Endoscope cleaning management system, endoscope cleaning management method, and recording medium

Abstract

The cleaning device management department (72) manages the utilization status of a first cleaning device that can clean endoscopes manually cleaned by omitting some steps, and a second cleaning device that can clean endoscopes manually cleaned by performing all steps. The receiving department (52) receives step information indicating completed steps during the manual cleaning of the endoscope. The allocation processing department (80), when the step information received by the receiving department (52) indicates a predetermined step before the final step, determines the cleaning device to be allocated to the endoscope based on the relationship between the predetermined end time of the manual cleaning when some steps after the predetermined step are omitted and the utilization status of the multiple cleaning devices managed by the cleaning device management department (72).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a technique for managing the manual cleaning of endoscopes. Background Technology

[0002] In Japan, the Japanese Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy published the "Guideline for Cleaning and Disinfection of Gastrointestinal Endoscopes" in 1998. This guideline mandates that medical facilities adhere to cleaning and disinfection procedures to prevent infections caused by endoscopic examinations. To efficiently perform endoscope cleaning and disinfection, many medical facilities utilize automated endoscope cleaning systems that perform cleaning, disinfection, and rinsing processes.

[0003] Strong disinfectants are used in endoscope cleaning devices, but protein residues from patients' mucus, blood, etc., can reduce their effectiveness. Therefore, cleaning operators need to manually remove protein residues before placing the endoscope into the cleaning tank of the endoscope cleaning device.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses an endoscope cleaning management system for evaluating the proficiency of cleaning operators in manual cleaning operations. In this system, during manual cleaning by the cleaning operator, work process information, including detailed implementation details of each step of the operation, is displayed on a display device.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-131335 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] Because each endoscope model has a different structure, endoscope manufacturers determine a manual cleaning process consisting of multiple steps for each model. Cleaning operators manually clean the endoscopes used during inspections according to the process corresponding to their specific model, then place the manually cleaned endoscopes into the cleaning unit for machine cleaning.

[0010] Currently, cleaning devices have emerged that can clean endoscopes that have undergone manual cleaning using a process that omits some steps. One of the purposes of manual cleaning is to remove protein residues, and by incorporating a function to remove protein residues from the endoscope, the corresponding manual cleaning steps can be omitted.

[0011] Reducing manual cleaning time is a significant advantage for medical facilities. Ideally, all cleaning units in medical facilities would be equipped with protein residue removal capabilities, eliminating the need for manual cleaning. However, in reality, cleaning units with protein residue removal capabilities and those without are often mixed together. In such an environment with multiple cleaning units, there is a need for technologies that efficiently manage manual cleaning operations.

[0012] The present invention was made in view of the following situation, and its object is to provide a technique for properly managing manual cleaning by cleaning operators.

[0013] Methods for solving problems

[0014] To address the aforementioned issues, one aspect of the present invention is an endoscope cleaning management system that manages the manual cleaning of an endoscope comprising multiple steps. The endoscope cleaning management system includes a cleaning device management unit that manages the utilization status of a first cleaning device and a second cleaning device. The first cleaning device is capable of cleaning endoscopes that have been manually cleaned by omitting some steps, while the second cleaning device is incapable of cleaning endoscopes that have been manually cleaned by omitting some steps. The endoscope is equipped with a cleaning unit capable of cleaning a manually cleaned endoscope that has undergone all manual cleaning steps; a first identification information acquisition unit that acquires identification information for identifying the manually cleaned endoscope; a receiving unit that receives step information indicating completed steps during the manual cleaning of the endoscope; and an allocation processing unit that, when the step information received by the receiving unit indicates a predetermined step preceding the final step, determines the cleaning device to be allocated to the endoscope based on the relationship between the predetermined end time and the utilization status of multiple cleaning devices managed by the cleaning device management unit, wherein the predetermined end time is the predetermined end time for manual cleaning when a portion of the steps following the predetermined steps are omitted.

[0015] Furthermore, any combination of the above-mentioned constituent elements and any transformation of the present invention's manifestations among methods, apparatus, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc., are also valid embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] Invention Effects

[0017] According to the present invention, a technique for properly managing manual cleaning by cleaning operators can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the cleaning management system in an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a diagram representing the functional blocks of the management server.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the steps involved in manual cleaning.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of the recording content of the implementation recording department.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of omitting conditions in a step.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of the recording content of the implementation recording department.

[0024] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the management table for the utilization status of multiple cleaning devices.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the decision-making process of the cleaning device.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of the recording content of the implementation recording department. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Figure 1 The structure of a cleaning management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The cleaning management system 1 is a system for managing the cleaning process of endoscopes used in examinations, and includes an endoscope observation device 3 and a management server 10.

