U.S. patent application number 15/925608 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-04 for physical therapy management system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Breg, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Breg, Inc.. Invention is credited to David R. Brengle, Robert Allyn Haywood, JR., Steven Robert Romeo, Geoffrey Scott Siegel.
Application Number | 20180280784 15/925608 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53042212 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180280784 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Romeo; Steven Robert ; et
al. |
October 4, 2018 |
PHYSICAL THERAPY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Abstract
A physical therapy management system including a motion sensor
mounted to a user's leg brace to sense and wirelessly transmit
movement of the leg when the user is performing a prescribed
exercise therapy routine. An app on the user's computing device
receives the sensor motion data and compares the patient's exercise
performance to the patient's therapy prescription. Real-time
animation of the user's performance is shown on the user's
computing device along with exercise guidance. The user may view
general and custom videos of exercise routines on the user's
computing device. A health care practitioner stores the user's
prescription, a list of pre-recorded video therapy exercise files,
custom exercise files and the order in which the exercises are to
performed under the prescription.
Inventors: |
Romeo; Steven Robert;
(Encinitas, CA) ; Siegel; Geoffrey Scott;
(Carlsbad, CA) ; Haywood, JR.; Robert Allyn;
(Carlsbad, CA) ; Brengle; David R.; (San Diego,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Breg, Inc. |
Carlsbad |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Breg, Inc.
Carlsbad
CA
|
Family ID: |
53042212 |
Appl. No.: |
15/925608 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14076619 |
Nov 11, 2013 |
9919198 |
|
|
15925608 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 19/00 20130101;
G06Q 50/22 20130101; A63B 71/0686 20130101; A63B 71/0619 20130101;
G16H 20/30 20180101; G06F 19/3481 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/06 20060101
A63B071/06; G06Q 50/22 20180101 G06Q050/22; G16H 20/30 20180101
G16H020/30; G06F 19/00 20180101 G06F019/00 |
Claims
1-25. (canceled)
26. An automated physical therapy system for providing automated
exercise management, comprising: a motion sensor configured to be
located in a fixed position on a movable member of a patient's body
during performance of a prescribed exercise routine, the motion
sensor configured to sense motion of the movable member of the
patient's body and configured to wirelessly communicate movement
data representative of the sensed motion of the movable member of
the patient's body during performance of the prescribed exercise
routine; a physical therapy non-transitory memory in which is
stored a library of files related to exercise therapy, wherein the
files of the exercise therapy library comprise a video for a first
time user to introduce the therapy process and to provide a user
with general instructions needed to utilize the physical therapy
system, a plurality of files having prerecorded video therapy
exercise routines not specific to any particular patient, each of
which contains specific instructions regarding an exercise, a
patient-specific video showing a patient performing a custom
exercise routine for a custom therapy both of which have been
tailored for a particular patient; a patient non-transitory memory
in which is stored a database of patients, the database having at
least one of patient identification, a list of at least one
authorized health care practitioner (HCP) for a patient, and a
prescription for therapy exercise routines issued by an HCP,
wherein the prescription requires the patient to perform exercise
routines in a particular order; a server programmed to access the
physical therapy memory and the patient memory to verify patient
identification, to verify health care practitioner ("HCP")
identification, to access a patient's prescription, and in
accordance with the prescription to download therapy exercise files
including videos for general exercise routines and a
patient-specific video having a custom exercise routine after
receipt of that patient's identification and prescription
verification; and a patient computing device having a patient
wireless communication interface configured to wirelessly receive
movement data from the motion sensor, the patient computing device
also comprising a display device, and a patient computing device
memory in which is stored an automated physical therapy
application, and a patient device processor, the patient device
processor being programmed by the stored automated physical therapy
application to automatically communicate with the server to
identify a patient and to control the display device to present a
menu of videos available to the patient for downloading and running
in the order specified by the prescription, and in response to a
patient's selection from the menu, to download and run an exercise
routine of a selected therapy video exercise file linked to the
patient in the patient database, in the order listed in the
prescription, to receive movement data from the motion sensor worn
by the patient as the patient performs the exercise routine being
run, to control the display device to present an animation of the
patient performing the downloaded exercise routine, and to prepare
and upload patient performance data of the exercise routine to the
server to be stored in the patient database.
27. The automated physical therapy system of claim 26 wherein the
patient computing device processor is further programmed to
download the automated physical therapy application from the server
if the application is not resident in the patient computing device
memory.
28. The automated physical therapy system of claim 26 further
comprising a mounting device configured to be attached to the
movable member of the patient's body during performance of the
prescribed exercise routine, wherein the motion sensor is attached
to the mounting device.
29. The automated physical therapy system of claim 28 wherein the
mounting device comprises a brace to be worn on the movable member
by the user during the prescribed exercise routine, wherein the
motion sensor is attached to the brace during performance of the
prescribed exercise.
30. The automated physical therapy system of claim 26 wherein the
automated physical therapy application further programs the
processor of the patient computing device to compare the movement
data received from the motion sensor to the exercise routine to
measure patient performance of the exercise routine against at
least one of patient's prescribed goals and against population
norms.
31. The automated physical therapy system of claim 26 wherein the
automated physical therapy application further programs the
processor of the patient computing device to automatically send
information about the patient's performance as sensed by the motion
sensor and logged by the automated physical therapy application to
a health care practitioner who is associated with a patient in the
patient memory.
32. The automated physical therapy system of claim 26 further
comprising an HCP computing device programmed to communicate with
the server to provide HCP identification, to request access to a
particular patient's therapy prescription, to store a link to a
pre-recorded video therapy exercise routine file and a link to a
custom exercise in the physical therapy memory, and to store a
prescription having a list containing an order in which the linked
exercise routine files are to be performed by the patient.
33. The automated physical therapy system of claim 26 wherein the
automated physical therapy application further programs the
processor of the patient computing device to display on the display
device of the patient computing device a button which, when pushed,
is programmed to contact an HCP by at least one of telephone, text
message, e-mail, and video-phone.
34. The automated physical therapy system of claim 26 wherein the
patient device processor is also programmed by the stored automated
physical therapy application to process the movement data and to
control the display device to coach the patient to perform an
exercise routine properly as prescribed.
35. A method of physical therapy management, the physical therapy
including locating a motion sensor on a movable member of a
patient's body during the patient's performance of a prescribed
exercise routine, the motion sensor configured to sense motion of
the patient's member during performance of the prescribed exercise
routine and wirelessly communicate movement data representative of
the sensed motion, the method comprising: storing in a physical
therapy non-transitory memory a library of files related to
exercise therapy, wherein the files of the exercise therapy library
comprise a video for a first time user to introduce the therapy
process and to provide a user with general instructions needed to
utilize the physical therapy system, a plurality of files having
prerecorded video therapy exercise routines not specific to any
particular patient, each of which contains specific instructions
regarding an exercise routine, a patient-specific video showing a
patient performing a custom exercise routine for a custom therapy
both of which have been tailored for a particular patient; storing
in a patient non-transitory memory a database of patients, the
database having at least one of patient identification, a list of
at least one authorized health care practitioner ("HCP") for a
patient, and a prescription for therapy exercise routines issued by
an HCP, wherein the prescription requires the patient to perform
exercise routines in a particular order; programming a server to
access the physical therapy memory and the patient memory to verify
patient identification, to verify health care practitioner ("HCP")
identification to access a patient's prescription, and in
accordance with the prescription to download therapy exercise
routine files including videos for general exercises and a
patient-specific video having a custom exercise routine after
receipt of that patient's identification and prescription
verification; programming a processor of a patient computing device
with an automated physical therapy application to automatically
communicate with the server to identify a patient and to control a
display device to present a menu of videos of exercise routines
available to the patient for downloading and running in the order
specified by the prescription, and in response to a patient's
selection from the menu, downloading and running a selected therapy
video exercise routine file linked to the patient in the patient
database, in the order listed in the prescription; and further
programming the processor of the patient computing device to
wirelessly receive movement data from the motion sensor, as the
patient performs the exercise being run, controlling the display to
present an animation of the patient performing the downloaded
exercise, processing the movement data and preparing and uploading
patient performance data of the exercise to the server to be stored
in the patient database.
