Information and control system for an operating room

Abstract

Information and control system (14) for at least one operating room (2), comprising a control unit (16) for controlling and monitoring technical functions in the operating room (2), such as controlling room conditions by means of a climate control system, or by controlling room elements, as well as monitoring safety-relevant room conditions, wherein - within the operating room (2) a combined input and display unit (18) is arranged, via which ◯ Control commands can be entered to control at least some of the technical functions and via which further ◯ Status information can be entered regarding a current usage situation, such as occupancy, and / or a current request, such as a request for medical or technical staff for room service. - outside the operating room (2) a display unit (22) is installed which is connected to the control unit (16) and which is designed to display the entered status information and preferably status information about the current state of at least some of the technical functions.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an information and control system for at least one operating room.

[0002] Operating rooms for medical treatment are specialized, high-tech facilities that, for cost reasons, require the highest possible occupancy rate. It is crucial that workflows are coordinated, for example, between operations. Due to the unpredictability of operating times, this presents special challenges.

[0003] In addition, there is a requirement that, for example, in the event of unforeseen events during an operation, measures such as additional support from medical personnel can be requested quickly.

[0004] For the medical staff in the operating room itself, the operation of the various devices and installations within the operating room as well as monitoring, for example, the climatic conditions in the operating room should be intuitive and as simple as possible.

[0005] Based on this, the invention is based on the object of specifying an information and control system for at least one operating room, with the aid of which an improved operation of an operating room is possible.

[0006] The object is achieved according to the invention by an information and control system for at least one operating room having the features of claim 1.

[0007] This information and control system features a control unit for controlling and monitoring technical functions in the operating room. Technical functions include, in particular, the control of room conditions through climate control, namely the control of room temperature, ventilation, humidity, etc. They also include the control of room elements, such as the lighting, blinds, electrically closing doors, etc. Finally, technical functions also include the monitoring of safety-relevant room conditions, such as monitoring whether safety-critical conditions exist, such as whether a laser is active or whether an X-ray machine is active. Furthermore, the information and control system also issues alarms as a secondary unit, which are primarily indicated by medical devices (e.g., fill level of medical gases, etc.).Monitoring of technical functions in the operating room therefore also includes monitoring or at least displaying the operating states of medical devices.

[0008] Within the operating room, a combined input and output unit is located, also called a control panel, which is formed, for example, by a touch-sensitive monitor or has one. Via this input unit, - Control commands for controlling at least some of the technical functions are entered and continue - Status information about a current usage situation is entered, such as an occupancy situation (free-occupied; soon free / occupied) and / or about a current requirement such as a request from medical staff or technical staff for a room service.

[0009] Using this input unit, medical staff in the operating room can therefore directly monitor and control the technical functions described above.

[0010] At the same time, this input unit provides a communication option for medical staff, allowing them to enter status information so that it is visible to other people, preferably both during the operation and afterward for documentation purposes. It is also worth emphasizing that an instantaneous request can be initiated and entered via the input unit. This is particularly important in the event of unforeseen events, for example, to request special / additional medical staff or other additional support. In addition, non-medical staff can also be requested, for example to provide timely notification of the end of an operation so that the operating room can be cleaned as required promptly after the operation.The combined input and output unit within the operating room can, in particular, display all entered data as well as data transmitted to it by sensors, control units and, if applicable, integrated hospital systems.

[0011] In addition to this input and output unit located inside the operating room, the information and control system also includes a display unit located outside the operating room, which is also referred to herein as an info panel. This is connected to the control unit and serves, in particular, to display the status information entered at the input unit. Furthermore, the display unit preferably also serves to display status information about the current state of at least some of the technical functions that can be controlled via the control unit.

[0012] It's worth emphasizing that the actual (room) control system for controlling and monitoring the technical functions in the operating room is combined with a location-independent display unit mounted outside the operating room. This allows for improved room occupancy efficiency, for example, by minimizing downtime between operations by requesting cleaning, for example, early on.

