Parameter input for drug delivery pump

A control for a medical device that enables entry of a desired value for a parameter used to control the medical device, comprising:

• (a) a microprocessor programmed to respond to the desired value of the parameter entered by an operator to control the medical device;
• (b) a memory, which is coupled to the microprocessor, for storing a program executed by the microprocessor to control the medical device, and for storing a set of predefined values for the parameter, said predefined values increasing in unequal increments and being selected based upon a frequency of use in controlling the medical device, said set of predefined values being used for the parameter controlling the medical device substantially more often than other values that are not included in the set;
• (c) a control panel that includes a dedicated quick entry control, which when actuated by the operator, scrolls through the set of values;
• and
• (d) a display for displaying successive values for the parameter as the operator scrolls through the predefined values, said successive values that are displayed being independent of a rate at which the operator actuates said quick entry control, a value displayed being used by the microprocessor for the parameter used in controlling the medical device.