U.S. patent application number 11/369570 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-14 for method and apparatus for mobile health and wellness management incorporating real-time coaching and feedback, community and rewards.
Invention is credited to Eric K. Peterson.
Application Number | 20060205564 11/369570 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36971774 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060205564 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Peterson; Eric K. |
September 14, 2006 |
Method and apparatus for mobile health and wellness management
incorporating real-time coaching and feedback, community and
rewards
Abstract
A method and apparatus for a mobile lifestyle management system,
combining a server-based application enabling creation of an
integrated health and wellness plan (comprising diet, exercise,
medication and vitals testing), with a client-based application
enabling management of, and compliance with, the resulting
lifestyle plan. The client application is installed on a wireless,
Internet-enabled mobile device, the server application on an
Internet-connected server, and the two applications exchange data
with one another via an over-the-air "OTA" synchronization using
standard Internet protocols. The resulting ecosystem operates as a
stand-alone lifestyle management system, but can also be configured
to function as a content delivery platform, when integrated with
existing Web-based health and wellness content.
Inventors: |
Peterson; Eric K.; (Mill
Valley, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ray K. Shahani, Esq.;ATTORNEY AT LAW
Twin Oaks Office Plaza, Suite 112
477 Ninth Avenue
San Mateo
CA
94402-1854
US
|
Family ID: |
36971774 |
Appl. No.: |
11/369570 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60594009 |
Mar 4, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 24/0075 20130101;
A61B 5/021 20130101; A63B 69/00 20130101; G16H 20/70 20180101; A61B
5/14532 20130101; A61B 5/0871 20130101; A61B 5/0022 20130101; G16H
40/67 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/008 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. An integrated health and wellness management system, comprising:
A secure server having a computer readable medium disposed in
communication with the internet and accessible via a world wide web
portal; A server-based application residing on the server that
provides for: (a) Addition, deletion and configuration of user
accounts; (b) Generation of end user lifestyle plans comprising
diet, exercise, medication and vitals testing; (c) Tracking of end
user compliance with plans; and (d) Synchronization of plans and
outcomes with a client-based application; An internet-enabled
mobile device featuring a wireless link to the Internet; and A
client-based application residing on the internet-enabled mobile
device that provides for: (a) Presentation of lifestyle plans
comprising diet, exercise, medication and vitals testing; (b)
Delivery of real-time coaching and guidance; (c) Capture of
outcomes; (d) Delivery of feedback; and (e) Synchronization of plan
and outcomes with the server-based application.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the internet-enabled mobile device
is selected from the group consisting of PDAs, mobile handsets and
cellular telephones, laptop and mobile computers, wireless devices,
Bluetooth devices and other WAP devices.
3. The system of claim 1, where the client-based application is
written in the JAVA programming language, or in a native language
configured to run on devices with an operating system selected from
the list of Symbian, BREW, Windows Mobile, or Palm OS.
4. A method of driving end user compliance with a lifestyle plan,
comprising the following steps: Providing an expert system for
delivering real-time, graphical feedback based on references to
agreed targets; Developing a wellness profile unique to the end
user; Creating a personalized lifestyle plan incorporating agreed
targets and revising as needed; delivering real-time coaching and
feedback by one or more practitioners to the end user; and
Supporting and rewarding the end user through the use of the expert
system.
5. A method for improving the health and wellness of an individual
end user, the method comprising the steps of: Delivering an
integrated health and wellness management platform, the platform
consisting of an internet-connected server-side application
configured to enable the creation of a unique and comprehensive,
personalized lifestyle plan by one or more health and wellness
practitioners, Connecting the platform via wireless synchronization
with a client-side application installed on a wireless,
internet-enabled mobile device; and Configuring the wireless,
internet-enabled mobile device to ensure compliance with the
lifestyle plan through the application of behavior modification
techniques including real-time coaching, outcome journaling and
feedback, goal-based rewards and linkage with a broad
community.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the personalized lifestyle plan
comprises a series of scheduled events, each occurring at a
specific time and/or place.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the series of scheduled events
consist of one or more actionable activities related to a user's
health and wellness.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein the series of scheduled events
are selected from the group consisting of fitness events,
nutritional events, medication events, and vitals events.
9. The method of claim 6, wherein the series of scheduled events
include any scheduled activity tangentially related to health and
wellness.
10. The method of claim 5 further comprising the following step:
downloading the client application and associated databases to the
end user's wireless internet-enabled mobile device.
11. The method of claim 5 further comprising the following step:
initiating an over-the-air (OTA) synchronization using standard
protocols to receive a copy of the lifestyle plan created by the
practitioner.
12. The method of claim 5 further comprising the following step:
Viewing further information related to activities in the plan.
13. The method of claim 5 further comprising the following step:
Executing the activities and recording the actual outcomes.
14. The method of claim 5 further comprising the following step:
Modifying the components of the plan.
15. The method of claim 5 further comprising the following step:
Reviewing the rewards earned through documented compliance with
plan and outcomes targets.
16. The method of claim 5 further comprising the following step:
Exchanging these rewards for coupons and/or goods and services
supplied by partners.
17. The method of claim 5 further comprising the following step:
Sharing plans and results with others in the community; including
practitioners, peers and "non-users" with a vested interest in the
individual's success.
18. A method of use of an integrated health and wellness management
cycle consisting of the following steps: A. User entering basic
health information and exercise/nutritional preferences via web
site, and optionally collecting such information and preferences
via real-time interview; B. Automatically creating a lifestyle plan
and transmitting it to mobile device by a web application based on
user inputs; C. Handheld device guiding user through the execution
of the plan, via reminders and real-time coaching/encouragement,
data capture and feedback, and returning results back to the web
application; and D. Tracking the web-based application progress
against plan, prompting for changes as required, linking user to
community and delivering rewards.
