U.S. patent application number 11/982772 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-07 for communication system, device and method.
Invention is credited to Tracy McKie Hatem.
Application Number | 20090113933 11/982772 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40586754 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090113933 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hatem; Tracy McKie |
May 7, 2009 |
Communication system, device and method
Abstract
A communication system for conveying needs between two
individuals who cannot verbally communicate with one another. The
system is especially useful for use with incapacitated patients and
includes a plurality of items which represent several conditions
that the patients may experience and which may be corrected by a
caregiver. The items are bound together such that an incapacitated
patient may easily access an appropriate item and point to it to
indicate to the caregiver that corrective action needs to be taken.
In this manner, a communication system is developed between the
incapacitated patient and the caregiver that does not rely on
verbal communications.
Inventors: |
Hatem; Tracy McKie;
(Norfolk, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Bradley D. Goldizen
HC 80 BOX 261
Maysville
WV
26833
US
|
Family ID: |
40586754 |
Appl. No.: |
11/982772 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
63/1.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 5/0015 20130101;
G09B 21/009 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
63/1.13 |
International
Class: |
A44C 15/00 20060101
A44C015/00 |
Claims
1. A communication system for incapacitated patients who cannot
verbally communicate with a caregiver, said communication system
comprising: a plurality of charms bound together, each charm
representative of a condition that a patient may experience, the
plurality of charms maintained near an incapacitated patient such
that said incapacitated patient may easily access one or more of
the plurality of charms to convey to a caregiver an adverse
condition being experienced by the incapacitated patient; and, an
instruction manual having a key that explains the meaning of each
charm, wherein said plurality of charms each having one or more
meanings selected from a group consisting of a temperature in the
incapacitated patient's room is too hot, the temperature in the
incapacitated patient's room is too cold, the incapacitated patient
is wet and needs to undertake a change of clothing, the
incapacitated patient is in need of an object, where is a family
member of the incapacitated patient, the incapacitated patient
cannot reach a first object and needs assistance in retrieving the
first object, the incapacitated patient has dropped a second object
and cannot retrieve the second object, and the incapacitated
patient wants a third object.
2. The communication system of claim 1 wherein said plurality of
charms are bound together on a bracelet that is worn about the
incapacitated patient's wrist.
3. The communication system of claim 1 wherein said plurality of
charms are bound together on a necklace that is worn about the
incapacitated patient's neck.
4. The communication system of claim 3 wherein said necklace
comprises a bracelet and an add-on piece of wire having a split
ring at one end and a catch at an opposite end.
5. The communication system of claim 1 wherein said plurality of
charms include one or more selected from a group consisting of a
hot pepper, an ice cube, a star, a teardrop, a doughnut, a heart
and a hand.
6. A communication device comprising: a loop of material that is
arranged around a part of a wearer's body; a plurality of trinkets
arranged on the loop of material, each trinket having a meaning to
convey a need from the wearer of the communication device to an
individual who can alleviate the need being experienced by the
wearer; a plurality of beads separating each trinket of the
plurality of trinkets such that the wearer may recognize each
trinket through tactile feeling of the wearer's fingertips; and, an
instruction manual providing a meaning that is associated with each
of the trinkets and having the trinkets displayed thereon.
7. The communication system of claim 6 wherein said plurality of
trinkets are bound together on a bracelet that is worn about the
wearer's wrist.
8. The communication system of claim 6 wherein said plurality of
trinkets are bound together on a necklace that is worn about the
wearer's neck.
9. The communication system of claim 8 wherein said necklace
comprises a bracelet and an add-on piece of wire having a split
ring at one end and a catch at an opposite end.
10. The communication system of claim 6 wherein said plurality of
trinkets include one or more selected from a group consisting of a
hot pepper, an ice cube, a star, a teardrop, a doughnut, a heart
and a hand.
11. The communication system of claim 6 wherein said plurality of
beads comprises plastic beads.
12. The communication system of claim 6 wherein said plurality of
beads comprises glass beads.
