Two-way communication in medical devices

Abstract

A respiratory therapy system for providing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to a patient can include a flow generator for generating a supply of breathable gas, a sensor for measuring a physical quantity while the supply of breathable gas is being supplied, and a computing device. The computing device can be configured to receive sensor data based on the measured physical characteristic of the supply of breathable gas, control the flow generator to adjust the characteristic of the supply of breathable gas, display a question and a plurality of selectable responses, receive a first input selecting one of the selectable responses, and display a guidance response corresponding to the selected response.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 107,794, filed October 30, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 173,978, filed April 12, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] This application relates to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 848,991, filed May 16, 2019, and U.S. Application No. 16 / 875,728, filed May 15, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] This technology relates to one or more of the screening, diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, prevention, and improvement of respiratory-related disorders. This technology also relates to medical devices or equipment and their uses, and more specifically to methods and systems for setting up medical devices and providing customized guidance and / or personalized therapies to patients using those devices. Background Technology

[0005] Human respiratory system and its disorders The human respiratory system facilitates gas exchange. The nose and mouth form the airway entrance for the patient.

[0006] The airways consist of a series of branching tubes, which become narrower, shorter, and more numerous as they penetrate deeper into the lungs. The primary function of the lungs is gas exchange, allowing oxygen to move from inhaled air into the venous blood, while carbon dioxide moves in the opposite direction. The trachea divides into the left and right main bronchioles, which eventually further divide into terminal bronchioles. The bronchi form the conduction airways and do not participate in gas exchange. Further branching of the airways leads to the respiratory bronchioles and ultimately to the alveoli. The alveolar regions of the lungs are where gas exchange occurs and are called the respiratory zones. See John B. West's *Respiratory Physiology*. Respiratory Physiology ), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 9th edition, published in 2012.

[0007] A range of breathing disorders exist. Some disorders may be characterized by specific events, such as apnea, hypoventilation, and hyperventilation.

[0008] Examples of breathing disorders include obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR), respiratory insufficiency, obesity hyperventilation syndrome (OHS), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), neuromuscular disease (NMD), and chest wall disorders.

[0009] Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a form of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) characterized by events involving closure or obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. It arises from a combination of abnormally small upper airway size and normal loss of muscle tone in the areas of the tongue, soft palate, and posterior oropharyngeal walls during sleep. The condition causes the affected patient to stop breathing, typically for periods ranging from 30 to 120 seconds, sometimes 200 to 300 times per night. This often leads to excessive daytime sleepiness and can contribute to cardiovascular disease and brain damage. Concomitant symptoms are common, especially in middle-aged overweight men, but those affected may not be aware of the problem. See U.S. Patent No. 4,944,310 (Sullivan).

[0010] Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) is another form of sleep-disordered breathing. CSR is a disorder of the patient's respiratory controller, characterized by rhythmic alternations of waxing and waning ventilation known as the CSR cycle. CSR is characterized by repetitive hypoxia and reoxygenation of arterial blood. Due to the repetitive hypoxia, CSR can be harmful. In some patients, CSR is associated with repetitive awakenings from sleep, leading to severe sleep disruption, increased sympathetic activity, and increased afterload. See U.S. Patent No. 6,532,959 (Berthon-Jones).

[0011] Respiratory failure is a term for a respiratory disorder in which the lungs are unable to inhale enough oxygen or exhale enough CO2 to meet the patient's needs. Respiratory failure can encompass some or all of the following disorders.

[0012] Patients with respiratory insufficiency (a form of respiratory failure) may experience abnormal shortness of breath during exercise.

[0013] Obesity hyperventilation syndrome (OHS) is defined as a combination of severe obesity and chronic hypercapnia at wakefulness, without other known causes of hypoventilation. Symptoms include dyspnea, morning headache, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

[0014] Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) encompasses any of a group of lower airway diseases that share certain common characteristics. These diseases include increased airflow resistance, prolonged expiratory phase of breathing, and loss of normal lung elasticity. Examples of COPD include emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is caused by chronic smoking (a major risk factor), occupational exposure, air pollution, and genetic factors. Symptoms include exertional dyspnea, chronic cough, and sputum production.

[0015] Neuromuscular disease (NMD) is a broad term encompassing many diseases and ailments that impair muscle function directly through intrinsic muscle pathology or indirectly through neuropathology. Some NMD patients are characterized by progressive muscle damage that leads to loss of mobility, wheelchair use, dysphagia, respiratory muscle weakness, and ultimately death from respiratory failure. Neuromuscular disorders can be classified as rapidly progressive or slowly progressive: (i) rapidly progressive disorders: characterized by muscle damage that worsens over months and leads to death within years (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in adolescents); (ii) variable or slowly progressive disorders: characterized by muscle damage that worsens over years and only slightly shortens life expectancy (e.g., limb-girdle type, facioscapulohumeral type, and ankylosing spondylitis). Symptoms of respiratory failure in NMD include: progressive general weakness, dysphagia, shortness of breath during and at rest, fatigue, somnolence, morning headache, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings.

[0016] Chest wall disorders are a group of chest wall deformities that result in inefficient connection between the respiratory muscles and the thoracic cavity. These disorders are typically characterized by restrictive defects and have the potential to cause chronic hypercapnia-related respiratory failure. Scoliosis and / or kyphosis can cause severe respiratory failure. Symptoms of respiratory failure include: dyspnea during exercise, peripheral edema, orthopnea, recurrent chest infections, morning headache, fatigue, poor sleep quality, and loss of appetite.

[0017] A range of therapies have been used to treat or improve these symptoms. Furthermore, other healthy individuals can utilize these therapies to prevent respiratory distress. However, these therapies have many drawbacks.

[0018] therapy Various therapies, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), non-invasive ventilation (NIV), and invasive ventilation (IV), have been used to treat one or more of the above-mentioned respiratory disorders.

[0019] Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy has been used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Its mechanism of action is that CPAP acts as a pneumatic splint and can prevent upper airway obstruction, for example, by pushing the soft palate and tongue forward and away from the posterior oropharyngeal wall. Treatment for OSA with CPAP therapy can be voluntary; therefore, patients may choose not to adhere to treatment if they find the device used to provide such therapy to be uncomfortable, difficult to use, expensive, or unsightly. In some instances, CPAP includes constant positive airway pressure, automated positive airway pressure (APAP) therapy, bilevel therapy, and / or other respiratory therapies disclosed in this application.

[0020] Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) provides ventilatory support to patients through the upper airway to help them breathe and / or maintain adequate oxygen levels in the body by performing some or all of their breathing. Ventilation support is delivered via a noninvasive patient interface. NIV has been used to treat chronic respiratory failure (CSR) and respiratory failure in forms such as orthostatic hypoxia (OHS), chronic respiratory disease (COPD), non-invasive disease (NMD), and chest wall disorders. In some forms, the comfort and effectiveness of these therapies can be improved.

[0021] Noninvasive ventilation (IV) provides ventilation support for patients who are unable to breathe effectively on their own and can be delivered using a tracheostomy tube. In some forms, the comfort and effectiveness of these therapies can be improved.

[0022] Treatment System These therapies can be provided by treatment systems or devices. Such systems and devices can also be used to screen, diagnose, or monitor symptoms without treating them.

[0023] The treatment system may include a respiratory pressure therapy device (RPT device), an air circuit, a humidifier, a patient interface, and data management.

[0024] Patient Interface A patient interface can be used to connect a breathing device to its wearer, for example, by providing an airflow into the airway. The airflow can be provided to the patient's nose and / or mouth via a mask, to the mouth via a tube, or to the patient's trachea via a tracheostomy tube. Depending on the therapy applied, the patient interface can, for example, form a seal with an area of ​​the patient's face to deliver gas at a pressure sufficiently different from ambient pressure to achieve therapeutic effect, such as a positive pressure of about 10 cmH2O relative to ambient pressure. For other forms of therapy, such as oxygen delivery, the patient interface may not include a seal sufficient to deliver gas at a positive pressure of about 10 cmH2O into the airway.

[0025] The design of the patient interface presents several challenges. The face has a complex three-dimensional shape. The size and shape of the nose and head vary greatly between individuals. Because the head comprises bone, cartilage, and soft tissue, different areas of the face respond differently to mechanical forces. The jaw or mandible can move relative to other skeletal supports of the skull. The entire head can move during the duration of a respiratory therapy session.

[0026] Due to these challenges, some face masks have one or more problems, namely being obtrusive, unattractive, expensive, ill-fitting, difficult to use, and uncomfortable, especially when worn for extended periods or when patients are unfamiliar with a particular system.

[0027] If the patient adheres to the therapy, CPAP therapy is very effective in treating certain breathing difficulties. However, if the mask is uncomfortable, the wrong size, difficult to use, not suitable for specific patient characteristics (e.g., a nasal mask for mouth breathers), or difficult to clean (e.g., difficult to assemble or disassemble), the patient may not adhere to the therapy.

[0028] Respiratory Pressure Therapy (RPT) device Respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) devices can be used alone or as part of a system to deliver one or more of the aforementioned therapies, for example, by operating the device to generate an airflow for delivery to an airway interface. This airflow can be pressurized. Examples of RPT devices include CPAP devices and ventilators.

[0029] Pneumatic generators are known in applications such as industrial-scale ventilation systems. However, pneumatic generators for medical applications have specific requirements that cannot be met by more general pneumatic generators, such as the reliability, size, and weight requirements of medical devices. Furthermore, even devices designed for medical use may have disadvantages related to one or more of the following: comfort, noise, ease of use, efficiency, size, weight, manufacturability, cost, and reliability.

[0030] RPT devices typically include a pressure generator, such as a motor-driven blower or a compressed gas reservoir, and are configured to supply airflow to the patient's airway. In some cases, the airflow can be supplied to the patient's airway at positive pressure. The outlet of the RPT device is connected via an air circuit to a patient interface such as those described above.

[0031] This provides designers with an almost limitless number of options. Design standards often conflict, meaning that some design choices deviate from the norm or are unavoidable. Furthermore, certain aspects of comfort and efficiency can be highly sensitive to small and subtle changes in one or more parameters.

[0032] humidifier Delivering unhumidified airflow can lead to airway dryness. Using a humidifier with an RPT device and patient interface to produce humidified gas minimizes dryness of the nasal mucosa and increases patient airway comfort. Additionally, in colder climates, warm air applied to the area inside and around the patient interface on the face is generally more comfortable than cold air.

[0033] Data Management There may be clinical reasons for obtaining data to determine whether a patient prescribed respiratory therapy is "compliant," such as the patient having used their RPT device according to one or more "compliance rules." One example of a compliance rule for CPAP therapy is requiring the patient to use the RPT device for at least four hours each night for at least 21 or 30 consecutive days to be considered compliant. To determine patient compliance, the RPT device provider, such as a healthcare provider, may manually obtain data describing the patient's use of the RPT device, calculate usage over the predetermined time period, and compare it to the compliance rules. Once the healthcare provider has determined that the patient has used their RPT device according to the compliance rules, the healthcare provider can notify a third party that the patient is compliant.

[0034] There may be other aspects of treatments that would benefit patients by transmitting their treatment data to third-party or external systems.

[0035] Existing methods for communicating and managing such data may be one or more of the following: expensive, time-consuming, and error-prone. Summary of the Invention

[0036] This technology aims to provide medical devices for screening, diagnosing, monitoring, improving, treating or preventing respiratory disorders, which have one or more of the following: improved comfort, cost, efficacy, ease of use and manufacturability.

[0037] The first aspect of this technology relates to devices for screening, diagnosing, monitoring, improving, treating or preventing respiratory disorders.

[0038] Another aspect of this technology relates to methods for screening, diagnosing, monitoring, improving, treating, or preventing respiratory disorders.

[0039] One aspect of certain forms of this technology is for providing methods and / or devices to improve patient compliance with respiratory therapy.

[0040] One form of this technology includes a respiratory pressure therapy system configured to present a patient with demographic and / or subjective questions and receive answers to these questions, thereby enabling analysis of these questions to determine the settings of the respiratory pressure therapy system.

[0041] Another aspect of this technology is, for example, determining customized guidance procedures and / or personalized therapies for patients via advanced analytics based on patient responses to demographic and / or subjective questions and / or data from multiple other users.

[0042] One form of this technology involves setting up a respiratory pressure therapy system based on demographic and / or subjective questions based on patient responses.

[0043] Another aspect of this technology is presenting demographic and / or subjective questions and receiving answers via a web or mobile application.

[0044] Another aspect of this technology is receiving answers to demographic and / or subjective questions via a web or mobile application and using those answers to determine the settings of a respiratory pressure therapy system.

[0045] Another aspect of this technology is a processing system comprising a memory storing multiple demographic questions and / or multiple objective questions, and a computing system configured to: transmit the demographic and / or objective questions to a medical device and / or a mobile device, the medical device and / or the mobile device being configured to execute an application for communicating with and receiving answers to the questions from the medical device and / or the mobile device, and to determine, based on the received answers, for example via advanced analytics, customized guidance procedures for the patient and / or personalized therapies performed using the medical device.

[0046] One aspect of certain forms of this technology is an easy-to-use medical device, for example, easy to use by a person without medical training, a person with limited dexterity and vision, or a person with limited experience in using this type of medical device.

[0047] Another aspect of this technology relates to a respiratory therapy system for providing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to a patient, the system comprising a flow generator for generating a supply of breathable gas, sensors for measuring physical quantities while supplying the breathable gas, and a computing device. The computing device can be configured to: display a problem and multiple optional responses; receive a first input for selecting one of the optional responses; and display a guidance response corresponding to the selected response. The selected response can be transmitted to a remote system and / or the guidance response can be pre-stored.

[0048] Another aspect of this technology relates to a respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) system for providing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to a patient. The system includes: a flow generator configured to generate a supply of breathable gas for delivery to the patient, wherein the breathable gas is output from the flow generator at a pressure level above atmospheric pressure; at least one sensor configured to measure a physical quantity while supplying the breathable gas to the patient; and a computing device including a memory and at least one hardware processor. The computing device may be configured to: receive sensor data from the at least one sensor based on the measured physical characteristics of the breathable gas supply; control the flow generator based on the received sensor data to adjust the characteristics of the breathable gas supply delivered to the patient; display one or more questions related to demographics and / or subjective feedback on a display device; receive one or more inputs indicating answers to the one or more questions in response to displaying the one or more questions; transmit the answers to a remote processing system; receive settings of the respiratory pressure therapy system determined based on the transmitted answers from the remote processing system; and adjust control settings of the respiratory pressure therapy system based on the received settings.

[0049] In the example, (a) the teleprocessing system may be an on-demand cloud computing platform configured to perform machine learning using data received from multiple patients, (b) questions may be pre-stored in memory, (c) the computing device may also be configured to perform a setup operation and may display one or more questions after setup and after predetermined conditions are met, (d) the predetermined conditions may include a predetermined amount of time elapsed after setup, (e) the questions may include at least one question related to patient demographics and at least one question related to the patient's subjective feedback regarding the use of the respiratory pressure therapy system, (f) the system may also include a teleprocessing system, and the teleprocessing system may be configured to determine a customized instruction procedure for the patient based on the answers transmitted to the teleprocessing system, (g) the system may also include a teleprocessing system, and the teleprocessing system may be configured to determine a personalized therapy for the patient based on the answers transmitted to the teleprocessing system, (h) one or more questions may be received from the teleprocessing system, (i) the system may also include a patient interface configured to engage with at least one airway of the patient and supply the patient with breathable gas, and / or (j) the setup of the respiratory pressure therapy system and / or customized instruction procedure is received by an application, website, email, and / or mobile device associated with the patient.

[0050] Another aspect of this technology relates to a device for treating respiratory disorders in patients. The device includes: a display device; a pressure generator configured to generate an airflow for treating the respiratory disorder; a transducer configured to generate a flow signal representing the characteristics of the airflow; and a controller coupled to the display, the pressure generator, and the transducer. The controller may be configured to: receive the flow signal from the transducer; control the pressure generator to adjust the characteristics of the airflow based on the received flow signal; display a request for demographic and / or subjective feedback on the display device; receive one or more inputs representing demographic and / or subjective feedback in response to the request; transmit the demographic and / or subjective feedback data determined based on the received one or more inputs to a remote processing system; receive analysis results determined based on the transmitted demographic and / or subjective feedback data from the remote processing system; and adjust the control settings of the device based on the received analysis results.