[0028] The endoscope observation device 3 is located in the examination room. Before the examination begins, when the endoscope observation device 3 is connected to the endoscope, it acquires the endoscope's identification information (endoscope ID) and sends the endoscope ID and examination-related information to the management server 10. When the examination begins, the endoscope observation device 3 processes the image data acquired by the endoscope and displays the captured images on the display device 7. Furthermore, the endoscope observation device 3 acquires images when the endoscope's release switch is pressed and sends the acquired images to an image server (not shown).

[0029] The cleaning room of the medical facility is equipped with a water tank 4 for manual cleaning of endoscopes and multiple cleaning devices 12a-12f for machine cleaning of the manually cleaned endoscopes. In this embodiment, four first cleaning devices 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d and two second cleaning devices 12e and 12f are provided. The first cleaning devices 12a-12d are used to remove protein residues from endoscopes used during examinations, while the second cleaning devices 12e and 12f are not used to remove protein residues. Hereinafter, without specifically distinguishing between the first cleaning devices 12a-12d and the second cleaning devices 12e-12f, they will sometimes be referred to as "cleaning device 12". Multiple water tanks 4 may be provided in the cleaning room.

[0030] A terminal device 20, such as a tablet computer, and an ID reading unit 22 for reading the identification information (endoscope ID) of the endoscope being machine-cleaned are associated with each cleaning device 12. Specifically, the terminal device 20a and the ID reading unit 22a are associated with the first cleaning device 12a. Before cleaning begins, the ID reading unit 22a reads the endoscope ID of the endoscope being machine-cleaned by the first cleaning device 12a. The terminal device 20a displays information related to the endoscope whose endoscope ID has been read and information related to the first cleaning device 12a on a display screen. As shown in the figure, the first cleaning device 12b is associated with the terminal device 20b and the ID reading unit 22b; the first cleaning device 12c is associated with the terminal device 20c and the ID reading unit 22c; the first cleaning device 12d is associated with the terminal device 20d and the ID reading unit 22d; the second cleaning device 12e is associated with the terminal device 20e and the ID reading unit 22e; and the second cleaning device 12f is associated with the terminal device 20f and the ID reading unit 22f. Next to the water tank 4, a terminal device 5 such as a tablet computer and an ID reading unit 6 for reading the endoscope body ID for manual cleaning are provided in association with the water tank 4.

[0031] In medical facilities, endoscopes are affixed with a tape printed with the endoscope's ID. Before manual or machine cleaning begins, the cleaning operator uses ID reader 6 or ID reader 22 to read the endoscope's ID. ID reader 6 or ID reader 22 then sends the read endoscope ID to management server 10, which manages the endoscope's cleaning status. Alternatively, the endoscope ID can also be recorded in an RFID tag, which can be read non-contactly by ID reader 6 or ID reader 22, which functions as an RFID reader.

[0032] After the examination, the cleaning operator wipes the outer surface of the endoscope in the examination room and cleans the suction / forceps channel. This cleaning process is also known as bedside cleaning. The cleaning operator places the cleaned endoscope into a special container and transports it to the cleaning room.

[0033] In the cleaning chamber, the cleaning operator uses the ID reading unit 6 to read the lens ID, and the ID reading unit 6 sends the read lens ID to the management server 10. When the management server 10 obtains the lens ID from the ID reading unit 6, it provides the terminal device 5 with an image guiding the manual cleaning (hand cleaning) operation for the model corresponding to the lens ID.

[0034] Manual cleaning of endoscopes requires following a procedure consisting of multiple steps determined based on the type of endoscope. Therefore, guide images are dynamic images and illustrations that guide the manual cleaning process, providing the cleaning operator with easily understandable instructions on what to perform.

[0035] Terminal device 5 displays a guide image for each step. The cleaning operator confirms the guide image displayed on terminal device 5 while performing each step of the cleaning process. Upon completing a step, the cleaning operator inputs "step completed" to terminal device 5. If terminal device 5 has a touch panel, the cleaning operator can input "step completed" by removing gloves and touching the "step completed" button displayed on the screen. Alternatively, a foot pedal connected to terminal device 5 can be provided under the operator's feet; stepping on the foot pedal inputs "step completed." Alternatively, the cleaning operator can issue a specified statement, which is received by the microphone of terminal device 5, thus inputting "step completed" to terminal device 5. The specified statement could be, for example, "This step is completed." If terminal device 5 receives input indicating "step completed," it sends the step information indicating the completed step to management server 10.

[0036] When the management server 10 receives step information indicating a completed step from the terminal device 5, it provides the terminal device 5 with a guide image showing the work content for the next step. In this way, the management server 10 supports manual cleaning operations performed by the cleaning operator.