36. The method of physical therapy management of claim 35 further
comprising programming the processor of the patient computing
device to download the automated physical therapy application from
the server if the application is not resident in the patient
computing device memory.
37. The method of physical therapy management of claim 35 wherein
locating a motion sensor on a movable member comprises attaching a
motion sensor to a mounting device which is adapted to be attached
in a fixed position on a movable member of a patient's body during
performance of a prescribed exercise routine.
38. The method of physical therapy management of claim 37 wherein
mounting the motion sensor to a mounting device comprises mounting
the motion sensor to a brace worn on the movable member by the user
during the prescribed exercise routine.
39. The method of physical therapy management of claim 35 further
comprising programming the processor of the patient's computing
device to compare the movement data received from the motion sensor
to the exercise routine to measure patient performance of the
exercise routine against at least one of patient's prescribed goals
and against population norms.
40. The method of physical therapy management of claim 35
comprising programming an HCP computing device to communicate with
the server to provide HCP identification, to request access to a
particular patient's therapy prescription, to store a link to a
pre-recorded video therapy exercise routine file and a link to a
custom exercise routine in the physical therapy memory, and to
store a prescription having a list containing an order in which the
linked exercise routines are to be performed by the patient.
41. The method of physical therapy management of claim 35 further
comprising programming the processor of the patient's computing
device to automatically send information about the patient's
performance of an exercise routine as sensed by the motion sensor
and logged by the automated physical therapy application to a
health care practitioner who is associated with a patient in the
patient memory.
42. The method of physical therapy management of claim 35 further
comprising programming the processor of the patient's computing
device to display on the patient's display device a button which,
when pushed, is programmed to contact a health care practitioner
("HCP") by at least one of a telephone, text message, e-mail, and
video-phone.
43. The method of physical therapy management of claim 35 further
comprising programming the patient device processor with the
automated physical therapy application to process the movement data
and to control the display device to coach the patient to perform
an exercise routine properly as prescribed.
44. A physical therapy management system for providing exercise
management to a patient who has a motion sensor located in a fixed
position on a movable member of the patient's body during
performance of a prescribed exercise routine, the motion sensor
configured to sense motion of the movable member of the patient's
body and to wirelessly communicate movement data representative of
the sensed motion, the patient also having a hand-held computing
device that is configured to wirelessly receive and transmit
signals, the patient hand-held computing device having a patient
device wireless communication interface, a display device, a
memory, and a processor, the physical therapy management system
comprising: a physical therapy non-transitory memory in which is
stored a library of files related to exercise therapy, wherein the
files of the exercise therapy library comprise a video for a first
time user to introduce the therapy process and to provide a user
with general instructions needed to utilize the physical therapy
system, a plurality of files having prerecorded video therapy
exercise routines not specific to any particular patient, each of
which contains specific instructions regarding an exercise routine,
a patient-specific video showing a patient performing a custom
exercise routine for a custom therapy, both of which have been
tailored for a particular patient; a patient non-transitory memory
in which is stored a database of patients, the database having at
least one of patient identification, a list of at least one
authorized health care practitioner ("HCP") for a patient, and a
prescription for therapy exercise routines issued by an HCP; a
server programmed to access the physical therapy memory and the
patient memory to verify patient identification, to verify health
care practitioner ("HCP") identification, to access a patient's
prescription, and in accordance with the prescription to download
therapy exercise files including videos for general exercise
routines and a patient-specific video having a custom exercise
routine after receipt of that patient's identification and
prescription verification; and a patient physical therapy
management application that programs the processor of the patient
hand-held device to automatically communicate with the server to
identify a patient and to control the patient hand-held display
device to present a menu of videos available to the patient from
the server for downloading and running as specified by the
prescription, and in response to a patient's selection from the
menu, to download the selected video from the server and run the
selected and downloaded therapy video exercise file linked to the
patient in the patient database, receive movement data from the
motion sensor worn by the patient as the patient performs the
exercise routine being run, to control the display device to
present an animation of the patient performing the downloaded
exercise routine, and to prepare and upload patient performance
data of the exercise routine to the server to be stored in the
patient database.
45. The physical therapy management system of claim 44 wherein the
prescription requires the patient to perform exercise routines in a
particular order.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 14/076,619, filed Nov. 11, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,919,198,
both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The disclosed technology relates generally to the healthcare
industry, and more particularly, some embodiments relate to systems
and methods for automated physical therapy management.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0003] While computers and computerized systems have found their
way into most of today's businesses, some sectors are more
automated than others. For example, certain sectors of the
healthcare industry have been slow to automate their systems and
procedures, or have yet to evolve into an integrated, user-friendly
computerized solution. This is true, for example, with a number of
small healthcare practices, family practices, and hospital systems
in this country and around the world. However, this shortcoming is
not unique to small healthcare practices and indeed, many large
healthcare practices suffer from a lack of automation with various
aspects of the practice.
[0004] One area in particular that has been difficult for
healthcare practices to manage is that of therapy in the home.
Consider for example the case of physical therapy in which an
injured patient is prescribed a regimen of exercises to improve his
or her condition, or to regain use of injured appendages. In such
scenarios, patients may fail to perform the prescribed exercises,
or fail to perform them at the prescribed level (e.g., frequencies
or number of repetitions). Likewise, patients may perform the
exercises but may fail to carry them out properly. For example, the
patient may fail to push to achieve the appropriate extension or
range of motion prescribed. Additionally, even where a patient
performs the exercises, the patient may fail to properly record the
exercises or report back to the healthcare practice with the
exercises accomplished or the results of those exercises. Because
patients may fail to properly or fully complete the physical
therapy at home, the potential for reduced outcomes from the
surgical procedure is a real threat to the recovery process and may
lead to additional incurred expense for surgical revision, which
may drive up the overall cost of healthcare.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS
[0005] According to various embodiments of the disclosed
technology, a healthcare practice management system can be provided
to assist managing the data flow and operation of healthcare
practices, and to support the outcome of the patient. In some
embodiments, a system for providing automated physical therapy
management includes: a motion sensor configured to be worn by a
user during a prescribed exercise routine and to sense motion of
the user's body during the performance of the prescribed exercise
routine; a first wireless communication interface communicatively
coupled to the motion sensor; and a user computing device having a
second wireless communication interface configured to communicate
with the first wireless communication interface communicatively
coupled to the motion sensor; wherein the user computing device
comprises a processor, a memory and an application, wherein the
application is configured to provide instruction to the user
regarding performance of the prescribed exercise routine; receive
data from the motion sensor worn by the user, the data indicative
of the user's performance of the prescribed exercise; and record
the user's performance of the exercise as indicated by the received
data.
[0006] The system can further include a brace to be worn by the
user during the prescribed exercise, wherein the motion sensor is
attached to the brace during performance of the prescribed
exercise. A health-care facility computing device can be included
and configured to communicate with the user computing device, the
healthcare facility computing device comprising a processor, a
memory and a second application, wherein the second application is
configured to receive information regarding the user's performance
of the prescribed exercise from the user computing device, and
provide information to the user's health-care practitioner
regarding the user's performance of the prescribed exercise. In
various embodiments, the data indicative of the user's performance
of the prescribed exercise as sensed by the motion sensor includes
at least one of a number of repetitions of the prescribed exercise
performed by the user, and a range of motion achieved by the user
for one or more of said repetitions.