[0051] In the example, (a) the controller, display, and pressure generator may be housed together; (b) the adjusted control settings may include therapeutic pressure provided in a patient mask coupled to the pressure generator; (c) the analysis results may include customized guidance procedures for the patient; (d) the analysis results may include personalized therapies for the patient; (e) the controller may be configured to transmit device operation data along with demographic and / or subjective feedback data, and may determine the analysis results based on demographic and / or subjective feedback data and device operation data; (f) a request for demographic and / or subjective feedback may be displayed after predetermined conditions are met; (g) the predetermined conditions may be a predetermined time period after device setup; and / or (h) the predetermined conditions may be a predetermined time period during which the patient has operated the device.

[0052] Another aspect of this technology relates to a method of operating a respiratory therapy device for generating airflow to treat respiratory disorders. The method includes: measuring characteristics of the airflow using a transducer; calculating results in a controller and based on the measured characteristics, the results including at least one of: respiratory events, cardiopulmonary characteristics of the patient, and the patient's physiological state; controlling adjustments to the characteristics of the airflow in the controller based on the results; displaying one or more questions related to demographics and / or subjective feedback; receiving one or more inputs in the controller indicating answers to the one or more questions in response to displaying the one or more questions; transmitting the answers to a teleprocessing system; and receiving settings for operating the respiratory therapy device and / or customized instructions for the patient from the teleprocessing system based on the answers transmitted to the teleprocessing system.

[0053] In the example, (a) the method may include adjusting the control settings of the respiratory therapy device based on the received settings, (b) the settings for operating the respiratory therapy device may provide a personalized therapy for the patient, the personalized therapy being determined based on the answers transmitted to a remote processing system and the control settings of the respiratory therapy device upon receiving an input indicating an answer, (c) these questions may be displayed on the display of the respiratory therapy device, (d) these questions may be displayed on a mobile device configured to execute an application for controlling the respiratory therapy device, (e) these questions may be displayed after predetermined conditions are met, (f) the predetermined conditions may be a predetermined time period after the respiratory therapy device has been set up, and / or (g) the predetermined conditions may be a predetermined time period during which the patient has operated the respiratory therapy device.

[0054] Another aspect of this technology relates to a processing system comprising: a memory storing a plurality of demographic questions and a plurality of objective questions; a computing system including at least one hardware processor coupled to the memory, the computing system being configured to: transmit at least one demographic question and at least one objective question stored in the memory to a medical device associated with a patient; receive answers to at least one demographic question and at least one objective question transmitted to the medical device from the medical device; transmit a notification indicating the existence of unanswered questions to a mobile device configured to perform an application communicating with the medical device; receive a request for the questions from the mobile device; in response to the request, transmit at least one demographic question and at least one objective question stored in the memory to the mobile device; receive answers to at least one demographic question and at least one objective question transmitted to the mobile device from the mobile device; and perform advanced analysis to determine customized guidance procedures and personalized therapies using the medical devices for the patient based on (1) the answers received from the medical device and the mobile device and (2) the answers received from a plurality of other medical devices.

[0055] In the examples, (a) the computing system can also be configured to receive answers to questions pre-stored on and answered by the medical device, (b) the medical device can be a respiratory therapy device, (c) the question can be transmitted to the mobile device and / or the medical device after predetermined conditions are met, (d) the predetermined conditions can be a predetermined time period after the medical device is set up, and / or (e) the predetermined conditions can be a predetermined time period during which the patient has operated the medical device. The described methods, systems, apparatus, and devices can be implemented to improve the functionality of processors, such as those in dedicated computers, respiratory monitors, and / or respiratory therapy devices. Furthermore, the described methods, systems, apparatus, and devices can provide improvements in the field of automated management, monitoring, and / or treatment of respiratory conditions, including, for example, sleep-disordered breathing.

[0056] Another aspect of this technology relates to a respiratory therapy system for providing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to a patient, the system comprising a flow generator for generating a supply of breathable gas, sensors for measuring physical quantities while supplying the breathable gas, and a computing device. The computing device can be configured to: receive sensor data based on the measured physical characteristics of the breathable gas supply; control the flow generator to adjust the characteristics of the breathable gas supply; display a problem and multiple selectable responses; receive a first input for selecting one of the selectable responses; display a guidance response corresponding to the selected response; transmit the selected response to a remote system in response to receiving a second input to continue; receive settings for the respiratory therapy system from the remote system; and adjust the control settings of the respiratory therapy system based on the received settings.

[0057] Another aspect of this technology relates to a respiratory pressure therapy system for providing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to a patient, the respiratory pressure therapy system comprising: a flow generator configured to generate a supply of breathable gas for delivery to the patient, wherein the breathable gas is output from the flow generator at a pressure level above atmospheric pressure; at least one sensor configured to measure a physical quantity while supplying the breathable gas to the patient; and a computing device including a memory and at least one hardware processor configured to control the respiratory pressure therapy system to: receive sensor data from the at least one sensor based on the measured physical characteristics of the breathable gas supply; control the flow generator based on the received sensor data to adjust the characteristics of the breathable gas supply delivered to the patient; display on a display device a first question related to demographics and / or subjective feedback and a plurality of optional responses to the first question; in response to displaying the first question, receive a first input selecting one of the optional responses to the first question; and in response to receiving the first input, display a first guidance response corresponding to the selected response to the first question.

[0058] In this example, (a) multiple guidance responses corresponding to multiple optional responses are stored in memory; (b) multiple guidance responses corresponding to multiple optional responses are received from a remote processing system; (c) a first guidance response includes insights and / or encouragement for the user of the respiratory pressure therapy system; (d) the computing device is also configured to control the respiratory pressure therapy system to: in response to receiving a second input to continue, display a second guidance response corresponding to the selected response to the first question; (e) displaying the second guidance response includes displaying multiple optional options, each of which corresponds to resolving a different problem when using the respiratory pressure therapy system; (f) the multiple optional options include using an application associated with the respiratory pressure therapy system to guide respiratory pressure therapy. The system allows users to resolve problems encountered while using the respiratory pressure therapy system; (g) the computing device is also configured to control the respiratory pressure therapy system to: upon receiving a second input to continue, display a second question related to demographics and / or subjective feedback, and multiple optional responses to the second question; in response to displaying the second question, receive a third input to select one of the optional responses to the second question; in response to receiving the third input to continue, display a third guided response corresponding to the selected response to the second question; and after displaying the third guided response, in response to receiving a fourth input to continue, transmit the selected response to the second question to a remote processing system; (h) the first question concerns the therapy provided by the respiratory pressure therapy system for respiratory pressure therapy. The system's effectiveness for users; (i) displaying a first question and multiple alternative responses to the first question at predetermined time intervals; (j) displaying a first question and multiple alternative responses to the first question to the user when the respiratory pressure therapy system is first used by the user; (k) displaying a first question and multiple alternative responses to the first question to the user on a predetermined date from when the user begins using the respiratory pressure therapy system; (l) the computing device is also configured to control the respiratory pressure therapy system to: receive additional settings of the respiratory pressure therapy system determined based on the transmitted responses to the first question from a system associated with the clinician; (m) the system associated with the clinician is an on-demand cloud computing platform, which The on-demand cloud computing platform is configured to perform machine learning using data received from multiple patients; (n) the respiratory pressure therapy system also includes a system associated with a clinician, and the clinician-associated system is configured to determine a customized instruction procedure for the patient based on the response to a problem transmitted from a computing device to a remote processing system; (o) the respiratory pressure therapy system also includes a system associated with a clinician, and the clinician-associated system is configured to determine a personalized therapy for the patient based on the response to a problem transmitted from a computing device to a remote processing system; (p) the respiratory pressure therapy system also includes a patient interface configured to engage with at least one airway of the patient and supply the patient with breathable gas;(q) The first question includes questions related to subjective feedback from the patient regarding the use of the respiratory pressure therapy system; (r) the respiratory pressure therapy system also includes a teleprocessing system configured to determine a customized instruction procedure for the patient based on the response to the question transmitted from the computing device to the teleprocessing system; (s) receiving settings and additional settings and / or customized instruction procedures for the respiratory pressure therapy system via an application, website, email, and / or mobile device associated with the patient; and / or (t) the computing device is also configured to control the respiratory pressure therapy system to: transmit the selected response to the first question to the teleprocessing system in response to receiving a second input to continue after displaying the first instruction response; receive settings for the respiratory pressure therapy system from the teleprocessing system; and adjust the control settings of the respiratory pressure therapy system based on the received settings.

[0059] Another aspect of this technology relates to a method for providing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to a patient. The method includes: receiving sensor data from at least one sensor configured to measure a physical quantity while supplying a breathable gas to the patient, the sensor data being based on the measured physical characteristics of the breathable gas supply; controlling a flow generator based on the received sensor data to adjust the characteristics of the breathable gas supply delivered to the patient; displaying a first question related to demographics and / or subjective feedback and a plurality of optional responses to the first question on a display device; receiving a first input for selecting one of the optional responses to the first question in response to displaying the first question; displaying a first guidance response corresponding to the selected response to the first question in response to receiving the first input; transmitting the selected response to the first question to a remote processing system after displaying the first guidance response, in response to receiving a second input to continue; receiving settings for a respiratory pressure therapy system from the remote processing system; and adjusting control settings of the respiratory pressure therapy system based on the received settings.

[0060] Another aspect of this technology relates to an apparatus for treating a patient's respiratory disorder, the apparatus comprising: a display; a pressure generator configured to generate an airflow for treating the respiratory disorder; a transducer configured to generate a flow signal representing characteristics of the airflow; and a controller coupled to the display, the pressure generator, and the transducer. The controller may be configured to: receive the flow signal from the transducer; control the pressure generator to adjust the characteristics of the airflow based on the received flow signal; control the display to show a first problem related to subjective feedback and a plurality of alternative responses to the first problem; receive a first input for selecting one of the alternative responses to the first problem in response to displaying the first problem; and, upon receiving the first input, display a first guidance response corresponding to the selected response to the first problem and transmit information about the selected response to the first problem to a remote processing system.

[0061] In the example, (a) the controller is further configured to: receive from the teleprocessing system an analysis result determined based on the transmitted response to the first question; and adjust the control settings of the device based on the received analysis result; (b) the controller is configured to transmit the device's operational data to the teleprocessing system and determine the analysis result based on demographic and / or subjective feedback data and the device's operational data; (c) the analysis result includes a customized guidance procedure for the patient; (d) the controller is further configured to receive from the teleprocessing system a question for the patient and multiple optional responses for each question; (e) additional guidance responses include instructions for using the device; (f) additional guidance responses include personalized therapies for the patient; and / or (g) the controller is further configured to: receive additional guidance responses from the teleprocessing system; and control a display to show the additional guidance responses.

[0062] Another aspect of this technology relates to a method for treating a patient's respiratory distress. The method includes: receiving a flow signal from a transducer configured to generate a flow signal representing characteristics of an airflow; controlling a pressure generator to adjust the characteristics of the airflow based on the received flow signal; controlling a display to show a first problem related to subjective feedback and a plurality of optional responses to the first problem; receiving a first input for selecting one of the optional responses to the first problem in response to displaying the first problem; displaying a first guidance response corresponding to the selected response to the first problem after receiving the first input, and transmitting information about the selected response to the first problem to a remote processing system; receiving additional guidance responses from the remote processing system; and controlling the display to show the additional guidance responses.

[0063] Another aspect of this technology relates to a home medical device management system, comprising: a communication circuit configured to communicate with a plurality of respiratory pressure therapy devices and other devices executing applications associated with the plurality of respiratory pressure therapy devices; and a processing system including a memory and at least one hardware processor coupled to the communication circuit, the processing system being configured to: receive patient information, respiratory pressure therapy device usage history, and responses to problems from each of the plurality of respiratory pressure therapy devices and the applications executing on the other devices; output a user interface including a list of patients associated with the plurality of respiratory pressure therapy devices and the applications executing on the other devices, and optional filters for filtering patients displayed in the list; displaying a filtered list of patients that satisfy the selected filters in response to selecting one or more filters; and outputting information about the selected patient's use of the respiratory pressure therapy device in response to receiving a selection of a patient from the patient list or the filtered list.

[0064] In the example, (a) the processing system is further configured to: in response to receiving a selection of a patient from a patient list or filter list, output information about questions displayed to the selected patient via an application executed on a respiratory pressure therapy device or other device, and subjective feedback input by the patient in response to these questions; (b) the optional filters include multiple filter groups, each filter group including multiple optional filters; (c) each filter group corresponds to feedback received from the respiratory pressure therapy device or the application executed on the other device in response to questions presented to a patient associated with the application executed on the respiratory pressure therapy device or other device; (d) each optional filter in at least one of the multiple filter groups corresponds to different characteristics that can be assigned to the patient based on the feedback received from the patient; (e) multiple optional filters in at least one of the multiple filter groups correspond to the same characteristics that can be assigned to the patient based on the feedback received from the patient; (f) the processing system is further configured to: receive subjective feedback input by the patient in response to questions presented to the patient from the application executed on the respiratory pressure therapy device and / or other device; and transmit to the respiratory pressure therapy device a therapy setting determined based on subject feedback received from the corresponding respiratory pressure therapy device or the corresponding application associated with the corresponding respiratory pressure therapy device.

[0065] Another aspect of this technology relates to a method for managing home medical devices. The method includes: receiving patient information, respiratory pressure therapy device usage history, and responses to problems from each of a plurality of respiratory pressure therapy devices and applications executed on other devices; outputting a user interface including a list of patients associated with the plurality of respiratory pressure therapy devices and applications executed on other devices, and optional filters for filtering patients displayed in the list; displaying a filtered list of patients who meet the selected filters in response to selecting one or more filters; and outputting information about the selected patient's use of the respiratory pressure therapy device in response to receiving a selection of a patient from the patient list or a filtered list.

[0066] Of course, some of these aspects can form sub-aspects of this technology. Sub-aspects and / or aspects of the aspects can be combined in various ways and also constitute other aspects or sub-aspects of this technology.

[0067] Other features of the present technology will become apparent from the information contained in the following detailed description, abstract, drawings and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0068] This technology is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the various figures of the accompanying drawings, and similar reference numerals in the drawings refer to similar elements, including: Treatment System Figure 1 A system including a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000 in the form of a nose pillow, receiving a positive pressure air supply from an RPT device 4000. The air from the RPT device 4000 is humidified in a humidifier 5000 and delivered to the patient 1000 along an air circuit 4170. A bed companion 1100 is also shown. The patient is sleeping in a supine position.

[0069] Figure 2 A system is shown comprising a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000 in the form of a nasal mask, receiving a positive pressure air supply from an RPT device 4000. The air from the RPT device is humidified in a humidifier 5000 and delivered to the patient 1000 along an air circuit 4170.

[0070] Figure 3 A system is shown comprising a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000 in the form of a full-face mask, receiving a positive pressure air supply from an RPT device 4000. The air from the RPT device is humidified in a humidifier 5000 and delivered to the patient 1000 along an air circuit 4170. The patient sleeps in a side-lying position.

[0071] RPT device Figure 4A An RPT device of one form according to the present technology is shown.

[0072] Figure 4B This is a schematic diagram of the pneumatic path of one form of RPT device according to the present technology. The upstream and downstream directions are indicated by reference to a blower and a patient interface. The blower is defined as upstream of the patient interface and the patient interface as downstream of the blower, regardless of the actual flow direction at any given moment. Articles within the pneumatic path between the blower and the patient interface are located downstream of the blower and upstream of the patient interface.

[0073] Figure 4C This is a schematic diagram of the electrical components of one form of RPT device according to the present technology.

[0074] Figure 4D This is a schematic diagram of the electrical components of one form of RPT device according to the present technology.

[0075] Figure 4E This is a schematic diagram of an algorithm implemented in one form of RPT device according to the present technology.

[0076] Figure 4F This illustrates one form of the present technology. Figure 4E The flowchart shows the method executed by the treatment engine module.

