Method for supporting search for medical institution and program and system for the same

Abstract

To provide a method for supporting search for a medical institution which allows even foreigners to search for medical institutions including hospitals without being hampered by a language barrier.SOLUTION: A medical institution to be a candidate of a user is specified on the basis of positional information of a user. Medical institution information in Japanese of the specified medical institution is acquired and the medical institution information is translated into a language specified by the user. The translated medical institution information is provided to the user. The medical institution to be a candidate of the user is specified on the basis of the positional information of the user and the translated medical interview result information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical institution search support method, a program, and a system used to search for medical institutions such as hospitals. [Background technology]

[0002] When people become ill or injured and there is no regular hospital nearby, they often search the web to find a hospital. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, few of the websites of Japanese medical institutions are available in foreign languages, meaning that foreigners have a hard time finding a hospital if they become ill or injured in Japan. In other words, foreigners are unable to properly communicate their symptoms, and there is a demand to understand how to take medication and side effects.

[0004] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a medical institution search support method, program, and system that allows even foreigners to easily search for hospitals and other medical institutions without being handicapped by language issues. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention is a medical institution search support method in which a computer executes the following steps: a first step of receiving a search request from a user; a second step of acquiring location information of the user; a third step of identifying candidate medical institutions for the user based on the acquired location information; a fourth step of acquiring Japanese medical institution information for the medical institutions identified in the third step and translating the medical institution information into a language specified by the user; and a fifth step of providing the medical institution information translated in the fourth step to the user.

[0006] Preferably, the computer further executes a sixth step of translating the medical interview result information received from the user into Japanese, and the third step identifies candidate medical institutions for the user based on the location information acquired in the second step and the medical interview result information translated in the sixth step.

[0007] Preferably, after the fifth step, the computer further executes a seventh step of receiving an appointment from the user to the medical institution, and an eighth step of sending a request for an appointment from the user, including the medical interview result information translated in the sixth step, to the medical institution at which the appointment is to be made, in response to the user's appointment received in the seventh step.

[0008] Preferably, the eighth step includes transmitting at least one of the user's insurance information, credit card information, and past medical appointment information to the medical institution in association with the medical appointment request.

[0009] Preferably, the computer executes a ninth step of acquiring at least one of information from the medical institution to which the appointment is made, such as whether or not the user related to the appointment request will visit the hospital, their communication status, and their payment status; a tenth step of evaluating the user based on the information acquired in the ninth step and based on predetermined evaluation criteria; and an eleventh step of deciding whether or not to accept the appointment request from the user based on the evaluation in the tenth step.

[0010] Preferably, the computer further executes a twelfth step of determining a recommendation level of a medical institution that is a candidate for the user based on information on whether the medical institution accepts foreigners and performance information obtained from the medical institution, and the fifth step provides the user with the medical institution information including the recommendation level determined in the twelfth step.

[0011] Preferably, the computer further executes a 13th step of determining the user's level of urgency based on the medical interview result information received from the user and predetermined urgency criteria, and if the level of urgency is determined to be high, performing a process of calling an ambulance.

[0012] Preferably, the computer further executes a thirteenth step of, upon receiving consultation estimate information from the medical institution that has transmitted the consultation appointment request, providing the consultation estimate information to the user.

[0013] Preferably, when the computer obtains prescription information for medication prescribed to the user after examining the user in response to the appointment request from the medical institution, the computer further executes a 14th step of translating the prescription information and providing it to the user.

[0014] Preferably, the medical institution and the user communicate with each other in a language designated by each of them.

[0015] The present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute the following steps: a first step of receiving a search request from a user; a second step of acquiring location information of the user; a third step of identifying candidate medical institutions for the user based on the acquired location information; a fourth step of acquiring medical institution information in Japanese for the medical institutions identified in the third step and translating the medical institution information into a language specified by the user; and a fifth step of providing the medical institution information translated in the fourth step to the user.

[0016] The present invention is a medical institution search support system having a first means for receiving a search request from a user, a second means for acquiring location information of the user, a third means for identifying candidate medical institutions for the user based on the acquired location information, a fourth means for acquiring Japanese medical institution information for the medical institutions identified by the third means and translating the medical institution information into a language specified by the user, and a fifth means for providing the medical institution information translated by the fourth means to the user. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a medical institution search support method, program, and system that allow even foreigners to easily search for medical institutions such as hospitals without being handicapped by language issues. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a medical institution search support system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the medical institution search server 21 shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a main flow of medical institution information provision by the medical institution search support system 1 shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the medical institution search server 21 when performing a medical interview process on the user terminal device 10. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the reservation function and the intermediation function of the medical institution search support system 1 shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, a medical institution search support system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a medical institution search support system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the medical institution search support system 1 performs processing using, for example, multiple medical institution terminal devices 4 used by medical institutions such as hospitals, user terminal devices 10 used by users who use the medical institutions, and a medical institution search server 21. In the present invention, a medical institution is a concept that includes all medical institutions including hospitals.

