Communication system for hospitalized persons, method and program based on such a system

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication system comprising a patient device (P) and a caregiver device (S) connected to the patient device (P), the patient device (P) comprising: - an emergency interface (U) including emergency call means (AI, ID, IS, IE) for different emergency situations;and- a comfort interface (C) comprising comfort call means (AI, IM, IB, IC, IF, IL, ID) for different discomfort situations, the caregiver device (S) receiving a call when one of the call means (AI, ID, IS, IE, IM, IB, IC, IF, IL, ID) is activated, and comprising an identification means (MI) identifying the corresponding emergency situation or the corresponding discomfort situation, the caregiver device (S) comprising a call reception confirmation means (CR), the patient device comprising a signaling means (SR) of a call reception confirmation by the caregiver device. The invention further relates to a method and a program based on such a system. (Fig. 1);

Description

Title of the invention: Communication system for hospitalized persons, method and program based on such a system

[0001] The invention relates to the field of communication devices and systems, in particular for communication between a hospitalized patient and a healthcare staff.

[0002] In a hospital setting, the use of mobile phones is generally prohibited for both healthcare staff and patients. If a patient needs help or assistance from a caregiver, a remote control including an emergency call button for healthcare staff is usually provided.

[0003] Unfortunately, during use, the patient does not know if their call has been received, so they continue to press the emergency call button. Furthermore, the caregiver is unaware of the nature and degree of urgency of the call.

[0004] Furthermore, the patient has no control over visitors, who are sometimes difficult for staff to manage. In addition, in some cases, healthcare staff may be victims of verbal or physical aggression from visitors.

[0005] This situation results in fatigue and weariness among healthcare staff. Indeed, 50% of nurses and nursing assistants feel they cannot last until their retirement date; 7 out of 10 healthcare workers in France are currently experiencing burnout; 30% of young nurses leave their careers before their fifth year of employment. Furthermore, there is an assault on healthcare staff every 20 minutes.

[0006] An objective of the present invention is to remedy the defects of the prior art, and in particular to propose a solution enabling verification on the patient's side whether the call to the caregiver has been received; to assess the nature and degree of urgency of the call on the caregiver's side; and to further secure caregivers.

[0007] To achieve these objectives, the invention proposes a communication system comprising a patient device and a caregiver device connected to the patient device, the patient device comprising: - an emergency interface including emergency call methods for various emergency situations; and - a comfort interface including means of comfort calls for different discomfort situations, the caregiver device receiving a call when one of the calling methods is activated, and including an identification means identifying the corresponding emergency situation or the corresponding situation of discomfort, the caregiver device including a means of confirming call reception, the patient device including a means of signaling a confirmation of call reception by the caregiver device.

[0008] Advantageously, the patient device and the caregiver device allow for more precise communication, so as to verify on the patient side whether the call to the caregiver has been received; and to assess the nature and degree of urgency of the call on the caregiver side.

[0009] According to other variants that can be combined in all technically feasible combinations: - the communication system further includes a visitor device connected to the patient device so as to send access requests via the visitor device to the patient device, the patient device including a means of authorizing access and a means of denying access following the access request; and / or - the patient device includes at least one mobile application for radio, ambient lighting control, flashlight or reading light (the patient device in this case including a flashlight), audible alert, alarm, watch, timer, translator, home automation with respect to surrounding equipment, conversational artificial intelligence, remote control, fall detection, video conferencing and / or audio conferencing (the patient device in this case including a camera and / or microphone and speaker), keyboard and messaging, or a combination of at least two of these mobile applications; and / or - emergency call means include an emergency call button and emergency situation icons, preferably at least one emergency icon, one pain icon, one bleeding icon, one need to excrete icon or a combination of at least two of these icons; and the comfort call means include the emergency call button and comfort situation icons, preferably at least one hunger icon, one thirst icon, one heat icon, one cold icon, one need for a shower icon, one need for a bedsheet icon, or a combination of at least two of these icons; and / or - the emergency call means and the comfort call means include a display of a different color, and the identification means preferably includes a display of the corresponding color; and / or - the communication system further comprises at least one separate light device connected to the patient device, characterized in that said light device displays one or more different colours depending on the activation of the emergency call means or the comfort call means; and / or - the patient device and / or the caregiver device has the form of two discoid structures connected by a pivot joint, one and / or the other discoid structure having at least one of said interfaces and / or a screen and / or a keyboard and / or a set of buttons; and / or - the caregiver device is connected to a security service device, and includes an assault alert button preferably in relief more preferably in the form of a fingerprint, sending a silent alert to the security service device.

[0010] The invention further relates to a method of communication by means of a communication system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - activate on the patient device an emergency call device for a given emergency situation or a comfort call device for a given uncomfortable situation; - receive on the caregiver device a call corresponding to the activated call method; and identify the corresponding emergency situation or the corresponding situation of discomfort; - confirm receipt of the call on the caregiver's device; - signal on the patient device the confirmation of call reception by the caregiver device.

[0011] Preferably, the communication method further includes an access request step sent to the patient device in particular from the visitor device, and an access authorization step using the patient device.

[0012] Another object of the invention relates to a computer program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the communication method according to the invention, when said program is running on a computer.