[0077] Figure 4G A diagram illustrating a communication system between an RPT device and a remote computing system according to one form of the present technology is shown.

[0078] Figure 4H An exemplary operation performed by an RPT device and a remote computing system in accordance with the present technology is shown.

[0079] Figure 4I An example display screen according to the present technology is shown, which includes a request for demographic and / or subjective feedback that can be shown to the patient.

[0080] Figure 4J This illustrates another example of an operation performed by an RPT device and a remote computing system according to one form of the present technology.

[0081] Figure 4K A data flow diagram is shown in one form of the present technology for providing communication between a medical device, a patient portal 8030, and a patient survey service 8010.

[0082] humidifier Figure 5A An isometric view of one form of humidifier according to the present technology is shown.

[0083] Figure 5B An isometric view of a humidifier according to the present technology is shown, showing the humidifier reservoir 5110 removed from the humidifier reservoir base 5130.

[0084] Figure 5C A schematic diagram of one type of humidifier according to the present technology is shown.

[0085] Figure 6 A user interface provided in an application that can be executed on a device, according to one form of the present technology, is shown.

[0086] Figure 7A An overview of pre-treatment procedures and issues presented in one form according to the present technology, which may be provided in and / or outside a medical device.

[0087] Figures 7B to 7F It shows Figure 7A A detailed view of the process and issues shown.

[0088] Figure 8A An overview of post-treatment procedures and issues provided in and / or outside a medical device according to this technology is shown.

[0089] Figures 8B to 8E It shows Figure 8A A detailed view of the process and issues shown.

[0090] Figure 9A An example main view of a patient group / bucket in one form according to this technology is shown.

[0091] Figure 9B An example of abnormal patient management according to one form of sleep management is shown.

[0092] Figure 9C An example of a patient details panel in one form according to this technology is shown.

[0093] Figure 9D An example of a form of Red / Green Thumbs logic for filtering options according to this technology is shown.

[0094] Figure 10A An example of an interface that provides information about multiple patients in accordance with this technology is shown.

[0095] Figure 10B Another example of an interface that provides information about multiple patients in accordance with this technology is shown.

[0096] Figure 11AAnother example of an interface that provides information about multiple patients in accordance with this technology is shown.

[0097] Figure 11B Another example of an interface that provides information about multiple patients in accordance with this technology is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0098] Before describing the technology in further detail, it should be understood that the technology is not limited to the specific instances described herein, and the specific instances described herein may be modified. It should also be understood that the terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing the specific instances described herein only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0099] The following description is provided in relation to various instances that may share one or more common features and / or characteristics. It should be understood that one or more features of any instance may be combined with one or more features of another instance or other instances. In addition, in any instance, any single feature or combination of features may constitute another instance.

[0100] therapy In one form, the technology includes a method for treating respiratory distress, the method comprising the step of applying positive pressure to the airway inlet of a patient 1000.

[0101] In some instances of this technology, positive pressure air is supplied to the patient's nasal passages through one or both nostrils.

[0102] In some instances of this technology, mouth breathing is restricted, constrained, or prevented.

[0103] Treatment System In one form, the technology includes a device or apparatus for treating respiratory disorders. The device or apparatus may include an RPT device 4000 for supplying pressurized air to a patient 1000 via an air circuit 4170 leading to a patient interface 3000.

[0104] Patient Interface A non-invasive patient interface 3000 according to one aspect of the present technology includes one or more of the following functional aspects: a sealing-forming structure, an inflation chamber, a positioning and stabilizing structure, an air vent, a connection port of one form for connection to an air circuit 4170, and a forehead support. In some forms, the functional aspects may be provided by one or more physical components. In some forms, a single physical component provides one or more functional aspects. In use, the sealing-forming structure is arranged around the inlet of the patient's airway to facilitate the supply of positive pressure air to the airway.

[0105] If the patient interface cannot comfortably deliver a minimum level of positive pressure to the airway, the patient interface may not be suitable for respiratory pressure therapy.

[0106] According to one form of the present technology, a patient interface 3000 is constructed and arranged to provide an air supply at a positive pressure relative to the environment of at least 4 cmH2O, at least 6 cmH2O, at least 10 cmH2O, at least 20 cmH2O, at least 30 cmH2O, or any positive pressure relative to the environment between 4 cmH2O and 30 cmH2O.

[0107] RPT device An RPT device 4000 according to one aspect of the present technology includes mechanical, pneumatic and / or electrical components and is configured to perform one or more algorithms 4300, such as any methods described in whole or in part herein. The RPT device 4000 may be configured to generate an airflow for delivery to a patient's airway, for example, for treating one or more respiratory conditions described elsewhere in this document.

[0108] In one embodiment, the RPT device 4000 is constructed and arranged to deliver an airflow in the range of -20 L / min to +150 L / min while maintaining a positive pressure of at least 6 cmH2O, or at least 10 cmH2O, or at least 20 cmH2O.

[0109] The RPT device may have an outer housing 4010, which is composed of two parts: an upper part 4012 and a lower part 4014. Furthermore, the outer housing 4010 may include one or more panels 4015. The RPT device 4000 includes a chassis 4016 that supports one or more internal components of the RPT device 4000. The RPT device 4000 may include a handle 4018.

[0110] The pneumatic path of the RPT device 4000 may include one or more air path objects, such as an inlet air filter 4112, an inlet silencer 4122, a pressure generator 4140 capable of supplying positive pressure air (e.g., a blower 4142 including a motor 4144), an outlet silencer 4124, and one or more transducers 4270, such as a pressure sensor 4272 and a flow rate sensor 4274.

[0111] One or more air path components may be located within a detachable integral structure referred to as pneumatic block 4020. Pneumatic block 4020 may be located within an outer housing 4010. In one form, pneumatic block 4020 is supported by, or forms part of, a chassis 4016.

[0112] The RPT device 4000 may include a power supply 4210, one or more input devices 4220, a central controller 4230, a therapy device controller 4240, a pressure generator 4140, one or more protection circuits 4250, a memory 4260, a transducer 4270, a data communication interface 4280, and one or more output devices 4290. Electrical components 4200 may be mounted on a single printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 4202. Alternatively, the RPT device 4000 may include more than one PCBA 4202.

[0113] An RPT device may include one or more of the following components in an integral unit. In an alternative form, one or more of the following components may be positioned as respective individual units. For example, an RPT device may include one or more of the following: air filter 4110, side panel, silencer (e.g., silencer 4120, inlet silencer 4122, outlet silencer 4124), pressure generator, pneumatic block, chassis, transducer 4270 (flow transducer, pressure transducer, motor speed transducer), light sensor, backflow prevention valve 4160, air circuit, air circuit connector, oxygen delivery port, power supply, central controller, therapy device controller, protection circuit, data connection interface, memory, output device (e.g., display, alarm, etc.), and user interface panel, as described in PCT application PCT / AU2014 / 050426 (WO2015089582), which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0114] According to one example, the user interface panel includes one or more input devices 4220 in the form of buttons, switches, or dial pads to allow personnel to interact with the device. The buttons, switches, or dial pads can be physical devices or software devices accessible via a touchscreen. In one form, the buttons, switches, or dial pads can be physically connected to an external housing 4010, or in another form, they can wirelessly communicate with a receiver electrically connected to a central controller 4230.

[0115] In one form, the input device 4220 may be configured and arranged to allow a person to select values ​​and / or menu options.

[0116] Data communication system In one embodiment of this technology, a data communication interface 4280 is provided and connected to a central controller 4230. The data communication interface 4280 can be connected to a remote external communication network 4282 and / or a local external communication network 4284. The remote external communication network 4282 can be connected to a remote external device 4286. The local external communication network 4284 can be connected to a local external device 4288.

[0117] In one embodiment, the data communication interface 4280 is part of the central controller 4230. In another embodiment, the data communication interface 4280 is separate from the central controller 4230 and may include an integrated circuit or a processor.

[0118] In one form, the remote external communication network 4282 is the Internet. The data communication interface 4280 can connect to the Internet using wired communication (e.g., via Ethernet or fiber optic) or wireless protocols (e.g., CDMA, GSM, LTE).

[0119] In one form, the local external communication network 4284 utilizes one or more communication standards, such as Bluetooth or consumer infrared protocols.

[0120] In one form, the remote external device 4286 may be one or more computers, such as a cluster of networked computers. In another form, the remote external device 4286 may be a virtual computer rather than a physical computer. In either case, this remote external device 4286 may be accessed by appropriately authorized personnel, such as clinicians.

[0121] The local external device 4288 can be a personal computer, mobile phone, tablet, or remote control.

[0122] Includes optional display and alarm output devices. The output device 4290 according to this technology can take the form of one or more of visual, audio, and tactile units. The visual display can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light-emitting diode (LED) display.

[0123] Display driver The display driver 4292 receives characters, symbols, or images as input for display on the display 4294 and converts them into commands that cause the display 4294 to display those characters, symbols, or images.

[0124] monitor Display 4294 is configured to visually display characters, symbols, or images in response to commands received from display driver 4292. For example, display 4294 may be an eight-segment display, in which case display driver 4292 converts each character or symbol (such as the number "0") into eight logic signals indicating whether the eight corresponding segments will be activated to display a specific character or symbol.

[0125] RPT device algorithm As described above, in some forms of this technology, the central controller 4230 may be configured to implement one or more algorithms 4300 represented as a computer program stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (such as memory 4260). Algorithms 4300 are generally grouped into groups called modules. These modules may include a preprocessing module 4310 that provides pressure compensation 4312, ventilation rate estimation 4314, leakage flow rate estimation 4316, and respiratory flow rate estimation 4318. The processing of the preprocessing module 4310 may be used as input to the treatment engine module 4320. The treatment engine module 4320 includes one or more of the following algorithms: phase determination 4321, waveform determination 4322, ventilation determination 4323, inspiratory flow restriction determination 4324, apnea / insufficiency determination 4325, snoring determination 4326, airway patency determination 4327, target ventilation determination 4328, and therapy parameter determination 4329. Therapy control module 4330 receives therapy parameters from therapy parameter determination algorithm 4329 of therapy engine module 4320 as input, and controls pressure generator 4140 to deliver airflow according to the therapy parameters. In one form of the present technology, central controller 4230 executes one or more methods 4340 for detecting fault conditions. Details of one or more operations performed by the algorithm are described in PCT application PCT / AU2014 / 050426 (WO2015089582), which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0126] air circuit According to one aspect of the present technology, the air circuit 4170 is a conduit or pipe that is constructed and arranged to allow airflow between two components (such as the RPT device 4000 and the patient interface 3000) during use.

[0127] Specifically, the air circuit 4170 can be fluidly connected to the outlet and patient interface of the pneumatic block 4020. The air circuit may be referred to as an air delivery tube. In some cases, it may have separate branches for the inspiratory and expiratory circuits. In other cases, a single branch is used.

[0128] In some forms, the air circuit 4170 may include one or more heating elements configured to heat the air in the air circuit, for example, to maintain or raise the temperature of the air. The heating element may be in the form of a heating wire loop and may include one or more transducers, such as temperature sensors. In one form, the heating wire loop may be helically wound around the axis of the air circuit 4170. The heating element may be connected to a controller, such as a central controller 4230. An example of an air circuit 4170 including a heating wire loop is described in U.S. Patent 8,733,349, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0129] Two-way communication for personalized therapy and / or guidance In one form of this technology, a medical device (e.g., an RPT device) may include bidirectional communication with one or more teleprocessing systems to facilitate customized instruction procedures, personalized therapies, and / or targeted care. The medical device may be configured to capture data and / or transmit data to the teleprocessing system for processing. The captured data may include sensor data, demographic feedback, and / or subjective feedback. The teleprocessing system may use the received data to perform patient segmentation and / or advanced analytics and provide customized solutions to the medical device. Customized solutions may include customized instruction procedures to increase engagement and motivation, personalized therapies with automated comfort and / or therapy setting updates to improve long-term adherence, and / or targeted care and follow-up based on understanding which patients need assistance. Patient segmentation and advanced analytics may include using data from other users and performing machine deep learning using one or more trained models to provide customized solutions.

[0130] Unlike traditional systems where medical device settings must be pre-loaded and modified by trained technicians, this technology provides an automated configuration of the medical device after it has been deployed for use. The device settings and patient recommendations can be determined remotely, quickly, and accurately without requiring clinicians to perform multiple iterations of device settings modifications before the patient feels comfortable using the device. Furthermore, feedback received from users and the settings of the medical devices can be used to improve the settings of other medical devices and provide relevant recommendations to other patients.

[0131] Figure 4G A diagram illustrating the communication system between the RPT device 4000 and the remote computing system is shown. Figure 4G This includes one or more RPT devices 4000 associated with patient 1000. Each RPT device can be associated with a different patient and / or multiple RPT devices can be associated with the same patient. This technology is not limited to RPT devices but can be applied to other medical devices. RPT device 4000 can be configured to communicate with remote external device 4286 and / or local external device 4288 (e.g., personal computer, mobile phone, tablet, and / or remote control) and / or remote external device via data communication interface 4280. Local external device 4288 can be configured to communicate directly with RPT device 4000 when located in the vicinity of RPT device 4000, or remotely with RPT device 4000 via a local or external network when local external device 4288 is not located in the vicinity of RPT device 4000. Remote external device 4286 can be accessed by appropriately authorized personnel, such as clinicians, manufacturers, and / or device suppliers. Figure 4GAs shown, the RPT device 4000 can also communicate with remote computing systems, including server 6030 and / or cloud computing platform 6040 (e.g., Amazon Web Services™, Google™ Cloud Platform, Microsoft™ Azure).

[0132] One or more other medical devices 6062 or 6064 (which may be RPT devices) associated with other patients 1002 and 1004 may be configured to communicate with remote external device 4286, server 6030 and / or cloud computing platform 6040.

[0133] Figure 4G The device shown can communicate via a communication link 6020 including a remote external communication network 4282 and / or a local external communication network 4284.

[0134] RPT device 4000 and / or medical devices 6062 and 6064 may be configured to transmit sensor data, demographic feedback, and / or subjective feedback to server 6030 and / or cloud computing platform 6040 via communication link 6020. Server 6030 and / or cloud computing platform 6040 may be configured to use the received data to perform patient segmentation and / or advanced analytics, and to provide customized solutions to the RPT device. Customized solutions may include customized guidance procedures, personalized therapies, and / or targeted care. The server and / or cloud computing platform may also be configured to provide notifications to provider / clinician portals used for managing patient therapies. Notifications may, for example, indicate that customized guidance procedures, personalized therapies, and / or targeted care may be beneficial to the user, and allow the provider / clinician to push those solutions to the RPT device and / or contact the user to discuss the customized solutions.

[0135] Figure 4H An exemplary operation performed by an RPT device 4000 and a remote computing system according to this technology is shown. Although Figure 4H Operations performed by a specific device are shown, but the operations shown are not limited thereto. One or more operations may be performed by other devices operatively coupled to the RPT device 4000 and / or the remote computing system. In some instances, one or more operations shown to be performed by the RPT device 4000 may be performed using a network or mobile application executed on another device (e.g., a local external device 4288).

[0136] The RPT device 4000 can be configured to perform setup (step 7010) of the RPT device 4000. This setup may include associating a patient with the RPT device 4000, configuring the initial setup of the RPT device 4000 for the patient, and / or providing instructions on how to use the device. One or more operations disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 749,430, filed October 23, 2018, entitled "Systems and Methods for Setting Up of CPAP Systems," and U.S. Application No. 16 / 661,250, filed October 23, 2019, entitled "Systems and Methods for Setting Up of CPAP Systems," each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0137] The setup can be performed when the RPT device 4000 is first powered on after purchase or reset, or when the RPT device 4000 is assigned to a new patient. The setup can be performed without user interaction by applying settings stored in memory (e.g., memory 4260 or memory external to the RPT device 4000) or by receiving instructions from a remote external device 5286 controlled by the device's clinician, manufacturer, and / or distributor.