13. A method for providing a communication system between a
caregiver and an incapacitated patient who cannot verbally
communicate with the caregiver, said method comprising: providing
an article of manufacture that includes a plurality of items that
represent a variety of needs of a patient, said plurality of items
include one or more selected from a group consisting of a hot
pepper, an ice cube, a star, a teardrop, a doughnut, a heart and a
hand; providing an instruction guide on operating the communication
system to the incapacitated patient and arranging for the
instruction guide to be maintained within a room in which the
patient is maintained; securing the article of manufacture to a
particular part of the incapacitated patient that is within reach
by the incapacitated patient; and indicating through the
incapacitated patient to the caregiver by touching or pointing
towards an item of the article of manufacture to represent a
particular need when an associated need is experienced by the
incapacitated patient.
14. The method of claim 13 further including: providing
instructions to the incapacitated patient through one of displaying
the communication system to the user and placing the communication
system into a hand of the incapacitated patient such that
incapacitated patients who are visually impaired use tactile feel
and an audible command from the caregiver to describe each item in
the article of manufacture and associated meaning.
15. The method of claim 13 further including: the caregiver
querying the incapacitated patient with a series of questions
relating to a particular meaning of an item after the incapacitated
patient has pointed towards or touched an item on the article of
manufacture.
Description
[0001] There are no related patent applications.
[0002] The subject matter of the present invention did not receive
federal government research and development funding.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Generally, the invention relates to a communication system
for incapacitated or bed-ridden patients that cannot speak. More
particularly, the invention is a device that includes a plurality
of items that are bound together and easily accessible or worn by a
patient. The items are preferably small ornaments, beads, charms or
trinkets which are representative of a particular condition that
the patient is experiencing or a specific need or group of needs
that may be rapidly identified through use of the system. In a
preferred embodiment, the plurality of items is arranged on a
bracelet that is secure to the patient's arm. In another
embodiment, the items may be arranged on the necklace or the like
that is arranged around a body part that is easily accessible by
the patient. The patient is initially taught simple word
association for each item. The word associations are hot, cold,
pain, wet, issues relating to the mouth, and relationship issues
such as family and friends. Another item, a question generator,
represents to the caregiver when the patient needs assistance in
other matters such as when an object has been dropped and cannot be
retrieved by the patient without aid from the caregiver. In this
instance, the patient may touch the question generating item and
the caregiver is then cued to pose a series of questions to the
patient. Through a process of elimination, the caregiver narrows
the patient's need to assist in providing comforting care to the
patient. Preferably, one or more of the items relate to a patient's
preferred temperature, a patient's pain level that is being
experienced, bodily function issues such as the need for a change
of clothes, underwear or bed linens, and relationship issues such
as family and friends.
[0004] When the patient experiences an uncomfortable condition or
experiences a need, he/she can easily convey the condition to a
caregiver by pointing to or grasping the particular charm/item
which has a predetermined meaning. In this manner, a caregiver can
easily ascertain the needs of the patient. The caregiver can then
meet the need or want of the patient or wearer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Many patients are incapacitated and cannot verbally
communicate their needs to caregivers. For purposes of this
disclosure, the term "incapacitated" refers to patients who cannot
perform verbal communications with a caregiver. Also, the terms
"items," "ornaments," "beads," "charms", and "trinkets" are used
interchangeably and are those things secured to the device and
which are representative of a particular condition that the wearer
is experiencing. Incapacitated patients may include those who are
on a ventilator or who have tubes running down their throat such
that they may be unable to perform verbal communications with a
caregiver or to freely move about a room. This inability to
verbally communicate or move freely may result in the patient being
uncomfortable or may even lead to the creation and continuation of
other complications relating to the successful recovery of the
patient. The communication system may also be useful in situations
where a wearer is not able to verbally communicate his/her needs.
Moreover, the instant invention may be useful for individuals who
do not speak a particular language and may comprise items that have
an international meaning.
[0006] Previously, incapacitated patients or patients who are on
ventilators have used writing instruments and pads of paper to
communicate particular needs such as whether they are cold or hot.