[0037] In the cleaning management system 1 of this embodiment, the first cleaning devices 12a-12d are capable of removing protein residues from endoscopes and are models that can clean endoscopes that have been manually cleaned using a process that omits some steps. Furthermore, the first cleaning devices 12a-12d can only remove protein residues from endoscopes of a certain type found in medical facilities; that is, the endoscopes capable of removing protein residues may be limited to specific models. For example, the first cleaning devices 12a-12d are capable of removing protein residues from endoscopes manufactured by the same manufacturer.

[0038] On the other hand, the second cleaning devices 12e-12f are models that do not have the function of removing protein residues from endoscopes, and cannot clean endoscopes that have been manually cleaned by omitting some steps in the process. That is, the endoscopes that the second cleaning devices 12e-12f can clean are limited to endoscopes that have undergone manual cleaning by performing all steps. Therefore, when using cleaning devices 12e-12f, the endoscope needs to be manually cleaned by performing all steps; if some steps are omitted, the endoscope needs to be manually cleaned again.

[0039] Figure 2 This represents a function block of the management server 10. The management server 10 includes a communication unit 30 and a processing unit 40. The communication unit 30 can be communicatively connected to the endoscope observation device 3, terminal device 5, ID reading unit 6, cleaning device 12, terminal device 20, and ID reading unit 22 via a network 2 such as a LAN (local area network).

[0040] The processing unit 40 includes a cleaning guidance management unit 50, a receiving unit 52, a cleaning process maintenance unit 54, an identification information acquisition unit 60, a cleaning information acquisition unit 70, a cleaning device management unit 72, an allocation processing unit 80, a notification unit 90, a utilization determination unit 92, a record management unit 94, and an implementation record unit 96. The identification information acquisition unit 60 includes a first mirror ID acquisition unit 62, a second mirror ID acquisition unit 64, and a cleaning device ID acquisition unit 66. The allocation processing unit 80 includes a step determination unit 82, a cleaning device determination unit 84, and an omission condition maintenance unit 86.

[0041] These structures can be implemented in hardware using any processor, memory, auxiliary storage device, or other LSI, and in software using programs loaded into memory, but functional blocks implemented through their cooperation are described herein. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be implemented in various forms, either solely in hardware, solely in software, or through a combination thereof.

[0042] The cleaning process maintenance unit 54 maintains guide images showing the operation content of multiple steps of manual cleaning for each model of endoscope.

[0043] Figure 3 This example illustrates the work content of each step of a manual cleaning process, held by the cleaning process holding unit 54. The manual cleaning process consists of multiple steps, and the cleaning process holding unit 54 associates the step number with a dynamic image representing the work content of that step, in association with the model ID of the lens model. The cleaning operator performs each step in the order of the step numbers. Furthermore, Figure 3The cleaning procedure for endoscope model AAA is shown, but the cleaning process retention unit 54 retains the cleaning procedure for all models of endoscopes in the medical facility by associating them with the model ID.

[0044] Before manual cleaning begins, the cleaning operator reads the endoscope ID of the endoscope to be manually cleaned using the ID reader 6. Let's say the read endoscope ID is "105011". The ID reader 6 then sends the read endoscope ID along with its identification information (reader ID) to the management server 10.

[0045] In the management server 10, the communication unit 30 receives the endoscope ID and reader ID sent from the ID reading unit 6, and the first endoscope ID acquisition unit 62 acquires the endoscope ID and reader ID. The endoscope ID "105011" is the identification information that determines the endoscope to be manually cleaned next. The record management unit 94 records the acquired endoscope ID in the implementation record unit 96. The endoscope IDs of the endoscopes held by the medical facility, along with attribute information such as endoscope model, manufacturer, purchase date and time, and start date of use, are recorded in the endoscope master table (not shown). Based on the endoscope ID, the record management unit 94 determines the endoscope model from the master table, and refers to the cleaning process retention unit 54 to obtain the number of manual cleaning steps corresponding to the endoscope model, generating a record of the implementation information. Here, the endoscope model for endoscope ID "105011" is determined to be "AAA" from the master table, so the number of manual cleaning steps is obtained as 8.

[0046] Figure 4 This is an example of the recording content of the implementation record unit 96. The record management unit 94 generates records for each step numbered 1 to 8, writing implementation information indicating that the step has been performed. In this embodiment, the written implementation information is the time information at which the step was completed. The record management unit 94, based on the step information received by the receiving unit 52, associates the time information at which the step was completed with the mirror ID and records it in the implementation record unit 96.