19. A method for creating and maintaining a wellness lifestyle plan
for an end user integrating health and fitness practitioners, peers
and supporting community over a real-time network utilizing
server-side and client-side applications and user interfaces, the
method comprising the following steps: A. Initially setting up,
including the steps of: Administrator and/or practitioner creating
new user accounts; Automatically generating a user ID and
invitation by a server-side application; End user accepting
invitation and submits profile information; Practitioner
establishing end user targets and settings; Practitioner creating
personalized lifestyle plan for end user based on end user targets
and settings; Automatically pushing client-side
application/databases to mobile device; and End user accepting
download of application and databases; B. Integrating the end user,
including the following steps: Automatically presenting lifestyle
plan to end user for review; Determining if current plan is
acceptable to end user; End user editing or replacing events and/or
activities, as desired; Determining if events or activities should
be saved for future use; Saving events and/or activities to
Favorites as desired Determining if additional information is
needed to execute the lifestyle plan; Retrieving and presenting
information to end user by the application; End user executing plan
and recording actual outcomes; and Automatically calculating
results and presenting feedback by the application to the end user;
C. Integrating the practitioner, including the following steps:
Automatically synchronizing the client-side and server-side
applications; Automatically assessing compliance and presenting for
review; Determining if current plan requires editing; Practitioner
editing plan based on results and end user profile; and
Automatically synchronizing client-side and server-side
applications.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/594,009 filed Mar. 4, 2005 entitled METHOD
AND APPARATUS FOR MOBILE HEALTH AND WELLNESS MANAGEMENT
INCORPORATING REAL-TIME COACHING AND FEEDBACK, COMMUNITY AND
REWARDS, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety,
and claims any and all benefits to which it is entitled
therefrom.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to wireless health maintenance
and lifestyle management, and more particularly to the exchange of
health and wellness data between an internet-enabled mobile device
and a server-based application, based on a lifestyle plan provided
by a practitioner, expert system, or the patient/subscriber/user
themselves.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Recent trends suggest that the United States (and to a
lesser extent, other industrialized nations throughout the world)
are facing a looming public health crisis, the byproduct of an
aging population and the increasingly poor nutrition and fitness
regimens of the populace. According to recently published public
health statistics, over 30% of the US population are considered
obese, while 60% are considered overweight. This has led to a
dramatic upswing in obesity-related disease states, including Type
II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, with
treatment costs associated with these disease states estimated at
$117 billion, and is exerting tremendous upward pressure on
healthcare costs in the US, which are currently forecast to reach
16% of GDP by 2006.
[0004] This trend, which is clearly unsustainable, has led to a
slow but deliberate shift in the orientation and focus of the
traditional healthcare delivery system, as payers and practitioners
alike seek more effective and efficient alternatives to traditional
disease treatment programs, such as disease state management and
prevention. A common element amongst these alternatives is the
realization that the individual plays a critical role in managing
their own health and wellness, particularly as relates to those
enablers of health for which the individual has ultimate
decision-making authority, such as diet, exercise, medication, and
vital sign testing.
[0005] While the market for consumer-oriented health and wellness
products and services is large and growing, research consistently
demonstrates that the majority of such offerings (be they diet
programs or health club memberships) fail to deliver the sort of
measurable, sustainable results that would warrant their expense.
Furthermore, while recent advances in technology (in particular,
the emergence of wireless, Internet-enabled mobile devices) has led
to a broad array of technology-based solutions, each aimed at
improving the health and wellness of an individual, a review of the
prior art suggests that these solutions each have one or more
disadvantages that may ultimately limit their effectiveness--to
wit: [0006] Not optimally integrating (and balancing) the roles of
practitioners and end users. Practitioner-driven solutions (such as
wireless health monitoring solutions) often treat the end user as
little more than a passive instruction follower, while
consumer-driven solutions provide little in the way of coaching and
guidance, often requiring the end user to act as their own
practitioner or to access/integrate practitioner knowledge in an
awkward fashion, limiting their usefulness. [0007] Lacking the
ability to address all of the "enablers" of health and wellness,
including (but not limited to) diet, exercise, medication and vital
sign testing. Such single-point solutions (e.g. mobile exercise
instructional software) require the user to either ignore the other
enablers, or to employ multiple solutions to address all of the
enablers, again limiting their usefulness. [0008] Focusing on plan
delivery at the expense of plan compliance. Such solutions (such as
diet tracking software packages) assume that the user needs little
motivation to comply with their specified plan, which conflicts
with published research highlighting the need for behavioral
modification. [0009] Requiring the users to modify their normal
activities or routines to utilize the solution. Such solutions
(such as on-line fitness journaling sites) often require the users
to perform additional tasks, such as creating a temporary,
paper-based copy of their health and wellness plan for later
transfer to a Web site, obviating the advantages of the
technology.
[0010] As an example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,602,691 and 6,936,007,
and 6,976,958 Quy describes a method and apparatus for
interactively monitoring the disease or health state of a patient
using a health management device, coupled to an internet-enabled
wireless web device to capture health parameters, such as vital
signs or exercise outcomes, and to transmit the captured data to a
central repository via a wireless network and to facilitate the
delivery of a response to the user. However, the referenced design
is highly practitioner-driven, encompasses only selected enablers
of health and wellness, and does not focus on the driver of plan
compliance.
[0011] Similarly, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,735,551 Voegeli et al.
describe a system for the maintenance and management of the health
which permits easy and complete access to all important data of the
patient to be treated. Once again, this is strictly a
practitioner-driven system, with the patient relegated to the role
of instruction follower, and comprises only the monitoring of
vitals signs.
[0012] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0113649 to Bergantino
teaches a method and apparatus for managing a user's health. The
teaching, however, focuses primarily on the nutritional and dietary
requirements and activity of the end user, is not configured to
allow practitioner generation of integrated lifestyle plans, nor
does it incorporate functionality intended to drive plan
compliance, such as rewards or the ability to share plans and
results with a broader community.
[0013] Finally, in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0176666 to
Chait teaches a health and well being monitoring and advisory
system but without coaching and real-time feedback, it is unlikely
such system would be effective in ensuring compliance and increase
in overall health and well being.
ADVANTAGES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] What is missing, then, is an integrated solution that
actively involves both the practitioner and the end user,
encompasses all of the enablers of health and wellness, focuses on
enabling compliance with a healthy lifestyle plan, and integrates
seamlessly with an individual's normal routine.
[0015] It is an object and advantage of the invention to provide a
system and method for improving the health and wellness of an
individual (hereafter, referred to as the end user) by delivering
an integrated health and wellness management platform, consisting
in the preferred embodiment of an Internet-connected server-side
application configured to enable the creation of a comprehensive,
personalized lifestyle plan by a health and wellness
practitioner(s), and connected via wireless synchronization of
known method with a client-side application installed on an
Internet-enabled mobile device, itself configured to enable
compliance with the lifestyle plan through the application of
behavior modification techniques such as real-time coaching,
outcome journaling and feedback, goal-based rewards and linkage
with a broad community. The presence of the mobile device is a
critical advantage, ensuring that the end user receives critical
coaching and feedback when and where it matters most; that is, at
the time and place of decision-making relative to diet, exercise,
medication and other key lifestyle choices that impact health and
wellness.