[0138] During setup, patient input can be requested and received from the RPT device 4000 and / or other devices. In some instances, output device 4290 can be used to provide instructions and / or questions, and patient input can be received using input device 4220. In other instances, only the RPT device 4000 is available to receive input during setup. In other instances, a local external device 4288 can be used to receive user input for setting up the RPT device 4000, instead of or in addition to the RPT device 4000. A display screen can be generated on the RPT device 4000 and / or the external device to request patient input during device setup. In some instances, audio instructions and / or auditory responses can be received by the RPT device 4000 and / or the local external device 4288. In some instances, data input by the user and / or customized guidance procedures, personalized therapies, and / or targeted care and follow-up (e.g., provided in response to input data) can be provided via a range of different mechanisms (e.g., applications, networks, email, telephone, etc.).

[0139] The RPT device 4000 can be operated based on device settings made during setup (step 7012). During operation of the RPT device 4000, the operation of the device can be adjusted based on sensor data (e.g., flow sensor 4274, pressure sensor 4272, and / or speed sensor 4276) and / or additional settings received from the patient and / or clinician.

[0140] After one or more predetermined conditions are met, a feedback request can be displayed to the patient (step 7018). The feedback request can be displayed on display 4294 or device and / or local external device 4288 (e.g., in an application). The feedback request can be presented to the user in the form of a question or instruction requesting demographic and subjective feedback. The feedback request can be made automatically when the predetermined conditions are met. Feedback is not limited to demographic and subjective feedback and may include additional questions. Feedback, demographic and / or subjective feedback may include sleep research findings, symptoms, comorbidities or other health information, including the presence of other sleep problems (e.g., insomnia), awareness of sleep apnea, comfort level of approaching treatment, stage in the pathway (treatment novice or experienced user) and / or motivation.

[0141] Predetermined conditions may include a predetermined amount of time elapsed after the RPT device 4000 is set up, such as the patient using the device within a predetermined time period (e.g., a preset number of hours, days, or weeks), using a predetermined number of times or a predetermined time period of specific features provided by the RPT device 4000 (e.g., operating the device in low-power mode), completing the setup of the RPT device 4000, receiving signals from a remote computing system or device operated by a clinician, receiving feedback requests from another device, setting a flag indicating that the feedback request can be displayed to the patient, and / or receiving a notification that the feedback request can be downloaded to achieve a specified goal.

[0142] In response to a feedback request, input representing the patient's demographics and / or subjective feedback can be received (step 7020). Input can be received using only the RPT device 4000 (e.g., via input device 4220), only the local external device 4288, or both the RPT device 4000 and the local external device 4288.

[0143] Figure 4I An example display screen is shown, including demographic and / or subjective feedback requests that can be shown to the patient. Feedback requests can be displayed on the display 4294 of the RPT device 4000 and / or on a display associated with a local external device 4288. Although Figure 4I The display screens are shown in a specific order, but the implementation is not limited to this. One or more display screens may be provided in a different order or may not be included in the sequence. The sequence may also include one or more other display screens.

[0144] Introductory screens 7050 and 7052 may include introductory text, graphics, and / or video with personalized feature information to introduce the system, components, and / or therapy to the patient. Introductory screen 7050 may be displayed for a predetermined period of time before automatically switching to display screen 7052. Display screen 7052 may provide the user with the option to continue responding to displayed feedback requests or skip the personalized features of RPT device 4000. In some instances, instead of or in addition to skipping the personalized features, the user may be provided with the option to provide information later. Introductory screens 7050 and / or 7052 may be displayed only when the user first turns on the device (e.g., after purchasing the device or after a reset) or a predetermined number of times until personalized information is received.

[0145] Display screen 7054 shows the option for the patient to select his or her gender. As shown in display screen 7054, the patient may be provided with the option to skip the feedback request. One or more other feedback requests may also include the option to skip the response request.

[0146] Display screen 7056 shows the option to enter the patient's age. In other instances, the feedback request may include entering the patient's birthdate (day, month, and / or year).

[0147] Display screen 7058 shows the option to input the patient's height, while display screen 7060 shows the option to input the patient's weight.

[0148] Display screen 7062 indicates whether the patient has previously used the RPT device 4000. In some instances, this question may include providing information on several other RPT devices the patient has used, or that the patient believes they have a predetermined level of expertise when using the RPT device 4000.

[0149] Display 7064 shows questions for patients to rate how sleepy they typically feel during the day. A varying scale can be provided for users between not sleepy and very sleepy. Other subjective sleep feedback questions may include sleep regularity, sleep satisfaction, sleep alertness, sleep timing, sleep efficiency, and / or sleep duration. These questions may include: Do you usually wake up at approximately the same time each day (within 1 hour)? How often are you satisfied with your sleep? How long can you stay awake all day without dozing or napping? Is 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. usually the middle of your nighttime sleep? Are you usually awake for less than 39 minutes throughout the night? And / or do you usually sleep 6 to 8 hours per night? A sliding scale and / or multiple optional responses (e.g., rarely, sometimes, and usually) can be provided for one or more responses to the questions.

[0150] In one instance of this technology, feedback may include non-subjective feedback. Feedback may include an apnea-hypopnea index entered by the patient and / or retrieved from a database or from a physician or clinician.

[0151] Based on the feedback results, sleep scores, instructional procedures, and / or personalized treatment plans can be assigned to patients. This information can be provided by the RPT device 4000 and / or other devices (e.g., Figure 4G The sleep score (as shown in the diagram) is determined. The sleep score can be displayed to the patient and / or updated with additional feedback received periodically from the patient. Additional sleep score measurements can be generated based on therapeutic measurements captured by the RPT device and displayed to the patient on the RPT device display. The sleep score can be based on one or more parameters, including total sleep time, number of awakenings, sleep onset time, time to different sleep stages, AHI, etc. The sleep score can be recalculated and displayed at the end of each treatment session. Summaries or averages can be calculated on various time parameters, including but not limited to weekly, monthly, and yearly, to provide a sleep score over time. Sleep scores based on sleep measurements can be combined with feedback-based sleep scores to increase the depth of the sleep score and / or provide further judgment for patient-specific guidance procedures and / or personalized therapy.

[0152] Other display screens may include additional feedback requests, such as the patient's nighttime sleep levels, mask comfort, breathing comfort while using CPAP, and / or satisfaction with device operation. In some instances, subjective questions (e.g., sleep comfort) may be received multiple times (each time for a different time period). For example, the RPT device 4000 may be configured to request feedback from the patient regarding sleep comfort over a predetermined number of days (e.g., seven days).

[0153] The screen displaying the request for feedback may include options to select an unknown response and / or provide options to retrieve information from external sources (e.g., databases, physician records, external devices, etc.).

[0154] In some instances, a single feedback request may be displayed on the monitor, or two or more feedback requests may be displayed simultaneously on a single screen. For example, a request to enter a patient's age and height may be displayed on one screen at the same time.

[0155] In one embodiment of this technology, a display screen with a feedback request can be displayed on a touch input display. In another embodiment of this technology, input to a question displayed on the display can be made using one or more input devices 4220, including physical buttons, switches, or dial pads, or software devices accessible via a touchscreen.

[0156] In one form of this technology, a speaker can be used to output feedback requests to the patient in an auditory manner and / or a microphone can be used to capture verbal feedback responses.

[0157] Upon receiving a response to the feedback request, the response may be stored in memory and / or transmitted (step 7022) to the remote computing system. In one form of this technology, data may be transmitted directly to an on-demand cloud computing platform (e.g., Amazon Web Services™, Google™ Cloud Platform, Microsoft™ Azure). The response may include demographic and / or subjective feedback data. In one form of this technology, if the connection to the remote computing system is unavailable, the feedback data may be stored in memory 4260 until the connection becomes available.

[0158] In step 7022, other data may be transmitted to the remote computing system along with the feedback data. For example, the other data may include treatment data determining whether the patient has used the RPT device according to compliance rules, RPT device 4000 identification information (e.g., serial number, model and / or software version on the device, manufacturing information), RPT device 4000 location information, user profile data, data captured by sensors (e.g., transducer 4270), settings applied during the setup of the RPT device 4000, accessory types coupled to the RPT device 4000 and / or modifications made to the settings by the patient and / or when such modifications were made.

[0159] The remote computing system receives data (step 7024), analyzes the data (step 7026), and transmits the analysis results to the RPT device 4000 and / or a network or mobile application (step 7028). The remote computing system can receive demographic and / or subjective feedback, as well as other data, from the RPT device 4000 or a local external device. Data can be received directly by the remote computing system for processing. The remote computing system may include a server 6030 and / or a cloud computing platform 6040. The server 6030 may be a non-cloud-based server managed by the manufacturer or clinician.

[0160] The remote computing system can segment patient data (e.g., age range, gender, weight, environment, etc.) and use models developed from similar and / or different data from other users to determine what the patient needs and / or which settings on the RPT device 4000 should be modified.

[0161] Models can be pre-determined using advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and / or machine learning. The remote computing system may include models determined based on operational information about other RPT devices (e.g., medical devices 6062 and / or 6064) associated with other patients 1002 and / or 1004, as well as demographic and subjective feedback received from other patients 1002 and / or 1004. Advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and / or machine learning can be performed on data from a large number of patients, and the model can be updated with new data (e.g., including demographic feedback, subjective feedback, and / or data on changes in compliance criteria) as new data becomes available. The results of the analysis may include customized guidance procedures, personalized therapies, and / or targeted care and follow-up.

[0162] In response to the transmission of feedback data, the RPT device 4000 may receive analysis results from a remote computing system (step 7030). Analysis results may include customized guidance procedures, personalized therapies, and / or targeted care and follow-up. Alternatively, analysis results may not be sent directly to the RPT device. Instead, they may be sent to a remote provider portal or clinician portal. The provider / clinician may then contact the user to discuss the analysis results, or, through the portal, the provider / clinician may subsequently approve, modify, and / or push the analysis results to the RPT device. The feedback data itself may also be sent to the provider / clinician portal to allow the provider or clinician to perform their own assessments and guide targeted care and follow-up.

[0163] Customized instruction programs can be provided to increase patient engagement and motivation. These programs may include instructions on how to properly use the device, explanations of the benefits of using the device's functions, and / or suggestions for other medical devices and / or accessories that may be beneficial to the patient. For example, information about accessories (e.g., different types of face masks) that will improve the patient's experience using the RPT device 4000 may be displayed on the display 4294 or the local external device 4288.

[0164] Personalized therapy offers automated comfort settings that have been proven to improve long-term adherence (LTA). Personalized therapy can be automatically applied to the RPT device 4000 without patient interaction. In some instances, patients can be provided with information about therapy changes, and their acceptance of the proposed changes can be requested before application.

[0165] Targeted care and follow-up may include informing patients that modifications to care are needed or that meetings with clinicians or other specialists need to be scheduled. In some instances, the RPT device 4000 and / or the local external device 4288 may be used to schedule and / or conduct meetings with clinicians or other specialists.

[0166] The analysis results can be used to adjust the settings of the RPT device 4000 (step 7032). Modifying the settings may include adjusting one or more comfort settings of the RPT device 4000. For example, the analysis results may include instructions to modify pressure ramp settings, exhalation release settings, humidity settings, and air temperature settings. In one form of this technology, the analysis results may indicate that continued use of the RPT device 4000 is unsafe, and that the use of the RPT device 4000 may be disabled.

[0167] After applying the analysis results, operation of the RPT device 4000 can continue (step 7034). Applying the analysis results and operating the RPT device 4000 with updated settings will more effectively control the RPT device 4000 to meet the patient's needs. In some instances, modifications can be made to operate the device more effectively (e.g., using a heating tube with lower power or lower temperature to deliver air) without significantly sacrificing patient comfort.

[0168] After a predetermined time, one or more previously made feedback requests and / or new feedback requests can be presented to the patient and a response can be received (step 7036). This response can be used to determine whether the previously applied settings are valid and / or whether additional changes are needed to the operation and / or use of the RPT device 4000. Additional feedback requests can be made periodically or when new feedback requests become available on the remote computing system.

[0169] In some instances, additional feedback requests may be displayed each time the user powers on the RPT device 4000. When using the RPT device 400, a sleep score (based on one or more sleep measurements from previous sessions, the sum or average of sleep measurements from multiple sleep sessions, user feedback, or some combination thereof) and daily insights (e.g., daily recommendations that may be customized based on feedback from the patient and / or other patients) may be displayed to the patient. Providing additional feedback may include the user updating one or more of the previously provided feedback (e.g., age, height, weight, and / or sleep feedback).

[0170] In one form of this technology, some feedback requests may be presented on the RPT device 4000, while other feedback requests may be presented on a local external device 4288 or another medical device associated with the same patient 1000. Feedback requests presented on one device may be marked as displayed but not requested on other devices.

[0171] In one form of this technology, operations related to displaying and receiving feedback requests can be performed during device setup (step 7010).

[0172] In an alternative, or preferably in addition to transmitting responses to feedback requests for remote analysis, the RPT device may also have pre-stored micro-guidance responses (e.g., insights, encouragement, identification of useful resources, etc.) to provide based on the input feedback response. For example, as described below Figures 7A to 7F The workflow on the RPT device is illustrated, which includes questions and micro-guided responses that can be used during device setup (pre-treatment). For example, a feedback request might ask the question, “How sleepy do you typically feel during the day before starting treatment?”, with options to choose an answer from one of “extremely,” “very,” “moderately,” “somewhat,” and “not at all.” If the patient’s feedback response is “extremely” or “very,” the RPT device can display insights such as “X% of extremely or very sleepy users will feel less tired after 4 weeks of treatment.” Similarly, if the patient’s feedback response is “moderately” or “somewhat,” the RPT device can display insights such as “X% of moderately or somewhat sleepy users will feel less tired after 4 weeks of treatment.” If the patient’s feedback response is “not at all,” the RPT device can display insights such as “CPAP therapy also improves many quality-of-life factors other than sleepiness.” Providing relevant insights in response to feedback can increase patient confidence, help them understand and better see the benefits of their treatment, and increase motivation to continue treatment.

[0173] As another example, the following description Figures 8A to 8E The workflow on the RPT device is illustrated, which includes questions and micro-guided responses that may arise after treatment has begun and the patient's treatment schedule has been checked in at predetermined intervals or specific days (e.g., data may be collected on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28, but is not limited to these). For example, on day 1... 3 On that day, the feedback request might ask the question “How is the treatment progressing?”, with an option to choose an answer from one of “Challenging,” “Goal Achieved,” and “Excellent.” If the feedback response from the patient is “Excellent,” the RPT device can display encouraging prompts such as “You’re doing great. Keep it up!” If the feedback response is one of “Challenging” or “Goal Achieved,” the RPT device can ask follow-up questions to identify any specific areas of failure. For example, asking the question “Any particular problems?”, with an option to choose an answer from one of “Mask,” “Habit Treatment,” and “Device.” In response to the input feedback response, the RPT device can present the patient with resources helpful for troubleshooting. For example, the RPT device can remind the patient of troubleshooting aids that can run on a mobile application executed on another device (e.g., local external device 4288), such as… Figure 6The device is shown. Additionally, the RPT device can provide patients with instructions on downloading a mobile application, connecting the PRT device to the mobile application, and using appropriate troubleshooting aids.

[0174] As another example, the RPT device can also pose questions at predetermined intervals (e.g., weekly) designed to compare answers during treatment. For instance, on day 7, the RPT device might pose the question, “How sleepy have you felt in the past week?”, using the same answer options as used during the initial sleepiness problem setup: “extremely,” “very,” “moderately,” “somewhat,” and “not at all.” Depending on whether the input feedback response indicates a decrease in the patient’s sleepiness, an increase in sleepiness, or a small or no change in sleepiness, the RPT device can present micro-guidance insights, encouragement, and resource identifiers to keep the patient engaged in treatment, promote improvement, and achieve compliance and OTA. While micro-guidance using pre-stored responses has been illustrated in conjunction with subjective feedback related to sleepiness and treatment progress, it should be understood that responses can be used for any feedback request, including but not limited to any subjective and / or demographic feedback described throughout this application. It should also be understood that pre-stored responses can be updated over time based on advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and / or machine learning, which can be performed on a remote computing system, as described elsewhere in this application. It should also be understood that the micro-direction response may not be pre-stored in the PRT device memory, but may be driven by the remote computing / processing system described herein.