[0047] Taking advantage of the acquisition of the lens ID by the first lens ID acquisition unit 62, the cleaning guidance management unit 50 reads the motion image file stored in relation to the lens model AAA from the cleaning process holding unit 54 and provides it to the terminal device 5. The cleaning guidance management unit 50 reads the motion image file in the order of the step numbers, so it initially reads motion image 1 and provides it to the terminal device 5. The terminal device 5 reproduces and displays motion image 1 on the display.

[0048] In one embodiment, the cleaning process holding unit 54 is located on the management server 10. However, in another example, the cleaning process holding unit 54 may also be located on the terminal device 5. In this case, the cleaning guidance management unit 50 may notify the terminal device 5 of the microscope model name and the step number to be reproduced. The terminal device 5 then reads the motion image file corresponding to the microscope model name and step number from the cleaning process holding unit 54 and reproduces it on the display. Alternatively, the motion image file may be recorded on another image server, and the terminal device 5 may obtain the motion image file from the image server.

[0049] The dynamic image 1 displayed by the terminal device 5 represents the work content of step 1 in the endoscope cleaning process, which is a dynamic image showing the brushing method of the forceps lifter. For example, it could be a dynamic image demonstrating a skilled operator's technique. The cleaning operator watches the dynamic image 1 displayed by the terminal device 5 to confirm the correct brushing method and brushes the forceps lifter. When the brushing of the forceps lifter is completed, the cleaning operator inputs the completion of step 1 to the terminal device 5. As mentioned above, the input of step completion can be implemented through touch panel operation, foot pedal operation, or voice input. At this time, the terminal device 5 sends the step information indicating the completion of step 1 along with the endoscope ID to the management server 10.

[0050] In the management server 10, the receiving unit 52 receives the mirror ID and step information indicating the completion of a step. In this example, the receiving unit 52 receives the step information indicating the completion of step 1 and provides the step information and mirror ID to the allocation processing unit 80. In addition, the receiving unit 52 notifies the record management unit 94 of the step information, the date and time of obtaining the step information, and the mirror ID. The record management unit 94 associates the completion time of step 1 with the mirror ID "105011" and records it in the implementation record unit 96.

[0051] In the distribution processing unit 80, the omission condition holding unit 86 maintains the conditions for omitting a portion of the manual cleaning steps for each mirror model.

[0052] Figure 5 This represents an example of an omitted condition step maintained by the omitted condition holding section 86. Figure 5 The procedure omission conditions for endoscope model AAA are shown. Additionally, the omission condition holding unit 86 holds the procedure omission conditions for all models of endoscopes held by the medical facility.

[0053] The omission condition holding unit 86 holds the step omission conditions that associate the omissionable step number with the model information of the cleaning device that can be used when the step is omitted. Figure 5In the context of endoscopes of model AAA, if cleaning device 12 of models XXX, YYY, and ZZZ is used, the condition that allows the manual cleaning steps 3 to 7 to be omitted is defined as the step omission condition.

[0054] When the receiving unit 52 receives step information from the terminal device 5, the step determination unit 82 determines whether the received step information represents a step specified before the final step. (See reference...) Figure 5 The prescribed step is the step preceding the final step (step 8), and is set to be the step preceding the step (step 2) that can be omitted (step 3). The step information received by the receiving unit 52 indicates the completion of step 1, therefore the step determination unit 82 determines that the step information does not indicate the prescribed step (step 2).

[0055] In this case, the step determination unit 82 instructs the cleaning guidance management unit 50 to read the dynamic image file for the next step. The cleaning guidance management unit 50 reads the dynamic image 2 from the cleaning process holding unit 54 and provides it to the terminal device 5. The terminal device 5 then reproduces and displays the dynamic image 2 of the next step on the screen.

[0056] The dynamic image 2 displayed on the terminal device 5 represents step 2 of the endoscope cleaning process, specifically showing the cleaning method of the channels. This dynamic image guides the cleaning methods for the forceps channel, suction channel, air supply channel, and water supply channel. The cleaning operator views the dynamic image 2 displayed on the terminal device 5 to confirm the correct cleaning method and cleans each channel. When the cleaning is complete, the operator inputs "Step 2 Completed" to the terminal device 5, and the terminal device 5 sends step information indicating the completion of step 2 to the management server 10.

[0057] In the management server 10, the receiving unit 52 receives step information indicating that a step has been completed. Here, the receiving unit 52 receives step information indicating that step 2 has been completed and provides the step information and the mirror ID to the allocation processing unit 80. In addition, the receiving unit 52 notifies the record management unit 94 of the step information, the date and time of obtaining the step information, and the mirror ID. The record management unit 94 associates the completion time of step 2 with the mirror ID "105011" and records it in the implementation record unit 96.

