U.S. patent application number 14/011338 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-26 for patient communication method and system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Denholm Enterprises, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Denholm Enterprises, Inc.. Invention is credited to Diana B. DENHOLM.
Application Number | 20130346098 14/011338 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23299979 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130346098 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DENHOLM; Diana B. |
December 26, 2013 |
PATIENT COMMUNICATION METHOD AND SYSTEM
Abstract
A healthcare communication system can include a patient terminal
having a keyboard unit with message keys for transmitting different
ones of one or more programmed messages, and alphanumeric keys for
composing messages. The patient terminal can be communicatively
linked to a patient terminal display for presenting the programmed
messages and composed messages. Each of the message keys can
include identifying indicia associated with a programmed message
transmitted upon selection of the message key. The patient terminal
keyboard also can include one or more destination keys for
specifying one of multiple destination addresses within the
healthcare communication system for delivering individual ones of
the messages.
Inventors: |
DENHOLM; Diana B.; (West
Palm Beach, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Denholm Enterprises, Inc. |
West Palm Beach |
FL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Denholm Enterprises, Inc.
West Palm Beach
FL
|
Family ID: |
23299979 |
Appl. No.: |
14/011338 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13027802 |
Feb 15, 2011 |
|
|
|
14011338 |
|
|
|
|
12627136 |
Nov 30, 2009 |
7904312 |
|
|
13027802 |
|
|
|
|
11780774 |
Jul 20, 2007 |
7769598 |
|
|
12627136 |
|
|
|
|
10291163 |
Nov 8, 2002 |
7263669 |
|
|
11780774 |
|
|
|
|
60332819 |
Nov 14, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16H 15/00 20180101;
G16H 40/20 20180101; G06F 3/0219 20130101; G16H 80/00 20180101;
G16H 20/10 20180101; G16H 20/60 20180101; G16H 10/60 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/2 |
International
Class: |
G06F 19/00 20060101
G06F019/00 |
Claims
1. A healthcare communication system comprising: a patient terminal
for receiving input from a patient; a patient terminal display
communicatively linked to said patient terminal; and at least one
healthcare interface selected from the group consisting of a nurse
interface, a nutrition interface, an administrative interface, and
a visitor interface, said at least one healthcare interface
remotely located from and communicatively linked to the patient
terminal, said system for transmitting messages between said
patient terminal to said at least one healthcare interface, wherein
said system is adapted to display one or more of the following on
said patient terminal display either on a single screen or a series
of screens: text of communications sent from said patient terminal
to said at least one healthcare interface, text of communications
sent from said at least one healthcare interface to said patient
terminal, a special note about said patient selected from the group
consisting of dietary requirements or restrictions, allergies,
standing requests, specialized requests, authorized visitors,
unauthorized visitors, and combinations thereof, a room number of
the patient, a room telephone number of the patient, a current date
and time, a current room temperature, a current outside
temperature, names of healthcare team members attending to the
patient, pictures of healthcare team members attending to the
patient, video from said at least one healthcare interface, access
or service icons, currently activated access or service icons, and
information about food options for selection, or selected by,
patient.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said system is adapted
to display each of the following on said patient terminal display
either on a single screen or a series of screens: text of
communications sent from said patient terminal to said at least one
healthcare interface, text of communications sent from said at
least one healthcare interface to said patient terminal, a special
note about said patient selected from the group consisting of
dietary requirements or restrictions, allergies, standing requests,
specialized requests, authorized visitors, unauthorized visitors,
and combinations thereof, a room number of the patient, a room
telephone number of the patient, names of healthcare team members
attending to the patient, pictures of healthcare team members
attending to the patient, video from said at least one healthcare
interface, access or service icons, currently activated access or
service icons, and information about food options for selection, or
selected by, patient.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said healthcare
interface comprises a nurse interface, and said system is adapted
to display one or more of the following on a display of said nurse
interface on a single screen or a series of screens: text of
communications sent from said patient terminal to said at least one
healthcare interface, text of communications sent from said at
least one healthcare interface to said patient terminal, the
special note about said patient, the room number of the patient,
the room telephone number of the patient, the current date and
time, access or service icons, currently activated access or
service icons, the names of healthcare team members attending to
the patient, and pictures of healthcare team members attending to
the patient.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said healthcare
interface comprises a nutrition interface, and said system is
adapted to display one or more of the following on a display of the
nutrition interface on a single screen or a series of screens: text
of communications sent from said patient terminal to said at least
one healthcare interface, text of communications sent to said
patient terminal from said at least one healthcare interface, the
special note about said patient, the room number of the patient,
the room telephone number of the patient, the current date and
time, information about food options for selection by patient,
information about food options selected by patient, time when food
was ordered, the names of healthcare team members attending to the
patient, information about food inventory levels, and pictures of
healthcare team members attending to the patient.
5. The system according to claim 4, wherein said communications
sent to said patient terminal comprise menu options, and said
special note comprises dietary requirements or allergies of the
patient, wherein said system automatically removes an option from
said menu options if the option conflicts with said dietary
requirements or allergies of the patient.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein said healthcare
interface comprises a visitor interface, and said system is adapted
to display one or more of the following on a display of the visitor
interface on a single screen or a series of screens: live video of
a message from the patient, recorded video of a message from the
patient, text of communications sent from said patient terminal to
said visitor interface, and text of communications sent from said
visitor interface to said patient terminal.
7. The system according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the
following are displayed on said patient terminal display either on
a single screen or a series of screens: text of communications sent
from said patient terminal to said at least one healthcare
interface, text of communications sent from said at least one
healthcare interface to said patient terminal.
8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the system comprises a
speech recognition system and the communications to or from the at
least one healthcare interface are received by the system using the
speech recognition system.