[0007] In further embodiments, the application is further
configured to send the logged performance information to a health
care practitioner. Sending the logged performance information to a
health care practitioner can include sending information about the
patient's performance as sensed by the motion sensor and logged by
the application. The information about the patient's performance as
sensed by the motion sensor can include a number of repetitions of
the prescribed exercise performed by the user, and a range of
motion achieved by the user for one or more of said
repetitions.
[0008] In still further embodiments, the application may be further
configured to provide the user an indication of success when the
user completes an exercise in the prescribed physical therapy
routine. The may also be further configured to use the data
received from the motion sensor to measure patient performance
against a benchmark.
[0009] In yet other embodiments, the application is configured to
perform the operations of initiating an application on the client
computing device, the application relating to a physical therapy
routine to be performed by a user; communicatively coupling the
client computing device with a motion sensor worn by the user; the
application providing instruction to the user regarding performance
of the physical therapy routine; receiving data from the motion
sensor worn by the user, the data indicative of the user's
performance of the physical therapy routine as sensed by the motion
sensor; and logging information relating to the user's performance
of the physical therapy routine as indicated by the received
data.
[0010] Other features and aspects of the disclosed technology will
become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the features in accordance with embodiments of the
disclosed technology. The summary is not intended to limit the
scope of any inventions described herein, which are defined solely
by the claims attached hereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The technology disclosed herein, in accordance with one or
more various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to
the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of
illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments
of the disclosed technology. These drawings are provided to
facilitate the reader's understanding of the disclosed technology
and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or
applicability thereof. It should be noted that for clarity and ease
of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to
scale.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a healthcare
practice with which the disclosed technology may be implemented in
accordance with one embodiment of the technology described
herein.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a high-level block diagram illustrating an example
system for implementing an automated physical therapy program in
accordance with various embodiments of the technology described
herein.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an operational flow diagram illustrating an
example process for automated physical therapy in accordance with
one embodiment of the technology disclosed herein.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example process for
prescribing automated physical therapy treatment to a patient in
accordance with one embodiment of the technology described
herein.
[0016] FIG. 5 is an operational flow diagram illustrating an
example process of the patient obtaining and using the application
(e.g. application 108) to perform the physical therapy
routines.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example process for
monitoring patient performance by the healthcare provider in
accordance with one embodiment of the technology described
herein.
[0018] FIGS. 7 through 10 provide one example of portions of a
graphical user interface that is suitable for use with the systems
and methods described herein. These figures also demonstrate the
capability for the software to support outcome management for an
individual patient or a collection of patients under the care of
the practitioner(s) that is monitoring the system.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating and example computing
module in that can be used accordance with one embodiment of the
technology described herein.
[0020] The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be
understood that the invention can be practiced with modification
and alteration, and that the disclosed technology be limited only
by the claims and the equivalents thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The technology disclosed herein is directed toward systems
and methods for automated physical therapy (including
rehabilitation therapy) and physical therapy management. According
to various embodiments, various aspects of a physical therapy
program can be automated, and physical therapy data shared amongst
the several components and systems within and external to the
healthcare practice.
[0022] In various embodiments, the technology described herein may
include an application running on a client device and used by a
patient to instruct the patient on appropriate exercises to be
performed for the physical therapy program, and to alert or remind
the patient to perform the designated activities. In further
embodiments, a detection apparatus such as an accelerometer or
motion detector can be worn by the patient and used to sense the
motion of the patient to help track performance of the prescribed
activities or exercises in real time. The motion sensing apparatus
can be configured to communicate data regarding the sensed activity
to the device running the application. The application can use this
information to track performance of the activity by the patient as
well as to track the quality of the exercises performed by the
patient. In other words, the motion sensor worn by the patient can
measure movement of the patient or of a patient limb, sense the
range of motion achieved during the activity or during each rep of
the activity, provide information for each rep performed, and so
on.
[0023] The application can use the information received from the
motion sensor to keep track of whether the patient has performed
the appropriate exercises at the appropriate intervals, performed
the prescribed number of reps, achieved a desired range of motion
during exercise, and otherwise performed according to the
prescribed regimen. The application can cause this information to
be stored on the client device and to be communicated to the
caregiver or healthcare practitioner such that the patient's
progress can be tracked regularly and, where desired, between
office visits. Accordingly, the system can be configured to monitor
the activity of the patient, measure the patient's performance
during prescribed activities, record this information for
record-keeping purposes, make this information available to the
patient so he or she can track his or her own progress, and can
communicate this information to a healthcare professional. The data
can be presented to the patient and his or her health care provider
in graphic, tabular, or other useful forms. The application can
also be configured as a two-way communication tool. For example,
the application in some embodiments can send information to the
patient from the provider to send clinical notes, advice, or
updates. The application can also be configured to allow patients
to monitor their own progress through graphs, charts, and data
gather, logged and analyzed through the patient application.
[0024] The following operational scenario illustrates and generally
describes aspects of the technology set forth in this document.
Typically, the process begins when the patient arrives at a
physician's office (or the office of another healthcare
professional) to receive treatment for injury. Upon arrival at the
health care facility, the patient is greeted by an office
coordinator in the physician's waiting room and is provided with an
iPad, tablet or other computing device into which he or she may
enter demographic data, data about his or her current and previous
conditions and other relevant data. Additionally, electronic
medical records brought to the office by the patient can be loaded
into the iPad, tablet or other computing device to allow the
patient medical records to be uploaded into the healthcare
facility's databases.
[0025] Once the patient has completed the registration process, the
patient meets with the healthcare practitioner to assess the
condition and determine a procedure to treat the condition. Upon
determining a procedure appropriate for the patient's condition,
the physician coordinates the procedure. For example, surgery can
be performed and the patient provided with a post-operative brace
to be worn during the healing process. The physician can also
provide direction to another healthcare practitioner, such as a
trainer or physical therapist, to deliver a physical therapy
solution for the patient
[0026] The physical therapist (or other healthcare professional)
logs into the healthcare facility's computing system to determine
the workout routine for the patient's recovery. The healthcare
facility may already have predefined protocols for various injuries
and the healthcare practitioner may prescribe these predefined
protocols for the patient. Alternatively, custom protocols can be
defined for a given patient, entered into the computing system at
the health care facility and made accessible to the practitioner.
The trainer identifies the protocols appropriate for the patient
and any additional exercises that may be recommended. Because the
patient information has already been entered into the healthcare
facility database, the trainer can easily identify the patient from
a list of available patients and review any patient information
necessary when identifying the physical therapy routines.
[0027] In some embodiments, the system generates a code that can be
provided to the patient to use for downloading the physical therapy
application. Preferably, the code is patient specific such that
patient information and prescribed routines can be identified on a
patient-by-patient basis, and patient unique information can be
provided to the patient when he or she logs into the system. The
code can be automatically e-mailed or text messaged to the patient
based on patient information in the system. Alternatively, for
privacy purposes the code can be provided to the patient directly
at the time of the visit. An e-mail or other electronic message can
also be sent to the patient with a link to download the application
that the patient will use for the automated physical therapy
routines.
[0028] When the patient logs onto the system and downloads the
application, the patient code, or ID, identifies the patient to the
healthcare facility computing system. In response, the healthcare
computing system identifies the protocols (prebuilt or custom)
prescribed for the patient and provides those to the patient along
with the application. Accordingly, delivery of the application
includes delivery of protocols prescribed for the patient.
Accordingly, the application can be configured to connect to the
appropriate data storage (e.g. cloud storage) retrieve the
appropriate physiotherapy routines for the patient as well as
accompanying instructional videos and other information. The
patient can then initiate the application and perform the physical
therapy exercises under the guidance of the application.
