The two most popular pumps use apps and/or app-based systems (the tandem - mentioned in the article, and the Omnipod). Most if not all modern pumps utilize similar setups. The Omnipod doesn’t have any controls on the device attached to the body and depends solely on it’s connection to another device. That’s what I’m using and honestly, it’s way more convenient than having to carry around extra devices when my pockets are already packed full of random other diabetic paraphernalia I need to survive. Developers of these apps need to put better testing in place to avoid these kinds of situations. I know other diabetics complain about the slowness of some updates and changes in apps, but this is exactly why development in this space needs to move slower and be more methodical.
The problem with this logic is the manufactures have no control over the iPhone update. The article didn’t go into exactly what happened, but it could have been that the device worked fine at launch, but then Apple released an update which caused an issue in the app. Even if it didn’t happen this way I could definitely see it happening. Using an app for critical life sustaining medical devices is like playing Russian Roulette, an update from Google or Apple can put you in the hospital, or worse.
You need an incredibly robust quality management system to even achieve certification (allowing you to place on the market) when creating systems which include life support function, or functions which potentially could kill a user. All potential changes both within and outside of the manufacturers’ control MUST be assessed and constantly monitored so such issues CANNOT arise.
No one should be able to legally place an unsafe app on the market, or legally perform changes to the app without the necessary checks and balances.
Medical device approvals in most countries are definitely not the wild west. Although they are not perfect.
Why does it need a connection to another device in the first place though? Silicon is tiny and cheap; all the logic, sensing, and scheduling could be done inside the pump.
I can see the utility, but there should be at least some critical operability in case the phone or app doesn’t work for whatever reason, to help avoid injuries like these
The two most popular pumps use apps and/or app-based systems (the tandem - mentioned in the article, and the Omnipod). Most if not all modern pumps utilize similar setups. The Omnipod doesn’t have any controls on the device attached to the body and depends solely on it’s connection to another device. That’s what I’m using and honestly, it’s way more convenient than having to carry around extra devices when my pockets are already packed full of random other diabetic paraphernalia I need to survive. Developers of these apps need to put better testing in place to avoid these kinds of situations. I know other diabetics complain about the slowness of some updates and changes in apps, but this is exactly why development in this space needs to move slower and be more methodical.
The problem with this logic is the manufactures have no control over the iPhone update. The article didn’t go into exactly what happened, but it could have been that the device worked fine at launch, but then Apple released an update which caused an issue in the app. Even if it didn’t happen this way I could definitely see it happening. Using an app for critical life sustaining medical devices is like playing Russian Roulette, an update from Google or Apple can put you in the hospital, or worse.
You need an incredibly robust quality management system to even achieve certification (allowing you to place on the market) when creating systems which include life support function, or functions which potentially could kill a user. All potential changes both within and outside of the manufacturers’ control MUST be assessed and constantly monitored so such issues CANNOT arise.
No one should be able to legally place an unsafe app on the market, or legally perform changes to the app without the necessary checks and balances.
Medical device approvals in most countries are definitely not the wild west. Although they are not perfect.
Why does it need a connection to another device in the first place though? Silicon is tiny and cheap; all the logic, sensing, and scheduling could be done inside the pump.
interacting with a pump sounds kinda awkward tho, i totally see why some people would prefer some sort of remote control, e.g. an app
I can see the utility, but there should be at least some critical operability in case the phone or app doesn’t work for whatever reason, to help avoid injuries like these