[0175] Figure 4J This illustrates another example of operations performed by the RPT device 4000 and the remote computing system. Figure 4H In the example shown, feedback request data is pre-stored on the RPT device 4000. For example, feedback request data could be pre-stored in memory by the manufacturer, distributor, or clinician. Figure 4J In the example shown, the telecomputing system transmits feedback request data (step 7016). The RPT device 4000 receives the transmitted feedback request data from the telecomputing system (step 7014) and uses the data to receive feedback from the patient. In some instances, the system transmitting the feedback request data may be a different system from the system that performs analysis using demographic and / or subjective feedback data transmitted from the RPT device 4000.

[0176] The remote computing system can transmit feedback request data in response to a request from the RPT device 4000. In some instances, the remote computing system can push feedback request data to the RPT device 4000 at a predetermined time period or specifically (directly or via a home medical device).

[0177] Feedback request data can be entered by a physician or clinician. A user interface can be provided to physicians or clinicians to enter their own questions as part of the feedback request data. The user interface can be provided as part of a provider or clinician portal on a telecomputing system. Physicians or clinicians can be provided with the ability to ask their own patient questions via the RPT device 4000 or a device associated with the RPT device 4000 (e.g., a local external device 4288). For example, physicians or clinicians can enter questions using a telecomputing system. Physicians or clinicians can associate one or more questions with one or more conditions used to distribute the questions to the RPT device 4000. Conditions may include one or more patient characteristics, device type, peripheral devices connected to the RPT device 4000 (e.g., types of masks, catheters, etc.), and / or device operating parameters. Feedback input in response to a feedback request can be displayed back to the provider or clinician through the provider or clinician portal.

[0178] Figure 4K A data flow diagram is shown in a system that provides communication between a medical device (e.g., RPT device 4000), a patient portal 8030, and a patient survey service 8010.

[0179] Patient survey service 8010 can be implemented on one or more servers, possibly including cloud servers and / or dedicated servers (e.g., server 6030). Patient survey service 8010 can coordinate the management and communication of questions and answers related to demographic and subjective feedback and / or micro-guidance insights, encouragement, and / or resource identification. Figure 4K As shown, the patient survey service 8010 can support sending information (e.g., questions, micro-guidance insights, encouragement, and / or resource identifiers) to patient accounts associated with the medical device. Patient accounts can be accessed via a web application or mobile application running on the local device 4288 or via the RPT device 4000. Patient accounts accessed via the web or mobile application can provide monitoring, reporting, and / or settings for the medical device, guidance for the patient, micro-guidance insights, encouragement, and / or resource identifiers.

[0180] The Patient Survey Service 8020 can notify customers of available questions. These questions become available when they are added to the content management system, for example, through marketing. Questions can be retrieved from the Patient Survey Service 8020 via a GET call. In one instance, a patient account accessed via the web or mobile application can call home and retrieve a question through the patient portal 8030 via an agent. Questions can be provided in JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) format, presenting the question's content and possible answers. The presentation of the question can be embedded as HTML content within the application. Patient accounts accessed via the web or mobile application can send answers back to the Patient Survey Service 8020 through the patient portal 8030 via an agent (e.g., via a POST command).

[0181] The medical device can call home via an agent through MCS device 8024 to retrieve questions, and send the answers back to the patient survey service 8020 via the agent through MCS device 8024 (e.g., via a POST command). GET calls may include the serial number of the medical device used by the patient survey service 8010 to track which questions have been sent to which devices and / or applications.

[0182] According to one aspect, the Patient Survey Service 8010 manages questions, allowing the patient portal to retrieve questions after a predetermined time period (e.g., 48 hours). This minimizes the number of questions asked twice.

[0183] On the other hand, the patient survey service 8010 can manage questions so that they are no longer displayed on patient accounts. In one instance, the patient survey service 8010 can track answered questions on a platform (e.g., a medical device) and not display those questions on patient accounts accessed via the web or mobile application.

[0184] Responses to questions can be received by the patient survey service 8010 from a medical device or patient account accessed via a web or mobile application. The answers can be transmitted to a cloud computing platform 6040 for advanced analysis. The cloud computing platform may include an analytics data lake with data from a large amount of other patient data. Deep neural networks can be used to build models and analyze the received answers. In some instances, the patient survey service 8010 may queue the received answers for use in advanced analysis. Patient survey service 8010 can support the provision of questions and / or answers to remote patient monitoring systems. Remote monitoring can be provided via a web or mobile application running on a remote external device 4286. Remote monitoring can provide a secure, cloud-based patient management system for online patient monitoring, enabling clinicians to quickly access patient data, share clinical insights with other healthcare professionals, and reduce costs associated with patient follow-up. Remote monitoring can receive operational information from medical devices, compliance information, device settings, changes made to device settings, questions posed to patients, and / or answers received from patients. Clinicians can use the data provided by remote monitoring to suggest further changes to patient guidance procedures and / or personalized treatments.

[0185] The Patient Survey Service 8010 can support receiving initial hard-coded questions from a medical device. During manufacturing, the initial questions can be loaded into the medical device. The medical device can generate and receive responses to the initial questions during setup or when predetermined conditions are met (e.g., after the medical device has been used for a predetermined period of time or after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since setup). The initial questions can be transmitted from the medical device to the Patient Survey Service 8010 for distribution to remote monitoring and / or web or mobile applications. In some instances, if the initial questions are not answered on the medical device, they can be retrieved via a web or mobile application. The Patient Survey Service 8010 can track which initial questions have been answered.

[0186] In some instances, the initial questions stored on the medical device may be provided separately by the manufacturer to the patient survey service 8010. In this instance, the patient survey service 8010 may receive the identification of the medical device (e.g., serial number) and the initial questions already stored on the medical device. The initial questions stored on different medical devices may depend on the type of device and / or the functions provided by the device.

[0187] The patient portal 8030 can receive guidance content to provide patients with instructions on how to use the device, how to improve its use, and / or how to obtain better results from it. Guidance services can provide content based on analyses of patient demographics and / or subjective feedback.

[0188] Two-way communication for patient reporting and providing treatment and / or guidance In one form of this technology, a medical device (e.g., an RPT / flow generator) may include bidirectional communication with one or more teleprocessing systems to provide insights into the operation of the medical device and / or patient use of the medical device. The medical device may collect operational and / or patient information (e.g., demographics and / or subjective feedback) and provide this information to another device for processing and reporting to other devices associated with a home medical device (HME) provider and / or other individuals associated with the production, distribution, and / or maintenance of the medical device (provider portal), and / or other individuals associated with managing the treatment of the medical device user (clinician portal). The provider portal and the clinician portal may run the same software program, different modules within the software program, or different software programs customized to the various needs of the HME provider and / or other individuals and clinicians associated with the production, distribution, and / or maintenance of the medical device. The HME provider, clinician, and / or other individuals may use this information to improve production, distribution, maintenance, advise patients, modify settings or treatment parameters, make updates, and / or resolve patient problems.

[0189] In one instance, feedback collected from patients on a medical device or input from a patient portal can be collected and output on a provider portal (or clinical portal) accessible to the HME (or clinician). Feedback data can be filterable to allow the HME and / or clinicians to quickly find, categorize, filter, and / or manually tag patients based on feedback for subsequent actions (e.g., contact, settings changes, guidance recommendations, etc.). In another instance, feedback and / or other data from a medical device (e.g., a traffic generator) or input from a patient / clinical portal can be processed by backend analytics. Instead of pushing it back to the medical device for actions (e.g., settings changes, guidance recommendations, etc.), insights can be pushed to the provider portal (or clinical portal), and possible actions (e.g., one or more notifications, settings, recommendations, etc.) can be pushed to the medical device. Examples of possible actions include notifications, and / or settings for customizing guidance procedures, personalized treatments, and / or targeted follow-up contacts or care. Instead of pushing from the backend of the medical device (e.g., ... Figure 4H and Figure 4J The HME (Hardware Environment Management System) receives motion information from a remote computing system, and can also receive motion information from another device that receives, analyzes, and generates motion information. These other devices can be controlled and managed by the HME and gain insights via a provider portal. In some instances, information collected in the clinical portal (e.g., information from patients and / or entered by clinicians) can be provided to backend systems for processing and / or distributed to other HMEs.

[0190] As will be discussed in more detail, the provider (or clinical) portal can provide insights into multiple patients. The provider (or clinical) portal can provide insights into multiple patients associated with the HME (or clinician) and multiple patients not associated with the HME (or clinician). Sensitive and personal information about multiple patients not associated with the HME is not provided to the HME (e.g., is hidden). The HME can use this information to provide useful information to patients and / or improve the use of medical devices and / or accessories.

[0191] Unlike traditional systems where medical device and / or usage information must be pre-loaded and modified by trained technicians, this technology provides an example of automatically configuring the medical device based on information received by the backend system from the medical device by the device associated with the HME vendor after the device has been deployed for use with the device associated with the HME vendor. Additionally, this technology provides insights into the use of medical devices not previously provided by conventional systems.

[0192] Examples of this technology can improve the operational efficiency of HMEs (or clinicians). For instance, this technology can improve HME patient follow-up efficiency by reducing new patient follow-up calls (e.g., by directing follow-ups via mobile devices and / or browsers, as well as traffic generators or applications; or by effectively focusing follow-up efforts by differentiating users who are more in need of follow-up). Long-term patient adherence can be increased by improving new patient compliance during initial treatment and increasing new patients' confidence in adapting to treatment.

[0193] Examples of this technology can increase compliance with medical device use. After using an RPT device 4000 (e.g., a flow generator) for a predetermined period (e.g., a week or longer of treatment), some patients may still feel fatigued. This group of patients may have lower compliance and poorer long-term adherence, which can be captured by collecting and analyzing patient data. The system can collect data from 100,000 patients and provide insights into medical device use. These insights can help the system or users identify corrective actions, improved instructions, and / or modified therapies that can be used to improve compliance and reduce long-term dropout rates.

[0194] Examples of this technology address the challenges faced by patients who may have difficulty adapting to sleep apnea therapy. For instance, a feedback module provided through the patient portal allows patients to be asked questions such as "How are they feeling?", "How tired have they felt in the past week?", and "How is the treatment progressing?". These questions can be asked multiple times over a period of time (e.g., approximately 5 times during the first 30-day compliance period) to better understand the patient and thus provide them with a higher level of care. These questions can be received via the patient portal from a flow generator (see, for example...). Figures 7A to 8E) or remote devices (e.g., user mobile applications (see example) Figure 6 In some instances, the system can be configured not to ask questions from the traffic generator or patient application.

[0195] On user applications and traffic generators, these issues will lead to follow-up questions about any problems the user is facing and micro-guidance responses, such as Figures 7A to 7F Pre-treatment workflow and Figures 8A to 8E The questions shown in the post-treatment workflow are designed to provide new and / or struggling PAP users with valuable insights into their treatment adaptation journey. Supporting patients with these insights can increase confidence, help them understand and better see the benefits of their treatment, and increase motivation to achieve compliance and long-term adherence. Other follow-up questions can be generated by the clinician (or HME) based on the information received about the patient / medical device and pushed to the user via the clinician (or provider) portal.

[0196] Micro-guidance responses (e.g., insights, encouragement, identification of useful resources, etc.) may be provided to the user in response to questions presented to the user before and / or after treatment. Micro-guidance responses may be provided when the user makes an initial selection of a response to a question and / or when the user confirms their selection of a chosen response. Responses received from the user in response to questions may be subjective and / or non-subjective. The same or different questions may be presented to the user on predetermined dates and / or at predetermined intervals (e.g., days 7, 14, 21, and 28) after predetermined conditions are met (e.g., after initial setup, completion of a predetermined treatment procedure). In one instance, multiple identical questions may be asked on predetermined dates and / or at predetermined intervals. Questions, responses to questions, and guidance responses may be pre-stored on the device and / or received from a remote device, wherein they are generated by the user and / or automatically generated (e.g., based on preset settings, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and / or machine learning).

[0197] In some instances of this technology, one or more check-in questions may be asked at predetermined intervals. Based on the response to the check-in questions, it can be determined whether additional questions (e.g., questions asked at predetermined intervals) should be asked before proceeding to the next predetermined question. In some instances, check-in questions may be asked in response to the detection of one or more predetermined conditions. Predetermined conditions may include detecting operation of the medical device outside of preset parameters (e.g., noise exceeding preset values ​​during use, vibration exceeding preset values, user inability to use the device, and / or detection of air leakage).

[0198] Figure 6The diagram illustrates a user interface that can be provided in an application that runs on a device (e.g., a mobile device (as shown), a computer, a medical device, and / or a browser running on the device). Figure 6 As shown, the user interface may include receiving subjective and non-subjective responses.

[0199] exist Figure 6 In this configuration, the first set of screens 602 to 610 can be displayed on a predetermined date and / or at predetermined intervals, while the second set of screens 612 to 616 can be displayed when a check-in question is provided.

[0200] In the first sequence of screens 602 to 610, the user (screen 602) may first be asked if they have time to provide feedback on the treatment. If the user answers "No, thank you," the system may request feedback again on the next scheduled date and / or when the scheduled interval has expired.

[0201] If the user chooses to provide feedback (OK on screen 602), one or more questions can be displayed simultaneously or sequentially. Figure 6 In the example, two questions are displayed sequentially on screens 604 and 606. Screen 604 displays the first question, "How tired have you been this week?", presented to the user. Screen 606 displays the second question, "How is your treatment progressing?", presented to the user. One or more options for providing responses to the questions can be displayed simultaneously with each question. A sliding scale and / or multiple optional responses can be provided for one or more responses to the questions.

[0202] As shown on screen 604, several optional objects are displayed along with the first question, each corresponding to a different level of how sleepy the user feels. The different optional objects could correspond to "extremely," "very," "moderately," "somewhat," and "not at all," respectively. In screen 604, the fourth object, corresponding to "somewhat sleepy," is selected. Text indicating the degree of sleepiness can be displayed above the optional object. Alternatively, the text representation (e.g., "extremely," "very," "moderately," "somewhat," and "not at all") can itself be an optional object.

[0203] As shown in screen 606, multiple options are displayed simultaneously with the second question. In response to “How is your treatment progressing?”, the options include “Great,” “Goal Achieved,” and “Challenging.” In response to each selection, additional text (e.g., a micro-guidance response) can be displayed to encourage the user to continue the workflow, thus providing guidance. For example, in screen 606, in response to selecting “Challenging,” the encouraging response “We’d like to work on this if possible. Tell us more on the next page.” appears below the options. The same or different encouraging responses can be displayed when one of the options is selected. After selecting one option, the user can continue the workflow (by selecting “Continue” in screen 606) or save their answers and exit the workflow.

[0204] If the user continues the workflow after answering the first and / or second question, the system may display one or more options for resolving the problem identified from the responses to the multiple questions (screen 608). Screen 608 shows three optional options determined based on the responses received from the user to the first and second questions. The optional options include “Habit Therapy,” “Mask Fitting,” and “Use Machine.” In response to an initial selection of one of the responses, a response encouraging continued use of the selected option may be displayed. For example, in response to selecting “Mask Fitting,” screen 608 may display “OK. Try going through the mask setup and see if it helps.” to encourage the user to continue the workflow by selecting “Enter Mask Setup” to perform the mask setup. In response to selecting “Enter Mask Setup,” the mask setup of the RPT device may be initiated (screen 610).

[0205] Although not in Figure 6 The screen shows an option to skip questions, but one or more questions can be provided for the option to skip questions. In some instances, the option to skip questions can be provided only for some questions. When a question is displayed, the option to skip a question can be displayed simultaneously with the question. In another instance, the object providing the option to skip a question can only be displayed after a predetermined time period has elapsed, without receiving a response to the question. The delay in displaying the object with the skip option can encourage users to provide a response before the option to skip the question is provided.

[0206] When providing check-in questions, a second set of screens 612 to 616 may be displayed. Screen 612 asks the user if they have time to answer the questions. Screen 612, including the questions, may be displayed when the user begins using the RPT device, after the completion of RPT device use is detected, during RPT device treatment, and / or when the user checks their sleep score (e.g., myAir score) in the application.