[0016] For the sake of clarity, in the context of the present
invention the term "lifestyle plan" refers to a series of scheduled
events, each occurring at a specific time (and in some cases,
place) and consisting of one or more actionable activities. In the
preferred embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned events
are related to a user's health and wellness, including:
[0017] 1. Fitness events, such as a cardiovascular workout
[0018] 2. Nutritional events, such as a meal
[0019] 3. Medication events, such as a regimen of antiviral
drugs
[0020] 4. Vitals events, such as a practitioner-administered blood
test
[0021] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the
definition of an event may be expanded to include any scheduled
activity, including those that are only tangentially related to
health and wellness, such as a social gathering of end users
initiated using the system's community functionality.
[0022] The invention may be implemented in various different
embodiments. Several such embodiments are described herein,
although other embodiments, and embodiments which are extensions to
the described embodiments can be envisioned. In the preferred
embodiment, the role of the practitioner may be assumed by one or
more individuals with specific expertise in the field of health and
wellness, including (but not limited to) physicians, nurses,
pharmacists, dietitians, nutritionists, physical therapists, and
personal/athletic trainers. This practitioner (or practitioners)
may interface with the system via a web portal, interacting with
the server-based application to add, delete or edit user accounts
and profiles, to create lifestyle plans that have been personalized
based on the profile of the end user (i.e. the practitioner's
client), to transmit the lifestyle plan to the end user's mobile
device, to track end user compliance with the plan, and to provide
feedback and/or modify the plan as required to achieve the
overarching lifestyle goals agreed by the end user.
[0023] The client may be any personal computer, such as a smart or
dumb terminal, network computer, wireless device, information
appliance, workstation, minicomputer, mainframe computer, handheld
device, or other computing device that has a graphical user
interface, and the databases may be either installed along with the
client application, or may be retrieved via connection to a local
PC or other device with storage means which has communicated with
the server previously and has stored the databases for later
installation on the client device. In another embodiment, the
client device may be connected with another device which provides
data communication means to the client, thereby enabling
connectivity to the server.
[0024] The end user, after downloading or installing the client
application and associated databases to their Internet-enabled
mobile device in known fashion, may then elect to review their
lifestyle plan, to view further information related to activities
in the plan, to modify the activities in the plan, and/or to
execute the activities in the plan and record the actual outcomes.
Additionally, the end user may review the rewards that he or she
has "earned" through documented compliance with plan and outcome
targets, exchange these rewards for goods and services provided by
affiliate companies, and/or share plans and results with others in
the invention's system; namely, practitioners, peers and
"non-users."
[0025] The presence of an embedded, client-side application and
database on a mobile device offers a critical advantage, by
ensuring that the end user will always have access to the core
functionality of the system (i.e. the viewing and logging of
scheduled health and wellness events), irregardless of network
connectivity, while the presence of wireless data communications
connectivity, in the preferred embodiment, provides the end user
with real-time access to server-based supplemental information on
an as-needed basis. Thus, in one embodiment, an end user bicycling
on a remote road with limited network connectivity would have the
ability to view their plan and log outcomes, while still being to
view a full-motion exercise instruction video "streamed" or
downloaded from a server in situations where network connectivity
was available. Solutions existing in the prior art, or those which
have been proposed, cannot offer this capability.
[0026] Additionally, embodiments of the present invention overcome
one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, by: [0027]
Allowing for management of all of the critical elements of a
healthy lifestyle plan, including diet, exercise, medication, and
monitoring of vital signs. Existing or proposed solutions have
tended to focus on a single such element, such as exercise or vital
sign monitoring, thus missing the benefits that arise from managing
such elements in an integrated, holistic fashion, such as warning
the end user of potentially dangerous food-drug interactions.
[0028] Defining an active, participatory role for both the
practitioner and the end user in the lifestyle management process.
Existing or proposed solutions have tended to be either
practitioner-driven, with the end user (the patient) assuming a
more passive role, performing activities (such as submitting health
and wellness parameters) at the specific direction of the
practitioner without a clear understanding or appreciation of the
implications of such activities or of the meaning of the outcomes,
or end user-driven, with the end user responsible for creating and
managing the elements of a healthy lifestyle plan without the
benefit of practitioner coaching or guidance. [0029] Incorporating
behavior management tools aimed at driving plan compliance. By
incorporating reinforcing mechanisms such as rewards and the
ability to share plans and results with members of a broader
community, the present invention serves to reinforce virtuous
behavior, making attainment of health and wellness goals more
likely. Existing or proposed solutions, with their focus on
outcomes (as opposed to plan compliance), do not address the key
drivers of behavioral changes, such as affinity to community.
[0030] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the role of
the practitioner (as relates to generating and monitoring plans)
may be assumed by a so-called expert system, incorporated into
either the server-side or client-side application. In such an
embodiment, the requisite practitioner knowledge may be embedded in
a series of software algorithms that, based on end user responses
to a series of preconfigured questions aimed at assessing the end
user's health and wellness profile, may generate a personalized
lifestyle plan for the end user. Note that such artificial
intelligence may be incorporated within the described system of the
present invention, but may also exist on a server application that
is external to this system (such as the website operated by
Weightwatchers.com.TM.), in which instance the aforementioned
server-side application may be reconfigured to function primarily
as a synchronization conduit between the web site and the
client-side application.
[0031] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the role of the
practitioner may be assumed by the end user themselves, who may
access the functionality similar to that provided via the
aforementioned practitioner Web portal in order to manually create
a lifestyle plan, to log outcomes, and to track progress against
compliance and outcome targets. Provided the end user has the
requisite knowledge to create an appropriate lifestyle plan, this
embodiment yields the additional advantage of economy for the end
user.
[0032] Further details, objects and advantages of the present
invention will be come apparent through the following descriptions,
and will be included and incorporated herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] FIG. 1A is an embodiment of a representative system overview
of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 1B is a flow chart, depicting an embodiment of an
integrated cycle for health and wellness management of the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 2 is an embodiment of a high-level architecture map of
the present invention, showing the integration of the client-side
and server-side application.
[0036] FIG. 3 is an embodiment of a process map, showing the key
steps involved in creating, delivering, and managing a lifestyle
plan using the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the
server-side application of the present invention, showing the
logical modules, databases, and user interface components of the
software application that is installed on a Web-based server.
[0038] FIGS. 5A and 5B are embodiments of "screen shots" of the
present invention showing the user interface associated with the
server-side application's subscriber management functionality.
