. 7C  illustrates an example NIBP pane  730  of the alarms screen  700 . The alarms screen  700  includes a device status area  312 , a compressed parameter reporting area  702 , a pane selection tab area  704 , the NIBP pane  730 , and a navigation area  318 . The device status area  312 , the compressed parameter reporting area  702 , the pane selection tab area  704  and the navigation area  318  appear like that of  FIG. 7A . 
     The NIBP pane  730  enables a user of the PMP device  200  to configure parameter-specific alarm settings for the NIBP alarm. In the example of  FIG. 7C , the NIBP pane  730  contains a control  732   a  to set the systolic and diastolic alarm ON or OFF. The NIBP pane  730  also contains controls  732   b - 732   e  to set the systolic and diastolic upper and lower alarm limits for the systolic and diastolic alarm. Further, the NIBP pane  730  provides controls  732   f ,  732   g  and  732   h . The control  732   f  sets a MAP alarm to ON or OFF. The control  732   g  sets set an upper MAP limit for the MAP alarm. The control  732   h  sets a lower MAP limit for the MAP alarm. 
       FIG. 7D  illustrates an example SpO2 pane  740  of the alarms screen  700 . The alarms screen  700  includes the device status area  312 , the compressed parameter reporting area  702 , the pane selection tab area  704 , the SpO2 pane  740 , and the navigation area  318 . The device status area  312 , the compressed parameter reporting area  702 , the pane selection tab area  704 , and the navigation area  318  appear like that of  FIG. 7A . 
     The SpO2 pane  740  enables a user of the PMP device  200  to configure parameter-specific alarm settings for the SpO2 alarm. In the example of  FIG. 7D , the SpO2 pane  740  provides controls  742   a ,  742   b  and  742   c . The control  742   a  sets the SpO2 alarm to ON or OFF. The controls  742   b  and  742   c  set an upper SpO2 limit and a lower SpO2 limit for the SpO2 alarm. The SpO2 pane  740  also includes a SatSeconds™ control  743   d . When a numeric value is selected, an SpO2 alarm is not activated until a length of time specified by the SatSeconds control  743   d  has expired. The length of time specified by the SatSeconds control  743   d  is based on a duration of a low SpO2 event multiplied by a number of percentage points that the patient&#39;s SpO2 falls outside the lower SpO2 alarm threshold. Also, the SatSeconds control  743   d  appears next to the controls  742   b  and  742   c  when the control  742   a  is set to ON. However, when the control  742   a  is set to OFF, the SatSeconds control  743   d  is not displayed and the alarm condition is not delayed per a SatSeconds algorithm. 
       FIG. 7E  illustrates an example pulse rate pane  750  of the alarms screen  700 . The alarms screen  700  includes the device status area  312 , the compressed parameter reporting area  702 , the pane selection tab area  704 , the pulse rate pane  750  and the navigation area  318 . The device status area  312 , the compressed parameter reporting area  702 , the pane selection tab area  704  and the navigation area  318  appear like that of  FIG. 7A . 
     The pulse rate pane  750  enables a user of the PMP device  200  to configure parameter-specific alarm settings for the pulse rate alarm. In the example of  FIG. 7E , the pulse rate pane  750  provides an on/off control  752   a , an upper limit control  752   b  and a lower limit control  752   c . The on/off control  752   a  allows a user to turn the pulse rate alarm on or off. The upper limit control  752   b  allows a user to set an upper pulse rate limit for the pulse rate alarm. The lower limit control  752   c  allows a user to set a lower pulse rate limit for the pulse rate alarm. 
     The upper limit control  752   b  includes a numerical portion, an up button and a down button. The numerical portion of the upper limit control  752   b  specifies an upper pulse rate limit for the pulse rate alarm. Selecting the up button of the upper limit control  752   b  incrementally increases the upper pulse rate limit. Selecting the down button of the upper limit control  752   b  incrementally decreases the upper pulse rate limit. Selecting the numerical portion of the upper limit control  752   b  causes the PMP device  200  to display a numerical keypad. The user is able to use the numerical keypad to manually enter a value for the upper pulse rate limit. 