[0020] An application provided by a medical institution search server 21 is installed on each of the medical institution terminal device 4 and the user terminal device 10. Furthermore, the medical institution of the present invention is a medical institution such as a hospital or a dental medical institution.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the medical institution search server 21 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the medical institution search server 21 includes, for example, a communication unit 75, a memory 79, and a processing unit 81.

[0022] The communication unit 75 communicates with the medical institution terminal device 4 and the user terminal device 10 . The memory 79 stores the program executed by the processing unit 81 . The memory 79 also stores medical institution map information received from an external server. The processing unit 61 executes the program PRG1 stored in the memory 59 to perform the processing of the medical institution search server 21 defined in this embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a main flow of medical institution information provision by the medical institution search support system 1 shown in FIG. Each step will be explained.

[0024] STEP ST11: When the medical institution search server 21 receives the medical institution search request from the user terminal device 10, the medical institution search server 21 proceeds to step ST12. The medical institution search request may include information such as the medical department selected by the user on the screen.

[0025] STEP ST12: The medical institution search server 21 receives location information of the user terminal device 10 from the terminal device 10.

[0026] STEP ST13: The user selects a specified (desired) language by operating the user terminal device 10. The medical institution search server 21 receives this information. The desired language may be selected in step ST11 or the like.

[0027] STEP ST14: The medical institution search server 21 identifies a medical institution suitable for the user based on the location information of the user terminal device 10 received in step ST12 and the medical institution map information read out from the memory 79, and acquires information on the medical institution. Specifically, a predetermined number of medical institutions close to the user's location or within a predetermined distance are identified, and information on those medical institutions is acquired. At this time, the medical institutions to be acquired (searched) may be identified based on information on medical departments, etc. included in the medical institution search request. The medical institution map information includes the attributes and location information of medical institutions. In addition, the medical institution information is linked to the latest registered medical institution information of the national government and is updated periodically, either manually or automatically.

[0028] STEP ST15: The medical institution search server 21 uses translation software in the medical institution search server 21 or another server to translate the Japanese medical institution information acquired in step ST14 into a language designated by the user, and then transmits the translation to the user terminal device 10. The translation work may be performed manually. The medical institution information includes information such as medical specialty, address, contact information, whether or not the institution accepts foreigners, and whether or not credit cards are accepted.

[0029] STEP ST16: The medical institution search server 21 transmits the medical institution information translated into Japanese to the user terminal device 10 in step ST15. At this time, the medical institution information is controlled to be displayed in order of proximity to the user's location.

[0030] The operation of the medical institution search server 21 when conducting a medical interview process on the user terminal device 10 will be described below. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the medical institution search server 21 when performing a medical interview process on the user terminal device 10. As shown in FIG. Each step will be explained.

[0031] STEP ST21: The medical institution search server 21 transmits the medical interview information to the user terminal device 10 . At this time, the medical interview information in Japanese is translated into a language designated by the user and then transmitted. The medical interview information includes questions about age, sex, symptoms, urgency, chronic illnesses, medication history, etc.

[0032] STEP ST22: The user operates the user terminal device 10 to input answers to the items of the medical interview information received from the medical institution search server 21, and medical interview result information is generated. The medical interview result information is information in a language designated by the user. The user terminal device 10 transmits the medical interview result information to the medical institution search server 21 .

[0033] STEP ST23: The medical institution search server 21 translates the medical interview result information received in step ST22 into Japanese.

[0034] STEP ST24: The medical institution search server 21 identifies a medical institution suitable for the user and acquires the medical institution information based on the interview result information received in step ST22, the user location information received in step ST12, and the medical institution map information read from the memory 79. This enables medical institution search support for selecting a medical institution by inputting the user's symptoms.

[0035] Steps ST15 and ST16 are the same as steps ST15 and ST16 shown in FIG.

[0036] The reservation function and intermediary function of the medical institution search server 21 will be described below. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the reservation function and the intermediation function of the medical institution search support system 1 shown in FIG. Each step will be explained.