9. The system according to claim 7, wherein the patient terminal
comprises a plurality of icons for generating preprogrammed
messages, and the communications to or from the at least one
healthcare interface are generated when one of the plurality of
icons is selected by a patient.
10. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a computer
system for tracking and logging interactions between the patient
terminal and the at least one healthcare interface.
11. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a computer
system for performing at least one function selected from the group
consisting of maintaining food inventory, determining when new food
should be ordered, when food has expired, how much food should
cost, and combinations thereof.
12. The system according to claim 10, wherein said computer system
logs the interaction time and date stamps interactions between a
patient and the at least one healthcare interface.
13. The system according to 12, wherein said computer system
generates performance metric reports according to the message
transmission information and the message response information.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the input is received when a
user touches an icon.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the input is received when a
user touches a sequence of alphanumeric keys.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the input is received by a voice
recognition system.
17. The system of claim 1, further comprising a patient-door
display communicatively linked to the patient terminal for
displaying one or more of the following: text of communications
sent from said patient terminal to said at least one healthcare
interface, text of communications sent from said at least one
healthcare interface to said patient terminal, a special note about
said patient selected from the group consisting of dietary
requirements or restrictions, allergies, standing requests,
specialized requests, authorized visitors, unauthorized visitors,
and combinations thereof, a room number of the patient, a room
telephone number of the patient, a current date and time, a current
room temperature, a current outside temperature, names of
healthcare team members attending to the patient, pictures of
healthcare team members attending to the patient, video from said
at least one healthcare interface, access or service icons,
currently activated access or service icons, and information about
food options for selection, or selected by, patient.
18. The system of claim 1, further comprising a translation system
for translating a message transmitted between the patient terminal
and the at least one healthcare interface from a first language to
a second language, different from the first language.
19. A method of operating a healthcare communication system,
comprising: receiving input from a user, displaying a message
generated by said input on a patient display, transmitting the
message to at least one healthcare interface selected from the
group consisting of a nurse interface, a nutrition interface, an
administrative interface, and a visitor interface, and
communicating the message to a healthcare interface user via said
at least one healthcare interface, wherein said at least one
healthcare interface is remotely located from the patient, and
wherein said message is selected from the group consisting of: text
of communications sent from a patient interface to said at least
one healthcare interface, text of communications sent from said at
least one healthcare interface to a patient interface, a special
note about said patient selected from the group consisting of
dietary requirements or restrictions, allergies, standing requests,
specialized requests, authorized visitors, unauthorized visitors,
and combinations thereof, a room number of the patient, a room
telephone number of the patient, a current date and time, a current
room temperature, a current outside temperature, names of
healthcare team members attending to the patient, pictures of
healthcare team members attending to the patient, video from said
at least one healthcare interface, access or service icons,
currently activated access or service icons, information about food
options available for, or selected by, patient, and combinations
thereof.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the input is received when a
user touches an icon.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein the input is received when a
user touches a sequence of alphanumeric keys.
22. The method of claim 19, wherein the input is received by a
voice recognition system.
23. The method of claim 19, further comprising translating input
received from a user from a first language to a second language,
different from the first language, prior to communicating the
message via said at least one healthcare interface.
24. The method of claim 19, wherein said communicating step
comprises displaying said message on a display of said at least one
healthcare interface.
25. The method of claim 19, wherein said communicating step
comprises audibly transmitting said message through said at least
one healthcare interface.
26. A healthcare communication system comprising: a standalone
patient communication console comprising: a plurality of icons for
generating different ones of a plurality of programmed messages,
alphanumeric keys for composing messages, or both; a processor; a
memory for storing the plurality of programmed messages; a patient
display suitable for displaying text, images, and motion video
incorporated into said standalone patient communication console,
wherein said patient display displays the programmed messages,
composed messages, or both, each of said icons representing a
unique identifying indicia and corresponding to a particular
programmed message that is transmitted over the communication
system after a patient selects said icon, the icon indicating a
type of the particular programmed message, and at least one
healthcare interface selected from the group consisting of a nurse
interface, a nutrition interface, an administrative interface, and
a visitor interface, said at least one healthcare interface
remotely located from and communicatively linked to the patient
communication console, said system for transmitting messages
between said patient communication console and the at least one
healthcare interface.
27. The system according to claim 26, wherein a camera, a speaker
and a microphone are incorporated into said standalone patient
communication console.
28. The system according to claim 26, wherein the at least one
healthcare interface is selected from the group consisting of: a
visitor interface remotely located from and communicatively linked
to the patient terminal, wherein the system is configured to convey
visitor messages from the patient to a visitor and to convey
visitor messages to the patient from the visitor, a nurse interface
remotely located from and communicatively linked to the patient
terminal for receiving assistance messages from the patient, and a
nutrition interface configured to transmit messages specifying at
least one food item choice to said patient terminal for
presentation upon said patient terminal display and to receive
messages from said patient terminal specifying selected ones of
said food item choices indicating food items to be prepared and
delivered.
29. The system according to claim 26, wherein the plurality of
programmed messages include at least one patient-specific message
composed by a patient or other person using the alphanumeric
keys.
30. The system according to claim 29, wherein at least one
patient-specific message is associated with an icon displayed on
said patient interface.
31. The system of claim 26, further comprising a translation system
for translating a message transmitted between the patient
communication console and the at least one healthcare interfaces
from a first language to a second language, different from the
first language.
32. A non-transitory computer readable storage comprising code for
carrying out the method steps as claimed in claim 19 when the
program is executed on a computer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/027,802, filed Feb. 15, 2011, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/627,136, filed
Nov. 30, 2009, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,904,312 on Mar. 8,
2011, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/780,774, filed Jul. 20, 2007, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.