     The lower limit control  752   c  includes a numerical portion, an up button, and a down button. The numerical portion of the lower limit control  752   c  specifies the lower pulse rate limit. Selecting the up button of the lower limit control  752   c  incrementally increases the lower pulse rate limit. Selecting the down button of the lower limit control  752   c  incrementally decreases the lower pulse rate limit. Selecting the numerical portion of the lower limit control  752   c  causes the PMP device  200  to display a numerical keypad. The user is able to use the numerical keypad to manually enter a value for the lower pulse rate limit. 
     In the examples shown, the values that are entered by the user are validated for accuracy. For example, upper and lower thresholds for each parameter can be set. If the user selects a value outside of the upper and lower thresholds, the system can prevent such a selection and/or alert the user. For example, if the user types in 300 minutes on the keypad for a parameter, and the upper threshold set for that parameter is 240 minutes, the system will not allow the user to increase the parameter to 300 minutes. 
     In some embodiments, various panes of the alarms screen  700  can include other upper limit controls and other lower limit controls like the upper limit control  752   b  and the lower limit control  752   c . The other upper limit controls and the other lower limit controls allow a user to set upper limits and lower limits for alarms for various physiological parameters of patients. 
     When the PMP device  200  is in a continuous workflow mode, the home screen  250  can display the information described above. Such information can include continuous measurements, such as SpO2, PR, etCO2, FiCO2, IPI, RR and/or SpHb. 
     The pulse rate can be obtained from two sources, an SpO2 or NIBP reading, with the reading from SpO2 having higher priority for display. If SpO2 readings are available, then pulse rate is displayed and updated once per second with SpO2 as the source. If no SpO2 readings are available and an NIBP reading is started, then the pulse rate is cleared when the NIBP frame is cleared and then updated with a pulse rate from NIBP when it is available, likely when systolic/diastolic is available, with NIBP as the source. Such a reading would be episodic, as described below. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the SpO2 frame  256  is shown. The SpO2 frame  256  provides a variety of information, such as a percentage SpO2  780  (e.g., “100%”). 
     In addition, a pulse amplitude blip bar  782  is shown. The pulse amplitude blip bar  782  indicates a pulse beat of the patient and shows the relative pulse amplitude. As the detected pulse becomes stronger, more bars light up with each pulse. The example pulse amplitude blip bar  782  provides 9 bars, and blip values are divided equally into the number of bars. Brighter, more visually intense bars indicate values received from the SpO2 sensor, and their growth vertically up the bar indicates greater levels of strength. Remaining bars are indicated as darker, less prominent, inactive bars. All the bars are displayed darker when no SpO2 activity or signal is available. 
     In addition, a plethysmographic waveform  784  is shown. The plethysmographic waveform  784  can be selected by the user to provide a larger representation of the waveform. The plethysmographic waveform  784  provides the real-time sensor signal. It allows a user to observe the relative pulsatile strength and quality of the incoming signal. The waveform is displayed per configured sweep speed, which appears above and to right side of waveform display area (except when the smallest frame size for continuous profile is displayed—in this case the sweep speed may not be displayed). 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , an example SpHb (measuring total hemoglobin concentration in blood) frame  790  is shown, which presents measures associated with total hemoglobin readings. In this example, the SpHb frame  790  shows the current SpHb reading (e.g., “10.9”), along with alarm limits (e.g., “7.0” to “12.0”). An SpHb trend graphic provides a historical view of total hemoglobin readings over the displayed view time. Selection of the graphic on the SpHb frame  790  provides a larger trend graphic illustrating the change over time with the upper and lower limits set as the configured alarm limits. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10A-10B , the etCO2 frame  264  displays data, information, and controls relevant for etCO2 and FiCO2 readings capture, as well as a CO2 waveform. The etCO2 frame  264  provides views with text and graphics, including a Capnogram waveform. 
     When the Capnogram is selected, the waveform frame  265  is shown, including real-time sensor signal. It allows a user to observe the breathing patterns of the patient for instant determination of adequate ventilation versus hyper/hypo ventilation conditions. The waveform is displayed per the default sweep speed, which appears above and to right side of waveform display area. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11A-11B , the IPI frame  254  encapsulates data, information, and controls relevant for display of IPI readings calculated using CO2, RR, SpO2, and PR readings. It provides views with text and graphics including numeric and trend graph, with the numeric view being primary and the trend graph view being secondary. IPI numeric readings are calculated for Adult patient types, and different classifications of pediatric patient types. 