[0037] STEP ST31: When the user wants to make a reservation at a medical institution by viewing the medical institution information acquired from the medical institution search server 21, the user performs a reservation operation specifying the medical institution. In response to the reservation operation, a consultation reservation request is transmitted from the user terminal device 10 to the medical institution search server 21. Furthermore, if there is an emergency, the medical institution search server 21 performs processing to arrange for an ambulance. In addition, a button for indicating the medical condition and the urgency / severity may be provided on the user terminal device 10. By operating the urgency / severity button, the color of the user's location information on the map changes according to the degree of the urgency / severity button, so that the urgency / severity can be notified to the management and incoming call applications.

[0038] STEP ST32: When the medical institution search server 21 receives a reservation request from the user terminal device 10, it processes the reservation for the user at the specified medical institution. When making a reservation, the medical institution search server 21 translates the user's desired time and medical interview result information into Japanese and transmits them to the medical institution terminal device 4. The user terminal device 10 may be configured to allow the patient to print out the medical interview result information and take it with them.

[0039] STEP ST33: When the medical institution search server 21 receives the intermediation request from the user terminal device 10, the process proceeds to step ST34.

[0040] STEP ST34: When the medical institution search server 21 receives the intermediation request in step ST33, it performs an intermediation process of translating messages and calls between the user and the medical institution using an SNS or the like. All communications and calls mentioned above will be recorded.

[0041] As described above, according to the medical institution search support system 1, even if a user cannot read Japanese, the user can access the medical institution search server 21 from the user terminal device 10 to obtain information on appropriate medical institutions according to the user's location. Furthermore, according to the medical institution search support system 1, by acquiring interview result information from the user terminal device 10 to the medical institution search server 21, a medical institution suited to the patient's symptoms can be easily selected. Based on the results of the medical interview, medical institutions suited to the patient's symptoms are displayed and the user can select one. Furthermore, according to the medical institution search support system 1, by utilizing the reservation function, the burden on the user in making reservations at medical institutions can be reduced. Furthermore, according to the medical institution search support system 1, the user can have accurate and prompt communication with medical institutions without language handicaps, since the medical institution can mediate communication between the user and the user.

[0042] <Second embodiment> In this embodiment, a case will be described in which, when a request for a consultation reservation is made from the medical institution search server 21 to the medical institution terminal device 4, the user's credit card information and the like are transmitted. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the second embodiment of the present invention. Step ST41: The medical institution search server 21 reads out from the memory 79 the user's insurance information, credit card information, and past medical appointment information that have been acquired in advance from the user making the appointment.

[0043] STEP ST42: The medical institution search server 21 transmits the information read out in step ST41 to the medical institution terminal device 4 in association with the examination reservation request of the user.

[0044] According to this embodiment, the insurance and credit card information of the user related to the appointment request can be provided to the medical institution in advance.

[0045] <Third embodiment> In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the medical institution search server 21 acquires information such as a payment status relating to a user who has been examined at a medical institution using the medical institution search server 21. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the third embodiment of the present invention. STEP ST51: The medical institution search server 21 receives at least one piece of information from the medical institution terminal device 4, including whether or not the user related to the consultation reservation request will visit the hospital, the communication status, and the payment status.

[0046] STEP ST52: The medical institution search server 21 evaluates the user based on the various information acquired in step ST51 and on a predetermined evaluation criterion, generates user evaluation information, and writes this in the memory 79.

[0047] STEP ST53: When the medical institution search server 21 receives a request to make an appointment from a user, it determines whether to accept the user's appointment request based on the user evaluation information, and if it determines to accept it, it sends the user's appointment request to the medical institution terminal device 4.

[0048] As described above, the medical institution search server 21 does not accept all medical examination summary requests from users, but accepts them when the conditions based on the user evaluation information are met. This makes it possible to avoid introducing users who are at high risk of paying medical fees or inappropriate users to medical institutions.

[0049] <Other embodiments> Before transmitting the medical institution information to the user terminal device 4 in step ST16 shown in Figure 3, the medical institution search server 21 may determine the recommendation level of the medical institution that is a candidate for the user based on the foreigner acceptance information and performance information obtained from the medical institution. Then, information that allows the recommendation level to be understood is included in the medical institution information and transmitted to the medical institution terminal device 4.

[0050] In addition, the medical institution search server 21 may determine the urgency of the user based on the medical interview result information received from the user in step ST22 shown in Figure 4 and a predetermined urgency determination criterion, and if it determines that the urgency is high, it may perform a process of calling an ambulance. The urgency judgment criteria are defined such that, for a given item of the medical interview result information, if the content of that item satisfies a given condition, the urgency is judged to be high. The process of calling an ambulance involves automatically calling an emergency center and reporting the user's location and symptoms, or informing a specified operator of the situation. In addition, in the event of an emergency, first aid information may be provided to the user depending on the symptoms.