[0058] Figure 6 This is an example of the recording content of the implementation recording unit 96. In this example, the completion times of steps 1 and 2 are recorded.

[0059] The step determination unit 82 determines whether the received step information represents a predetermined step preceding the final step. Here, the step information received by the receiving unit 52 represents step 2; therefore, the step determination unit 82 determines that the received information represents the predetermined step. Accepting this determination result, the cleaning device determination unit 84 determines the cleaning device to be assigned to the endoscope during manual cleaning based on the relationship between the predetermined end time of manual cleaning when a portion of the steps following the predetermined steps are omitted and the utilization status of the multiple cleaning devices 12 managed by the cleaning device management unit 72.

[0060] Figure 7 A management table displays the utilization status of multiple cleaning devices 12. The cleaning device management unit 72 in this embodiment manages the utilization status of multiple first cleaning devices 12a-12d and multiple second cleaning devices 12e-12f. The first cleaning devices 12a-12d can clean endoscopes that have been manually cleaned according to a procedure that omits some steps. First cleaning devices 12a, 12c, and 12d are model XXX, and first cleaning device 12b is model YYY. The second cleaning devices 12e and 12f cannot clean endoscopes that have been manually cleaned according to a procedure that omits some steps; they can only clean endoscopes that have been manually cleaned according to all steps.

[0061] The cleaning device management department 72 manages the status and remaining cleaning time in association with device attribute information such as device number and name assigned in the medical facility, cleaning device model, and cleaning device ID. Figure 7 The names shown are for convenience in this manual and may actually be used with reference to the names assigned to medical facilities. "Status" indicates whether it is "in use" or "idle," and "Remaining cleaning time" indicates the remaining time until the machine finishes cleaning. Furthermore, Figure 7 The status shown in the management table and the remaining cleaning time when it is 10:00:00.

[0062] After manual cleaning, the endoscope is then machine-cleaned by the cleaning device 12. Before placing the manually cleaned endoscope into the cleaning tank of the cleaning device 12, the cleaning operator causes the ID reader 22 corresponding to the cleaning device 12 to read the endoscope's endoscope ID. Furthermore, when the machine cleaning is complete, the cleaning operator removes the endoscope from the cleaning tank, and the ID reader 22 reads the endoscope's endoscope ID. The ID reader 22 sends the read endoscope ID, along with its own identification information (reader ID) and the identification information of the cleaning device 12 associated with it (cleaning device ID), to the management server 10.

[0063] In the management server 10, when the communication unit 30 receives the mirror ID, reader ID, and cleaning device ID sent from the ID reading unit 22, the second mirror ID acquisition unit 64 acquires the mirror ID and reader ID, and the cleaning device ID acquisition unit 66 acquires the cleaning device ID. The cleaning device management unit 72 receives the mirror ID and cleaning device ID from the second mirror ID acquisition unit 64 and the cleaning device ID acquisition unit 66, respectively, and also receives the acquired time information.

[0064] When the cleaning device management unit 72 receives a combination of mirror ID and cleaning device ID, it sets the "status" of the cleaning device ID to "in use." Subsequently, upon receiving the same combination of mirror ID and cleaning device ID, it sets the "status" to "idle." That is, the cleaning device management unit 72 accepts the initially received combination of mirror ID and cleaning device ID as information indicating the start of machine cleaning, and accepts subsequent identical combinations of mirror ID and cleaning device ID as information indicating the end of machine cleaning. Alternatively, the cleaning operator can also input start and end information at the start and end times of machine cleaning, respectively.

[0065] In the cleaning management system 1 of this embodiment, the management server 10 can obtain cleaning information from the first cleaning devices 12a-12d. The first cleaning devices 12a-12d notify the management server 10 of the selected cleaning program and the remaining cleaning time as cleaning information. In the management server 10, the cleaning information acquisition unit 70 obtains the cleaning information from the first cleaning devices 12a-12d. Therefore, the cleaning device management unit 72 can manage the remaining cleaning time for the first cleaning devices 12a-12d. Furthermore, when a cleaning operator presses the cleaning start button, the first cleaning devices 12a-12d can also notify the management server 10 of the cleaning end time determined by the selected cleaning program, along with information indicating the start of cleaning.

[0066] On the other hand, the second cleaning devices 12e-12f do not have the function of notifying the management server 10 of cleaning information, and the cleaning device management unit 72 cannot know the remaining cleaning time of the second cleaning devices 12e-12f. Therefore, as Figure 7 As shown, the cleaning device management unit 72 manages the remaining cleaning time of the first cleaning devices 12a to 12d, but does not manage the remaining cleaning time of the second cleaning devices 12e to 12f.