     If the trend graphic is selected, an historical trend  255  is shown, as illustrated in  FIG. 11B . The IPI trend graphic will provide IPI values on the y-axis and time on the x-axis. The y-axis upper (y-max) limit is 10 and the lower (y-min) limit is 0. The trend graph will continue to show no data until a patient has been connected to the CO2 sensor, a ‘valid breath’ has been received, and CO2, RR, SpO2, and PR readings required for the IPI calculation are available. Blank areas may appear in trend if sensor is not calculating/sending IPI readings to the device. The oldest to newest readings appear from left to right, with the most recent readings appearing beginning with the rightmost portion of the display area for the trend graphic. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12A-12B , the RR frame  262  is shown, which encapsulates data, information, and controls relevant for respiration readings capture. It provides a view with text and graphics. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12B , in some instances, a respiration rate indicator graph  263  is shown. The respiration rate indicator graph  263  indicates the acquired signal quality and the respiration rate. As the detected respiration becomes stronger, more bars light up with each breath. 
     In some examples, the home screen  250  can display both continuous data and episodic data. For example, in typical scenarios, both continuous measurements and episodic measurements may be taken from a patient, and the information displayed on the home screen  250  can include episodic information that is not obtained in a continuous manner. One example of such an episodic parameter is NIBP. Another example is temperature (if not measured continuously). 
     For example, referring now to  FIGS. 13A-13B , an NIPB frame  796  of the home screen  250  is shown. The data associated with the NIPB measurements is episodic, in that it is typically measured at given intervals, such as every 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc. As the data provided in the NIBP frame  796  ages, an indication of that aging is provided. 
     For example, in  FIG. 13A , the measurements shown in the NIBP frame  796  are current, in that the measurements were taken within a given threshold of time, such as 10 minutes or 15 minutes. In other words, the measurements shown are less than 15 minutes old. This is indicated by displaying the data (e.g., “120/80”) in a brighter color, such as a yellow. 
     In contrast, as shown in  FIG. 13B , the NIPB measurements shown in the NIBP frame  796  have aged. In other words, after episodic measurements have been displayed for a given threshold (e.g., 15 minutes) without new measurement data being provided, the measurement data on the NIBP frame  796  changes from its current color to gray, and a timestamp (e.g., “@ 10:58”) is displayed in the bottom of the NIBP frame  796  to indicate when the last measurements were taken. This allows the caregiver to easily determine that the displayed data may not be current. Other configurations can also be used to indicate aging of measurements. 
     For example, if measurements associated with continuous data are interrupted, the home screen  250  can be configured to provide the last known measurements, as well as indicate that such measurements have aged by providing indicia, such as changing color and providing a time stamp, as described above. 
     In addition, other modifications can be made to the various home screens described herein. For example, in some instances, as described further above, the type and amount of measurements shown on the home screen  250  can be modified depending on the type of view shown. 
     For example, in compressed or squished views, such as when alarm information is shown, only certain of the information associated with the parameters measured during the continuous workflow is shown. For example, in the compressed view of the home screen  250 , SpO2 (and the associated pulse amplitude blip bar) and pulse rate are typically displayed. 
     However, for the home screen  250 , when CO2 is shown, FiCO2 is not displayed in the compressed view, and the various other parameters are displayed in the following priority order (with up to five parameters shown at a given time): IPI/RR/SpO2/etCO2/PR/NIBP/Temp. When RRa (acoustic respiration rate) is shown on the home screen  250 , the parameters are displayed in the following priority order: RRa/SpO2/PR/NIBP/Temp. Other configurations are possible. 
     In example embodiments, the desired workflow can be selected for the PMP device  200  based on operating conditions. For example, the continuous workflow can be selected if one or more sensors which measure continuous data are connected to the PMP device  200 . In such a scenario, the measurements are displayed on the PMP device  200  and/or sent to a central site for storage, such as the EMR system  102 . 