[0039] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the
client-side application of the present invention, showing the
logical modules, databases and user interface components of the
software application that is installed on the end user's mobile
device.
[0040] FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are embodiments of "screen shots,"
showing the user interface of the present invention associated with
the client-side application's scheduling functionality.
[0041] FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are embodiments of "screen shots"
showing the user interface of the present invention associated with
the client-side application's coaching functionality.
[0042] FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are embodiments of "screen shots,"
showing the user interface of the present invention associated with
the client-side application's feedback functionality.
[0043] FIGS. 10A and 10B are embodiments of relationship diagrams
of the present invention, showing the groups that define an end
user's community.
[0044] FIG. 11 is an embodiment of a relationship diagram of the
present invention, depicting the groups that define an end user's
community.
[0045] FIGS. 12A and 12B are embodiments of "screen shots" from a
representative mobile device of the present invention, depicting
the user interface associated with the client-side application's
profile management functionality.
[0046] FIG. 13 is an embodiment of a process map of the present
invention, depicting the steps associated with enabling a medical
provider to retrieve an end user's medical profile in an emergency
situation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0047] The description that follows is presented to enable one
skilled in the art to make and use the present invention, and is
provided in the context of a particular application and its
requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments
will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general
principals discussed below may be applied to other embodiments and
applications without departing from the scope and spirit of the
invention. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited
to the embodiments disclosed, but the invention is to be given the
largest possible scope which is consistent with the principals and
features described herein.
[0048] It will be understood that in the event parts of different
embodiments have similar functions or uses, they may have been
given similar or identical reference numerals and descriptions. It
will be understood that such duplication of reference numerals is
intended solely for efficiency and ease of understanding the
present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting in any
way, or as implying that the various embodiments themselves are
identical.
[0049] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs.
Definitions specific to this invention are presented below.
[0050] The term "practitioner" encompasses individuals and/or
systems with specific expertise in the field of health and
wellness, including but not limited to physicians, nurses,
pharmacists, dietitians, nutritionists, physical therapists,
advisers, counselors, social workers, and personal/athletic
trainers. The term can also be applied to expert systems, in which
the knowledge of a human practitioner is embodied in a series of
software algorithms.
[0051] The term "administrator" refers to an individual who is
responsible for administering the system of the present invention,
performing duties such as account and database management.
[0052] The term "end user" refers to the individual who is
responsible for executing the health and wellness plan generated by
the practitioner or practitioner system; he or she interacts with
the system primarily via the mobile device. End users can also be
defined as subscribers, members, affiliates, patients, or
subjects.
[0053] The term "user" refers collectively to those individuals who
have access to the system of the present invention, including
practitioners, administrators and end users. The term "non-user"
refers to an individuals who does not have access to either the
server-side and/or client-side applications described herein, yet
may be a recipient of the content generated by same.
[0054] The term "lifestyle plan" refers to a series of scheduled
events, each occurring at a specific time (and in some cases,
place) and consisting of one or more actionable activities. In the
embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned events are related
to a user's health and wellness, including: [0055] 1. Fitness
Events, such as a cardiovascular workout [0056] 2. Nutritional
Events, such as a meal [0057] 3. Medication Events, such as a
regimen of antiviral drugs [0058] 4. Vitals Events, such as a
practitioner-administered blood test
[0059] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the
definition of an "event" may be expanded to include any scheduled
activity, including those that are only tangentially related to
health and wellness, such as a social gathering of end users
initiated using the system's community functionality.
[0060] Each of the events in a lifestyle plan in turn consists of
one or more finite, actionable activities, while an activity
consists of an item (such as Bicycling) and one or more parameters
(such as Time, Duration, and Intensity), that when taken together
define the activity, providing the subscriber with the specific
instructions needed to execute the activity. By way of example, a
plan might include the fitness event "Daily Run," composed of the
activity of Running (an item) for 10 minutes at a 6 MPH pace (the
parameters).
[0061] The term "OTA synchronization" (or alternatively, "OTA
Sync") describes the process by which a server-side and client-side
application exchange data "Over the Air" via a wireless (RF) link,
using cellular telephony or equivalent protocols such as WiFi
(802.11) WiMax (802.16), Bluetooth, or Zigbee.
[0062] The term "time" refers to a chronological time or timeframe,
including but not limited to morning, afternoon, evening,
breakfast, lunch, dinner, night time, beginning, end, etc.
[0063] Other examples of protocols or standard communications means
between the server and client included within the scope of this
invention include but are not limited to standard telephone lines,
LAN or WAN links (e.g., T1, T3, 56 kb, X.25), broadband connections
(ISDN, Frame Relay, ATM), and wireless connections, using a variety
of communication protocols (e.g., HTTP, HTTPS, TCP/IP, IPX, SPX,
NetBIOS, Ethernet, RS232, messaging application programming
interface (MAPI) protocol, real-time streaming protocol (RTSP),
real-time streaming protocol used for user datagram protocol scheme
(RTSPU), the Progressive Networks Multimedia (PNM) protocol
developed by RealNetworks, Inc. of Seattle, Wash., manufacturing
message specification (MMS) protocol, wireless application protocol
(WAP), and direct asynchronous connections.
[0064] Various embodiments of the architecture are now presented in
greater detail.
Overview of System
[0065] FIG. 1A is an embodiment of a representative system overview
of the present invention. As shown, the present invention is for
Plan Creation. A server-based application guides the practitioner
through the development of a lifestyle plan, which is then "pushed"
to a mobile device via an OTA sync. The invention provides Coaching
and Feedback. A mobile application helps the user to comply with
his or her plan, by providing direction, instruction, tracking, and
feedback. The invention provides Support. A web-based and mobile
applications support and motivate the user, via links to community
and a formalized reward program.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 1B, a flow chart depicting an integrated
health and wellness management "cycle" is presented. This cycle,
which serves as the foundation for the preferred embodiment of the
present invention, consists of the following steps: [0067] 1. A
health and wellness profile, which describes the end user's current
state of health, lifestyle preferences, goals, etc. is created.