[0029] The application can be configured to guide the patient
through each step of the exercise. In some embodiments, the
application can further be configured to present the exercises in a
game-like fashion, which can help to keep the patient engaged with
the exercise. Alerts can be provided to the healthcare practitioner
informing the practitioner of the patient's progress or letting the
practitioner know where the patient has failed to perform the
prescribed exercises. When the patient achieves the prescribed
protocols, the patient can receive an indication of success, which
is also shared with the healthcare practitioner.
[0030] The computing systems at the healthcare facility can be used
to monitor a large number of physical therapy episodes and monitor
progress with an integrated view of all active patients. Because
progress can be reported electronically and the data displayed
graphically, it is easier for the healthcare practitioner to get a
snapshot of his or her patient's progress. Additionally, surveys
can be provided to the patient to obtain information about how the
patient is feeling, about their strength, mobility, etc. This
information is collected and can also be provided to the healthcare
practitioner to facilitate assessment of the patient's progress and
condition. Compliance and progress can be monitored for each
patient as well as plotted data results of mobility versus
survey-specific data demonstrating how the patient is feeling
during recovery. This data can be combined in selected as desired
to provide a graphic representation of the patient's recovery. The
information can also be used in conjunction with insurance
payors/billers to send supporting data with insurance claims to
support the ACO (accountable care organization) and other billing
models with outcomes data for the patient.
[0031] Before describing the technology in more detail, it is
useful to describe an example environment in which the technology
can be implemented. One such example is that of a medical or
healthcare practice. FIG. 1. is a diagram illustrating an example
of a healthcare practice with which the disclosed technology may be
implemented. In general, the healthcare practice can include one or
more medical practices such as, for example, an orthopedic medicine
practice, a sports medicine practice, a pediatric practice, a
general practitioner/family practice, and so on. The one or more
medical practices can include physicians, physician assistants,
nurse practitioners, radiologists, physical therapists and other
healthcare professionals. The one or more medical practices can be
located in a single facility or distributed across a plurality of
facilities. With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary healthcare
practice can include one or more of a server 31, server data
storage 32, a front desk 33, and a billing department 34, inventory
35, treatment rooms 36, test facilities 37, scheduling and
prescriptions 38, one or more healthcare providers 39, one or more
surgical theaters were operating rooms 40, cloud data storage 41,
and other internal resources 44 and external resources 45.
[0032] Server 31 and its associated data storage 32 can be
centralized or distributed, and can be configured to store any of a
number of different types of data for the healthcare practice. This
can include, for example, data such as patient records, including
electronic health records (E1-113); scheduling information; billing
information; and other information and records used in the
management, operation and maintenance of the healthcare practice.
In addition to data storage 32, each of the other resource units in
the healthcare practice can include its own computing and data
storage capabilities. In addition to or in place of data storage 32
(and other data storage capabilities) cloud storage 41 can be
provided to store data and information used in the healthcare
practice. Cloud storage 41 can be configured to be accessible by
server 31 as well as by other computing capabilities of the
healthcare practice. Although one server 31 is illustrated, as
would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading
this description, a number of different servers 31 can be provided
in various logical and physical groupings.
[0033] Front desk 33 can be provided to greet and check-in patients
at the healthcare facility. Depending on the size of the healthcare
facility, front desk 33 may also be responsible for the functions
of billing 34 and scheduling 38 as well as inventory 35. Billing 34
receives information regarding a patient visit, receives insurance
and payment information from the patient, generates billing
statements, records payments and tracks Accounts Receivable. The
information regarding the patient visit used by billing 34 can
include information such as, for example, the doctor or healthcare
provider visited by the patient, supplies provided to or used in
the treatment of the patient, articles delivered to the patient
(e.g., a knee brace, crutches, etc.) and other information used to
generate the bill. Inventory 35 can include supplies and other
inventory used in the operation of the healthcare practice
including inventory used in the treatment of patients. For example,
in the case of an orthopedic practice, the inventory may include
various elbow, knee, and other braces that may be provided or
prescribed to a patient. The inventory may also include all other
inventory (including consumables) used by the healthcare practice.
Inventory levels can be tracked and managed electronically and the
reordering of supplies can be automated. Scheduling and
prescriptions 38 can be included to provide assistance with
scheduling patient visits such as, for example, follow-on
appointments, tests, and other events. Scheduling and prescriptions
38 can also manage patient prescriptions, which can include
interfacing with pharmacies or other like fulfillment
providers.
[0034] The healthcare practice generally includes one or more
healthcare providers 39 to provide treatment and other services to
the patients. Healthcare providers can include, for example,
physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners,
physical therapists, lab technicians and the like. The healthcare
practice can also include one or more treatment rooms 36, test
facilities 37 and surgical theaters 40. Treatment rooms can
include, for example, locations in which a physician consults with
her patient, were treatment is given to the patient. Test
facilities 37 can include facilities such as x-ray facilities, MRI
facilities, treadmills, ultrasound equipment, and laboratories,
just to name a few.
[0035] As would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art
after reading this description, various different healthcare
practices may use other internal or external resources 44, 45 in
the course of their practice. These and the other described
resources can be communicatively coupled to one another, for
example, using networking technology. Accordingly, electronic
records and other data can be shared among the various resources to
facilitate performance of a given resource's determined functions.
Also, as noted above, the resources can include computing
capabilities used in performance of their tasks.
[0036] As described in more detail below, client computing devices
with applications running thereon can be provided for use by
personnel of the various resources to manage their tasks and
responsibilities. These client computing devices can be handheld
computing devices (e.g., tablet computers, iPads, smart phones,
laptops, etc.) and can be communicatively linked to the healthcare
provider network such that information (e.g. patient information,
treatment information, prescription information, billing
information, and so on) can be shared between the client devices
and the various resources of the healthcare practice. In example
embodiments discussed below, these client devices are described as
handheld computing devices. However, after reading this
description, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand how
to implement the features and functionality described herein using
desktop, wall-mounted, equipment-integrated, or other computing
devices to perform the client computing functions.
[0037] A workflow management service 48 can be included with the
healthcare practice to manage the data and information in the
healthcare practice and to provide information to the client
computing devices. In various embodiments, workflow management
service 48 can be integrated with server 31 (e.g., an application
running on server 31), it can be integrated with other computing
resources in the healthcare facility, or it can be a stand-alone
service with dedicated computing resources. workflow management
service 48 can be configured to consolidate data and information
from data storage facilities within healthcare facility (e.g.,
cloud storage 41, data storage 32, and data stored at various
resources) as well as information received from sources external to
the healthcare facility.
[0038] Workflow management service 48 can be configured to gather
this information and provide it to the one or more client computing
devices used in the healthcare facility. For example, in some
embodiments, workflow management service 48 retrieves a predefined
set of information (e.g. patient electronic health records, billing
records, scheduling records, etc.) and provides this information to
the client computing devices. The information can be tailored for
one or more client computing devices or groups of client computing
devices or all of the gathered information can be sent to the
client computing devices. For example, particular pieces of
information relevant to a resource with which a client computing
device is associated can be culled from the full set of gathered
information and send to that associated client computing device. As
a further example, patient health records and scheduling
information may be gathered and sent to one or more client
computing devices used by physicians or other healthcare providers
39 in the healthcare facility. Still further, in facilities where
there are multiple healthcare workers (for example, physicians),
patient records can be gathered and sorted such that each physician
receives only that information pertaining to his or her
patients.
[0039] In various embodiments, the data can also be transmitted to
insurance payors for claims processing. The data transmitted can
include results or "outcome-focused" information about the
patient's recovery as gathered by the application. This data,
combined with the procedure and bracing information, can in some
embodiments support and enhance the outcome of the patient through
the orthopedic episode.