     In other embodiments, transitions between the various workflows can occur depending on the operating characteristics for the PMP device  200 . For example, once a sensor associated with measuring continuous data is connected to the PMP device  200 , the PMP device  200  can be configured to transition from a non-continuous workflow (e.g., monitoring workflow or non-monitoring workflow) to a continuous workflow. Additional details about such transitions are provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/440,860, filed on Apr. 5, 2012, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating an example operation  800  performed by the PMP device  200 . As illustrated in the example of  FIG. 14 , the operation  800  begins when the PMP device  200  displays the settings screen  600  ( 802 ). The PMP device  200  then receives workflow selection input from a clinician via the settings screen  600  ( 804 ). In response to receiving the workflow selection input, the PMP device  200  determines whether the workflow selection input indicates the monitoring workflow, the triage workflow, the spot check workflow, or the continuous workflow ( 806 ). If the PMP device  200  determines that the workflow selection input indicates the triage workflow, the PMP device  200  performs the steps illustrated in  FIG. 15 . If the PMP device  200  determines that the workflow selection input indicates the continuous workflow, the PMP device  200  performs the steps illustrated in  FIG. 16 . 
     If the PMP device  200  determines that the workflow selection input indicates the monitoring workflow, the PMP device  200  displays the patient selection screen  400  ( 808 ). The PMP device  200  then receives patient selection input from the clinician via the patient selection screen  400  ( 810 ). The patient selection input indicates a patient that the clinician intends to monitor. 
     Next, the PMP device  200  displays the monitoring workflow home screen  300  ( 812 ). In some embodiments, the PMP device  200  displays the monitoring workflow home screen  300  automatically after the clinician selects the monitored patient via the patient selection screen  400 . In other embodiments, the PMP device  200  displays the monitoring workflow home screen  300  in response to the clinician selecting the home tab  318   a.    
     Subsequently, the PMP device  200  obtains a measurement of a physiological parameter of the monitored patient ( 814 ). The PMP device  200  then displays a representation of the physiological parameter on the monitoring workflow home screen  300  ( 816 ). The representation of the physiological parameter is based, at least in part, on the measurement of the physiological parameter. The PMP device  200  then obtains another measurement of the physiological parameter from the same monitored patient ( 814 ). In this way, the PMP device  200  enables the clinician to monitor the physiological parameters of the same monitored patient over a period of time. 
     If, however, the PMP device  200  determines that the workflow selection input indicates the spot check workflow, the PMP device  200  displays the patient selection screen  400  ( 818 ). In various embodiments, the PMP device  200  displays the patient selection screen  400  in response to various events. For example, in some embodiments, the PMP device  200  automatically displays the patient selection screen  400  when the PMP device  200  determines that the workflow selection input indicates the spot check workflow. In another example, the PMP device  200  displays the patient selection screen  400  in response to receiving a selection of the patients tab  318   b.    
     The PMP device  200  then receives patient selection input from the clinician via the patient selection screen  400  ( 820 ). The patient selection input indicates a selected patient. The selected patient is a patient on whom the clinician intends to perform a spot check. 
     Next, the PMP device  200  displays the spot check workflow home screen  330  ( 822 ). In various embodiments, the PMP device  200  displays the spot check workflow home screen  330  in response to various events. For example, in some embodiments, the PMP device  200  automatically displays the spot check workflow home screen  330  when the PMP device  200  receives the patient selection input from the clinician. In other embodiments, the PMP device  200  displays the spot check workflow home screen  330  in response to receiving a selection of the home tab  318   a.    
     The PMP device  200  then obtains a measurement of a physiological parameter of the selected patient ( 824 ). In response to obtaining the measurement of the physiological parameter of the selected patient, the PMP device  200  displays a representation of the physiological parameter of the selected patent ( 826 ). The representation of the physiological parameter is based, at least in part, on the measurement of the physiological parameter. 
     Subsequently, the PMP device  200  clears the home screen data from the spot check workflow home screen  330  ( 828 ). The PMP device  200  then displays the patient selection screen  400  again ( 818 ) and receives patient selection input indicating another patient ( 818 ), and so on. In this way, the PMP device  200  displays representations of physiological parameters of each patient in a series of patients. 
       FIG. 15  is a flowchart representing a continuation of the operation  800  in which the workflow selection input indicates the triage workflow. As illustrated in the example of  FIG. 15 , if the PMP device  200  determines that the workflow selection input indicates the triage workflow, the PMP device  200  displays the triage workflow home screen  360  ( 900 ). In various embodiments, the PMP device  200  displays the triage workflow home screen  360  in response to various events. For example, in some embodiments, the PMP device  200  automatically displays the triage workflow home screen  360  when the PMP device  200  determines that the workflow selection input indicates the triage workflow. In another example, the PMP device  200  displays the triage workflow home screen  360  when the PMP device  200  receives a selection of the home tab  318   a.    