[0068] 2. A server-side application enables the creation of a
lifestyle plan for the end user consistent with the profile, and
the plan is transmitted to a mobile device. [0069] 3. A client-side
application on mobile device guides the end user through the
execution of the plan by providing real-time coaching, journaling,
and feedback, and returns outcomes and results back to the
server-side application. [0070] 4. System tracks progress against
the lifestyle plan, delivers rewards, and links user to their
community.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 2, the high-level architecture of a system
for the management of the health and wellness of an end user 13 is
presented. In the preferred embodiment, the system enables the
practitioner 1 to create a lifestyle plan for the end user 13 by
accessing an application 9 and a database 10 stored on an server
(or servers) 8 via a web browser 3 connected to the Internet 7,
with responsibility for the management of user accounts and
databases assumed by an administrator 15. The system then
facilitates, via an OTA synchronization in known fashion,
transmission of the lifestyle plan to the end user 13 via an
Internet-enabled mobile device 2 connected to, or otherwise in
communication with, a wireless Point of Presence ("POP") 6
consisting of a base station antenna 4 coupled to a server 5 or, in
an alternative embodiment, via a Web browser 3 connected to the
Internet 7.
[0072] This synchronization of information between the end user 13
and practitioner 1 is two-way in nature, with data captured by the
end user in the course of executing the lifestyle plan moving from
the mobile device to the server. The system also provides the
ability for an end user 13 to share plans and results with a
designated "community," which may include fellow end users and
practitioners 1, as well as individuals 14 who fall into neither
group (such as Friends and Family), with content delivered to this
group via a messaging application 11. Additionally, the system
includes an eCommerce application 12, allowing users to execute
transactions with providers of health and wellness products and
services.
[0073] It will be understood that the practitioner can be an actual
live person, a health service establishment, or an expert system
which, based on a set of entered parameters, may generate an
optimal, "state of the art" lifestyle plan for the end user based
on the end user's profile, track record of compliance, etc.
Furthermore, it will be understood that such an expert system may
be incorporated within the previously described server-side
application or may be a component of a server-side application
maintained by an external partner and connected to the described
system. In yet another embodiment--the "do-it-yourself" model--the
end user may serve as their own practitioner, creating their own
lifestyle plan by selecting from a library of plans and/or plan
components, such as end user profiles, goals, events, activities,
and items.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 3, a process map depicting the proposed
health and wellness management process is presented. The process of
the present invention, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3,
comprises essentially a setup or administration layer, an end user
interface layer, and a practitioner interface layer. It will be
understood that the flow chart utilizes the familiar icon
comprising a square with vertical side bars to represent a process
step which is automatic or automatically initiated, i.e., is not or
does not have to be initiated manually. The process begins when an
administrator or practitioner accesses the designated web portal
and creates a user account 101 using profile information (e.g. age,
height, weight) collected from the end user. The server-side
application then automatically generates a user ID, and delivers
(via e-mail or a mobile device-specific protocol, such as short
messaging service (SMS)) an invitation to the prospective end user
102. By responding to this invitation, the end user is routed to a
new user web page, where he or she is prompted to submit the
information required to complete their user profile 103. Using this
profile information, the practitioner then completes creation of
the new end user account by establishing specific targets and
settings for the end user 104 as well as a personalized lifestyle
plan 105. This triggers the server-side application to deliver the
client-side application to the end user's mobile device 106 in
known fashion; once accepted, the application and associated
databases are automatically installed on the end user's mobile
device 107 in known fashion.
[0075] In day-to-day usage, the client-side application presents
the lifestyle plan to the end user in the form of a daily calendar
110. The end user then reviews the plan and determines whether or
not they will execute it in its current form 111--in the negative
case, the application guides the end user through the modification
of the plan 112. The end user then decides whether they wish to
store any portion of the plan as a "Favorite" for future use
113--in the affirmative case, the application guides the end user
through storage of its components 114 in the corresponding
database. The end user then assesses whether they have enough
information to execute the plan 115--in the negative case, the
application retrieves the requisite coaching information 116
(consisting of text, graphics and/or video) and presents it to the
end user for review. Finally, the end user executes the plan and
records actual outcomes 117, which triggers the application to
calculate results, present feedback to the end user 118 and
synchronize the client-side and server-side databases 119.
[0076] Once synchronization has occurred and actual plan outcomes
have been delivered to the server-side databases, the server-side
application assesses the user's compliance with the plan 120
relative to both plan compliance and outcome measures, where plan
compliance measures indicate whether end users are successfully
completing the activities scheduled for them, and outcome measures
indicate whether end users are achieving the results they desire.
The practitioner then assesses whether the current lifestyle plan
must be modified 121, if modifications are required, the
server-side application facilitates editing of the plan 122. In
either case, a synchronization event 123 is used to deliver the
most current version of the lifestyle plan to the end user.
[0077] Server-Side Functionality Within the system of the present
invention, the role of the practitioner 1 is to generate a
lifestyle plan for the end user 13, to monitor the end user's
compliance with the lifestyle plan, and to provide coaching and
feedback to the end user 13 as required to facilitate compliance
with the plan. In the embodiment, this is accomplished via a
server-side application/database, accessed via a network or
web-based portal, which allows a practitioner 1 to: [0078] 1.
Manage end user 13 accounts [0079] 2. Manage end user 13 lifestyle
plans and compliance with same [0080] 3. Manage the Activity, Event
and Item Databases
[0081] In an alternative embodiment, some or all of this
functionality could be accomplished via an Internet-enabled mobile
device, using either an embedded application or a browser.
[0082] FIG. 4 shows the high-level architecture of the server-side
application. Creation of the lifestyle plan is facilitated by the
Scheduling Module 200, accessed via the Scheduling User Interface
201 and utilizing calendar data stored in the Plan Database 202,
which in turn is comprised of elements stored in the Event 203,
Activity 204, and Item 205 Databases. Creation and/or editing of a
lifestyle plan takes place at the Event level; as an example, a
practitioner may create a Fitness Event by selecting an item (such
as Running) from the Item Database 205 and assigning parameters
(e.g. Time and Speed) to it, causing it to be stored in the Plan
Database 202. Alternately, the practitioner can select a
pre-defined activity (such as a 3-mile Fast Run) from the Activity
Database 204, or a pre-defined event (such as an Upper Body
Strength Workout) from the Event Database 203.
[0083] Tracking of user compliance with lifestyle plans is
facilitated by the Compliance Management Module 210, accessed via
the Compliance Management User Interface 211 and utilizing plan
outcomes stored in the Actuals Database 212 and calculated results
measures stored in the Results Database 213. The
Synchronization/Sharing Module 220 enables synchronization of the
client-side and server-side applications.
[0084] Management of user accounts is facilitated by the User
Account Management module 230, accessed via the Account Management
User Interface 231. In the case of end users, accounts are defined
by profile data such as User ID, age, weight, disease states, etc.
which are stored in the User Profile Database 232 and used to
tailor a lifestyle plan to the needs of the end user 13. The user
experience (both client-side and server-side) is defined by
settings or preference data such as Synchronization Frequency,
which are stored in the Settings Database 233.