[0040] As another example, billing and scheduling information might
be gathered and sent to the billing department 34. Accordingly,
client computing devices (or applications running thereon) can be
identified with specific personnel at the healthcare facility or
with particular resources or functions of the healthcare facility.
In this manner, tailored sets of information can be delivered to
specific client computing devices to avoid the need to download all
data to all devices. In some embodiments, the client computing
devices are identified by information coded into the applications.
In other embodiments, the client computing devices can be
identified based on login information provided by healthcare
worker. In this latter example, client computing devices can be
shared amongst different practitioners, such, as for example,
across different shifts.
[0041] As stated above, in the example healthcare practice, the
various resources can each include computing capabilities and
various client computing devices can be provided for use as well.
In order for these devices to operate well and for the functions of
the healthcare practice to be integrated, these devices can be
configured to share information with one another as may be relevant
to their respective resource functions.
[0042] Various embodiments of the systems and methods described
herein are described with reference to the example environment of a
healthcare facility set forth and described with reference to FIG.
1. After reading this description, it will become apparent to one
of ordinary skill in the art how the systems and methods disclosed
herein can be used in conjunction with other environments and other
healthcare facilities. Additionally, for ease of discussion and to
better illustrate features of the systems and methods disclosed
herein, the various embodiments are described at times in the
context of an example patient healthcare scenario. In this example
scenario, a patient arrives at a physician's office (e.g., an
office in the healthcare environment of FIG. 1) to receive
treatment for a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). In this
example, the patient receives surgical treatment to repair or
reconstruct the torn ACL; and after an appropriate healing time the
health-care practitioner prescribes a knee brace and a physical
therapy regimen. The physician, nurse practitioner, physical
therapist, or other healthcare practitioner fits the patient with
the appropriate brace and instructs the patient on the use of the
brace. The healthcare practitioner also instructs the patient to
perform prescribed physical therapy exercises, record his or her
physical therapy activity, and report back to the healthcare
practitioner with the results. Although the systems and methods
disclosed herein are described at times in terms of this example
healthcare-treatment scenario, after reading this description one
of ordinary skill in the art will understand how the technology
disclosed herein can be applied to other treatments scenarios or
physical therapy regimens.
[0043] FIG. 2 is a high-level block diagram illustrating an example
system for implementing an automated physical therapy program in
accordance with various embodiments of the technology described
herein. Referring now to FIG. 2, in this example a physical therapy
application program 101 is provided and configured to run on a
computing device in a healthcare practitioner's office or other
healthcare facility 102. The physical therapy application program
101 can be used by physicians or other health care providers to
manage and control physical therapy for its patients. The physical
therapy program can access various databases 103 and other
resources, whether local or remote to the health care facility
(including, e.g., cloud-based resources), to obtain information.
The information can include, for example information about patients
being treated, (including their illnesses or injuries and other
electronic health records) physical therapy regimens, instructions
for physical therapy regimens, and so on.
[0044] The patients are provided with a client physical therapy
application 108, which the patients can download and run on their
own client computing devices 110. Examples of client computing
devices 110 can include tablet computers, iPads, personal
computers, smart phones, and any of a number of other computing
devices available to the patients. Client applications 108 can be
used to instruct the client on the proper performance of the
prescribed exercises or activities; instruct the patient on the
number of reps and sets of the prescribed exercises and activities;
trigger alarms or send reminders to the patient to remind the
patient to perform the exercises or activities at the designated
times or intervals; provide a graphical user interface to allow the
user to interact with the application; provide visual feedback to
the patient regarding performance of the exercise or activities;
log or otherwise keep track of the patient's performance of the
exercises or activities; create reports (including graphs; charts;
tabular data and so on) of the patient's performance; and report
the above information to the healthcare practitioner in real time
or on a periodic basis.
[0045] In various embodiments, the patient is provided with one or
more motion detection apparatus 112 that can be worn by the patient
during the exercise. The motion detector in various embodiments can
comprise componentry such as, for example, one or more
accelerometers, motion sensors, optical sensors, communications
devices, memory and so on. In various embodiments, the motion
detection apparatus can be implement as the CC2541 SoC Sensor
available from Texas Instruments, Post Office Box 655303, Dallas,
Tex. 75265, although other apparatus can be utilized. The motion
detection apparatus can be used in conjunction with application
108, as more fully described herein, to perform functions such as,
for example, measuring the movement of the patient (e.g., measuring
the swinging of the patient's leg), counting the number of
repetitions and exercise interval, determining the speed and range
of motion during exercise, measuring ambient exercise conditions
(e.g., temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, etc.).
[0046] Motion detection apparatus 112 may also include a
communications interface (preferably, a wireless communication
interface) to allow the sensed information to be communicated to
application 108. Similarly, client computing devices 110 are
provided with the application interface to allow communication such
as, for example, application download, receipt of information from
motion sensors 112, and the provision of physical therapy
information to automated physical therapy program 101. Accordingly,
a variety of application interfaces can be provided and utilized
including, for example, communication interfaces such as Bluetooth,
Wi-Fi, Ethernet, cellular, and other wired or wireless
communication interfaces.
[0047] FIG. 3 is an operational flow diagram illustrating an
example process for automated physical therapy in accordance with
one embodiment of the technology disclosed herein. Referring now to
FIG. 3, at event 120, a patient visits the healthcare practice and
is treated for an identified injury. For instance, in terms of the
example described above, the patient with a torn ACL visits his or
her physician and has surgery performed to repair or reconstruct
the torn ACL.
[0048] At event 122, as part of the recovery process the healthcare
practitioner prescribes an exercise regimen to assist in the
recovery or rehabilitation of the patient. In terms of the example
of the torn ACL, the patient may be given a series of leg, knee and
ankle exercises to help strengthen the ACL post surgery and to
restore the patient's range of motion. The healthcare practitioner
may also prescribe the use of the knee brace to prevent further
injury and provide control to allow the existing ACL injuries to
heal.
[0049] The client computing device can include, for example, a
processing device used by the patient to facilitate the physical
therapy activity. For example, an iPad, smart phone, tablet
computer, PC, or other computing device can be provided with an
application to provide instructions to the patient regarding the
physical therapy regimen, remind the patient to perform the
activities prescribed in the physical therapy regimen, receive and
log data from the motion sensor reflecting the patient's activity
during the physical therapy regimen, and communicate information
regarding the physical therapy to the patient's healthcare
provider.
[0050] Accordingly, at step 124, the patient obtains the items used
to track the physical therapy regimen. For example, the healthcare
practitioner can provide the patient with an accelerometer, a
pedometer, or other motion sensor that can be used, for example, as
described above. The motion sensor can be worn by the patient
during physical therapy activity.
[0051] In some embodiments, motion sensor can be integrated in or
attachable to the patient's brace (e.g. a leg brace in the example
of the ACL surgery). In another embodiment, the motion sensor can
be worn by the patient on an ankle or wrist band to track leg or
arm movement, respectively. As these examples serve to illustrate,
there are number of mechanisms by which the motion sensor can be
affixed to the appropriate portion of the patient's body to track
the desired movement. Additionally, in further embodiments,
multiple motion sensors can be utilized.
[0052] The patient also obtains the appropriate application for his
or her computing device so that the patient can be instructed on
the appropriate activity, and the patient's physical therapy
sessions can be monitored, logged, and provided to the healthcare
practitioner. In various embodiments, when the application is
downloaded by the patient using the patient identifying code, the
prescribed physical therapy exercises are downloaded or enabled as
well. Accordingly, the prescribed exercises for a particular
patient can be provided the patient along with his or her
application.