[0207] If the user selects that they have time (OK in screen 612), then screen 614 can display (sequentially or simultaneously) the check-in question “How are you feeling about the treatment?” and several optional responses.

[0208] Depending on the selection, check-in can be completed without requesting additional questions, or additional questions can be displayed to the user. For example, if the user selects "Good progress" and "Done," the system can determine that additional questions and / or micro-guidance responses (e.g., insights, encouragement, identification of helpful resources, etc.) are not required. However, if the user selects "Okay" or "I'm not feeling so good," a micro-guidance response can be provided. For example, if the user selects "Okay," as shown in screen 616, the system can display "We'd like to resolve this if possible. Tell us more on the next page" and provide the option to "Continue" the workflow or save the answer and leave. If the user selects "Continue" in screen 616, the system can display the questions shown in screens 604 and / or 606, and display screens 608 and / or 610 based on the response.

[0209] In some instances of this technology, the selection of a response to a problem may include the processing system receiving first user input in response to a displayed response (e.g., a response in screens 604, 606, 608, 614, or 616). The first input may include touch input received via the display or a selection made by an input device (e.g., a mouse, a touchpad located external to the display, or a physical button on the device). As described above, in response to the first input, a micro-guidance response and / or an indication of what the response represents may be displayed on the screen. In some instances, the first input may include the user moving a cursor over a displayed response, and displaying a micro-guidance response and / or an indication when the cursor is at least partially over one of the displayed responses.

[0210] After receiving the first input, a second input can be used to confirm the selection by the user choosing another displayed object and / or text. Other objects or text may include "OK," "Continue," or "Next." In some instances, confirmation may include a second input receiving a response to the selection made by the first input. Although used for confirmation... Figure 6 The selected object and / or text are displayed on the same screen along with the optional response, but the object and / or text used to confirm the selection can be displayed on a different screen after the selection is made. The different screens can retain or remove the display of the selected response.

[0211] In some instances of this technology, the processing system can be configured to perform speech recognition and can select a response to a question in response to a voice command. The processing system can receive speech data, analyze the speech data, and determine which available response matches the analyzed speech data. It can also analyze the speech data to determine whether the user has said "OK," "Continue," or "Next."

[0212] Figures 7A to 7F The pre-treatment process, including questions and insights, is illustrated within a medical device, but can also be provided outside the medical device (e.g., on a remote device and / or in an application running in a browser). In some instances of this technology, Figures 7A to 7F One or more screens shown may be displayed by a remote device and / or a browser. Figure 7A An overview of the pre-treatment process is shown. Figures 7B to 7F It shows Figure 7A Detailed views of the various sections outlined in the diagram. Figures 7A to 7F The one or more screens shown may be optional and / or may be displayed in different orders, and / or may be combined and displayed simultaneously on the same screen.

[0213] exist Figure 7B During device startup, screen 702 can be displayed, screen 704 can display options for language selection, and screen 706 can provide information on whether the user or a clinician is using the device. Based on the selection of a clinician, screen 708 can be displayed to provide instructions for entering clinical mode.

[0214] Based on the selected user, screens 710 to 716 can be displayed to provide information and instructions regarding obtaining applications associated with the RPT device for use outside the RPT device (e.g., on a smartphone). Screen 716 can provide the user with the option to set up the application or skip the application setup process.

[0215] Based on the user's selection of the setup application (application settings in screen 716), screens 718 to 728 can be displayed to guide the user in setting up the application externally to the RPT device and connecting the RPT device to the external device executing the application. At screen 728, an instruction is provided to the user that the remaining instructions will be provided through the application. Upon completion of the instructions for providing the setup application, the following is displayed: Figure 7F Screen 730. Based on the user's selected settings application (application settings in screen 716), the RPT device can be disabled to request user feedback using the RPT device (e.g., when switching between screens 716 and 718).

[0216] Based on the user's choice not to install the application ("No, thank you" in screen 716), screens 732 to 748 can be displayed to obtain feedback from the user. If the application is installed on an external device, the information in screens 732 to 748 can be displayed in the application.

[0217] On screen 732, the user is given the option to provide feedback. In response to selecting "OK," screens 734 and 736 are displayed to agree to the privacy statement and / or the sharing of the user's health data, respectively. Figure 7C and Figure 7D As shown, users can refuse to provide feedback, consent, and / or share health data.

[0218] Screen 738 shows the user being asked the first question, “When will you start CPAP therapy?”. Screen 738 then displays multiple optional responses and confirmations for continued feedback.

[0219] Screen 740 displays the second question the user was asked: "How sleepy do you usually feel during the day before starting treatment?" along with several optional responses. These optional responses include "extremely," "very," "moderately," "somewhat," and "not at all." Figure 7E and Figure 7F As shown, different screens can be displayed that provide micro-guided responses based on which response is selected.

[0220] If the feedback response from the patient is “extremely” or “very”, the RPT device may display screen 742, including insights such as “X% of extremely or very sleepy users will feel less tired after 4 weeks of treatment.” If the feedback response from the patient is “moderately” or “somewhat”, the RPT device may display screen 744, including insights such as “X% of moderately or somewhat sleepy users will feel less tired after 4 weeks of treatment.” If the feedback response from the patient is “not at all”, the RPT device may display screen 746, including insights such as “CPAP treatment also improves many quality-of-life factors other than sleepiness.” Providing relevant insights in response to feedback can increase patient confidence, help them understand and better see the benefits of their treatment, and increase motivation to continue treatment. While multiple responses in screens 742 through 746 may correspond to the same insight, in some instances of this technology, different insights may be provided for each question. For some questions and answers, the same insight may be provided for all answers.

[0221] After the insights are displayed on screens 742 to 746, screen 748 can be displayed, which indicates that the system will check in with the user after a predetermined number of days to review their status.

[0222] One or more additional issues, with or without micro-guided responses, may be included in Figures 7A to 7F In the workflow shown. For example, Figure 4G to Figure 4K and Figure 6 The problems shown include Figures 7A to 7F In the workflow shown, in one instance, micro-guided responses can be provided for each response to the question presented to the workflow.

[0223] Figures 8A to 8E The post-treatment process, including questions and insights, is illustrated within a medical device, but can also be provided outside the medical device (e.g., on a remote device and / or in an application running in a browser). In some instances of this technology, Figures 8A to 8E One or more screens shown may be displayed by a remote device and / or a browser. Figure 8A An overview of the pre-treatment process is shown. Figures 8B to 8E It shows Figure 8A Detailed views of the various sections outlined in the diagram. Figures 8A to 8E The one or more screens shown may be optional and / or may be displayed in different orders, and / or may be combined and displayed simultaneously on the same screen.

[0224] Screen 802 shows the main screen of the RPT device, which can correspond to Figure 7F Screen 730 is shown. Based on the arrival of a predetermined date (e.g., day 3, 7, 14, 21, 28) and / or after the expiration of a predetermined time period, screen 804 may be displayed, requesting the user if they have time to check in. If the user selects "No, thank you" on screen 804, the user can return to the main screen 802. If the user selects "No, thank you" a predetermined number of times (e.g., 2 times) on screen 804, screen 806 may be displayed to determine whether check-in should be closed. If check-in is enabled on screen 806, the display of screen 804 may be disabled on the RPT device. In some instances, disabling check-in on the RPT device may still maintain check-in enabled on the application associated with the RPT device. In other instances, disabling check-in on the RPT device may disable check-in on the application.

[0225] Based on the user's choice to check in, one or more questions can be displayed to the user. For example... Figure 8B and Figure 8C As shown, different issues can be displayed based on the check-in date. If the check-in is in the first set of dates (e.g., days 7, 14, 21, 28), one or more issues from the first set can be displayed. If the check-in is in the second set of dates (e.g., days 3, 10, 17, 24), one or more issues from the second set can be displayed. One or more issues in the first and second sets can be the same. In some instances, the number of issues displayed to the user in the first set of dates may be greater than the number displayed in the second set of dates.

[0226] Screen 808 displays the first question, which can be shown on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. The first question might ask, “How tired have you felt in the past week?”, with an option to choose an answer from one of “extremely,” “very,” “moderately,” “somewhat,” and “not at all.” In response to each question, different screens 810 to 816 can be displayed with micro-guidance responses (e.g., insights) and optional options to continue the workflow.

[0227] Screen 818 may be displayed after the user chooses to continue with one of screens 810 to 816 or when a question is asked on the second set of dates. Screen 818 may include the question “How is treatment progressing?” and several optional responses. Optional responses may include “Challenging,” “Goal Achieved,” and “Great!”. After selecting one of these responses, the user may be given the option to continue with a screen providing micro-guidance responses. Screen 820 may be displayed when “Great” is selected, and screen 822 may be displayed when “Challenging” or “Goal Achieved” is selected. Screen 820 may provide encouragement and guide the user to the main screen 802 after the user selects “OK.”

[0228] Screen 822 can display another question for the user to identify the area where the user is experiencing a problem. Screen 822 provides optional options such as "mask," "habit therapy," and "device." After the user selects one of the problems, an option to continue is provided.

[0229] In response to one of the optional questions on screen 822, screens 824 through 830 may be displayed. In response to a question about the face mask, screen 824 is displayed to encourage the user to use the application associated with the RPT device to help with mask fit. In response to a question about habituation therapy, screen 826 is displayed to encourage the user to use the application associated with the RPT device to help with therapy adjustments. In response to a question about the device, screen 828 is displayed to encourage the user to use the application associated with the RPT device to help with device setup. Each of screens 824 through 828 may include an option for "Try the application" or "No, thank you," which allows the user to return to the main screen 802. When the user selects to try the application, a screen for obtaining and connecting the application from an external device (e.g., screens 718 through 728) may be displayed on the RPT device.

[0230] While screens 824 to 828 provide the user with the option to try the application, in some instances, screens 824 to 828 may include instructions for resolving the identified problem. For example... Figure 8E As shown, when the user chooses not to try the application, screen 830 can display options for the RPT device to display instructions for checking the mask seal.

[0231] Examples of this technology allow HMEs to achieve efficiency in patient outreach and follow-up. Feedback from patient questions and answers from RPT devices and / or user applications can be combined with treatment data from the user traffic generator in the clinician portal to assist the HME in performing additional levels of triage and allowing for accurate follow-up targeting of the most influential patients. In some instances, data can be provided via a web application view designed to help the HME improve its follow-up efficiency. This view can be integrated with the provider portal software, allowing it to appear as another page within the portal.

[0232] Figures 9A to 9D A representative HME screen that can be displayed according to an example of this technology is shown.

[0233] Figure 9A A sample main view of patient groups / buckets is shown. Patient feedback can be generated by the backend system based on information received from multiple patients and / or patient-associated medical devices (e.g., using information obtained via the patient portal) and provided to the HME.

[0234] Figure 9B An example of a user interface 900 providing patient anomaly management features for the provider portal is shown. Information for patient anomaly management can be generated by a backend system based on information received from multiple patients, patient-associated medical devices, and / or applications, and provided to the HME.

[0235] The user interface 900 can display information about multiple patients (patients 1 to 8), receiving this information from medical devices and / or applications associated with each patient. The user interface 900 provides a corresponding [feature / service] for each patient. Figure 9A The diagram shows a summary of one of the patient feedback groups / buckets. A user can be assigned to one of the patient feedback groups / buckets based on responses to questions received from the user and / or the user's history of operating the RPT device. In one instance, a user may be assigned to one of the patient feedback groups / buckets solely based on responses to questions received from the user. Figure 9B As shown, Patient 1 was assigned to the "challenge treatment" group / bucket, while Patient 2 was assigned to the "persistent somnolence" group / bucket. Each of Patients 1 through 8 was assigned to... Figure 9A One of the patient feedback groups / buckets shown.

[0236] In response to the selection of one of the patients, a detailed view of that patient can be displayed in the user interface 900. Figure 9BIn response to selecting Patient 1, user interface 900 displays a detailed view of Patient 1. The user interface displays Patient 1's date of birth, Patient ID, contact information, whether the user has registered for the application, HME location, and payer information. User interface 900 can also display the user's compliance over multiple days and the feedback received within one or more days. In response to selecting the date on which the user provided feedback, the user's responses to questions can be displayed. For example, in... Figure 9B In the process, selecting day 7 / 26 or 7 / 19 can provide details about the feedback provided by patient 1.

[0237] like Figure 9B As shown, the interface includes options for selecting multiple patient information items. Filtering options can be used to display patients who meet the selected filters. Filters can include filtering based on treatment adherence, sleepiness trends, and / or feedback received from the user. Feedback received from the user can correspond to responses received from the user in response to the displayed questions.

[0238] Multiple patients can include those associated with the HME and those unrelated to the HME. Sensitive information about unrelated patients can be hidden from the provider portal. The HME can use information from both groups of patients to compare their patients' performance (e.g., compliance) with that of other patients and identify areas where performance can be improved. In some instances, information about unrelated patients can be provided statistically, without providing patient-specific information.

[0239] Figure 9C An example of a patient details panel is shown. Figure 9C As shown, select the sleepiness trend filter option, and choose the first patient (Patient 2) from the patients who meet the filter to provide patient-specific information. Patient feedback can be provided to the user on a specific date corresponding to the selected filter. Figure 9C The data shows the dates when the patient selected "Extreme" daytime sleepiness and "Good Progress" in treatment. Patient feedback can also identify specific problems, any self-help attempts made by the user, and / or whether the patient found the device helpful.

[0240] Figure 9D An example is shown that illustrates the logic between optional filtering options and the representations assigned to the user based on responses received from the user. In some instances of this technique, multiple filter groups can be provided, each offering multiple optional filters. One or more filters within each group can be selected. In some instances, a single filter can be selected within each group. Figure 9DAs shown, some filter groups may include filters with a one-to-one correspondence between optional filters and how the user is represented. For example, each treatment adherence filter selectable by the user corresponds to the corresponding treatment adherence applied to the user. Similarly, each feedback-fault filter with user-selectable options corresponds to the corresponding feedback-fault applied to the user. Other filter groups may include multiple optional filter options grouped into individual representations of the user. For example, in Figure 9D In the context of daytime sleepiness, the optional filter options "Extremely" and "Very High" correspond to the user's daytime sleepiness being characterized as "High". The optional filter options "Moderate", "Somewhat", and "Not at all" correspond to the user's daytime sleepiness being characterized as "Low".

[0241] Figure 10A and Figure 10B An example of an interface 950 providing information about multiple patients is shown. The displayed information may include the range of days data is available, patient compliance or noncompliance, and the time when each patient's information was last updated. One or more filters can be selected to filter the displayed information for multiple patients. Figure 10B As shown, compliance or non-compliance can be displayed on a daily basis, along with options for generating questions and / or transmitting them to the patient (e.g., via a medical device and / or an application running on a mobile device linked to the medical device). Questions can be pre-stored by the user or generated in real time. Questions might include "How does the patient feel about the treatment?", what problems they are facing (i.e., masks, machines, etc.).

[0242] In some instances, micro-guidance responses to selected responses (e.g., insights, encouragement, identification of helpful resources, etc.) can be pre-stored by the user or generated in real time. In response to a selected patient (e.g., Figure 10B For patient 3), interface 950 can display the questions and responses presented to the patient. In response to the option to view all feedback, responses received from the patient can be displayed. This interface provides patients displayed to the user that can be filtered by username, location, status, notifications, and / or treatment mode.

[0243] Figure 11A and Figure 11B An additional example of an interface 980 providing information about multiple patients is shown. The interface includes wireless and all patient views, as well as drop-down menu (new page) screens—with specific feedback content. Figure 11A In response to selecting the feedback icon for patient 4, interface 980 displays feedback including the questions presented or planned to be presented to patient 4, along with the responses. Responses to the questions entered by the patient can be displayed by selecting "View All Feedback." Figure 11BIn response to selecting the feedback icon for patient 3, feedback including the questions presented or planned to be presented to patient 3 and their responses is displayed in interface 980. Responses to the questions entered by the patient can be displayed by selecting "View All Feedback".