[0085] User access to system functionality is governed via the data
stored in the Group/Resources Database 234, which allows users with
similar characteristics to be assigned to a group, and for groups
to be assigned ownership of a specific resource, where a resource
is broadly defined as the right to execute a function, such as
accessing a database or editing an event. Amongst other uses, this
mechanism can be used to share content amongst users (e.g. personal
trainers working at a health club facility could create and share
workouts that are relevant to the equipment installed at that
facility), to restrict the ability of an end user to edit or delete
a practitioner-generated plan, or to assign multiple practitioners
to the same end user (achieved by defining a resource that limits
practitioner access to a specific type of event, such as
nutrition). Amongst other benefits, the ability to create groups
and assign resources to those groups enhances network security and
end user 13 privacy rights.
[0086] It will be understood that the "screen shots" of FIGS. 5A-B,
7A-C, 8A-C, 9A-C, 10A-B, and 12A-B are representative user
interfaces showing the information and organization of the screens
used by the end-users 13, practitioners 1, and administrators 15.
As is well known today, PDAs, cell phones and other mobile
computing devices will have displays or screens via which a great
deal of detailed information can be displayed effectively, clearly
and otherwise as desired for a particular purpose and by a
particular entity. For this reason, the rest of the PDA, cell
phone, or other mobile device is not shown in these figures.
[0087] FIGS. 5A and 5B depict selected elements of the server-side
user interface, specifically the interface for Compliance
Management 250 and Plan Management 260. The Compliance Management
UI is intended to provide the practitioner 1 with a quick
"snapshot" of an end user's status 251, to identify the date of the
end user's last synchronization event 252, and to gauge to what
extent the end user is complying with their plan targets 253, such
as number of exercises completed, and their outcome targets 254,
such as weight loss. (Note that in either case the figure
represents a weighted average of several individual measures).
Thus, Plan Compliance 253 is directed to whether or not the user 13
complies with the directives in the lifestyle plan, while Outcome
Compliance 254 is focused on the measurement of progress made
toward achieving the goal or planned outcome of compliance. The
Plan Management UI is intended to provide the practitioner with a
quick "snapshot" of an end user's status 261, and to identify what
events 262 and 263 are scheduled for completion by the end
user.
Client-Side Application
[0088] Within the system of the present invention, the role of the
end user is to execute the lifestyle plan generated by the
practitioner(s), to record actual outcomes, and to provide feedback
to the end user as necessary to ensure that their lifestyle plan
remains consistent with their goals and preferences. In the
preferred embodiment, this is accomplished via a client-side
application and databases, installed on an Internet-enabled mobile
device, which allow the end user to: [0089] 1. Review their
lifestyle plan [0090] 2. Create, modify and delete lifestyle plan
events [0091] 3. Receive supplemental coaching and background
information for plan events and activities [0092] 4. Record actual
outcomes [0093] 5. Save favorite events and activities [0094] 6.
Manage their user profile and settings [0095] 7. Share their Plan
and/or Results with others in their community [0096] 8. View and
redeem their rewards
[0097] In an alternative embodiment, some or all of this
functionality could be accomplished via a Web browser connected to
a server-based application.
[0098] FIG. 6 depicts the high-level architecture of the
client-side application. At its most basic level, the client-side
application serves as a dedicated scheduling application, with the
Scheduling Module 300 providing the end user with a simple means of
managing the events and associated activities that occur in a given
timeframe. The ability to view a plan and log it as complete are
provided by View Plan UI 301 and View/Log Event UI 302. Reminder UI
303 provides end user with reminders of upcoming events and alerts
about past events (if they have not yet been logged), with these
reminders/alerts ranging from audible alerts and/or "soft notes"
(pop-up textual messages) generated by the client application to
e-mails and/or SMS messages generated by the server-side
application.
[0099] FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C depict this user interface in greater
detail: the Plan View screen 360 displays events in a calendar
fashion (arranged by Event Type), while the Event View screen 370
displays an "exploded" view of the activities that comprise a
single event. As an end user completes an activity, he or she is
prompted to either log it as complete (indicating that the activity
was completed exactly as specified by the activity parameters), or
to enter "actual" outcomes using the Enter Actuals screen 380
(indicating that the completed activity differed in some way from
the activity defined in the original event specification). In the
preferred embodiment of the present invention, this logging is
accomplished using the input devices embedded in the mobile device,
including keyboard, touchscreen, microphone and/or camera.
[0100] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, logging of
activities may be accomplished automatically via a wireless link
with a compatible measurement device (such as a sphygmomanometer or
peak flow monitor), exercise apparatus (such as a treadmill or
rowing machine), and/or automated medication dispenser. In such
cases, the end user would be prompted to establish a wireless link
with the noted equipment in known fashion, and to confirm the
uploading of outcomes before they are "accepted" as logged
activities.
[0101] Returning to FIG. 6, logging of an activity causes a
description of the actual activity as executed to be written to the
Actuals Database 309 and triggers an OTA sync event with the
server-based application, causing the outcomes to be uploaded to
the corresponding server-based database. In the synchronization
process, a finite number of days' worth of outcome data (number
contingent on the storage capabilities of the mobile device) would
be retained on the mobile device.
[0102] Depending on the permissions granted to him or her by the
practitioner, the end user may also have the ability to edit the
practitioner-generated lifestyle plan, either by adding a new event
to the plan, adding activities to an existing event, or editing an
existing event. These activities are enabled via the Edit Event UI
304, which provides the end user with access to the Event Database
306, Activity Database 307, and Item Database 308 that contain the
"building blocks" of an event. In a typical installation, the
complete Activity and Event Databases, which allow the end user to
store and retrieve Favorites, would be located on the mobile
device, while a subset of the Item Database would be resident on
the mobile device, with access to the server-based remainder
achieved through an integrated WAP browser. All data in the
client-side databases are backed up regularly to corresponding
databases on the server-side in the course of a synchronization
event.
[0103] Beyond simple scheduling, the client application is
configured to provide real-time guidance to the end user to assist
in the execution of a plan via the Coaching Module 310 and the
Coaching UI 311. This guidance takes several forms: [0104]
Instructional, such as demonstrating the necessary steps for
performing an exercise [0105] Supplemental, such as defining the
nutritional content of a food or the recommended upper and lower
limits for a vital sign test [0106] Cautionary, such as warning the
end user of dangerous food and drug interactions [0107] Coaching,
such as providing the end user with cues to enable him or her to
maintain a recommended pace of exercise or medication consumption.
