Press Releases

2004 Press Releases

Respironics Introduces Protocol Manager™

Murrysville, PA, - December 4, 2004 - Respironics, Inc. (Nasdaq: RESP) announces the introduction of Protocol Manager™, an automated clinical knowledge management system that combines evidence-based protocols with state-of-the-art wireless technology. The Protocol Manager supports the use of evidence-based preconfigured protocols for ventilation weaning therapies to help respiratory care practitioners better manage their patients, treatment decisions, and communications, often resulting in cost-effective, higher quality care.

By delivering evidence-based protocols through bedside handheld computers, the Protocol Manager enables respiratory care staff to systematically document and communicate patient information, treatments and status in real time. The system also manages clinical work assignments and shift staffing. Protocol Manager's scalable application service provider (ASP) architecture can support geographically-dispersed facilities, allowing managers to generate reports and practice pattern benchmarking throughout the healthcare organization.

The Protocol Manager offers several unique clinical and productivity benefits:

• Clinical studies have shown improved patient outcomes and reduced length of stay through protocol-managed weaning and timely clinical decisions based on real-time clinical data;
• Effective resource management through more efficient management of clinical work assignments and shift staffing;
• Time and money savings due to the use of an ASP architecture, preconfigured protocols, PDAs and wireless connectivity;
• Bedside access to patient data for better knowledge-based decision-making and greater efficiency in workload assignments and tracking;
• Detailed reporting of patient results that includes flowcharts for quick and accurate determination of patient progress against protocol;
• Web-based video training modules for easy-to-use, up-to-date instruction of new staff, anytime as needed.
• Protocol Manager is built on a private label version of MediServe Information System Inc.'s MediLinks® for Respiratory Care, a reliable and proven product platform. Respironics has licensed, and will install and service Protocol Manager to the respiratory, critical care and long term acute care markets.

"Systematic approaches to clinical care have demonstrated that patients receive more consistent, high-quality care with a reduction in length of stay and cost of clinical care," explains Chip Furniss, Senior Director, Knowledge Management Systems, Respironics Hospital Division. "Protocol Manager's use of today's wireless technology puts patient data and protocols at the caregivers' fingertips. Our successful alliance with MediServe is another example of how Respironics continues to expand our core competencies to treat, monitor and manage the needs of patients, providers and clinicians through Total Ventilation SolutionsSM. We are committed to developing additional knowledge management solutions which will provide physicians with efficient, cost-effective ways to develop and manage evidence-based protocols."

"We are proud that Respironics has chosen MediServe as the software solution supporting their evidence-based protocols," says James Brennan, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, MediServe Information Systems. "This alliance will further support standardizing treatments in respiratory care with the goal of enabling departments to provide more consistent, high-quality care."

About MediServe Information Systems

MediServe is the premier supplier of clinical information systems to healthcare's ancillary departments. The company has over 225 successful healthcare client installations including hospitals, university medical centers and outpatient facilities. Founded in 1985, MediServe is a privately held company headquartered in Tempe, Arizona. For more information, please visit our web site at www.mediserve.com. MediLinks is a registered trademark of MediServe Information Systems, Inc.

About Respironics, Inc.

The Hospital Division is focused on advancing the science and practice of respiratory care. The Division offers a single source for invasive and noninvasive cardiorespiratory diagnostic and therapeutic resources. Products include ventilators, monitors, disposable masks and accessories, pulse oximeters and capnography devices.

Respironics is a leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of innovative products and programs that serve the global sleep and respiratory markets. Focusing on emerging market needs, the Company is committed to providing valued solutions to help improve outcomes for patients, clinicians and healthcare providers. Respironics markets its products in over 125 countries and employs more than 3,200 associates worldwide. Further information can be found on the Company's Web site: www.respironics.com.

MediServe Media Contact

Jeremy Klages
MediServe Information Systems
800.279.8456
JeremyK@mediserve.com