7,769,598 on Aug. 3, 2010, which is a divisional of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/291,163, filed Nov. 8, 2002, which issued
as U.S. Pat. No. 7,263,669 on Aug. 28, 2007, which claimed priority
to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/332,819, filed Nov. 14,
2001.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] This invention relates to the medical field, and more
particularly, to facilitating communications between a patient,
care-givers, visitors, and the like.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Oftentimes, patients are unable, or have difficulty,
speaking with care-givers, visitors, and other personnel. This
inability to speak clearly can make communications between the
patient and others difficult. Typically, patients experience such
speaking difficulties as a result of a particular medical
treatment. Such is the case when a patient must be intubated or
when the patient requires an inter-tracheal tube. Patients also can
experience difficulty speaking, not as the result of a medical
treatment, but as a direct result of an ailment, infirmity, or
other
[0006] Presently, when a patient who is unable to verbally
communicate needs to communicate with care-givers, the patient uses
a call button to effectively page personnel. As a normal intercom
response from a nurse cannot verbally be answered by the patient,
this generally requires that the nurse come to the room to find out
what the patient needs. In consequence, the nurse must visit the
patient. This can result in additional work for the nurse as a
second, and even third trip, may be necessary, but cannot be
determined until after the nurse has visited with the patient.
[0007] Alternative communication methods can be used in the case
where a patient who is unable to verbally communicate wants to
communicate with other persons within the same room. The patient
can be given a sheet of paper having printed thereon the letters of
the alphabet. The patient is asked to point to the letters one by
one in order to spell words. This speech alternative, however, does
have disadvantages. For example, detecting where one word ends and
another word begins can be difficult. Consequently, as the patient
points to the letters, the person with whom he is trying to
communicate may not be able to follow what the patient is trying to
articulate. Further adding to the problem, the patient may lack
manual dexterity as a result of a medical treatment or condition
and have difficulty pointing to desired letters. In an emergency,
this can create a life-threatening situation.
[0008] Handwritten notes can provide another alternative to verbal
communication. Some of the disadvantages associated with the use of
a letter chart, however, also can apply to the use of handwritten
notes. In fact, handwritten communications can require more manual
dexterity than merely pointing to a letter and, at best, are
tediously slow. Another disadvantage is that passing notes amidst
the large number of cables, wires, monitors, tubes, and other
medical equipment often proves difficult. Moreover, while fumbling
for pen and paper or passing a note, one can inadvertently
disconnect a monitor or tube thereby endangering the patient.
[0009] Conventional healthcare monitoring equipment, for example of
the variety often used within intensive care units, is often
thought to preclude the need for patients to call a nurse. Such
equipment, however, can generate erroneous alerts and/or signals,
must be reset from time to time, and may not be able to respond to
each emergency need of a patient. Still, patients can have other
needs or reasons for calling a nurse other than those which are
monitored by conventional monitoring equipment.
[0010] While some attempts have been made to develop more effective
patient communication systems, such systems have yet to adequately
address the needs of patients lacking the ability to communicate
verbally. Moreover, many systems do not facilitate communications
between the patient and other persons in the same room, various
hospital service personnel, or with visitors in remote locations
whether or not they have the ability to speak.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] There are shown in the drawings embodiments which are
presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the
invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and
instrumentalities shown.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system
configured in accordance with one aspect of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary
patient communication center in accordance with the inventive
arrangements disclosed herein.
[0014] FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram illustrating another
embodiment of the patient communication center in accordance with
the inventive arrangements disclosed herein.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of
a patient door display in accordance with the inventive
arrangements disclosed herein.
[0016] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a graphical user interface
(GUI) which can be used with the inventive arrangements disclosed
herein.
[0017] FIG. 5 is another illustration of a GUI which can be used
with the inventive arrangements disclosed herein.
[0018] FIG. 6 is another illustration of a GUI which can be used
with the inventive arrangements disclosed herein.
[0019] FIG. 7 is another illustration of a GUI which can be used
with the inventive arrangements disclosed herein.
[0020] FIG. 8 is another illustration of a GUI which can be used
with the inventive arrangements disclosed herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The invention disclosed herein provides a method and system
for facilitating communications between a patient, care-givers, and
visitors in cases where the patient may be unable or unwilling to
speak. The present invention enables patients to communicate with
care-givers located throughout a care-taking facility, such as a
hospital, assisted living facility, and the like. Using the
invention, patients also can communicate with visitors who are
located at a visitor center which is remotely located from the
patient's room, as well as visitors in the immediate vicinity. Data
relating to the administration and delivery of different care-giver
services, including but not limited to, response times to patient
requests, can be logged and tracked.
[0022] One aspect of the present invention can include a healthcare
communication system. The system can include a patient terminal
having a keyboard unit having message keys for transmitting
different ones of one or more programmed messages. The keyboard
also can include alphanumeric keys for composing messages. The
patient terminal can be communicatively linked to a patient
terminal display for presenting the programmed messages and
composed messages. Each of the message keys can include identifying
indicia associated with a programmed message transmitted after
selection of the message key. The patient terminal keyboard also
can include one or more destination keys for specifying one of
multiple destination addresses within the healthcare communication
system for delivering individual ones of the messages.
[0023] The patient terminal display can be configured to display an
image of at least one care-giver assigned to a user of the patient
terminal. The patient terminal display can be disposed within the
patient terminal. Additionally, the patient terminal can include a
wireless communication component for transmitting the messages to
at least one receiving station. Notably, the messages can be text
messages, audio messages, visual messages, and/or audiovisual
messages. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a
first activation of one of the message keys can cause a
notification to be provided which indicates the identity of the
activated message key. A second activation of the message key can
cause a message associated with the activated message key to be
sent.