     Next, the PMP device  200  obtains a measurement of a physiological parameter of an unidentified patient in a series of patients ( 902 ). After obtaining the measurement, the PMP device  200  displays a representation of the physiological parameter on the triage workflow home screen  360  ( 904 ). The representation of the physiological parameter is based at least in part on the measurement of the physiological parameter. 
     Subsequently, the PMP device  200  clears the home screen data from the triage workflow home screen  360  ( 906 ). The PMP device  200  then obtains a measurement of the physiological parameter of a different patient in the series of unidentified patients ( 902 ), displays a representation of the physiological parameter ( 904 ), and so on. In this way, the PMP device  200  displays representations of physiological parameters of each patient in the series of unidentified patients. 
       FIG. 16  is a flowchart representing a continuation of the operation  800  in which the workflow selection input indicates the continuous workflow. As illustrated in the example of  FIG. 16 , if the PMP device  200  determines that the workflow selection input indicates the continuous workflow, the PMP device  200  displays the continuous workflow home screen  250  ( 910 ). In various embodiments, the PMP device  200  displays the continuous workflow home screen  250  in response to various events. For example, in some embodiments, the PMP device  200  automatically displays the continuous workflow home screen  250  when the PMP device  200  determines that the workflow selection input indicates the continuous workflow. In another example, the PMP device  200  displays the continuous workflow home screen  250  when the PMP device  200  receives a selection of the home tab  318   a.    
     Next, the PMP device  200  obtains measurements of physiological parameters of an identified patient ( 912 ). After obtaining the measurements, the PMP device  200  displays a representation of the physiological parameters on the continuous workflow home screen  250  ( 914 ). The representation of the physiological parameters is based at least in part on the measurement of the physiological parameters. The home screen  250  continues to disclose the physiological parameters as these parameters are continuously obtained from the patient by the PMP device  200 . 
       FIG. 17  is a flowchart illustrating an operation  1000  performed by the PMP device  200  when the PMP device  200  displays a workflow home screen. In some embodiments, the PMP device  200  can perform the operation  1000  when the PMP device  200  displays either the monitoring workflow home screen  300 , the spot check workflow home screen  330 , or the triage workflow home screen  360 . 
     As illustrated in the example of  FIG. 17 , the PMP device  200  initially waits to receive an event ( 1002 ). An event is an occurrence or happening of significance to a task or program. 
     The PMP device  200  receives a measurement event when the PMP device  200  receives a measurement of a physiological parameter of a patient. If the PMP device  200  receives a measurement event (“YES” of  1004 ), the PMP device  200  determines whether the measurement of the physiological parameter is within an alarm range for the physiological parameter ( 1006 ). If the measurement of the physiological parameter is not within (i.e., is outside) the alarm range for the physiological parameter (“NO” of  1006 ), the PMP device  200  displays an alarm message on the workflow home screen ( 1008 ). In addition, the PMP device  200  emits an alarm sound ( 1010 ). 
     The PMP device  200  also generates a representation of the physiological parameter based on the measurement of the physiological parameter ( 1012 ). The PMP device  200  generates the representation of the physiological parameter regardless of whether the measurement is within the alarm range of the physiological parameter. The PMP device  200  then displays the representation of the physiological parameter on the workflow home screen ( 1014 ). The PMP device  200  then waits for another event ( 1002 ). 
     The PMP device  200  can receive an alarm message selection event when the PMP device  200  displays an alarm message, there are two or more active alarms, and a clinician selects the alarm message. If the PMP device  200  receives an alarm message selection event (“YES” of  1016 ), the PMP device  200  modifies the alarm message such that the alarm message describes a next one of the active alarms ( 1018 ). The PMP device  200  then waits for another event ( 1002 ). 