[0244] In some instances, information about the patient can be used by the user during their conversation with the patient (remotely or in person). The conversation can be conducted via options provided on the medical device or via an application running on a mobile device. In some instances, the interface provides options to contact the patient and begin a conversation.

[0245] In some instances, information can be collected from patients at predetermined intervals or on specific dates (automatically or via displayed questions). For example, data can be collected on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28, but is not limited to these. In some instances, the dates for data collection can be preset (e.g., to days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28) so that multiple medical devices provide data at the same intervals and / or dates, thus providing an appropriate frequency and dates for most HMEs. The same duration and / or number of days used for data collection can allow for better comparison of data from multiple patients.

[0246] Information provided in the interface (e.g., information about the patient, device, device use, and patient feedback) can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of how medical devices and / or accessories (e.g., specific face masks) are used and / or in treatment and / or in patient training. This information can be used to modify medical devices, accessories, therapies, and / or patient training. As an example, the interface can share patient-reported somnolence information (e.g., collected on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28) already collected through the user application with the HME. Somnolence information and / or other information can provide new opportunities to better understand patients and improve patient treatment efficacy, compliance, and adherence.

[0247] Feedback data points provided in the HME portal (e.g., from...) Figures 10A to 11B The interface shown can support additional insights and further improve the effectiveness of the user feedback module in helping HMEs (or clinicians) help patients achieve compliance and long-term adherence. For example, patients who report feeling drowsy after several weeks of treatment may have worse compliance and long-term adherence compared to patients who feel less tired. This insight could, for example, indicate which group of patients did not feel less tired after several weeks of treatment and who experienced worse compliance and higher dropout rates over a longer period.

[0248] In some examples of this technology, Figure 9B , Figure 9C , Figure 10A , Figure 10B , Figure 11A and / or Figure 11B The user interface can be provided and / or executed by external device 4286, server 6030 and / or cloud computing platform 6040. Figure 9B , Figure 9C , Figure 10A , Figure 10B , Figure 11A and / or Figure 11B The user interface shows the features related to the operation.

[0249] External device 4286, server 6030, and / or cloud computing platform 6040 may include communication circuitry configured to communicate with multiple respiratory pressure therapy devices 4000, 6062, and 6064 and other devices (e.g., local external device 4288) executing applications associated with the multiple respiratory pressure therapy devices, as well as a processing system including memory and at least one hardware processor coupled to the communication circuitry. The processing system may, for example, control a display to show... Figure 9B , Figure 9C , Figure 10A , Figure 10B , Figure 11A and / or Figure 11B The user interface is shown. The processing system can also receive information to be displayed in the user interface (e.g., patient information, respiratory pressure therapy device usage history, and responses to problems) from the respiratory pressure therapy device and / or applications associated with it. The user interface can display a list of patients associated with multiple respiratory pressure therapy devices and applications, as well as optional filters for filtering the patients displayed in the list. The displayed list of patients can be filtered in response to the selection of one or more filters. In response to receiving a selection of a patient in the patient list or a filtered list, information about the selected patient's use of the respiratory pressure therapy device can be displayed.

[0250] In some instances, the processing system may transmit information to a respiratory pressure therapy device and / or an application associated with the device. The transmitted information may include questions, responses to those questions, personalized therapies, and / or guidance information. As described above, the transmitted information may be transmitted in real time in response to responses received from the patient. The transmitted information may be user-generated and / or automatically generated (e.g., based on preset settings, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and / or machine learning).

[0251] Examples of this technology can be implemented in on-demand cloud computing platforms, which can be configured to perform machine learning using data received from multiple patient / medical devices. The cloud computing system can be Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Intelligent Cloud, Google Cloud, IBM Cloud, Oracle Cloud, or another cloud computing service.

[0252] In one form of this technology, Figure 4G The memory of one or more devices shown may serve as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer program instructions representing one or more methods described herein. As used herein, the term "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium" includes registers, cache memory, ROM, semiconductor memory devices (such as D-RAM, S-RAM, or other RAM), magnetic media such as flash memory, hard disks, magneto-optical media, optical media such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs, or other types of devices for non-transitory electronic data storage. The term "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium" does not include the transient propagation of electromagnetic signals.

[0253] Oxygen delivery In one form of this technology, supplemental oxygen 4180 is delivered to one or more points in the pneumatic path (such as upstream of pneumatic block 4020), to air circuit 4170, and / or to patient interface 3000.

[0254] humidifier In one form of this technology, a humidifier 5000 is provided (e.g., such as...). Figure 5A As shown), to change the absolute humidity of the air or gas delivered to the patient relative to the ambient air. Typically, a humidifier 5000 is used to increase the absolute humidity of the airflow and increase the temperature of the airflow (relative to the ambient air) before it is delivered to the patient's airway.

[0255] The humidifier 5000 may include a humidifier reservoir 5110, a humidifier inlet 5002 for receiving airflow, and a humidifier outlet 5004 for delivering humidified airflow. In some forms, such as Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the inlet and outlet of the humidifier reservoir 5110 can be a humidifier inlet 5002 and a humidifier outlet 5004, respectively. The humidifier 5000 may also include a humidifier base 5006, which may be adapted to accommodate the humidifier reservoir 5110 and include a heating element 5240.

[0256] According to one arrangement, the reservoir 5110 includes: a conductive portion 5120 configured to allow heat to be effectively transferred from the heating element 5240 to a certain volume of liquid in the reservoir 5110; and a humidifier reservoir base 5130 (e.g., Figure 5B As shown), it is configured to accommodate a humidifier reservoir 5110, wherein a locking lever 5135 is configured to retain the reservoir 5110 and / or the water level indicator 5150 (as shown). Figures 5A to 5B (as shown); and / or one or more humidifier transducers (sensors) 5210 replacing the transducer 4270, or other than the transducer 4270. For example... Figure 5C As shown, the humidifier transducer 5210 may include a pressure sensor 5212, Air One or more of a flow rate transducer 5214, a temperature sensor 5216, or a humidity sensor 5218. The humidifier transducer 5210 can generate one or more output signals that can be transmitted to a controller (such as a central controller 4230 and / or a humidifier controller 5250). In some forms, the humidifier transducer can be located external to the humidifier 5000 (e.g., in the air circuit 4170) while still transmitting output signals to the controller.

[0257] According to one arrangement of the present technology, the calculator 5000 may include, as follows: Figure 5C The humidifier controller 5250 is shown. In one form, the humidifier controller 5250 may be part of a central controller 4230. In another form, the humidifier controller 5250 may be a standalone controller that can communicate with the central controller 4230.

[0258] In one embodiment, the humidifier controller 5250 may receive measurements of, for example, airflow, water in the reservoir 5110, and / or characteristics of the humidifier 5000 (such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and / or flow rate) as inputs. The humidifier controller 5250 may also be configured to execute or implement humidifier algorithms and / or deliver one or more output signals.

[0259] like Figure 5C As shown, the humidifier controller 5250 may include one or more controllers, such as a central humidifier controller 5251, a heated air circuit controller 5254 configured to control the temperature of the heated air circuit 4171, and / or a heating element controller 5252 configured to control the temperature of the heating element 5240.

[0260] Examples of humidifier components are described in PCT application PCT / AU2014 / 050426 (WO2015089582), which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0261] Respiratory pressure therapy mode The parameters in the therapeutic pressure equation (1) used by the therapeutic parameter determination algorithm 4329 in one form of this technology are based on the therapeutic parameters in this technology. A and P With a value of 0, the RPT device 4000 can implement various respiratory pressure therapy modes.

[0262] CPAP therapy In some implementations of this form of the technology, amplitude A Equal to zero, therefore treatment pressure Pt Completely equal to baseline pressure throughout the entire respiratory cycle P 0. This implementation is typically grouped under the heading of CPAP therapy. In this implementation, the therapy engine module 4320 does not need to determine the phase. or waveform template In step 4560, the central controller 4230 sets the base pressure. P 0 reduces a decrease by only one factor, which is the reduction in the base pressure. P 0 will not decrease to minimum treatment pressure Pmin The following. Method 4500 then returns to step 4520. In one implementation, the reduction and P 0- Pmin The value is proportional to the event that, in the absence of any detected event, the event is not affected. P 0 to minimum treatment pressure Pmin The decrease is exponential. In one implementation, the scaling constant is set such that... P The time constant of exponential decrease of 0 It is 60 minutes, and with minimal treatment pressure. Pmin It is 4 cmH2O. In other embodiments, the time constant is... It can range from as low as 1 minute to as high as 300 minutes, or from as low as 5 minutes to as high as 180 minutes. Among other implementations, minimal treatment pressure is... Pmin It can be as low as 0 cmH2O and as high as 8 cmH2O, or as low as 2 cmH2O and as high as 6 cmH2O. Alternatively, P The reduction to 0 can be predetermined, so that in the absence of any detected event, P Reduce to minimum treatment pressure Pmin It is linear.

[0263] Bilevel therapy In other implementations of this form of the technology, the amplitude in equation (1) A The value can be positive. This implementation is called bilevel therapy because it uses values ​​with positive amplitudes. A Equation (1) determines the treatment pressure PtAt the same time, the therapy parameter determination algorithm 4329 oscillates between two values ​​or levels in sync with the patient's spontaneous breathing effort of 1000, controlling the therapeutic pressure. Pt In other words, based on the above typical waveform templates... The therapy parameter determination algorithm 4329 determines the therapy pressure at the beginning or during exhalation or during inhalation. Pt Increase to P 0+ A (This is called IPAP), and therapeutic pressure is applied at the start of or during exhalation. Pt Reduce to basic pressure P 0 (referred to as EPAP).

[0264] In some forms of bilevel therapy, IPAP is a therapeutic pressure that serves the same purpose as the therapeutic pressure in the CPAP therapy modality, and EPAP is IPAP minus its amplitude. A The amplitude A has a “small” value (a few cmH2O) sometimes referred to as expiratory pressure release (EPR). This form is sometimes referred to as CPAP therapy using EPR, which is generally considered more comfortable than direct CPAP therapy. In CPAP therapy using EPR, both IPAP and EPAP can be hard-coded or manually entered as constant values ​​into the RPT device 4000. Alternatively, the therapy parameter determination algorithm 4329 can repeatedly calculate IPAP and / or EPAP during CPAP with EPR. In this alternative, the therapy parameter determination algorithm 4329 repeatedly calculates EPAP and / or IPAP as a function of an indicator or measure of sleep-disordered breathing returned by the corresponding algorithm in the therapy engine module 4320, in a manner similar to the basal pressure in the APAP therapy described above. P Calculation of 0.

[0265] In other forms of bilevel therapy, amplitude A Large enough for an RPT device 4000 to perform some or all of the breathing work for a patient 1000. In this form of therapy known as pressure support ventilation, the amplitude... A It is known as pressure support or oscillation. In pressure support ventilation therapy, IPAP is the baseline pressure. P 0 plus pressure support A And EPAP is the base pressure. P 0.

[0266] In some forms of pressure support ventilation therapy known as fixed pressure support ventilation, pressure support A It is fixed at a predetermined value, such as 10 cmH2O. The predetermined pressure support value is the setting of the RPT device 4000 and can be set, for example, by hard coding during the configuration of the RPT device 4000 or by manual input via the input device 4220.

[0267] In other forms of pressure support ventilation therapy, widely known as servo ventilation, the therapy parameter determination algorithm 4329 uses some currently measured or estimated parameters of the respiratory cycle (e.g., current measurements of tidal volume) to determine the respiratory cycle parameters. Vent ) and the target value of that respiratory parameter (e.g., the target value of ventilation). Vtgt The parameters of equation (1) are repeatedly adjusted as input to bring the current measured value of the respiratory parameter close to the target value. In a form of servo ventilation known as adaptive servo ventilation (ASV), which has been used to treat CSR, the respiratory parameter is the tidal volume, and the target tidal volume value is... Vtgt Algorithm 4328, which determines the target ventilation rate, is based on typical recent ventilation rates. Vtyp The calculations are as described above.

[0268] In some forms of servo ventilation, the therapy parameter determination algorithm 4329 applies control methods to repeatedly calculate pressure support. A This is to ensure that the current measured values ​​of respiratory parameters are close to the target values. One such control method is proportional-integral (PI) control. In one implementation of PI control, the target ventilation rate is... Vtgt It was set to be slightly less than the typical recent ventilation. Vtyp ASV mode, stress support A Repeatedly calculated as: (2) in G This is the gain of the PI control. G Larger values ​​can lead to positive feedback in the healing engine module 4320. Gain G Smaller values ​​of this can allow for some residual untreated CSR or central sleep apnea. In some implementations, the gain... G Fixed at a predetermined value, such as -0.4 cmH2O / (L / min) / sec. Alternatively, the gain... G The value can be varied between treatment sessions, starting small and increasing between sessions until a value that essentially eliminates CSR is reached. In such an implementation, conventional methods for retrospectively analyzing treatment sessions to assess the severity of CSR during the treatment period can be employed. In other implementations, gain... G Based on the current measured value of ventilation Vent target ventilation Vtgt The difference between them varies.

[0269] Other servo ventilation control methods that can be applied to algorithm 4329 by determining the therapeutic parameters include proportional (P), proportional-derivative (PD), and proportional-integral-derivative (PID).

[0270] Pressure support calculated by equation A The value can be limited to a value defined as [ Amin , Amax The scope of []. In this implementation, pressure support A Minimum stress support by default Amin Until the current ventilation volume Vent The measured value dropped to the target ventilation rate. Vtgt Below, at this point A Start to increase, only when Vent Exceeded again Vtgt It was only then that it returned to Amin .

[0271] Pressure support limit Amin and Amax This refers to the settings of the RPT device 4000, which are configured, for example, by hard coding or by manual input via the input device 4220 during the configuration of the RPT device 4000.

[0272] In pressure support ventilation therapy, EPAP is the baseline pressure. P 0. Baseline pressure during CPAP therapy P Similar to 0, EPAP can be a constant value specified or determined during titration. Such a constant EPAP can be set, for example, by hard coding during the configuration of the RPT device 4000 or by manual input via the input device 4220. This alternative is sometimes referred to as fixed EPAP pressure support ventilation therapy. EPAP titration for a given patient can be performed by the clinician during titration using PSG to prevent obstructive apnea, thereby maintaining the baseline pressure consistent with constant CPAP therapy. P Titration of 0 is similar to maintaining an open airway for pressure support ventilation therapy.

[0273] Alternatively, the treatment parameter determination algorithm 4329 can repeatedly calculate the baseline pressure during pressure support ventilation therapy. P 0. In this implementation, the treatment parameter determination algorithm 4329 repeatedly calculates EPAP as a function of an index or measure of sleep-disordered breathing returned by the corresponding algorithm in the treatment engine module 4320, such as flow restriction, apnea, hypopnea, patency, and snoring, or one or more of these. Because the continuous calculation of EPAP is similar to the manual adjustment of EPAP by a clinician during EPAP titration, this process is sometimes referred to as automatic EPAP titration, and the treatment mode is referred to as automatic titration EPAP pressure support ventilation therapy or automatic EPAP pressure support ventilation therapy.

[0274] Glossary To achieve the purposes of this technical disclosure, one or more of the following definitions may be applied in certain forms of this technology. Alternative definitions may be applied in other forms of this technology.

[0275] General Rules Air In some forms of this technology, air may be considered to mean atmospheric air, and in other forms of this technology, air may be considered to mean some other combination of breathable gases, such as oxygen-rich atmospheric air.

[0276] environment In some forms of this technology, the term "environment" may have the following meanings: (i) outside the treatment system or the patient, and (ii) directly surrounding the treatment system or the patient.

[0277] For example, the ambient humidity relative to a humidifier can be the humidity of the air immediately surrounding the humidifier, such as the humidity inside the patient's bedroom. This ambient humidity can differ from the humidity outside the patient's bedroom.

[0278] In another instance, environmental stress can be stress that is directly around the body or external to the body.

[0279] In some forms, ambient (e.g., acoustic) noise can be considered as the background noise level in the patient's room, excluding noise generated by, for example, the RPT device or from the mask or patient interface. Ambient noise can be generated by sound sources outside the room.