[0024] The system further can include a visitor station
communicatively linked to the patient terminal. The visitor station
can include an audiovisual component for generating audiovisual
information of at least one visitor and playing received
audiovisual information. The patient terminal can include an
audiovisual component for generating audiovisual information and
for playing the audiovisual information from the visitor station. A
data store can be included in the system for recording the
audiovisual data for delayed playback through the visitor station
or the patient terminal.
[0025] For example, the visual information of the audiovisual
information generated by the patient terminal can specify an image
of a user of the patient terminal. Accordingly, the visitor station
can be configured to display the image of the user. Similarly, the
visual information of the audiovisual information generated by the
visitor station can specify an image of a visitor using the visitor
station. As the visual information can be presented through the
patient terminal display, the patient terminal display can be
configured to display the image of the visitor.
[0026] The healthcare communication system can include a second
display having one or more visual status indicators corresponding
to the programmed messages, wherein one of the visual status
indicators is illuminated responsive to a user selection of a
corresponding one of the programmed messages. The system further
can include a nutrition station configured to transmit messages
specifying one or more food item choices to the patient terminal
for presentation upon the patient terminal display. The nutrition
station also can receive messages from the patient terminal
specifying selected ones of the food item choices indicating food
items to be prepared and delivered. Accordingly, the data store
further can include patient specific dietary information. The
nutrition station can be configured to present only those food item
choices which conform to the patient specific dietary
information.
[0027] The healthcare communication system also can include a
nursing station. The nursing station can include a keyboard and
display. The nursing station can be configured to receive the
messages and to transmit messages to the patient terminal.
According to one embodiment of the nursing station, the terminal of
the nursing station can be configured to display a listing of one
or more authorized visitors, unauthorized visitors, or both
authorized and unauthorized visitors for particular patients. In
addition to the listing of visitors, visual images of the
authorized and/or unauthorized visitors can be displayed such that
nursing staff can recognize such persons by sight.
[0028] A message logger can be included in the healthcare
communication system. The message logger can store, within the data
store, message transmission information and message response
information for messages generated by the patient terminal, the
nutrition station, and the nursing station. The system further can
include an administrative station configured to generate
performance metric reports according to the message transmission
information and the message response information.
[0029] The patient communication system can include a translation
system which is configured to translate text specified in various
messages exchanged among the stations disclosed herein from a first
language to a second language. A speech recognition system can be
included which can convert an audio message to text. Notably, the
speech recognition system can be configured to convert an audio
message to text and to provide the speech recognized text to the
translation system for translation into a different language.
[0030] Another aspect of the present invention can include a method
of determining the effectiveness of healthcare for use within a
care-taking facility having a healthcare communication system
including one or more communicatively linked healthcare stations.
The method can include logging, within an electronic data store,
message transmission information specifying a transmission date and
time of messages initiated by a patient terminal and identifiers
indicating the healthcare stations receiving the messages. Within
the data store, message response information specifying a
transmission date and time of messages generated by the receiving
healthcare stations in response to the patient terminal initiated
messages can be logged. The message transmission information and
message response information can be compared to determine
performance metrics for the healthcare stations. Accordingly a
report can be generated specifying the performance metrics.
Notably, each healthcare station can be associated with a
department of the care-taking facility, and the report can be
categorized according to the care-taking facility departments.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] The invention disclosed herein provides a method and system
for facilitating communications between a patient, care-givers, and
visitors in cases where the patient may be unable or unwilling to
speak. In particular, the invention can facilitate communications
between a patient and one or more visitors within the patient's
room. Additionally, using the invention, patients can communicate
with visitors who are located at a visitor center which is remotely
located from the patient's room. The present invention enables
patients to communicate with care-givers located throughout a
care-taking facility, such as a hospital, assisted living facility,
and the like. Data relating to the administration and delivery of
different care-giver services, including but not limited to,
response times to patient requests, can be logged and tracked.
Accordingly, the invention can provide various reporting functions
detailing the quality of service provided by the care-taking
facility and staff. The present invention can be used within any of
a variety of care-giving facilities such as hospitals, nursing
homes, assisted living facilities. Particular aspects of the
present invention can be used within the home as well.
[0032] The present invention can facilitate communications between
patients, care-givers, and visitors. The communications can be
typed text messages, pre-programmed text messages, pre-programmed
visual messages including visual identifiers such as icons, colors,
symbols, or other alphanumeric characters corresponding to
requests, responses, or services, as well as audio and/or video,
whether such communications are real-time, near real-time, or are
pre-recorded and stored for later use. The present invention
further can provide a system for tracking the delivery of various
patient care services from a quality control perspective. Still,
the invention can increase the efficiency of patient service
delivery.
[0033] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary
patient communication system in accordance with the inventive
arrangements. The patient communication system can be used to
communicatively link several remote locations within a patient care
center such as a hospital or other medical facility. As shown in
FIG. 1, several computer systems, including a patient system 125, a
nurse station computer system 140, a nutrition center computer
system 150, a visitor center computer system 160, as well as
hospital administration computer system 170, can be communicatively
linked through the computer communications network 200. Still,
other locations within a given care-taking facility can be
communicatively linked if necessary and if suitably equipped.
[0034] A patient room 120 can include a patient system 125 having a
patient communication center (PCC) 100, a video display 130, a
patient computer 135, and a patient door display 195, each of which
can be operatively connected. The PCC 100 can be a keyboard data
entry module configured so that a patient can type or activate
particular buttons on the PCC 100. The video display 130 can be a
television, a computer monitor belonging to the computer system
within the patient room 120, or another display such as a flat
panel display, a liquid crystal display, or any other display
suitable for displaying text and/or images. Moreover, the patient
system 125 can include various peripherals such as a microphone, a
camera, and headphones or speakers to facilitate communications
with other similarly equipped computers connected to the computer
communications network 200. Notably, the aforementioned peripherals
can be located in close proximity to the patient. In one embodiment
of the present invention, the microphone, speakers, and camera can
be disposed within the PCC 100. Still, these components can be
individual components or can be included within the video display
depending upon the physical dimensions and layout of the patient
room 120.