Otherwise, a caregiver must question the patient with a series of
questions to ascertain a particular need of the patient. This is an
ineffective use of time and resources and tends to frustrate both
the patient and caregiver when a patient's need cannot be properly
served.
[0007] There is a need for a more effective method and system for
communicating the needs of incapacitated patients to caregivers.
Likewise, there is a need for an easy method and system for
communicating between people who do not speak a common language.
The instant invention solves both of these needs by providing a
simple system and method for communicating between people who
cannot verbally communicate with one another.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the communication system
comprises a bracelet containing various trinkets or charms which
represent a specific need or group of needs. The caregiver and the
wearer of the bracelet is taught a meaning of each particular bead
or charm. For example, a charm such as a hot pepper may be attached
to the bracelet to indicate that the room temperature of the
patient's room is too hot. When a patient points to the hot pepper,
the caregiver easily recognized the need to turn down the
thermostat in the patient's room. Likewise, an ice cube charm may
be included on the bracelet for indicating that the patient is
cold. Other charms may be provided that a patient may touch to
indicate a particular need including the need for oral care,
thirst, hunger, pain medication or the like.
[0009] In the preferred embodiment, the communication system
comprises a device, such as a bracelet or necklace, that forms a
loop. The bracelet is preferably eight to ten inches in length and
comprises a loop of material such as nylon coated multi-strand wire
having a split ring at one end and a catch at the other. The catch
engages the split ring to secure the bracelet about a patient's
wrist. Glass or plastic beads may be included between each charm
for providing a spacing that allows the patient to use tactile feel
to determine the shape of a particular charm. This spacing of the
charms also assists the visually impaired in using the device. The
charms included on the bracelet may include a chili pepper, an ice
cube, a star, a teardrop, a doughnut, a heart and a hand. The chili
pepper indicates that the patient is hot. The ice cube indicates
that the patient is too cold. The star indicates that the patient
is in pain. The tear drop indicates that the patient is wet and
needs to be changed. The doughnut indicates that the patient needs
to receive oral care. The heart indicates that the patient is
looking for a family member or friend. The hand indicates that the
patient needs other assistance and operates as a general question
triggering mechanism that causes the caregiver to query the patient
with a series of questions. Preferably, each charm has a distinct
shape, exclusive color and unique meaning.
[0010] Initially, the communication device is provided with an
instruction manual or guide. This guide is preferably durable and
may include a plastic or laminated sheet that operates as a key
indicating the meaning of each charm and providing a series of
questions that aid the caregiver in quickly identifying a problem
that the patient is experiencing. The caregiver and wearer of the
communication device learns the meaning or group of meanings of
each charm by discussing the instruction manual. When the wearer
desires to communicate a particular need, he/she touches the
specific charm that is associated with the particular need when in
the presence of the individual to whom the need is being conveyed.
In instances where the charm represents a group of needs, the
caregiver or one to whom the message is being conveyed may then
proceed with a line of questions that narrows the alternate
meanings down to a single request.
[0011] These questions may be provided in the instruction manual
that is provided with the communication device. For example, when a
patient points to a charm that indicates the patient is cold, the
caregiver may respond with a question relating to whether the
patient wants another blanket to cover the patient. Alternatively,
the caregiver may ask the patient what are of the patient's body is
cold. In this instance, the caregiver may point towards or touch
the feet of the patient and wait for a nod, blink or other
indication from the patient to indicate an answer.
[0012] In an instance when the patient has indicated that he/she is
in pain, the caregiver may query the patient on how bad the pain is
on a scale of one-to-ten, ascertain the location of the pain by
pointing to, touching, or listing various parts of the patient's
body and waiting for a response from the patient.
[0013] By pointing to or holding the doughnut trinket, the patient
indicates that he/she is requesting that a task be performed in
connection with the patient's mouth area. This may indicate that
the patient is hungry, thirsty or needs oral care such as lip balm
being placed on the lips of the patient to alleviate pain and
discomfort associated with the tube that is inserted through the
patient's mouth or nose. The caregiver may determine the message
being conveyed by the patient by asking a series of questions
relating to whether the patient is hungry, thirsty, in need of
having a tube suctioned, needing lip balm applied or other oral
care performed on the patient.