This guidance can be delivered via visual (text, graphics or
video), auditory (ringtones) or other means, with the source files
stored on the mobile device or a server, depending on the chosen
configuration.
[0108] FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C depict this user interface in greater
detail: in the example of a Fitness Event, general information
regarding muscle groups and alternative exercises is delivered via
the Get Info (General) screen 390, with instructions for performing
the exercise delivered via the Get Info (Instructions) screen 400,
and the Get Info (Demo) screen 410.
[0109] The Coaching Module 310 also features a context-sensing
capability--in the preferred embodiment, the application may
wirelessly connect with a Context Interface Point 312 configured to
provide contextual information--such as the type of exercise
equipment installed in a gymnasium or the nutritional content of
items on a restaurant menu--that can be used to guide the end user
in execution and/or modification of selected activities. This
transfer of information may be facilitated by a broad range of
wireless transmission protocols, such as RFID bar codes, IR,
Bluetooth, Zigbee. In each case, the Coaching Module obtains the
pertinent data from the Context Interface Point and via an expert
system capability, recommends potential changes to the proposed
plan, such as an alternative exercise routine based on available
equipment.
[0110] As events are logged, a Feedback Module 320 provides
feedback to the end user via the Feedback UI 321, based on a
comparison of planned (as scheduled) and actual (as executed)
outcomes, with the goal of measuring the extent to which the end
user is (a) complying with their lifestyle plan and (b) achieving
their desired goals. In the first case, the feedback measure would
be based on an activity parameter (e.g. % of scheduled exercises
completed), with the plan compliance target derived by summing the
corresponding values for each of the activities scheduled within
the timeframe in question. In the second case, the feedback measure
would be based on a desired outcome (such as caloric expenditure)
for the selected timeframe, with the outcome target specified by
the practitioner (or in the case of an end user-generated event, by
the end user).
[0111] Regardless of the feedback measure selected, the application
allows the user to select a different timeframe (i.e. to view
results by week as well as by day) or point of reference (i.e. to
view results relative to the aforementioned target as well as to
the average of the past 7 days' results) and/or to view historical
results, either for a specific measure (such as calories expended)
or for a recurring event (allowing the end user to track
improvement in their ability to perform an exercise workout, as an
example). Additionally, the application is capable of providing
"prospective" feedback; that is, to project outcomes based on a
blend of logged and scheduled (but not yet logged) activities,
providing end users with the information needed to adjust their
future behavior to achieve compliance with their targets.
[0112] FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C depict this interface in greater detail.
To simplify ease of use, feedback is by default presented in a
graphical format, with a color-coding mechanism used to indicate
the level of deviation from plan or outcome targets. Interpretation
of results is further simplified by the use of a Dashboard 420
which displays (in the form of a single graphical icon) an overall
Results "score," based on a weighted average of individual measures
(configurable by the practitioner or end user). As an example, the
dashboard for an end user 13 suffering from diabetes might comprise
the outcome measures of blood glucose level and sugar consumption,
blended with the plan compliance measure of number of blood glucose
tests completed. Regardless of the feedback "score" being
displayed, the Feedback UI allows the user to "drill down" to the
level of individual measures 430 and to view history for a specific
measure 440.
[0113] Referring again to FIG. 6, the Feedback Module 320 and
Feedback UI 321 are also configured to calculate and display
"equivalencies," such as the minutes of cardiovascular exercise
required to expend an amount of calories equivalent to that
contained in a food item. Where possible, this information is
presented graphically, such that a user engaging in an exercise
routine would be able to view an icon representing a recently
consumed food item progressively disappear from the screen, based
on the amount of calories expended while exercising.
[0114] In addition to providing "passive" feedback similar to that
described above, the Feedback Module 320 is configured to
continually monitor scheduled and/or logged activities and actively
warn end users of situations that threaten their well-being or
otherwise violate their health and wellness goals. For example, if
an end user's plan is modified to incorporate a new prescription
medication, the Feedback Module would automatically conduct a
review of scheduled nutritional events (i.e. snacks or meals) to
identify dangerous food/drug interactions, issuing a warning via
the Feedback UI where required. Similarly, if the end user were to
log activity results that violated targets established in their
user profile (for example, recording a maximum heart rate during
exercise in excess of that recommended for the user's age) the
application would issue a warning. As with the aforementioned
alerts and reminders, the means of delivery for the warning may be
configured by the user.
[0115] To further drive plan compliance, the system incorporates a
rewards functionality, administered by Rewards Module 330 and
accessible via the Rewards UI 331, whereby "health and wellness
points" are awarded to the end user based on their ability to
achieve specific targets. These targets take one of two forms: plan
compliance targets, such as quantity of food consumed, and outcome
targets, such as body weight or cholesterol level. In either
situation, earned points can be used to obtain rewards via the
eCommerce Module 335 and eCommerce UI 336, which provide the end
user with access to an on-line marketplace populated by vendors
offering goods and services that are pre-selected based on the end
user's profile.
[0116] FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C depict the Rewards and eCommerce UI
in greater detail. The Rewards Schedule 450 illustrates the linkage
between targets and earned points, while the Rewards List 451 lists
the goods and services for which points can be redeemed. Actual
redemption of points is achieved via the Wellness Market 452, which
allows the end user to view specific products and services and to
select them for redemption and/or purchase.
[0117] In one embodiment, the system also enables the concept of a
"Wish List," allowing the end user to save offerings of interest to
a master list, arranged by points values required for redemption.
Earning the corresponding number of rewards points would trigger an
automatic request for confirmation of redemption or, in an
alternative embodiment, an automatic redemption, thus providing a
powerful reinforcement of virtuous behavior.
[0118] Referring again to FIG. 6, synchronization of the
client-side application and databases with their server-side
counterparts is controlled via the Synchronization/Sharing Module
340 and Synchronization/Sharing UI 341, which also enable the end
user to define the membership of their community and to control
sharing of information within that community.
[0119] FIG. 11 depicts the groups which comprise an end user's
community, of which there are four: the Peer Group 460, consisting
of fellow end users selected by the end user for affiliation; the
Support Group 461, consisting of fellow end users selected by the
system for affiliation based on a comparison of end user profile
data, such as goals, medical needs, etc.; the Practitioner Group
462, consisting of practitioners who are affiliated with the end
user; and the Cheering Section 463, consisting of non-users that
have a vested interest in the end user's health and wellness, such
as friends and family members. In certain cases, peers 460 can
consciously associate themselves with each other, or be objectively
identified by having goals, medical needs, etc. in others, while
support group members 461 are assigned automatically by the system.