[0067] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the decision-making process of the cleaning device. When the step determination unit 82 determines that step 2 of the manual cleaning has been completed, the cleaning device determination unit 84 outputs the predetermined end time for the manual cleaning process, which omits steps 3 to 7. (See also...) Figure 3Regarding the manual cleaning of the endoscope for model AAA, if steps 3 to 7 are omitted, the remaining step is only step 8. The cleaning device decision unit 84 determines that the execution of step 8 takes approximately 3 minutes. Therefore, since the completion time of step 2 is 10:00:00 (refer to...), Figure 6 Therefore, the cleaning device decision unit 84 outputs the scheduled end time of the manual cleaning, which omits steps 3 to 7, as 10:03:00.

[0068] If the scheduled end time of manual cleaning (with some steps omitted) meets the prescribed conditions regarding the utilization status of the first cleaning devices 12a-12d managed by the cleaning device management unit 72, the cleaning device determination unit 84 assigns a first cleaning device to the endoscope. Here, the prescribed condition is that the device is idle at the scheduled end time of manual cleaning. The cleaning device determination unit 84 investigates whether there is an idle first cleaning device at the scheduled end time of manual cleaning (when steps 3-7 are omitted), i.e., 10:03:00 (S10).

[0069] Figure 7 The management table shown is the management table at 10:00:00. The cleaning device determination unit 84, referring to the status and remaining cleaning time fields, determines that the first cleaning devices 12a and 12b are in an "idle" state at 10:03:00 ("Yes" in S10). Therefore, the cleaning device determination unit 84 identifies that the endoscope with endoscope ID "105011", which has undergone manual cleaning according to the process omitting steps 3 to 7, can be cleaned without delay using the first cleaning devices 12a and 12b. As a result, the cleaning device determination unit 84 assigns either the first cleaning device 12a or 12b to the endoscope with endoscope ID "105011" (S12). The cleaning device determination unit 84 can assign either the first cleaning device 12a or 12b, but in this embodiment, the first cleaning device 12b is assigned to the endoscope.

[0070] When the cleaning device determination unit 84 assigns the first cleaning device 12b to the endoscope with endoscope ID "105011", the notification unit 90 notifies the cleaning operator of information related to the omission of a certain step. When this notification is given to the cleaning operator during manual cleaning, the notification unit 90 may display the information related to the omission of a certain step on the display of the terminal device 5, or output sound from the speaker of the terminal device 5.

[0071] The notification only needs to indicate that the next step is step 8. If the cleaning operator is skilled, they will know that step 3 should be performed after step 2, so it is also envisioned that the operation of step 3 will begin immediately after the completion of step 2 is input into the terminal device 5. Therefore, the notification unit 90 can also explicitly display "Please skip steps 3 to 7 and proceed to step 8" on the display, or provide an explicit notification via sound.

[0072] Alternatively, the cleaning device decision unit 84 may read the dynamic image file indicating step 8 to the cleaning guidance management unit 50. The cleaning guidance management unit 50 then reads the dynamic image 8 from the cleaning process holding unit 54 and provides it to the terminal device 5. The terminal device 5 then reproduces and displays the dynamic image 8 of the next step on the screen. In this case, the cleaning guidance management unit 50 functions as a notification unit indicating that the next step is step 8.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, before the manual cleaning is completed, a first cleaning device 12b for machine cleaning of the endoscope is assigned. Therefore, the notification unit 90 needs to notify the cleaning operator of the information used to determine the assigned first cleaning device 12b. Thus, the notification unit 90 notifies the cleaning operator of the information regarding the determination of the assigned first cleaning device 12b. The notification unit 90 may display the information for determining the assigned first cleaning device 12b, such as device number or device name, on the display of the terminal device 5, or it may display the information for determining the endoscope on the display of the terminal device 20b corresponding to the assigned first cleaning device 12b.

[0074] exist Figure 8 In S10, the process is explained in the case where there is no idle first cleaning device at the scheduled end time of manual cleaning (10:03:00) when steps 3 to 7 are omitted (S10 "No"). For ease of explanation, it is assumed that the first cleaning devices 12a and 12b are not present in the following process. In the case where there is no idle first cleaning device at 10:03:00 (S10 "No"), the cleaning device determination unit 84 investigates whether the time difference between the cleaning end time of the first cleaning devices 12c to 12d and the scheduled end time of manual cleaning (10:03:00) when some steps are omitted is within a specified time (S14).