[0035] The patient door display 195 can be a video monitor, a
lighted sign, or another visual display capable of displaying
images. The patient door display 195 can be located inside and/or
outside of the patient's room 120. For example, the patient door
display 195 can be placed above, on, or to either side of the door
to patient room 120. Regardless, the patient door display 195 can
be configured to display particular icons responsive to activation
of a corresponding button on the PCC 100. The primary function of
the patient door display is to provide notice to care-giver
personnel that the patient has requested a particular service. Once
the service has been attended to, the icon displayed or illuminated
on the patient door display 195 can be turned off.
[0036] Care-giver personnel can send and receive messages through
computer system 140 at the nurse station. Accordingly, care-giver
personnel can respond to patient requests and provide the patient
with feedback. Notably, each of the computer systems 140-170 of
FIG. 1 can be standalone computer systems having an information
processing capability as well as audio visual equipment such as
speakers, headsets, microphones, and cameras.
[0037] Nutrition center personnel can interact with other personnel
as well as the patient through the nutrition center computer system
150 as shown. For example, through the patient communication
system, the nutrition center staff can be provided with information
indicating the patient's name, room number, and any foods preferred
or recommended by the patient or care-giver. Any other specific
dietary requirements of the patient can be entered into the a
database or other data store at the time of check-in. This
information can be updated as required. For example, upon check-in
or during treatment, information such as whether the patient is on
a low sodium or low carbohydrate diet, whether the patient is a
vegetarian, and the like, can be determined. This information can
be provided in text form or can be indicated through one or more
visual identifiers such as color codes, alphanumeric codes,
pictures, or icons.
[0038] From the nutrition center computer system 150, care-giver
personnel can provide the patient with menu information. This
information can be filtered, and thereby individualized, according
to the patient's particular dietary requirements. The patient can
make electronic menu selections which can be transmitted to the
nutrition center computer system 150. Upon delivery of the food to
the patient, a print-out of the patient's food selections can be
provided. Notably, a record of ordered food, time stamp information
corresponding to the time of order and delivery can be stored for
purposes of billing and tracking nutrition center performance. The
data further can be used in connection with existing inventory
systems to determine when new food should be ordered, that food has
expired, or to determine pricing of products.
[0039] Visitors can interact with the patient through the visitor
center computer 160 as shown without having to be in the patient's
room. Using the audio visual equipment of the visitor computer
system 160, a patient receives realtime or near-realtime audio
and/or video from the visitor center. Still, if the patient is
unavailable, visitors can record audio and visual messages for a
patient which can be recalled for listening and viewing at a later
time. For example, if the patient is sleeping or experiencing a
particularly difficult day, the patient can view or listen to the
messages at a more suitable time.
[0040] Although some patients are not allowed to have visitors, or
the visitors are limited to only immediate family members, the
presence of certain people can stimulate recovery of the patient
and provide emotional support to the visitors. Consequently,
interactions through the visitor center can provide more meaningful
communications to the patient simply because the patient knows that
the visitor is close. The visitor center also accommodates visitors
having a need to be close to the patient.
[0041] In any case, although the patient can view a visitor from
the visitor center, the patient can choose whether to activate the
camera within the patient's own room. In addition, the patient can
specify one or more lists of allowable visitors in addition to the
parameters of each visit. For example, a patient may be willing to
participate in a live video visit with visitor A, but not an
in-person visit. Similarly, if the patient does not want any
visitors, the patient can request that any visitors must record a
message which the patient can view or listen to at a later
time.
[0042] The administration center computer system 170 can be used to
access information, including, but not limited to patient requests,
responses from care-giver personnel, as well as the identity of
responding staff and the responsible or "on-duty" staff member.
Such identification is intended not only for efficiency and comfort
for the patient, but also as a protection for patient and nursing
staff against possible violent attacks. Notably, personal
communications between patients and visitors, whether in the room
or the visitor station cannot be accessed by care-giver personnel
through the administrative computer system 170. This information
can be time and date stamped so that the information can be stored
and tracked for quality assurance or other administrative purposes.
For example, the administrative center computer system 170 can
generate reports indicating the timeliness of responses to patient
requests.
[0043] Computer system 180 can include one or more servers having
one or more data stores disposed therein, for example a network
server for data storage and retrieval or an application server. As
previously mentioned, data can be cataloged according to the
particular recipient, sender, time, date, message type, or content.
For example, communications exchanged between the various stations
and/or centers can be stored and time-stamped for tracking and
quality control purposes. As used herein, the term "data store" can
include one or more individual data stores which can be
communicatively linked and/or distributed across a computer
communications network.
[0044] The computer system 180 can be used to provide speech
recognition and text-to-speech processing capabilities, can store
recorded audio prompts, as well as other multi-media information
such as audio and video as previously mentioned including messages
from the visitor center. In one embodiment of the invention, the
computer system 180 can be programmed with a language translation
program for translating text from one language to another language.
For example, upon admission to the hospital, the patient can
specify a desired or native language. Thus, text typed by a patient
using the PCC 100 can be translated from the patient's specified
language into English, and then be provided to the destination
node. The English language response from a care-giver or visitor
can, in turn, be translated to the patient's specified
language.