[0053] At operation 127, the patient uses the application and
motion sensor when performing the exercises prescribed in the
physical therapy regimen. The system can be configured such that
when the application is launched and an exercise selected, the
application connects to the sensor. In operation, the motion sensor
tracks the movement of the user and this information is provided to
the application. The application uses this information to measure
and log patient performance, as well as to provide visual and other
feedback to the patient through the graphical user interface. The
information provided to the healthcare facility by the application
can be used by the application for the healthcare practitioner to
gauge the level of performance achieved by the patient.
[0054] At operation 128, the healthcare professional receives
information from the application. This information includes details
about the patient's physical therapy performance as sensed by the
motion sensor and logged by the application. The healthcare
practitioner can use this information to monitor the patient's
performance and progress, and determine appropriate follow-on
courses of action. For example, the physician can see whether a
patient is performing the prescribed activity, as well as the
patient's level of performance.
[0055] FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 describe examples of the above process in
greater detail. For instance, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an
example process for prescribing automated physical therapy
treatment to a patient in accordance with one embodiment of the
technology described herein. Referring now to FIG. 4, at event 151
a patient visits a clinic regarding a particular malady. For
example, the patient may have a torn ACL and desires treatment. The
physician or other healthcare practitioner meets with the patient,
makes a diagnosis, and determines, as appropriate, a course of
treatment. For example, the patient may require surgery to repair
the torn ACL, or an alternative treatment path may be
determined.
[0056] At operation 154, the healthcare practitioner determines an
appropriate recuperative plan, which may include, for example, a
recuperative therapy or other physical therapy regimen. The
physical therapy regimen may involve one or more exercises or other
activities intended to restore the patient's health or physical
condition. In some instances, the patient may also require a brace
(e.g., knee brace, elbow brace, etc.) to provide support to the
injured joint.
[0057] At operation 156, the healthcare practitioner logs into an
automated physical therapy system (e.g., automated physical therapy
program 101) to initiate the process of setting up the patient's
physical therapy regimen and prescribing a physical therapy
program. At operation 157, the practitioner identifies the patient
and obtains the patient's medical records. At operation 159, the
practitioner selects or otherwise defines an appropriate physical
therapy program for the patient considering the patient's injury
and treatment objectives. In some embodiments, the automated
physical therapy system may recommend to the healthcare
practitioner particular physical therapy exercises that can be used
for the patient's condition as indicated in the patient's records.
The practitioner prescribes the physical therapy routine to the
patient in the physical therapy program, and the system associates
the prescribed physical therapy routine (e.g. one or more exercises
or activities) with the patient. The practitioner may also decide
to create a "custom" exercise using the disclosed technology. A
custom therapy can be tailored to the specific patient and
transmitted to the patient's home for use.
[0058] At operation 161, the practitioner provides the patient with
a physical therapy ID number or other login information that the
patient can use to retrieve his or her personalized physical
therapy regimen via application 108. With these operations
complete, the physical therapy regimen is prescribed, and the
patient is able to download the application (if it's not already
downloaded) login to the system and use the application to assist
the patient in performing the exercises and keep track of the
patient's progress and performance.
[0059] FIG. 5 is an operational flow diagram illustrating an
example process of the patient obtaining and using the application
(e.g. application 108) to perform the physical therapy routines.
Referring now to FIG. 5, at step 193 the patient obtains the
appropriate application. For example, in various embodiments, the
patient downloads the application for his or her device from the
appropriate app store or from the health care facility. In some
embodiments, the user ID or a special key may be required to
download the appropriate application and exercises for the
patient's regimen. In other embodiments, the general automated
physical therapy application can be downloaded and the appropriate
routines subsequently provided to the patient by the application
when the patient uses the app to log into the system.
[0060] At operation 195, the patient logs into the application
using the login information provided by the healthcare
practitioner. As stated above, the application downloaded may be
already preloaded with the appropriate physical therapy regimen. In
other embodiments, upon login, the application may be configured to
access an appropriate server (e.g. a server at healthcare facility
102, or other appropriate server) and retrieve the prescribed
physical therapy regimen.
[0061] At operation 197, the patient activates the motion sensor
and affixes the motion sensor as instructed. For example, as
described above, the motion sensor might be affixed to the
patient's prescribed brace or otherwise worn by the patient. At
operation 198, the patient initiates the application. The
application may cause the client device 110 to synchronize with or
otherwise enter into communication with motion sensor 112. The
application provides instructions to the patient for the exercise
or exercises to be performed. For example, in some embodiments,
detailed instructions can be provided to the patient by the
application. The application can provide animated instructions,
audio/visual instructions, or other instructions to the user. The
user follows the instructions and conducts the exercises as
specified by the application.
[0062] In some embodiments, the exercises can be presented in the
form of a game in which the patient is provided with goals and
awarded points or other rewards for achieving this set forth goals.
The goals can include for example a specified number of reps, a
specified number of sets, achieving a range of motion, completion
in a given timeframe, and so on. As described more fully below, in
some embodiments, the application can be configured to provide a
graphical or even animated representation of the exercises as
actually being performed by the patient. As an example in terms of
the ACL scenario, the application may provide an animation of a
person in a seated position extending his or her leg, in which the
application uses information provided by the motion sensor and
causes the animation to move with motions corresponding to the
actual movement performed by the user. Thus, by viewing the
information on the screen, the patient can see a real-time
representation of his or her actual movement as depicted by the
character in the information. Other graphical features such as
lines, bars, and so on can be used to show the patient goals for
his or her range of motion, maximum range of motion achieved during
exercise or during previous exercises, and other like
information.
[0063] At operation 199, as alluded to above, the patient obtains
levels of achievement for performing the prescribed regimen. For
example, the patient may earn rewards points for achieving goals
set forth by the healthcare practitioner or set forth in the
prescribed regimen. In various embodiments, the rewards points can
be used for a variety of different purposes. For example, the
rewards points can merely be symbolic and used to reward the
patient for his or her progress, while in other embodiments, the
rewards points can be redeemable for or otherwise associated with
actual rewards that can be attained. For example, in some
embodiments the rewards can lead to monetary or other
financially-related compensation. For example, in some embodiments,
advertisers, merchants or other providers may participate in the
process and may provide some form of compensation or other reward
in exchange for reward points earned by the patient in performing
the physical therapy routines. For example, in exchange for
advertisement or other consideration, the providers may furnish
prizes, cash, loyalty program points, discounts or coupons, gifts,
or other compensation to the patient in exchange for achieving
certain goals. Accordingly, various incentives can be built into
the system to incentivize the patient to perform the prescribed
exercises and achieve the desired goals.
[0064] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example process for
monitoring patient performance by the healthcare provider in
accordance with one embodiment of the technology described herein.
Referring now to FIG. 6, at operation 251, the data associated with
the patient's physical therapy regimen is sent by the patient to
the healthcare provider and received at the healthcare provider's
office. For example, the exercise data can be sent from application
108 to automated physical therapy program 101 at healthcare
facility 102.
[0065] At operation 253, the healthcare practice receives the data
and logs it into the patient's file. The data can be sent with
identifying information that can be used to identify the patient to
which the data corresponds. This enables the data to be associated
with the appropriate records in the database. Real-time or periodic
alerts can be provided to the practice informing them of the
receipt of the data. In some embodiments, the patient's healthcare
practitioner is identified in the database as well, and the
practitioner can be alerted or notified of the receipt of the data.
Alerts can also be generated by the client application 108 and sent
to the practitioner (e.g. directly or by way of automated physical
therapy program 108 alerting the practitioner of completed
exercises or when exercises are missed or only partially
completed.