[0013] Furthermore, the display unit mounted outside the operating room provides a wide range of information, particularly the occupancy status, but also in combination with the requirements of medical or technical personnel. The display unit also offers the option of alarm playback, particularly in color, and / or acoustic and / or text. Preferably, several types of alarm playback are implemented simultaneously, for example, both in color, acoustic and / or text.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the display unit comprises a monitor configured to display status information about the current status of at least some technical functions and also displays this information during operation. For example, information about the climatic conditions, such as pressure, temperature, and humidity, is displayed. In addition to this information about the technical functions, information about the operation itself is preferably also displayed, such as patient data, data about medical personnel (treating physician), type of operation, and, if applicable, the expected end and / or start time of the operation.

[0015] In addition to this monitor, a display element is also provided to indicate the current request and, in particular, the current occupancy situation. The display unit therefore comprises two elements: the monitor and the display element. This separation allows the display element for indicating the current request to be particularly prominent, so that, especially when medical personnel are requested in an emergency, this request can be immediately recognized by personnel outside the operating room on the combined display unit consisting of the monitor and display element.

[0016] The display element is in particular a light-emitting element, preferably without providing any written information, whereby different information about the current requirement is provided using different colors and / or flashing sequences. The color scheme therefore makes it immediately clear to staff outside the operating room whether and to what extent action is required. The request for medical personnel in emergencies (emergency call) or to request additional support (nurse call) is therefore made distinguishable using suitable color coding. In addition, the color coding also indicates the occupancy status (e.g. green - free, red - occupied). Depending on the requirement / information, different signal colors (green - red - blue - flashing....) are displayed according to a predefined code.

[0017] Preferably, the display element is mounted directly on the monitor and, in particular, protrudes from a monitor surface formed by the monitor. Specifically, it protrudes perpendicular to the monitor surface, so that it essentially protrudes into the room. This makes it particularly eye-catching in its design and placement, and it is particularly easy to perceive, particularly due to its design as a luminous element.

[0018] Preferably, the display element is designed as a purely passive element without its own light source and in particular as an illuminable disc.

[0019] In a useful embodiment, the display unit has at least one light source designed to couple light into a pane edge for planar and, in particular, full-surface and complete illumination of the pane. The illuminable pane is, for example, a glass pane or a transparent plastic pane. The light coupled laterally into the pane edge spreads within the pane, so that it emits light over its entire surface through scattering and reflection effects. A pane is generally understood to be a flat element whose length and width are each a multiple of its thickness (side edges into which the light is coupled). The pane is, for example, rectangular in shape and extends longitudinally in the vertical direction.

[0020] The at least one light source is, in particular, an LED. Preferably, several light sources are arranged in strips, i.e., along the edge of the pane.

[0021] The at least one light source is expediently integrated into the monitor, i.e., is part of the monitor. The monitor therefore has a display area for the previously described information, in which the various pieces of information are presented in text or by icons. In addition to this display area, the monitor also has an illumination area with the at least one light source, with the panel being mounted on this illumination area, projecting into the room.

[0022] The pane preferably extends into the room in a range of approximately 5 cm to 15 cm perpendicular to the monitor surface and thus perpendicular to a wall surface.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the display unit is generally arranged on the outside of a wall bordering the operating room. The monitor is preferably integrated into this wall, particularly in such a way that it is flush with the wall surface.

[0024] In a practical design, a time for the occurrence of an event can be entered via the input unit, which is then displayed on the display unit, particularly on the monitor. This event could be, for example, a change in occupancy (e.g., an imminent end of an operation) or a future request for medical or technical personnel. This makes it possible, for example, to request technical personnel to clean the operating room early on when the end of the operation is imminent, so that the relevant technical personnel can plan the required activity precisely. This effectively reduces downtime.

[0025] Alternatively or in addition to the time, a countdown of the time until the event occurs is shown on the display unit. This means that the remaining time until the event occurs is continuously adjusted, for example, like a countdown timer.

[0026] Preferably, in addition to a standard user interface via which control commands can be entered, the input unit additionally has an emergency switch or emergency button via which a momentary request, in particular from medical personnel, can be activated.

[0027] Such an emergency switch is preferably designed as a self-contained switching unit that can be operated independently of the other control unit, but which nevertheless leads to a corresponding display on the externally arranged display unit. This means that even if the control unit fails, the display unit, in particular the display element, can be controlled via the emergency switch. The emergency switch is used in particular to inform about an emergency situation, typically associated with the request for medical personnel (emergency call).