[0075] Protein residue on the endoscope is difficult to remove if left for a long time, so it is preferable to remove it as quickly as possible. Therefore, if the time difference is within a specified time (e.g., 5 minutes) ("Yes" in S14), the cleaning device determination unit 84 determines that manual cleaning steps 3 to 7 can be omitted, and the protein residue removal function of the first cleaning device can be used. The cleaning device determination unit 84 searches the management table for the first cleaning device 12 that was idle before 10:08:00, and the result is that the first cleaning device 12c is qualified. Therefore, the cleaning device determination unit 84 assigns the first cleaning device 12c as the cleaning device for machine cleaning of the endoscope with endoscope ID "105011" (S16).

[0076] On the other hand, when the time difference exceeds a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes) (S14 "No"), the cleaning device decision unit 84 determines that manual cleaning steps 3 to 7 should not be omitted. Therefore, the cleaning device decision unit 84 instructs the cleaning guidance management unit 50 to read the dynamic image file of step 3. The cleaning guidance management unit 50 reads the dynamic image 3 from the cleaning process holding unit 54 and provides it to the terminal device 5. In addition, the cleaning device decision unit 84 can also derive a predetermined end time when performing manual cleaning without omitting any steps. If there is an available second cleaning device 12e to 12f at that time (S18 "Yes"), then the second cleaning device 12 is assigned to the endoscope (S20). If there is no available second cleaning device 12e to 12f (S18 "No"), then the cleaning device decision unit 84 does not assign the cleaning device 12 to the endoscope and ends the process.

[0077] The following describes the process when steps 3 to 7 are omitted and the endoscope is equipped with the first cleaning device 12b.

[0078] The cleaning operator views the dynamic image 8 displayed on the terminal device 5 and performs the drying step on the outer surface. When the drying of the outer surface is completed, the cleaning operator inputs the completion of step 8 to the terminal device 5, and the terminal device 5 sends the step information indicating the completion of step 8 to the management server 10.

[0079] In the management server 10, the receiving unit 52 receives the step information indicating the completion of step 8 and notifies the record management unit 94 of the step information, the date and time of acquisition of the step information, and the mirror ID. The record management unit 94 associates the completion time of step 8 with the mirror ID "105011" and records it in the implementation record unit 96. At this time, since the completion times of steps 3 to 7 are not recorded in the implementation record unit 96, the record management unit 94 records the information indicating that steps 3 to 7 were not implemented in the implementation record unit 96.

[0080] Figure 9Here is an example of the recording content of the implementation recording unit 96. In this example, the completion times of steps 1, 2, and 8 are recorded, as well as information indicating that steps 3 to 7 were not implemented.

[0081] After completing step 8, the cleaning operator moves the endoscope with endoscope ID "105011" to its assigned location in the first cleaning device 12b, allowing the ID reading unit 22b to read the endoscope ID. The ID reading unit 22b then sends the endoscope ID, reader ID, and cleaning device ID to the management server 10. At this point, if there are no malfunctions, the first cleaning device 12b is in a usable "idle" state, and the cleaning operator places the endoscope in the cleaning tank of the first cleaning device 12b to begin machine cleaning.

[0082] On the other hand, due to certain malfunctions, the assigned first cleaning device 12b may sometimes be unavailable. In such cases, the cleaning operator may wish to utilize the cleaning device 12, which is currently idle. Furthermore, suppose that at 10:03:05, both the first cleaning device 12a and the second cleaning device 12e are idle.

[0083] The cleaning operator wants to use the second cleaning device 12e to have the ID reading unit 22e read the endoscope ID. Here, the second cleaning device 12e is a cleaning device for the mmm model where steps 3-7 cannot be omitted; the endoscope to be machine-cleaned is an endoscope that was manually cleaned by omitting steps 3-7. The ID reading unit 22e sends the endoscope ID, reader ID, and cleaning device ID to the management server 10.

[0084] In the management server 10, when the communication unit 30 receives the endoscope ID, reader ID, and cleaning device ID sent from the ID reading unit 22e, the second endoscope ID acquisition unit 64 acquires the endoscope ID and reader ID, and the cleaning device ID acquisition unit 66 acquires the cleaning device ID. The determination unit 92 determines whether the implementation information recorded in the implementation record unit 96 in association with the endoscope ID acquired by the second endoscope ID acquisition unit 64 meets the utilization conditions of the second cleaning device 12e determined by the cleaning device ID acquired by the cleaning device ID acquisition unit 66. Here, the utilization condition of the second cleaning device 12e is that the endoscope is manually cleaned using a process that has completed all steps; the determination unit 92 determines that the utilization conditions of the second cleaning device 12e are not met. Therefore, the determination unit 92 notifies the cleaning operator that machine cleaning of the endoscope is not possible. This notification can be displayed on the display of the terminal device 20e of the second cleaning device 12e.