[0066] Alerts can be in the form of text messages, e-mails, phone
calls, a flag on the GUI of the practitioners computing system, or
other alert sufficient to notify the practitioner that the data has
been received. The practitioner can then review the data and check
on the patient's performance. If the patient is underperforming,
the healthcare practitioner can call or schedule an appointment
with the patient to review progress, determine if the patient is
having difficulties or problems that need to be addressed, or
simply to remind the patient to try harder when performing the
routines. Where the patient is performing well, the practitioner
may reach out and congratulate the patient, and, in some
embodiments, the practitioner may have the ability to award the
patient with rewards points or additional rewards points for good
performance. Importantly, the practitioner uses the information to
determine the progress of the patient and to determine whether a
change needs to be made in the prescribed physical therapy regimen
or if other follow-up treatments are required.
[0067] As illustrated in the example of FIG. 6, the patient
applications 108 can also be configured to survey the patients for
various purposes. This is illustrated at operation 256. For
example, outcome data for a plurality of patients can be gathered
for each of the different physical therapy regimens that have been
prescribed for particular conditions. The efficacy of these
treatments can be determined based on the survey information and
this information can be used to refine treatment or to identify
treatments that work better than others. The survey information can
be in the form of questions posed to the patient, and the patient's
responses can be used to gauge the success of the physical therapy
head regimen.
[0068] In other embodiments, actual results achieved, as measured
by the physical therapy monitoring system, can be used as a metric
to determine the efficacy of treatment. For example, the times
required for a patient to achieve a particular range of motion can
be used to determine, at least to some extent, the speed of the
patient's recovery, and therefore the efficacy of the treatment. In
yet other embodiments, both questionnaire information and measured
performance information can be used for purposes of the survey.
This is just one example, and the survey is not limited to
determining the efficacy of one or more treatment options. Indeed,
the survey can be used for a number of different purposes to gather
information about the physical therapy routines. This can include,
for example, information regarding patient preferences, exercises
that appear to be performed more regularly than others, and so
on.
[0069] As shown at block 257, using the technology described
herein, the physical therapy can be provided remotely using these
automated tools. Although not mentioned above, in various
embodiments, real-time practitioner-patient interaction can take
place through the applications described herein. For example, the
doctor or patient can initiate a video or audio phone conference to
discuss topics such as the patient's health and condition, the
exercise routines, and so on. The doctor or patient can take
advantage of a live video conversation to monitor the patient's
performance and provide feedback Likewise, as described in more
detail below, photographs and other information can be captured and
provided with the data to provide the healthcare practitioner with
additional information regarding the patient's performance.
[0070] In various embodiments, as described above graphical user
interfaces, or GUIs, are used to allow the patient to interact with
the client application 108. The systems and methods described
herein are not dependent on any particular form of GUI, and any of
a number of GUIs can be created and implemented to gather the
appropriate information, informed the patient, and provide the
desired patient experience. FIGS. 7 through 10 provide one example
of portions of a graphical user interface that is suitable for use
with the systems and methods described herein.
[0071] Referring now to FIG. 7, screen 312 provides an example of
an opening a login screen that can be presented to the patient. As
noted above, to initiate the automated physical therapy process,
the patient downloads and installs the application (for example a
mobile application) for the at-home physical therapy. Once
installed and opened, a login screen is presented providing the
patient with the opportunity to enter his or her identification
code as provided by the healthcare facility. In the illustrated
embodiment, a 4-character identification code 313 is shown,
however, other identification codes can be used including codes
comprising alphanumeric characters, fingerprint sensors, facial
recognition, or other identification information. Additionally, a
username can be required as well as secondary challenges such as
patient zip code or other patient information that can be entered
to verify the patient's identity.
[0072] With continued reference to FIG. 7, GUI 315 illustrates an
example GUI they can be used to provide additional information to
the patient. This GUI presents a video to the user that allows the
user to view one or more videos regarding the physical therapy
process. For example, in some embodiments a video for first-time
users is provided to introduce the process to the user and provide
the patient with instructions he or she may need to utilize the
system, connect with the motion sensor, or to obtain maximum value
from the system. Additionally, one or more videos showing the
patient how to perform his or her exercise routines can also be
provided. The videos can be prerecorded videos used for a number of
patients to provide general instruction regarding the system or
specific instruction regarding the exercises. Additionally, the
healthcare practitioner can record personalized or patient-specific
videos for the patient and the videos can be retrieved and
downloaded by the application 108 when the patient logs into the
system. In this manner, a more personalized approach can be
provided through the GUI.
[0073] Referring now to FIG. 8, screenshot 321 provides an example
of the main menu that can be presented to the user as a starting
point for the application. As illustrated in this example, the main
menu includes buttons to allow the user to select various features
of the system these include a Connect To Sensor button 322,
Physical Therapy button 323, a Contact Doctor button 324, and a My
Progress button 325.
[0074] Connect To Sensor button 322 can be used at the beginning of
the session to allow the application 108 and the client device 110
to connect to the motion sensor 112. In some embodiments, a
connection can be automatic when the application is launched
thereby avoiding the need for the patient to manually initiate the
process. In still further embodiments, when Connect To Sensor
button 322 is selected, a video is presented to the user
instructing the user how to connect the sensor to the application.
An example of this is shown by screen 327 (FIG. 9). Screen 327 also
shows the current connection status. For example, icon 328 may
appear when the application is connected or it may change color to
show connection status-e.g., blue for connected, and red for
disconnected. Additionally, in some embodiments, the icon may
change indicating the connection status. For example, in the screen
shot 331 shown in FIG. 9, a different icon 329 is provided to
indicate connection of the sensor.
[0075] Referring back to FIG. 8, Button 323, when actuated, causes
the application to enter the physical therapy mode. In this mode,
the prescribed exercise or exercises are retrieved and the screens
associated with those exercises are provided to the user. In some
embodiments, the user can be given a menu of different exercises
from which he or she may choose. In other embodiments, the
exercises may be presented in an order as scheduled by the
prescribing healthcare practitioner.
[0076] The user may also be provided with the option to view
instructional videos or otherwise retrieve information about the
physical therapy exercise selected. Screenshot 335 in FIG. 8
illustrates an example animation that is used to guide the patient
through a given exercise. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8
using screenshot 335, the example is that of a
leg-extension-therapy exercise. In this example, an animation 336
is provided to present to the patient a representation of the
exercise he or she is performing in real-time. As the patient
flexes and extends her leg, the motion sensor 112 senses this
motion and provides information about this motion to application
108. As the patient flexes and extends her leg, the graphical
representation 1 and GUI 335 is caused to flex and extend her leg
in synchronization with the patient.
[0077] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the patient in the animation is
shown in a still frame with her leg almost fully extended. Also
shown in GUI 335 is an example of coaching or other instructional
information 337 they can be provided to the patient when performing
his or her exercises. As shown in the example of FIG. 8,
informational message 337 in the screenshot is instructing the
patient to keep lifting her leg up. This is an indication that her
leg is not yet extended to the full extent desired for the
prescribed exercise, and that she should keep lifting or try to
keep raising her leg further. When the target extension has been
reached, informational message 337 can change to illustrate to the
user the next desired operation such as, for example, "Bend Your
Knee and Lower Your Leg."
[0078] Also illustrated in the example of FIG. 8 is an area of the
screen for exercise status 338. In the example illustrated in FIG.
8, status area 338 shows the time remaining for the exercise.
Depending on the exercise or the goals of the exercise, status area
338 can show other information such as, for example, the number of
reps completed and remaining or other information. Shown in FIG. 10
is example screen 342, in which progress message 338 can also show
when the exercises successfully completed. In this example, the
patient is informed that he or she successfully completed
physiotherapy session and a ribbon is displayed as emblematic of
success.
[0079] Referring again to FIG. 8, on the main menu selection of the
Contact Doctor button 324 facilitates patient contact with the
doctor. For example, in one embodiment the healthcare facility
contact information, including Dr. contact information can be
dislayed to the user. In another embodiment, pressing the Contact
Doctor button 324 causes the application to contact the healthcare
facility or the attending practitioner correctly. This can open an
e-mail or text message communication link, a telephone (e.g.
cellular) communication link, a video-phone communication link or
other communication link with the healthcare provider.