[0028] A standard user interface is an input device for entering normal operating commands or control commands. This could include a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, gesture control, or even an input device for voice commands, etc.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the information and control system is designed as a stand-alone system without integration into a higher-level communication or information system of the hospital. It thus forms a self-sufficient system that is independent of other communication or information systems of the hospital.

[0030] Alternatively, it is connected to and thus integrated into a higher-level hospital communication or information system. This could be, for example, a central hospital call system or an internal hospital information system that provides access to a wide range of data, such as patient data.

[0031] For this purpose, the information and control system is preferably designed with a suitable communication interface, whereby data exchange is preferably configured according to a data protocol specified by the higher-level system. For example, a data protocol according to HL7 (Health Level 7) is used.

[0032] Especially with this integration into the higher-level hospital system, the previously described emergency switch is self-sufficient and independent of the control unit, so that the function of the emergency switch is guaranteed even if the control unit fails.

[0033] With such an integration, in a preferred embodiment, data from the hospital's higher-level communication and / or information system, such as patient data, surgical schedules, the attending physician or medical team, are displayed on the display unit, particularly in real time. Therefore, entering such information via the input unit within the operating room is not necessary. However, integration into the higher-level hospital system preferably enables such input via the input unit, and the data is preferably transferred to the higher-level hospital system so that it is centrally available.

[0034] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below in conjunction with the figures, which show, in simplified representations: Fig. 1 a schematic, simplified representation of an operating room and Fig. 2 a representation of a display unit.

[0035] An operating room 2, as exemplified in Fig. 1, regularly includes medical equipment 4, such as X-ray machines, endoscopy equipment, monitoring monitors, oxygen supply equipment, etc. An air conditioning system 6 is regularly integrated into the room for room climate control, via which, in particular, temperature, humidity, etc., can be adjusted. Furthermore, room conditions such as pressure, temperature, particle load, etc. are regularly monitored via sensors not shown in detail here.

[0036] During an operation, a patient (not shown here) is usually lying on a patient couch 8.

[0037] Operating room 2 is usually enclosed by walls 10 and designed as a closed room. Access is provided via a lockable door 12. Windows are often also installed to provide a view into operating room 2. These windows can usually be closed with blinds.

[0038] Furthermore, an information and control system 14 is assigned to the operating room 2, as previously described. This system has a control unit 16, formed, for example, by a computer, to which an input unit 18 is assigned. This unit has, in particular, a standard user interface, for example in the form of a touchscreen. Generally, a display unit is also provided within the operating room 2, for example, by the aforementioned touchscreen. The control unit 16, together with the input unit 18 and, in the exemplary embodiment, specifically with the standard user interface, forms a common structural unit. In principle, it is also possible for the control unit 16 to be installed outside the operating room 2.

[0039] In addition to the standard user interface, the input unit 18 also has, in particular, an emergency switch 20, as previously described.

[0040] Control commands for controlling at least some of the technical functions can be entered via the input unit, such as controlling room conditions (air conditioning) and controlling room elements (doors, blinds, lighting). In addition, medical personnel can also use this unit to enter status information about the current usage situation (occupancy situation), a current request from medical personnel, and / or technical personnel. Furthermore, conditions in operating room 2 can be monitored, for example, with regard to safety-relevant room conditions, as previously explained.

[0041] In addition to the input unit 18 mounted inside the operating room 2, the information and control system also has a display unit 22 located outside the operating room 2. This preferably has a monitor 24 and additionally a display element 26. This protrudes perpendicularly from the monitor 24 and thus from a monitor plane into the room, as is shown in both Fig. 1 as well as in Fig. 2 is recognizable.

[0042] The monitor 24 is used to display information in written form and preferably also by means of icons which, for example, indicate dangerous situations such as X-rays, etc.

[0043] The display element 26 is designed, in particular, as a simple, passively illuminable disc that protrudes vertically into the room. The display unit 22 preferably has a plurality of light sources 28, in particular in the form of LEDs, via which light can be coupled into a side edge of the disc, so that the entire disc is illuminated. The display element 26 therefore forms a (passive) luminous element.