[0045] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary PCC
100 in accordance with the inventive arrangements of FIG. 1. As
shown in FIG. 2A, the PCC 100 can include a combination of
different alphanumeric keys and keys labeled with appropriate icons
corresponding to particular pre-programmed patient needs or
requests. The pre-programmed patient needs can be specified on a
per patient basis thereby allowing each patient to specify one or
more custom messages such as "please contact my son at 123-4567",
or "please call my wife at "123-4567". In one embodiment, the
pre-programmed messages can be programmed by the patient. Still, a
system administrator can program the messages when the patient
checks into the care-giving facility or at any time during the
patient's stay. Regardless of how the messages are programmed, the
PCC 100 can include icon labeled buttons having pre-programmed
default messages as well as patient specific messages.
[0046] The PCC 100 can include a standard alphanumeric QWERTY
keyboard portion 102 and a separate numeric portion 106. Using the
keyboard portion 102 and the numeric portion 106, the patient can
type any of a variety of messages or enter different selections.
One or more destination buttons 104 can be provided. The
destination buttons can be configured to route a particular
message, whether typed or pre-programmed, to a particular
destination. One destination button 104 can be provided for each
location capable of communicating with the patient room 120. For
example, a nutrition center button can route messages to the
nutrition center and a visitor center button can route messages to
the visitor center. Accordingly, responsive to activation of a
destination button, a message can be routed to the computer system
corresponding to the activated destination button 104. Despite the
inclusion of one or more destination buttons, the PCC 100 can be
configured to route messages to the nurse station by default.
[0047] The PCC 100 further can include a series of emergency
buttons 108. Each of the buttons can correspond to a particular
pre-programmed emergency. Still, as mentioned, particular emergency
buttons can be programmed on a per patient basis. Accordingly, some
of the buttons can be patient and/or condition specific. Urgency
buttons 110 can be used to indicate the urgency of any
non-emergency requests. For example, as shown, larger circles can
indicate more urgent circumstances. Still, other visual identifiers
can be used such as colors, symbols, icons, pictures, and the like.
Buttons 114 can be speaker volume buttons for increasing or
decreasing the audio volume. The audio volume, for example from the
video monitor or an intercom, can be increased or decreased
responsive to operation of the appropriate button. Button 116 can
be a cancel call button allowing the patient to cancel a previous
message or a request for a service. Buttons 112 can be additional
pre-programmed or patient specific function buttons which can be
labeled with an icon corresponding to the function of each
button.
[0048] A list of potential function buttons has been included in
Appendix A. Still, it should be appreciated that the list is for
purposes of illustration only. Accordingly, the invention is not so
limited to the particular functions listed or the particular
physical layout of the buttons or keys of the PCC 100. For example,
in one embodiment for use with children, the PCC 100 can include
only large buttons having descriptive icons. In that case, an
additional button can be included for requesting the child's
parents. Depending upon the age of the patient to be using the PCC
100, the QWERTY keyboard portion need not be included.
[0049] According to one aspect of the present invention, the PCC
100 can have a default setting, which can be enabled or disabled,
which monitors for activation of too many, or more than a
predetermined number of icons or buttons at one time. The PCC 100
further can monitor for nonsensical button combinations as may be
defined within a system profile. If such a condition is detected,
the PCC 100 can override the various activated buttons and/or icons
and transmit an emergency signal indicating that the patient may be
experiencing a health emergency or may not be coherent. A similar
functionality can be included wherein text messages are analyzed
for spelling and or grammatical structure. If such a message
includes more than a predetermined number of errors, the PCC 100
can send an emergency signal. The emergency functions described
herein, however, also can be performed by a central server or
computer system.
[0050] When possible, the icons on the PCC 100 keys can be commonly
recognizable icons or other icons from the public domain to ensure
that patients can intuitively operate the PCC 100. Regardless, the
invention is not limited to any particular set of icons. Rather,
humorous icons, different symbols, pictures, colors, and/or
alphanumeric identifiers can be used. Preferably, the icon can
provide the patient with an intuitive indication of the function of
the button or key. Each of the keys also can include a raised
portion such as a brail letter, number, or symbol indicating the
function or description of the button.
[0051] Patients can be provided with audible and visual feedback
that a button has been activated. Responsive to activation of a
button, an audible sound can be triggered. For example, if the
"nurse" button is activated, a click can be generated or an audio
prompt saying "nurse" can be generated, for example from a
recording or using text-to-speech technology. The audible signals
provide notification to the patient that the correct icon has been
activated. Visual notification can be provided by placing the icon
or text corresponding to the activated button on the video monitor.
The icon or text can remain on the video monitor until the
particular patient need has been met. At that time, or when
disabled by a care-giver, the icon can be removed from the
patient's video display.
[0052] In one embodiment of the invention, responsive to a first
activation of a button, an audio prompt identifying the activated
button can be played. Upon a second consecutive activation, after
the patient has verified that the correct button has been selected,
the function corresponding to the button can be activated, for
example ringing the nurse station. Upon the second activation, the
visual identifier can be placed on the patient's video display
informing the patient that his or her message has been sent.
[0053] The PCC 100 can be encased within a strong, lightweight, and
waterproof housing. An optional cover that can be wiped clean and
sanitized can be included. For example, such a cover can be a
disposable clear plastic protective cover having an elastic band
holding the cover on the PCC 100. The PCC 100 can be attached or
clipped to several types of holders, depending on the patient's
needs or medical condition. For instance, if the patient has
limited mobility, the PCC 100 can be attached to a freestanding arm
extending over the patient's bed. The freestanding arm can be
easily pushed out of the way allowing care-giver staff to perform
routine or emergency procedures. The arm can be positioned so that
the patient can easily reach the icons, even while in hand
restraints. For example, the arm can operate similar to a typical
patient table in that the arm can include a base unit on wheels
which allows the base to be moved under the bed. The arm can be
positioned to effectively raise or lower the PCC 100 as well as
adjust the viewing angle of the PCC 100 to accommodate the
patient's position. When the patient acquires greater mobility, the
PCC 100 can be attached to the hospital table, clipped to the bed
rail, or positioned in the patient's lap.