The User Community 464 consists of those individuals who actively
participate in and interface with the health and wellness system of
the present invention on a regular basis. End users may have one or
several practitioners from whom they receive coaching and feedback,
while practitioners may have one or more end users to whom they
provide services. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 11, the
members of the Cheering Section 463 may not meet the strict
definition of the user community, but they may indeed receive
information on an occasional, passive and non-involved basis. In
this way, the health and wellness system of the present invention
reaches out to non-subscribers, and encourages and promotes health
and wellness at levels beyond the participants in the system. While
striving to optimize the health and wellness of end users 13,
leverage can be achieved by utilizing participants beyond the User
Community 464 as shown in FIG. 11 to promote and reward
compliance.
[0120] Once the membership of these groups has been defined, the
end user 13 may select which subsets of information (e.g. Plans,
Results, Profiles) are shared with which groups and/or group
members. Subsequent sharing of information enables the following
functionality: [0121] Challenge groups, whereby end users can
exchange results and compete head-to-head with fellow end users
[0122] Support groups, whereby end users can exchange plans and
compare results with fellow end users in a non-competitive setting
[0123] Publishing, whereby end users can publish all or part of
their lifestyle plan to a web log for access by other users [0124]
Subscriptions, whereby end users can subscribe to a published plan
and receive regular invitations to the events defined in the plan
[0125] Cheering sections, whereby end users can designate a
collection of individuals who may or may not be fellow end users
(such as friends and family) to receive regular progress updates
relative to plan compliance and outcomes.
[0126] In one embodiment, the functionality described above would
be accessible via the client-side application; in an alternative
embodiment, some or all of this functionality would be provided via
the client-side application to leverage the ease of use of a large
form-factor device.
[0127] Referring again to FIG. 6, management of the end user's
personal profile and personalization of the client-side user
experience is controlled via the Personalization Module 350 and the
Personalization UI 351, with the resulting settings stored in the
Profile Database 352 and the Settings Database 353.
[0128] FIGS. 12A and 12B depicts the Profile Management user
interface in greater detail. The process includes creation of a
profile by the end user (or alternately, the practitioner) using
the Profile Creation screen 470, by defining each of the components
that comprise their health and wellness profile, including
demographics, nutritional and exercise preferences,
learning/motivational styles, and medical conditions. Once defined,
the end user then specifies access permissions using the Profile
Access screen 471, which dictates which elements of their profile
will be visible to members of the user community.
[0129] FIG. 13 depicts the Emergency Profile Retrieval
functionality of the system, a specific embodiment of the Profile
Management functionality that allows a medical provider to quickly
access the medical profile of an end user in an emergency
situation; i.e. when the end user is unable to provide required
information to the medical provider. User or practitioner enters
medical profile information via Web browser or mobile device. In
case of emergency, medical personnel dial standard phone number.
The server application then initiates WAP push, prompting medical
personnel to launch client application. Medical personnel to enter
assigned password. Subsequently, medical profile information will
be displayed on mobile device.
[0130] It is possible to envision additional, alternative
embodiments of the present invention by blending the above
functionality. Such additional and alternative embodiments are
expressly included within the scope of this invention. Selected
examples of such functionality include, but are not limited to:
[0131] 1. Auto Replenishment, whereby the scheduling and eCommerce
capabilities of the system are leveraged to enable continual,
automatic purchase of replenishables, such as supplements or
prescription medication. As en example of the functionality of the
present invention, the end user 13 might receive a 60 day supply of
medication or the end user 13 might receive a 60 dose vial, but
usage depends on symptoms of the end user 13. Based upon the
scheduled and actually recorded usage levels of the medication at
the Compliance Management Module 210, the Scheduling Module 200 can
automatically send a notification to the medication distributor and
have the next 60 days or 60 doses of medication delivered to the
end user or his or her other health care provider. Electronic
messaging can be utilized to update members of the Community to
these events, in order to advise end users 13 of prospective
delivery of medications, allow practitioners 1 to monitor
compliance, etc. [0132] 2. Clinical Trial Administration, whereby
the scheduling, outcome tracking, and profile management
capabilities of the system are leveraged to administer clinical
trials of a health and wellness enabler, such as a medication
regimen. End users can sign up for clinical trials, and in an
embodiment gain rewards for participation. By participation in the
clinical trial, end users 13 can be assigned on a blinded,
randomized basis with a control group selected by the administrator
of the trial. Outcomes and results can be analyzed, as described
above, and a Clinical Trial Administration data processing module
generates statistical data related to cost, drug efficacy, side
effects, and overall safety. Results of the Clinical Trial
Administration data processing module could be pushed in real time
to practitioners to provide up to date therapy reports. Trends in
end user health and well being can be analyzed to derive expert
system tools for optimizing the lifestyle plan described in FIG. 1B
on an automatic, regular and/or synchronized basis. [0133] 3.
Sponsorship Programs, whereby a third party with a vested interest
in the health and wellness of an end user 13 can "fund" the
individual's rewards program. Employers, insurers, public health
administrators, benefactors and other family members are but a few
of the many types of persons which might have an interest in the
maintained health and wellness of an end user 13. [0134] 4. Data
Mining, whereby the profile management and outcome tracking
capabilities of the system are leveraged to allow health and
wellness product and service providers to better tailor their
product offerings to their target customer, based on monitoring the
activities of an end user of known profile. Participation in such
activities is strictly at the consent and/or request of the member
whose data is being "mined," whether they be end users,
practitioners, cheering section members, etc.
[0135] Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to
those described can be used in the practice or testing of the
present invention, one method and materials are now described. All
publications and patent documents referenced in the present
invention are incorporated herein by reference.
[0136] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs.
Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those
described can be used in the practice or testing of the present
invention, methods and materials are now described. All
publications and patent documents referenced in the present
invention are incorporated herein by reference.
[0137] While the principles of the invention have been made clear
in illustrative embodiments, there will be immediately obvious to
those skilled in the art many modifications of structure,
arrangement, proportions, the elements, materials, and components
used in the practice of the invention, and otherwise, which are
particularly adapted to specific environments and operative
requirements without departing from those principles. The appended
claims are intended to cover and embrace any and all such
modifications, with the limits only of the true purview, spirit and
scope of the invention.
* * * * *