[0051] Furthermore, when the medical institution search server 21 receives examination estimate information from the medical institution that transmitted the examination reservation request in step ST32 shown in FIG. 5, it performs processing to transmit the examination estimate information to the user terminal device 10 of the user. At this time, the medical institution search server 21 transmits the consultation reservation request to the medical institution terminal device 4 in association with the medical interview result information, and the medical institution estimates the consultation fee based on that.

[0052] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In other words, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions of the components of the above-described embodiment within the technical scope of the present invention or an equivalent scope. For example, in searching for the nearest medical institution in an emergency, the medical institution search server 21 may provide the user terminal device 10 with a list of medical institutions that can immediately accept the user based on the user's current location. Also, a process of recommending the most suitable medical institution may be performed based on the user's medical interview result information. Also, automatic notification to family members and emergency contacts: You may choose to automatically send notifications to designated contacts in the event of an emergency.

[0053] It may also provide follow-up information after treatment at a medical institution, for example providing information on care and rehabilitation after discharge from hospital. [Industrial Applicability]

[0054] This system can be applied to search systems for medical institutions such as hospitals. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1. Medical institution search support system 4. Medical institution terminal equipment 10...User terminal device 75…Communications Department 79…Memory 81... Processing section

Claims

1. A first step of receiving a search request from a user; a second step of acquiring location information of the user; A third step of identifying medical institutions that are candidates for the user based on the acquired location information; a fourth step of acquiring medical institution information in Japanese of the medical institution identified in the third step and translating the medical institution information into a language designated by the user; a fifth step of providing the medical institution information translated in the fourth step to the user; The medical institution search support method is executed by a computer.

2. A sixth step of translating the medical interview result information received from the user into Japanese. The computer further executes The third step identifies medical institutions that are candidates for the user based on the location information acquired in the second step and the medical interview result information translated in the sixth step. The medical institution search support method according to claim 1.

3. a seventh step of receiving, after the fifth step, a consultation appointment with the medical institution from the user; an eighth step of transmitting a request for a medical appointment of the user, including the medical interview result information translated in the sixth step, to the medical institution where the appointment is to be made, in response to the medical appointment reservation of the user received in the seventh step; The computer further executes The medical institution search support method according to claim 2.

4. The eighth step is to transmit at least one of the user's insurance information, credit card information, and past medical appointment information to the medical institution in association with the medical appointment request. The medical institution search support method according to claim 3.

5. A ninth step of acquiring at least one of information regarding whether or not the user related to the consultation reservation request will visit the medical institution, a communication status, and a payment status from the medical institution where the reservation is made; a tenth step of evaluating the user based on a predetermined evaluation criterion based on the information acquired in the ninth step; an eleventh step of determining whether or not to accept a consultation reservation request from the user based on the evaluation of the tenth step; The computer executes The medical institution search support method according to claim 4.

6. A twelfth step of determining the degree of recommendation of a medical institution that is a candidate for the user based on the foreigner acceptance information and performance information acquired from the medical institution. The computer further executes The fifth step provides the user with the medical institution information including the recommendation level determined in the twelfth step. The medical institution search support method according to claim 5.

7. A thirteenth step of determining the urgency of the user based on the interview result information received from the user and a predetermined urgency determination criterion, and calling an ambulance when the urgency is determined to be high. The computer further executes The medical institution search support method according to claim 6.

8. a thirteenth step of receiving consultation estimate information from the medical institution that transmitted the consultation reservation request and providing the consultation estimate information to the user; The computer further executes The medical institution search support method according to claim 7.

9. a fourteenth step of translating the prescription information and providing it to the user when the medical institution examines the user in response to the consultation appointment request and obtains prescription information for the medicine prescribed to the user; The computer further executes The medical institution search support method according to claim 8.

10. The medical institution and the user communicate with each other in a language designated by each of them. The medical institution search support method according to claim 9.

11. A first step of receiving a search request from a user; a second step of acquiring location information of the user; A third step of identifying medical institutions that are candidates for the user based on the acquired location information; a fourth step of acquiring medical institution information in Japanese of the medical institution identified in the third step and translating the medical institution information into a language designated by the user; a fifth step of providing the medical institution information translated in the fourth step to the user; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

12. A first means for receiving a search request from a user; A second means for acquiring location information of the user; A third means for identifying medical institutions that are candidates for the user based on the acquired location information; a fourth means for acquiring Japanese medical institution information of the medical institution identified by the third means and translating the medical institution information into a language designated by the user; A fifth means for providing the medical institution information translated by the fourth means to the user; A medical institution search support system.

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