[0054] FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram illustrating another
embodiment of the PCC 100 in accordance with the inventive
arrangements disclosed herein. According to this embodiment, the
PCC 100 can function as a standalone unit. For example, in such an
embodiment, the PCC 100 can include a processor 456 and memory 458
such as random access memory, read-only memory, and/or another type
of fixed storage. The processor 456 can include and execute a
speech recognition engine and a text-to-speech engine. Other
information such as programmed messages or software based systems
as previously discussed can be stored locally within the PCC 100 as
well. The PCC 100 further can include a power supply 460, for
supplying power to the various components of the PCC 100 as may be
required. The power supply 460 can be a conventional alternating
current power supply which acquires electricity from a wall outlet,
or can be a self-contained power supply, for example a rechargeable
power supply.
[0055] As previously noted, the PCC 100 can include a display 462,
whether suitable for displaying text, images, and/or motion video.
The display can be a small liquid crystal display or another
portable display which can be readily incorporated into the PCC
100. The PCC 100 also can include a microphone 464, a camera 466,
one or more audio jacks 468 such as headphone outputs, and speakers
470. The PCC 100 can be configured with a suitable network
interface 472 to communicate with other components or stations
within a care giving facility. The network interface 472 can be
implemented as a wired interface or as a wireless interface.
[0056] Notably, the PCC 100 can include a radio transceiver 474
and/or a wireless telephone 476. Accordingly, users can initiate
communications to locations external to the network through which
the PCC 100 communicates with other stations. Notably, in addition
to conventional voice communications, the PCC 100 can be programmed
to dial numbers or contact other parties via the wireless telephone
476 or radio transceiver 474 and play programmed messages once a
connection has been established, for example, using text-to-speech
technology or recorded messages. For example, the PCC 100 can be
configured to dial "911" service responsive to activation of one or
more keys.
[0057] Though the present invention is not limited to one
particular type of configuration or implementation, such a
configuration can be useful in the case where the PCC 100 is
implemented as a portable and self-contained unit. For example, the
PCC 100 can be used in an automobile or other situation wherein the
PCC 100 is to function as a standalone unit. This would allow the
user to send and receive messages, whether programmed, original,
text, audio and/or video messages, to and from various
locations.
[0058] The aforementioned components can be interconnected via
suitable interface circuitry. For example, data, including audio
and video can be routed among the various components using a
suitable communications bus or other circuitry. Power connections
(not shown) can be distributed from the power supply to the
components of the PCC 100 as well.
[0059] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary
embodiment of the patient door display. The icons 196 included in
the patient door display 195 can correspond to one or more of the
icons of the PCC buttons. Accordingly, upon activation of an icon,
the corresponding icon of the patient door display 195 can be
illuminated. The patient door display 195 can provide personnel
outside of the patient room with a visual indication of the
patient's particular need. The patient door display 195 functions
separate from, and in addition to, any messages provided to the
terminal located at the nurse station. The illuminated icon
provides an indication, not only that a patient has a particular
need, but also that the need has not been met. Once the patient
need has been addressed, the illuminated icon can be turned off by
a member of the care-giver staff.
[0060] It should be appreciated that each icon of the PCC 100 need
not be included in the patient door display 195. For example,
different icons such as emergency icons or non-emergency icons can
be shown depending upon the patient and the patient's affliction.
In one embodiment, the patient door display 195 can be a video
display such that any of the PCC button icons can be displayed or
removed. Alternatively, the patient door display can be a
mechanical illuminated sign wherein different slip-in icon frames
can be inserted to match the needs of a particular facility,
patient, or illness. A two-bed room can include a room number
indicator 197. This can notify care-giver staff which patient
within a room has initiated a request.
[0061] In operation, and referring to FIGS. 1-3, when a patient
first checks into a care-taking facility, the patient can provide
pertinent information which can be entered into a data store such
as a relational database or other patient management system which
can be interfaced with the invention disclosed herein. For example,
the patient can specify a native or preferred language, preferred
foods, any allergies to foods or medication, as well as other
pertinent information regarding designated visitors, form of
payment, and the like.
[0062] Once in the patient room, the patient can operate the PCC to
type messages or activate buttons having pre-programmed messages.
In one mode of operation, the messages can be displayed upon the
patient's video display to communicate with visitors or care-givers
within the patient's room. In another mode of operation, messages
can be routed to the nurse station or any other designated target
location for which a corresponding button has been provided on the
PCC. Correspondingly, each target location can respond to the
patient. Sent and/or received messages, graphics, and text can be
displayed upon the patient's video display. Because the video
display can display a picture, a television program, a movie, or
some other form of entertainment, any text and/or graphics
generated by the present invention, whether from the PCC or another
station, can be overlaid upon the video display.
[0063] If the patient activates a nurse call button, a
corresponding visual indicator such as an icon can be displayed at
the nurse station. The nurse can depress a button on the nurse
keyboard which would give feedback in the patient's room indicating
that the message was received. This could be a double beep tone or
an audible message sent back saying "nurse on the way", "clean-up
on the way", "food on the way", etc., depending on which icon was
activated. Alternatively, a general response can be used which can
say "Your message was received at the nurse station and someone is
on the way now." Notably, if the patient specified a language other
than English as the default language, the message can be translated
to the desired language. The message can be provided as text on the
patient's video display or can be played aloud, i.e. as a recorded
message or using text-to-speech. Still, nurses can communicate with
the patient by typing messages which can be displayed upon the
patient's video display, or verbally through a patient room
speaker. Depending upon whether the patient can respond verbally,
the patient can provide a text response or a voice response. If a
single video display is used to service several patients within a
single room, the monitor can indicate which patient a displayed
message or visual identifier is intended.