[0014] The patient indicates that he/she would like to know where
his/her family or friends are located by pointing to or touching
the heart charm. The caregiver may list the names of the family
members or friends to identify particular individuals who the
patient would like to see.
[0015] A hand ornament is used by the patient to indicate when
he/she has dropped something or needs assistance from the caregiver
in reaching something. This ornament may also indicate that the
patient wants or desires something. In this instance, the caregiver
may use questions provided in the manual to identify the specific
need or request by having the patient indicate the general location
of the object that he/she wishes to have retrieved. In this
instance, the caregiver may ask the patient if the object is on the
bed, in the room or outside of the room. The patient can indicate
where the object is located and further questions and corresponding
answers narrow the caregiver to a correct object.
[0016] Other items may be included in the device for conveying
other messages to assist the caregiver in delivering services.
[0017] It should be noted that the communication system, bracelet
or necklace, may also be worn by individuals who do not speak a
common language. Each person can learn the meaning of each
particular charm in their particular language and thereafter use
the communication system or bracelet as a translation device to
facilitate effective communications of their needs in the absence
of a translator.
[0018] It is an object of the invention to provide a communications
method and system whereby an incapacitated patient may easily
convey a need or a plurality of needs to a caregiver by simply
pointing to or holding a particular charm on a bracelet that
indicates a particular need.
[0019] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
communications system that incorporates a plurality of charms,
trinkets, beads or the like that have a particular common meaning
between a patient and a caregiver such that the patient can convey
a need or group of needs to a caregiver by simply pointing to or
holding one of the charms, trinkets, beads or the like.
[0020] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
communication system that utilizes symbolic features to indicate a
particular need without the use of verbal communications from the
wearer.
[0021] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
communication system that can convey needs between individuals who
do not speak a common language.
[0022] These and other objects and advantages of the invention will
be set forth, appear in part or become apparent after considering
the specification and accompanying drawings. It is to be realized
that the following embodiments of the invention have been
represented in their simplest form for ease in understanding the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention
realized in a bracelet.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention realized
in a necklace form.
[0025] FIG. 3 is an instruction guide for use in connection with
the invention.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows the process steps in practicing the system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The following is the preferred embodiment or best mode for
carrying out the invention. It should be noted that this invention
is not limited by the discussion of the preferred embodiment and
should only be defined by the appended claims.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a preferred embodiment of the invention showing
the use of a plurality of charms 10-16 that are included on a
bracelet 1 to implement the communication system. In this
embodiment, the communication system comprises a bracelet 1 that is
preferably eight to ten inches in length and comprises a loop of
material that extends through the beads 7. The loop of material may
comprise a nylon coated multi-strand wire having a split ring 3 at
one end and a catch 5 at the other. The catch 5 engages the split
ring 3 to secure the bracelet 1 about a patient's wrist. The beads
7 may comprise glass or plastic and are preferably provided between
each charm for providing a spacing that allows the patient to use
tactile feel to determine the shape of a particular charm. The
charms may comprise metal, plastic, glass or any other durable
material that may be secure to the multi-strand wire.
[0029] The charms included on the bracelet 1 may include a chili
pepper 10 that is used to indicate that the patient is too hot and
needs the temperature of the patient's room to be cooled to a lower
temperature. The chili pepper 10 may be red. However, it should be
noted that other types of charms may be substituted for the chili
pepper such as a flame trinket to indicate that the patient is hot.
When a patient points to the chili pepper or touches it, the
caregiver may lower the thermostat in the patient's room.
[0030] The ice cube 11 indicates that the patient is too cold. A
snowflake trinket may be substituted for the ice cube. Preferably,
the ice cube is blue in color to indicate cold. Other types of
charms may be substituted for the ice cube 11. When a patient
points to the ice cube 11, the caregiver may respond with a
question relating to whether the patient wants another blanket to
cover the patient. Alternatively, the caregiver may ask the patient
what are of the patient's body is cold. In this instance, the
caregiver may point towards or touch the feet of the patient and
wait for a nod, blink or other indication from the patient to
indicate an answer.