[0080] My Progress button 325 can be used to launch the portion of
the application providing feedback to the patient regarding his or
her progress through the physical therapy program. For example,
captured and stored information can be provided to the patient
regarding completed exercises, patient performance measured against
prescribed goals, patient performance measured against population
norms, and so on. The information can be provided in tabular,
graphical, or alphanumeric form. Additionally, information
regarding patient achievements and rewards can be accessed through
the My Progress feature.
[0081] As used herein, the term module might describe a given unit
of functionality that can be performed in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. As used
herein, a module might be implemented utilizing any form of
hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or
more processors, controllers, ASICs, PLAs, PALs, CPLDs, FPGAs,
logical components, software routines or other mechanisms might be
implemented to make up a module. In implementation, the various
modules described herein might be implemented as discrete modules
or the functions and features described can be shared in part or in
total among one or more modules. In other words, as would be
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this
description, the various features and functionality described
herein may be implemented in any given application and can be
implemented in one or more separate or shared modules in various
combinations and permutations. Even though various features or
elements of functionality may be individually described or claimed
as separate modules, one of ordinary skill in the art will
understand that these features and functionality can be shared
among one or more common software and hardware elements, and such
description shall not require or imply that separate hardware or
software components are used to implement such features or
functionality.
[0082] Where components or modules of the technology are
implemented in whole or in part using software, in one embodiment,
these software elements can be implemented to operate with a
computing or processing module capable of carrying out the
functionality described with respect thereto. One such example
computing module is shown in FIG. 11. Various embodiments are
described in terms of this example-computing module 500. After
reading this description, it will become apparent to a person
skilled in the relevant art how to implement the technology using
other computing modules or architectures.
[0083] Referring now to FIG. 11, computing module 500 may
represent, for example, computing or processing capabilities found
within desktop, laptop and notebook computers; hand-held computing
devices (PDA's, smart phones, cell phones, palmtops, etc.);
mainframes, supercomputers, workstations or servers; or any other
type of special-purpose or general-purpose computing devices as may
be desirable or appropriate for a given application or environment.
Computing module 500 might also represent computing capabilities
embedded within or otherwise available to a given device. For
example, a computing module might be found in other electronic
devices such as, for example, digital cameras, navigation systems,
cellular telephones, portable computing devices, modems, routers,
WAPs, terminals and other electronic devices that might include
some form of processing capability.
[0084] Computing module 500 might include, for example, one or more
processors, controllers, control modules, or other processing
devices, such as a processor 504. Processor 504 might be
implemented using a general-purpose or special-purpose processing
engine such as, for example, a microprocessor, controller, or other
control logic. In the illustrated example, processor 504 is
connected to a bus 502, although any communication medium can be
used to facilitate interaction with other components of computing
module 500 or to communicate externally.
[0085] Computing module 500 might also include one or more memory
modules, simply referred to herein as main memory 508. For example,
preferably random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic memory,
might be used for storing information and instructions to be
executed by processor 504. Main memory 508 might also be used for
storing temporary variables or other intermediate information
during execution of instructions to be executed by processor 504.
Computing module 500 might likewise include a read only memory
("ROM") or other static storage device coupled to bus 502 for
storing static information and instructions for processor 504.
[0086] The computing module 500 might also include one or more
various forms of information storage mechanism 510, which might
include, for example, a media drive 512 and a storage unit
interface 520. The media drive 512 might include a drive or other
mechanism to support fixed or removable storage media 514. For
example, a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape
drive, an optical disk drive, a CD or DVD drive (R or RW), or other
removable or fixed media drive might be provided. Accordingly,
storage media 514 might include, for example, a hard disk, a floppy
disk, magnetic tape, cartridge, optical disk, a CD or DVD, or other
fixed or removable medium that is read by, written to or accessed
by media drive 512. As these examples illustrate, the storage media
514 can include a computer usable storage medium having stored
therein computer software or data.
[0087] In alternative embodiments, information storage mechanism
510 might include other similar instrumentalities for allowing
computer programs or other instructions or data to be loaded into
computing module 500. Such instrumentalities might include, for
example, a fixed or removable storage unit 522 and an interface
520. Examples of such storage units 522 and interfaces 520 can
include a program cartridge and cartridge interface, a removable
memory (for example, a flash memory or other removable memory
module) and memory slot, a PCMCIA slot and card, and other fixed or
removable storage units 522 and interfaces 520 that allow software
and data to be transferred from the storage unit 522 to computing
module 500.
[0088] Computing module 500 might also include a communications
interface 524. Communications interface 524 might be used to allow
software and data to be communications interface 524 might include
a modem or softmodem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet,
network interface card, WiMedia, IEEE 802.XX or other interface), a
communications port (such as for example, a USB port, IR port,
RS232 port Bluetooth.RTM. interface, or other port), or other
communications interface. Software and data transferred via
communications interface 524 might typically be carried on signals,
which can be electronic, electromagnetic (which includes optical)
or other signals capable of being exchanged by a given
communications interface 524. These signals might be provided to
communications interface 524 via a channel 528. This channel 528
might carry signals and might be implemented using a wired or
wireless communication medium. Some examples of a channel might
include a phone line, a cellular link, an RF link, an optical link,
a network interface, a local or wide area network, and other wired
or wireless communications channels.
[0089] In this document, the terms "computer program medium" and
"computer usable medium" are used to generally refer to media such
as, for example, memory 508, storage unit 520, media 514, and
channel 528. These and other various forms of computer program
media or computer usable media may be involved in carrying one or
more sequences of one or more instructions to a processing device
for execution. Such instructions embodied on the medium, are
generally referred to as "computer program code" or a "computer
program product" (which may be grouped in the form of computer
programs or other groupings). When executed, such instructions
might enable the computing module 500 to perform features or
functions of the disclosed technology as discussed herein.
[0090] While various embodiments of the disclosed technology have
been described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise,
the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other
configuration for the disclosed technology, which is done to aid in
understanding the features and functionality that can be included
in the disclosed technology. The disclosed technology is not
restricted to the illustrated example architectures or
configurations, but the desired features can be implemented using a
variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it
will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative
functional, logical or physical partitioning and configurations can
be implemented to implement the desired features of the technology
disclosed herein. Also, a multitude of different constituent module
names other than those depicted herein can be applied to the
various partitions. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams,
operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the
steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various
embodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in
the same order unless the context dictates otherwise.
[0091] Although the disclosed technology is described above in
terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it
should be understood that the various features, aspects and
functionality described in one or more of the individual
embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the
particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead
can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of
the other embodiments of the disclosed technology, whether or not
such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are
presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the
breadth and scope of the technology disclosed herein should not be
limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.
[0092] Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations
thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as
open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing:
the term "including" should be read as meaning "including, without
limitation" or the like; the term "example" is used to provide
exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or
limiting list thereof; the terms "a" or "an" should be read as
meaning "at least one," "one or more" or the like; and adjectives
such as "conventional," "traditional," "normal," "standard,"
"known" and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as
limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item
available as of a given time, but instead should be read to
encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard
technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in
the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies
that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the
art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the
skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.
[0093] The presence of broadening words and phrases such as "one or
more," "at least," "but not limited to" or other like phrases in
some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is
intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may
be absent. The use of the term "module" does not imply that the
components or functionality described or claimed as part of the
module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all
of the various components of a module, whether control logic or
other components, can be combined in a single package or separately
maintained and can further be distributed in multiple groupings or
packages or across multiple locations.
[0094] Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are
described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and
other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated
embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented
without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block
diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed
as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.
* * * * *