[0064] FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary graphical user
interface (GUI) 400 of the patient's video display in accordance
with the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. As shown in FIG.
4, a variety of information can be displayed upon the patient video
display. The display can provide several items of current
information 405 including, but not limited to, the room number, the
patient's room telephone number, the date, the time, as well as the
temperature within the room and the outside temperature. On duty
staff information 410 can provide the name of any attending nurse,
physician, or other personnel. A picture 415 of each listed person
can be included. Notably, the picture 415 provides an added measure
of security for patients as well as staff. Unauthorized persons
attempting to gain access to a patient or a care-taking facility
can be identified more easily by patients and staff alike. This can
be particularly useful with regard to patients who may require an
added sense of security or safety such as battered wives/husbands
or victims of other violent crimes or traumatic events.
[0065] An information box 425 can be included for listing any
special notes such as dietary requirements, allergies, standing
requests, or other information of note. GUI 400 can be, for
example, a default screen which can be displayed when the patient
activates the display or video monitor. Alternatively, GUI 400 can
be displayed upon activation of the PCC. For example, responsive to
activation of one or more of the PCC buttons, the PCC can generate
a signal, either through the network or wirelessly, i.e. using
radio frequency or infrared technology, to activate the video
display. Different backgrounds also can be displayed within GUI
400. For example, various scenic views can be selected by the
patient as background "wallpaper" for the video display. In one
embodiment of the present invention, patients can provide digitized
pictures which can be used as wallpaper for the video display.
[0066] FIG. 5 is another illustration of an exemplary GUI 500. GUI
500 depicts the visitor center feature of the present invention. As
shown, much of the information presented from GUI 400 also can be
displayed within GUI 500. GUI 500, however, can include a window
510 containing a live video feed from the visitor center. While
audio can be exchanged between the visitor center and the patient
room, in this embodiment of the invention, a chat window 520 has
been included. Using the chat function, a patient, who may not wish
to be seen or heard, can interact with a visitor. As shown, the
patient can view a live image of the visitor and correspond through
text messages. In one embodiment of the invention, the text
messages can be generated by a speech recognition engine rather
than by manually typing the text. GUI 500 also can be used to
playback pre-recorded video and audio messages from visitors.
[0067] FIG. 6 is another illustration of an exemplary GUI 600 which
can be provided to the patient's video display. As shown in FIG. 6,
icons 610-640 have been illuminated or activated. In this
embodiment of the invention, as the user activates a particular
button on the PCC, the corresponding icon can appear on the
patient's video display confirming that the patient has activated
the proper button. Accordingly, the patient can either leave the
button activated as indicated by the icons 610-640, or cancel one
or more of the requests. In this case, the patient has activated a
button requesting assistance in using the bathroom as indicated by
icon 610. Icon 620 can indicate that the patient has requested the
nurse. Icon 630 can indicate that the patient requires medication.
Icon 640 can indicate that the patient requires assistance in
washing. As mentioned, the icons also can be illuminated on the
patient's door display, which can be located inside or outside of
the patient's room. In any case, the invention is not limited to
the particular icons used. Rather, any suitable color, symbol,
picture, or alphanumeric character can be used as an indication of
a particular service or request.
[0068] FIG. 7 is another illustration of an exemplary GUI 700
depicting an interaction between the nutrition center and the
patient. As shown in FIG. 7, window 725 includes a message from the
nutrition center asking the patient to choose a main course for
lunch. The patient can select a main course by pressing the number
corresponding to the desired selection. As mentioned, the
selections offered to the patient can be filtered, and thereby
individualized, in accordance with the information provided by the
patient during check in. It should be appreciated that during check
in, the patient can specify not only foods to which the patient is
allergic, but also preferred, favorite, or disliked foods.
Accordingly, any foods that the patient has indicated that cause
allergic reactions, or which the patient dislikes can be removed
from the menu selections presented in window 705.
[0069] FIG. 8 is yet another illustration of an exemplary GUI 800
depicting the situation where a care-giver has previously responded
to a patient request and either the bathroom icon 805 has been
reactivated or was not turned off. Accordingly, in window 810, the
on duty nurse has sent a text message to the patient asking whether
the patient still requires assistance. A tone and/or a light, for
example originating from the PCC or from another apparatus within
the room, can notify the patient that a message is waiting on the
patient's monitor.
[0070] The present invention can be realized in hardware, software,
or a combination of hardware and software. The present invention
can be realized in a centralized fashion in one computer system, or
in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across
several interconnected computer systems. Any kind of computer
system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods
described herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware and
software can be a general purpose computer system with a computer
program that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computer
system such that it carries out the methods described herein.
[0071] The present invention also can be embedded in a computer
program product, which comprises all the features enabling the
implementation of the methods described herein, and which when
loaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods.
Computer program in the present context means any expression, in
any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended
to cause a system having an information processing capability to
perform a particular function either directly or after either or
both of the following: a) conversion to another language, code or
notation; b) reproduction in a different material form.
[0072] This invention can be embodied in other forms without
departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof.
Accordingly, reference should be made to the following claims,
rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope
of the invention.
APPENDIX A
TABLE-US-00001 [0073] Fire Nurse - help Reading material Nurse -
question Visitors/no visitors Doctor - question Cancel Doctor -
help Help - general panic mode Suction Nausea - upset stomach Water
I'm frightened/need to talk I don't understand Pain Toilet Adjust
in bed Clean-up spill Want to see family member Clergy Food Remove
food Bandage - change dressing Wheelchair Shower/bath Clean
hair/face Shave Change dressing Cords are tangled Light Phone
* * * * *