[0031] The star 12 indicates that the patient is in pain. In an
instance when the patient has indicated that he/she is in pain, the
caregiver may query the patient on how bad the pain is on a scale
of one-to-ten, ascertain the location of the pain by pointing to,
touching, or listing various parts of the patient's body and
waiting for a response from the patient.
[0032] The tear drop 13 indicates that the patient needs is wet and
needs to be changed. The caregiver can clean the patient, change
the patient's clothing, and replace any soiled bed linens with
clean ones when the patient points to the tear drop 13.
[0033] The doughnut 14 indicates that the patient has an oral need.
By pointing to or holding the doughnut trinket, the patient
indicates that he/she is requesting that a task be performed in
connection with the patient's mouth area. This may indicate that
the patient is hungry, thirsty or needs oral care such as lip balm
being placed on the lips of the patient to alleviate pain and
discomfort associated with the tube that is inserted through the
patient's mouth or nose. The caregiver may determine the message
being conveyed by the patient by asking a series of questions
relating to whether the patient is hungry, thirsty, in need of
having a tube suctioned, needing lip balm applied or other oral
care performed on the patient.
[0034] The heart 15 indicates that the patient is looking for a
family member or friend. The patient indicates that he/she would
like to know where his/her family or friends are located by
pointing to or touching the heart charm. The caregiver may list the
names of the family members or friends to identify particular
individuals who the patient would like to see.
[0035] The hand 16 indicates that the patient needs other
assistance and operates as a general question triggering mechanism
that causes the caregiver to query the patient with a series of
questions. A hand ornament is used by the patient to indicate when
he/she has dropped something or needs assistance from the caregiver
in reaching something. This ornament may also indicate that the
patient wants or desires something. In this instance, the caregiver
may use questions provided in the manual to identify the specific
need or request by having the patient indicate the general location
of the object that he/she wishes to have retrieved. In this
instance, the caregiver may ask the patient if the object is on the
bed, in the room or outside of the room. The patient can indicate
where the object is located and further questions and corresponding
answers narrow the caregiver to a correct object. Preferably, each
charm has a distinct shape, exclusive color and unique meaning.
[0036] In a second embodiment, the charms 10-16 are included on a
necklace 2 that comprises the bracelet 1 and an add-on piece 20 of
a nylon coated multi-strand wire 4 having a split ring 3 at one end
and a catch 5 at the other. This add-on piece is preferably twelve
to twenty inches in length and may comprise gold, silver, nylon or
beaded wire. The split ring 3 and catch 5 on the add-on piece 20
mates with the catch 5 and the split ring 3 of the bracelet 1 to
create the necklace 2 as shown.
[0037] FIG. 3 is an instruction manual 50 for use with the
communication device. As shown, the bracelet 1 and its associated
charms are reproduced on the instruction manual. A word is provided
alongside every charm 10-16 for indicating a general meaning of
each charm. Alongside the general meaning word, is a visual meaning
for illiterate individuals or those who can no longer read because
of an injury or an illness. Questions may be provided alongside the
visual meaning for aiding the caregiver in ascertaining a problem
being experienced by the patient.
[0038] FIG. 4 shows the process steps for practicing the
communication system. The device 1 is produced with the necessary
charms to aid the caregiver in providing adequate service to the
patient. The device is provided to the patient along with the
instruction guide. The caregiver and patient review the meanings
provided with the instruction guide. When a need is experienced,
the patient indicates the need to the caregiver by touching or
pointing to the charm on the device. Questions from the manual are
used by the caregiver to narrow down the problems associated with
the patient.
[0039] While the invention has been described with respect to
preferred embodiments, it is apparent to those skilled in the art
that changes, modifications and additions may be made to the herein
described embodiments without departing from the scope of the
invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all matter contained in
the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall
be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense or
use.
* * * * *