     The PMP device  200  can receive an alarm silence event when an alarm is currently active, the PMP device  200  is emitting an alarm sound, and a clinician selects a control to suspend the alarm sound. If the PMP device  200  receives an alarm silence event (“YES” of  1020 ), the PMP device  200  suspends the alarm sound ( 1022 ). In addition, the PMP device  200  modifies the alarm message to indicate that the alarm has been silenced ( 1024 ). The PMP device  200  then waits for another event ( 1002 ). 
     The PMP device  200  can receive a representation selection event when a clinician selects a representation of a physiological parameter. If the PMP device  200  receives a representation selection event (“YES” of  1026 ), the PMP device  200  modifies a parameter reporting area associated with the physiological parameter such that the parameter reporting area contains a different representation of the physiological parameter ( 1028 ). The PMP device  200  then waits for another event ( 1002 ). 
     The PMP device  200  can receive a save selection event when a clinician selects a save button (e.g., save button  316   g ) on the workflow home screen. If the PMP device  200  receives a save selection event (“YES” of  1030 ), the PMP device  200  saves the home screen data ( 1032 ). The PMP device  200  then waits for another event ( 1002 ). 
       FIG. 18  illustrates example physical components of the PMP device  200 . As illustrated in the example of  FIG. 18 , the PMP device  200  include at least one central processing unit (“CPU”)  1108 , a system memory  1112 , and a system bus  1110  that couples the system memory  1112  to the CPU  1108 . The system memory  1112  includes a random access memory (“RAM”)  1118  and a read-only memory (“ROM”)  1120 . A basic input/output system containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within the PMP device  200 , such as during startup, is stored in the ROM  1120 . The PMP device  200  further includes a mass storage device  1114 . The mass storage device  1114  is able to store software instructions and data. 
     The mass storage device  1114  is connected to the CPU  1108  through a mass storage controller (not shown) connected to the bus  1110 . The mass storage device  1114  and its associated computer-readable data storage media provide non-volatile, non-transitory storage for the PMP device  200 . Although the description of computer-readable data storage media contained herein refers to a mass storage device, such as a hard disk or CD-ROM drive, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that computer-readable data storage media can be any available non-transitory, physical device or article of manufacture from which the PMP device  200  can read data and/or instructions. 
     Computer-readable data storage media include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable software instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Example types of computer-readable data storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid state memory technology, CD-ROMs, digital versatile discs (“DVDs”), other optical storage media, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the PMP device  200 . 
     According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the PMP device  200  may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to remote network devices through the network  108 , such as a local network, the Internet, or another type of network. The PMP device  200  connects to the network  108  through a network interface unit  1116  connected to the bus  1110 . It should be appreciated that the network interface unit  1116  may also be utilized to connect to other types of networks and remote computing systems. The PMP device  200  also includes an input/output controller  1122  for receiving and processing input from a number of other devices, including a keyboard, a mouse, a touch user interface display screen, or another type of input device. Similarly, the input/output controller  1122  may provide output to a touch user interface display screen, a printer, or other type of output device. 
     As mentioned briefly above, the mass storage device  1114  and the RAM  1118  of the PMP device  200  can store software instructions and data. The software instructions include an operating system  1132  suitable for controlling the operation of the PMP device  200 . The mass storage device  1114  and/or the RAM  1118  also store software instructions, that when executed by the CPU  1108 , cause the PMP device  200  to provide the functionality of the PMP device  200  discussed in this document. For example, the mass storage device  1114  and/or the RAM  1118  can store software instructions that, when executed by the CPU  1108 , cause the PMP device to display the monitoring workflow home screen  300  and other screens. 
     It should be appreciated that various embodiments can be implemented (1) as a sequence of computer implemented acts or program modules running on a computing system and/or (2) as interconnected machine logic circuits or circuit modules within the computing system. The implementation is a matter of choice dependent on the performance requirements of the computing system implementing the disclosure. Accordingly, logical operations including related algorithms can be referred to variously as operations, structural devices, acts or modules. It will be recognized by one skilled in the art that these operations, structural devices, acts and modules may be implemented in software, firmware, special purpose digital logic, and any combination thereof without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as recited within the claims set forth herein. 
     Although the disclosure has been described in connection with various embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that many modifications may be made thereto within the scope of the claims that follow. For example, it should be appreciated that the screens illustrated in this document are merely examples and that in other embodiments equivalent screens can have different contents and appearances. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the disclosure in any way be limited by the above description, but instead be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.