[0044] As previously described, the display element 26 displays status information, specifically regarding room usage, through color coding, as well as requirements for medical or technical personnel. The various information / requirements are preferably provided via the display element 26 exclusively through suitable color coding.

[0045] In addition to a request, for example, for technical personnel to clean the room, the information and control system 14 is further configured to display a future time and, in particular, an elapsed time period until the occurrence of a specific event, such as the end of an operation, so that the technical personnel can prepare for the deployment. The future time and / or the elapsed time period are displayed, in particular, on monitor 24.

[0046] Typically, several operating rooms 2 are located within a hospital, often adjacent to one another. Each of these operating rooms 2 preferably has such an information and control system 14 as described above. Specifically, in this case, the display units 22 are arranged in a clearly visible location, for example, in a shared corridor.

[0047] The information and control system described here creates a combined system that is designed to control and monitor the technical functions of Operating Room 2, as well as to display status and condition information via the display unit. This allows for improved workflows, information, and schedules for the occupancy of Operating Room 2. List of reference symbols 2 Operating room 4 medical device 6 Air conditioning system 8 patient beds 10 Operating wall 12 Door 14 Information and control system 16 Control unit 18 Input unit 20 emergency switches 22 Display unit 24 monitors 26 Display element

Claims

[1] Information and control system (14) for at least one operating room (2), with a control unit (16) for controlling and monitoring technical functions in the operating room (2), such as controlling room conditions by means of a climate control system, or by means of a control system of room elements, as well as monitoring safety-relevant room conditions, wherein - a combined input and display unit (18) is arranged within the operating room (2), via which ◯ Control commands for controlling at least some of the technical functions can be entered and which can be used ◯ Status information can be entered about a current usage situation, such as an occupancy situation and / or about a current requirement, such as a request from medical staff or technical staff for room service, - a display unit (22) is mounted outside the operating room (2), which is connected to the control unit (16) and which is designed to display the entered status information and preferably status information about the current status of at least some of the technical functions. [2] Information and control system (14) according to the preceding claim, wherein the display unit (22) has a monitor (24) for displaying the status information about the current status of at least some of the technical functions, wherein the display unit (22) in addition to the monitor (24) has a display element (26) for displaying the current request and in particular also for displaying the current occupancy situation. [3] Information and control system (14) according to the preceding claim, in which the display element (26) is designed as a luminous element which provides different information about the current requirement via different colours and / or flashing sequences. [4] Information and control system (14) according to one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the display element (26) is attached directly to the monitor (24) and protrudes from a monitor surface formed by the monitor (24). [5] Information and control system (14) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the display element (26) is designed as an illuminable disc and the display unit (22) has at least one light source (28) which is designed to couple light into a disc edge for a planar illumination of the disc. [6] Information and control system (14) according to the preceding claim, in which the light source (28) is integrated into the monitor (24). [7] Information and control system (14) according to one of the two preceding claims, in which the disc protrudes into the room in the range of 5 cm to 15 cm perpendicular to the monitor surface. [8] Information and control system (14) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the display unit (22) is arranged on one of the outer sides of a wall (10) delimiting the operating room (2). [9] Information and control system (14) according to one of the preceding claims, in which a time or an elapsed time period for the occurrence of an event can be entered via an input unit (18) and is displayed via the display unit (22), such as a change in the occupancy situation, a future request from medical or technical personnel, etc. [10] Information and control system (14) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the input unit (18) has, in addition to a standard user interface, an additional emergency switch / emergency button, via which a momentary request, in particular from medical personnel, can be activated [11] Information and control system (14) according to one of the preceding claims, which is designed as a stand-alone system without integration into a higher-level communication or information system of the hospital. [12] Information and control system (14) according to one of claims 1 to 10, which is connected / integrated with a higher-level communication system and / or with a higher-level information system of the hospital, such as a central call system of the hospital or an information system. [13] Information and control system (14) according to the preceding, wherein data from the higher-level communication and / or information system of the hospital are displayed, in particular in real time, via the display unit (22).

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