[0085] In this case, the endoscope, which has been manually cleaned by omitting steps 3 to 7, can be cleaned using the first cleaning device 12a. When the cleaning operator causes the ID reading unit 22a of the first cleaning device 12a to read the endoscope ID, the determination unit 92 determines that the implementation information recorded in association with the endoscope ID meets the usage conditions of the first cleaning device 12a. Therefore, the cleaning operator can place the endoscope in the cleaning tank of the first cleaning device 12a for machine cleaning.

[0086] The present invention has been described above based on embodiments. These embodiments are illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made to the combination of these constituent elements and processes, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0087] Industrial availability

[0088] This invention can be applied to the technical field of managing the manual cleaning of endoscopes.

Claims

1. An endoscope cleaning management system, which manages the manual cleaning of an endoscope, which consists of multiple steps, characterized in that, The endoscope cleaning and management system includes: The cleaning device management department manages the usage status of the first cleaning device and the second cleaning device, wherein the first cleaning device can clean endoscopes that have been manually cleaned according to a procedure that omits some steps, and the second cleaning device cannot clean endoscopes that have been manually cleaned according to a procedure that omits some steps, but can clean endoscopes that have been manually cleaned according to all steps. The first identification information acquisition unit acquires identification information used to determine whether an endoscope has been manually cleaned; and The allocation and processing unit determines the cleaning device to be allocated to the endoscope based on the utilization status of the multiple cleaning devices managed by the cleaning device management unit.

2. The endoscope cleaning and management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The endoscope cleaning management system also includes a receiving unit, which receives step information indicating the completion of steps during the manual cleaning of the endoscope. When the step information received by the receiving department indicates the prescribed steps before the final step, the allocation processing unit determines the cleaning device to be allocated to the endoscope based on the relationship between the predetermined end time of manual cleaning when the implementation of the partial steps after the prescribed steps is omitted and the utilization status of the multiple cleaning devices managed by the cleaning device management unit.

3. The endoscope cleaning and management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the predetermined end time of manual cleaning, when the aforementioned steps are omitted, meets the prescribed conditions regarding the utilization status of the first cleaning device managed by the cleaning device management unit, the allocation processing unit allocates the first cleaning device to the endoscope.

4. The endoscope cleaning and management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The endoscope cleaning management system has a notification unit that notifies the endoscope of information related to omitting certain steps when the allocation processing unit allocates the first cleaning device to the endoscope.

5. The endoscope cleaning and management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The endoscope cleaning management system includes a notification unit that notifies information for determining the cleaning device allocated by the allocation processing unit.

6. The endoscope cleaning and management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The endoscope cleaning and management system includes: The receiving department receives step information indicating the completion of the manual cleaning of the endoscope. The implementation recording unit records the implementation information indicating that a step has been performed, based on the step information received by the receiving unit, and associates it with the endoscope's identification information. The second identification information acquisition unit acquires identification information used to identify the endoscope being cleaned by the machine. The third identification information acquisition unit acquires identification information for determining the cleaning device that performs machine cleaning of the endoscope. The determination unit determines whether the implementation information recorded in the implementation record unit in association with the identification information obtained by the second identification information acquisition unit satisfies the utilization conditions of the cleaning device determined by the identification information obtained by the third identification information acquisition unit. as well as When the utilization determination unit determines that the utilization conditions are not met, the notification unit notifies that the endoscope cannot be machine cleaned.

7. An endoscope cleaning management method, which manages the implementation of manual endoscope cleaning consisting of multiple steps, characterized in that, The endoscope cleaning and management method includes the following steps: The utilization status of the first cleaning device and the second cleaning device are managed, wherein the first cleaning device can clean endoscopes that have been manually cleaned according to a procedure that omits some steps, and the second cleaning device cannot clean endoscopes that have been manually cleaned according to a procedure that omits some steps, but can clean endoscopes that have been manually cleaned according to all steps. Obtain identification information to determine which endoscope was manually cleaned; and The cleaning device to be assigned to the endoscope is determined based on the utilization status of multiple cleaning devices.

8. A recording medium having a program recorded thereon that causes a computer to perform processing to manage the implementation of a manual endoscope cleaning procedure consisting of multiple steps: The utilization status of the first cleaning device and the second cleaning device are managed, wherein the first cleaning device can clean endoscopes that have been manually cleaned according to a procedure that omits some steps, and the second cleaning device cannot clean endoscopes that have been manually cleaned according to a procedure that omits some steps, but can clean endoscopes that have been manually cleaned according to all steps. Obtain identification information to determine which endoscope was manually cleaned; and The cleaning device to be assigned to the endoscope is determined based on the utilization status of multiple cleaning devices.

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