[0280] Automated positive airway pressure (APAP) therapy The treatment pressure is automatically adjustable between minimum and maximum for CPAP therapy, for example, varying with each breath, depending on the presence of an indication of an SDB event.

[0281] Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy The treatment pressure can be approximately constant throughout the patient's respiratory cycle. In some forms, the pressure at the airway inlet is slightly higher during expiration and slightly lower during inspiration. In other forms, the pressure will vary between different respiratory cycles, for example, increasing in response to the detection of an indication of partial upper airway obstruction and decreasing when no indication of partial upper airway obstruction is present.

[0282] Flow rate Flow velocity refers to the volume (or mass) of air transported per unit time. Flow velocity can refer to an instantaneous quantity. In some cases, the reference for flow velocity will be a scalar reference, i.e., a quantity that only has a value. In other cases, the reference for flow velocity will be a vector reference, i.e., a quantity that has both a value and a direction. Flow velocity can be symbolically... Q The term "flow rate" is sometimes simply abbreviated as "flow rate" or "airflow".

[0283] In the example of patient breathing, the flow rate may be nominally positive for the inspiratory portion of the patient's respiratory cycle, and thus negative for the expiratory portion of the patient's respiratory cycle. Total flow rate Qt is the flow rate of air leaving the RPT device. Ventilation flow rate Qv is the flow rate of air leaving the vent to allow exhaled gas to be discharged. Leak flow rate Ql is the flow rate of leakage from the patient interface system or elsewhere. Respiratory flow rate Qr is the flow rate of air inhaled into the patient's respiratory system.

[0284] humidifier : The term humidifier shall be understood to refer to a humidification device that is constructed and arranged or configured with a physical structure, and is capable of providing a therapeutically beneficial amount of water (H2O) vapor to an air flow to improve a patient's medical respiratory condition.

[0285] leakage : The term leak shall be understood to mean an unintended air flow. In one example, a leak may occur due to an incomplete seal between the mask and the patient's face. In another example, a leak may occur in a swivel elbow leading to the environment.

[0286] Conducted noise (acoustic) : Conducted noise in this document refers to noise carried to the patient by pneumatic paths, such as the air circuit, patient interface and the air therein. In one form, conducted noise may be quantified by measuring the sound pressure level at the end of the air circuit.

[0287] Radiated noise (acoustic) : Radiated noise in this document refers to noise carried to the patient by ambient air. In one form, radiated noise may be quantified by measuring the sound power / pressure level of the object in question in accordance with ISO 3744.

[0288] Noise, ventilation (acoustic) : Ventilation noise in this document refers to noise generated by air flow through any vent, such as a vent opening of a patient interface.

[0289] Suffering Patient: a human being, regardless of whether they suffer from a respiratory disorder.

[0290] pressure: Force per unit area. Pressure may be expressed in a range of units, including cmH2O, g-f / cm 2 and hectopascal. 1 cmH2O is equal to 1 g-f / cm 2 , and is approximately 0.98 hectopascal. In the present specification, unless otherwise stated, pressures are given in units of cmH2O.

[0291] Pressure in the patient interface is represented by symbols Pm Give, and treat stress with symbols Pt The treatment pressure is given as the pressure exerted through the mask at the current moment. Pm The target value to be achieved.

[0292] Respiratory Pressure Therapy (RPT) Air supply is applied to the airway inlet under a treatment pressure that is normally positive relative to the atmosphere.

[0293] Ventilator Mechanical devices that provide pressure support to patients to perform some or all of their breathing tasks.

[0294] respiratory cycle Sleep apnea According to some definitions, apnea is considered to occur when the flow rate drops below a predetermined threshold for a sustained period of time (e.g., 10 seconds). Obstructive apnea is considered to occur when, despite the patient's efforts, some obstruction of the airway prevents airflow. Central apnea is considered to occur when apnea is detected due to reduced or absent respiratory effort, even though the airway is patent. Mixed apnea is considered to occur when reduced or absent respiratory effort occurs simultaneously with an obstructed airway.

[0295] respiratory rate The frequency of a patient's spontaneous breathing is usually measured in breaths per minute.

[0296] Duty cycle Inhalation time Ti Percentage of total breathing time Ttot The ratio of .

[0297] Try to breathe. The work that spontaneously breathing people do by trying to breathe.

[0298] The expiratory portion of the respiratory cycle: The time period from the start of expiratory flow rate to the start of inspiratory flow rate.

[0299] Traffic limits Flow restriction is considered a working state of a patient's breathing where increased effort does not result in a corresponding increase in flow. Flow restriction occurring during the inspiratory portion of the respiratory cycle can be described as inspiratory flow restriction. Flow restriction occurring during the expiratory portion of the respiratory cycle can be described as expiratory flow restriction.

[0300] Types of flow-limited inhalation waveforms: (i) Flatten First it rises, then there is a relatively flat section, and then it falls.

[0301] (ii) M-shaped It has two local peaks, one at the leading edge and one at the trailing edge, as well as a relatively flat portion between the two peaks.

[0302] (iii) Chair-shaped It has a single local peak located at the leading edge, followed by a relatively flat region.

[0303] (iv) Inverted chair shape It has a relatively flat section, followed by a single local peak located at the trailing edge.

[0304] Insufficient breathing According to some definitions, inadequate breathing is considered a reduction in flow, not a cessation of flow. In one form, inadequate breathing can be considered to occur when the flow rate decreases below a threshold rate over a period of time. Central inadequate breathing is considered to have occurred when inadequate breathing is detected due to a reduction in respiratory effort. In one form in adults, any of the following can be considered inadequate breathing: (i) The patient's breathing decreases by 30% for at least 10 seconds plus a related 4% desaturation; or (ii) The patient’s breathing decreases (but less than 50%) for at least 10 seconds, accompanied by at least 3% of related desaturation or arousal.

[0305] hyperventilation Traffic volume increased to above normal levels.

[0306] Inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle The period from the start of inspiratory flow to the start of expiratory flow is considered the inspiratory portion of the respiratory cycle.

[0307] Airway patency The degree to which the airway is open or the degree to which the airway is open. A patent airway is open. Airway patency can be quantified, for example, a value of one (1) indicates patentness, and a value of zero (0) indicates closure (obstruction).

[0308] Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) The pressure above atmospheric pressure that exists in the lungs at the end of exhalation.

[0309] Peak flow rate (Q peak) : The maximum value of the inspiratory flow rate in the respiratory flow waveform.

[0310] respiratory flow rate patient Airflow velocity, respiratory airflow velocity (Qr) These synonymous terms can be understood as referring to the RPT device's estimation of respiratory flow rate, as opposed to "true respiratory flow rate" or "real respiratory rate," which is the actual respiratory flow rate experienced by the patient, usually expressed in liters per minute.

[0311] Tidal volume (Vt) Inspiratory volume: The amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing, without additional effort. In principle, inspiratory volume... Vi The amount of air inhaled is equal to the amount of air exhaled. Ve (The amount of air exhaled), therefore, the tidal volume per breath. Vt It can be defined as equal to any quantity. In fact, tidal volume... Vt Estimated as inspiratory volume Vi and expiratory volume Ve A combination of, for example, the average.

[0312] (Inhalation) Time (Ti) The duration of the inspiratory portion of the respiratory flow waveform.

[0313] (Exhalation) Time (Te) The duration of the expiratory portion of the respiratory flow waveform.

[0314] (Total) Time (Ttot) The total duration between the start of the inspiratory portion of a respiratory flow waveform and the start of the inspiratory portion of a subsequent respiratory flow waveform.

[0315] Typical recent ventilation Ventilation volume at a predetermined time scale Vent The recent values ​​of ventilation volume tend to be concentrated, that is, the measured value of the recent concentration trend of ventilation volume.

[0316] Upper airway obstruction (UAO) This includes partial and complete upper airway obstruction. This may be related to a flow-limiting state, where the flow rate increases only slightly, or may even decrease as the pressure differential in the upper airway increases (Starling resistor behavior).

[0317] ventilation ( Vent Minute ventilation is a measurement of the rate at which gases are exchanged by a patient's respiratory system. Measurements can include one or both of inspiratory and expiratory flow rates (per unit of time). When expressed as volume per minute, this quantity is often referred to as "minute ventilation." Minute ventilation is sometimes simply expressed as volume and understood as volume per minute.

[0318] Other notes This patent document contains a portion of copyrighted material. The copyright holder does not object to the reproduction of these patent documents or patent disclosures by any person in the form they appear in the patent office documents or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights.

[0319] Unless explicitly stated in the context and a numerical range is provided, it should be understood that every intermediate value between the upper and lower limits of the range, up to one-tenth of the lower limit unit, and any other value or intermediate value within the range are broadly included within this technique. The upper and lower limits of these intermediate ranges may be included independently within the intermediate range and also within the scope of this technique, but are subject to any explicitly excluded boundaries within the range. Where a range includes one or both of the limit values, this technique also includes ranges that exclude any one or both of those included limit values.

[0320] Furthermore, where one or more values ​​described herein are implemented as part of this technique, it should be understood that such values ​​may be approximate unless otherwise stated, and such values ​​may be used to the extent permitted or required by the practical implementation of the technique for any appropriate valid digits.

[0321] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. While any methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein may also be used in the practice or testing of this technology, a limited number of exemplary methods and materials are described herein.

[0322] When a particular material is determined to be used for constructing a component, obvious alternative materials with similar properties may be used as substitutes. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, any and all components described herein are to be understood as being capable of being manufactured and therefore can be manufactured together or separately.

[0323] It must be noted that, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include their plural equivalents.

[0324] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference to disclose and describe the methods and / or materials that are the subject of those publications. The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of this application. This document should not be construed as an admission that the present technology is not entitled to any prior disclosure by virtue of a prior invention. Furthermore, the publication dates provided may differ from the actual publication dates, which may require independent verification.

[0325] The terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be understood as referring to each element, component, or step in a non-exclusive manner, indicating the marked element, component, or step that may be present or utilized, or a combination with other unmarked elements, components, or steps.

[0326] The headings used in the detailed description are for convenience of the reader only and should not be used to limit the subjects that can be found throughout the invention or the claims. These headings should not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims.

[0327] While specific examples have been referenced herein to describe the technology, it should be understood that these examples are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the technology. In some cases, terms and symbols may imply specific details not required by the practical art. For example, although the terms "first" and "second" may be used, unless otherwise stated, they are not intended to indicate any order but rather to distinguish different elements. Furthermore, although process steps in a method may be described or illustrated in sequence, such order is not required. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such order can be modified and / or aspects may be performed simultaneously or even concurrently.

[0328] Therefore, it should be understood that numerous modifications can be made to the exemplary instances described, and that other arrangements can be designed without departing from the spirit and scope of this technology.

[0329] List of reference numerals

Claims

1. A respiratory pressure therapy system for providing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to a patient, the respiratory pressure therapy system comprising: A flow generator configured to generate a supply of breathable gas for delivery to the patient, wherein the breathable gas is output from the flow generator at a pressure level above atmospheric pressure; At least one sensor, the at least one sensor being configured to measure a physical quantity while the breathable gas is being supplied to the patient; A computing device, including a memory and at least one hardware processor, is configured to control the respiratory pressure therapy system to: Before using the respiratory pressure therapy system for the first time to provide therapy to the patient: One or more demographic questions related to the patient's demographic information and multiple optional responses to the one or more demographic questions are displayed on a display device; In response to displaying the one or more demographic questions, receive one or more inputs to select one or more of the optional responses to the one or more demographic questions; A first question related to subjective feedback from the patient and multiple optional responses to the first question are displayed on the display device; In response to displaying the first question, receive a first input selecting one of the optional responses to the first question; as well as In response to receiving the first input, a first guidance response from a plurality of guidance responses is displayed, the plurality of guidance responses corresponding to a selected response to the first question, wherein each of the optional responses to the first question related to subjective feedback corresponds to a different guidance response from the plurality of guidance responses; as well as During the use of the respiratory pressure therapy system to provide therapy to the patient: Receive sensor data based on the measured physical properties of the supply of the breathable gas from the at least one sensor; as well as Based on received sensor data and one or more inputs for selecting one or more alternative responses to one or more demographic questions, the flow generator is controlled to adjust the characteristics of the supply of the breathable gas delivered to the patient.

2. The respiratory pressure therapy system of claim 1, wherein the computing device is further configured to control the respiratory pressure therapy system to: After displaying the first guidance response, in response to receiving a second input to continue, the selected response to the first question is transmitted to the remote processing system; Receive settings for the respiratory pressure therapy system from the remote processing system; as well as The control settings of the respiratory pressure therapy system are adjusted based on the received settings.

3. The respiratory pressure therapy system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of guided responses corresponding to the plurality of optional responses are stored in the memory.

4. The respiratory pressure therapy system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of guidance responses corresponding to the plurality of optional responses are received from a remote processing system.

5. The respiratory pressure therapy system of claim 2, wherein the first guidance response includes insights and / or encouragement to the user of the respiratory pressure therapy system.

6. The respiratory pressure therapy system of claim 2, wherein the computing device is further configured to control the respiratory pressure therapy system to: in response to receiving the second input to continue, display a second guidance response corresponding to the response to the first problem selected.

7. The respiratory pressure therapy system of claim 6, wherein displaying the second guidance response includes displaying a plurality of optional options, each of which corresponds to addressing a different problem when using the respiratory pressure therapy system.

8. The respiratory pressure therapy system of claim 7, wherein the plurality of optional options include using an application associated with the respiratory pressure therapy system to guide the user of the respiratory pressure therapy system in resolving problems when using the respiratory pressure therapy system.

9. The respiratory pressure therapy system of claim 6, wherein the computing device is further configured to control the respiratory pressure therapy system to: display a second question related to subjective feedback and a plurality of optional responses to the second question after receiving the second input to continue; In response to displaying the second question, a third input is received to select one of the optional responses to the second question; In response to receiving the third input to continue, a third guiding response corresponding to the selected response to the second question is displayed; as well as After displaying the third guidance response, in response to receiving a fourth input to continue, the selected response to the second question is transmitted to the remote processing system.

10. The respiratory pressure therapy system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first question concerns the effectiveness of the therapy provided by the respiratory pressure therapy system for the user of the respiratory pressure therapy system.

11. The respiratory pressure therapy system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first problem and the plurality of optional responses to the first problem are displayed at predetermined time intervals.

12. The respiratory pressure therapy system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein when the respiratory pressure therapy system is first used by a user of the respiratory pressure therapy system, the user is shown the first problem and the plurality of optional responses to the first problem.

13. The respiratory pressure therapy system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first problem and the plurality of optional responses to the first problem are displayed to the user on a predetermined date from when the user of the respiratory pressure therapy system begins to use the system.

14. The respiratory pressure therapy system of claim 2, wherein the computing device is further configured to control the respiratory pressure therapy system to: Additional settings of the respiratory pressure therapy system are determined by receiving a transmitted response to the first question from a system associated with the clinician.

15. The respiratory pressure therapy system of claim 14, wherein the system associated with the clinician is an on-demand cloud computing platform configured to perform machine learning using data received from multiple patients.

16. The respiratory pressure therapy system of claim 14, further comprising the system associated with the clinician, and the system associated with the clinician being configured to determine a customized guidance procedure for the patient based on a response to a problem transmitted from the computing device to the teleprocessing system.

17. The respiratory pressure therapy system of claim 14, further comprising the system associated with the clinician, and the system associated with the clinician being configured to determine a personalized therapy for the patient based on a response to a problem transmitted from the computing device to the teleprocessing system.

18. The respiratory pressure therapy system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a patient interface configured to engage with at least one airway of the patient and supply breathable gas to the patient.

19. The respiratory pressure therapy system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first problem includes problems related to subjective feedback from the patient regarding the use of the respiratory pressure therapy system.

20. The respiratory pressure therapy system of claim 2, further comprising the teleprocessing system, wherein the teleprocessing system is configured to determine a customized guidance procedure for the patient based on a response to a problem transmitted from the computing device to the teleprocessing system.

21. The respiratory pressure therapy system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the settings and additional settings and / or customized instructions of the respiratory pressure therapy system are received via an application, website, email and / or mobile device associated with the patient.

Images