[0013] The assault alert button provides greater security for caregivers by giving them the option to call a security service.

[0014] The system of the invention is a connected solution that offers up to 30 touch applications designed to address the main daily challenges faced by hospitals, which are: - for nurses and nursing assistants: reduction of physical aggression, conflicts, communication, non-urgent travel, and time wasted on non-medical necessities; - for patients: better communication and greater comfort in their room; - for establishments: reduction of work stoppages and career abandonments, reduction of energy and security costs (theft and assaults), and a source of income.

[0015] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description, which is by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - [Fig.1] is a front view of the communication system devices according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; - [Fig.2] is a front view of a patient device from the [Fig.1] system; - [[Fig.3]] is a rear view of the patient device from [Fig.2]; - [[Fig.4]] is a diagram of the lighting devices of the communication system according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; - [[Fig.5]] is a front view of a caregiver device of the communication system according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; - [[Fig.6]] is a diagram of examples of bracelets for the communication system according to another embodiment of the invention; and - [[Fig.7]] is a diagram of a communication system including visitor access control.

[0016] The invention aims to modernize the nurse call system in hospital rooms by means of a connected object, with touch applications specific to hospitals and clinics.

[0017] The invention was developed with the help of caregivers and patients according to the issue of caregiver-patient communication, as well as five additional issues: - safety of the caregiver; - prioritization of patient calls; - reduction of non-medical actions; - patient comfort; - Visitor screening.

[0018] The system according to the invention informs the caregiver about the patient's needs. It comprises a patient device P and a caregiver device S connected to the patient device P.

[0019] The patient device P is illustrated at the top of [Fig. 1]. It includes an emergency interface U, for example in red R, showing urgent needs and their call icons IU, ID, IS, IE, and a comfort interface C, for example in blue B, showing comfort needs and their call icons IM, IB, IC, IF, IL, ID (detailed below). A central call button AI can be used to display interfaces U and C before the icon corresponding to the need is activated.

[0020] The emergency situation icons here include an emergency UI icon, a pain ID icon, a bleeding IS icon, and a need to defecate IE icon. The discomfort situation icons here include a hunger IM icon, a thirst IB icon, a heat IC icon, a cold IF icon, a need to shower IL icon, and a need for a bed sheet ID icon.

[0021] In addition, the central AI button can serve as confirmation of call reception by the caregiver. For example, it turns blue to indicate confirmation; this can be referred to as an SR signaling means.

[0022] Furthermore, from his bed, the patient has a watch, a radio, a translator, integrated into the patient device P. This reduces the risk of theft of personal belongings.

[0023] The caregiver receives the reason for the call and its level of importance, specifically the same icon: IU, ID, IS, IE or IM, IB, IC, IF, IL, ID, depending on the patient's call (identification MI interface). The caregiver can then involve the most qualified and available person and inform the patient that their request has been received via recorded messages.

[0024] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], the patient device P and the caregiver device S have the same general shape. The patient device P can measure 15.5 cm long, 8.5 cm wide, and 1.5 cm thick. It consists of two discs, which may be identical. The section joining the two discs can measure 4 cm. Each disc has a touchscreen that can measure 7 cm in diameter. The discs can fold onto each other in an open or closed configuration, like a flip phone.

[0025] The AI ​​nurse call button can measure 2 cm in diameter. It is preferably associated with an independent electrical system. The touch applications are in the form of buttons that can measure 1 cm in diameter.

[0026] The rear face of the open patient device P may include a clip or elastic clamp F for attaching the device P to the patient's sheet (illustrated in [Fig. 3]). In one embodiment, an induction charging system RI is provided, illustrated in [Fig. 3].

[0027] The caregiver device S can communicate with a caregiver computer to exchange information and messages.

[0028] Regarding the color, the patient device may be anthracite gray. It is preferably surrounded by an "S"-shaped LED strip, more preferably multicolored, for example red, orange, blue, green, white, pink, brown, gray, or purple, which can change color according to the user's preferences. This makes it easy to find in bed linens, as its color distinguishes it from the color of hospital equipment. This color is preferably free of sexual, political, religious, or other connotations.

[0029] Regarding the material, the patient device P can be made of foamed plastic, preferably recycled for greater environmental friendliness. The plastic is preferably soft to the touch, for comfort during use, easy to clean, and has a silky feel, so that the patient experiences a sense of luxury and comfort, helping them to somewhat forget their hospitalization.

[0030] Regarding the design, the patient device P has the shape of a figure eight (the infinity symbol), encircled by a 0.5 cm wide LED light strip L, adjustable in color and intensity. The light strip L can be switched off so as not to disturb other occupants of the room.

[0031] Two large touchscreens, 7 cm in diameter, preferably identical to those of a smartphone, house all the controls, except for the AI ​​nurse call button in the preferred variant, which, for security reasons, can remain independent and easily accessible at all times. This button can measure 2 cm in diameter.

[0032] The two screens can have a night and a day configuration to adapt their brightness to the local time. They can be touch-sensitive, allowing the patient to choose the color that suits them according to their preferences and vision (black, gray, blue, yellow, red, orange, green).

[0033] At the top of the figure eight, between the LED strip L and the screen, locations for devices D1, D2, as illustrated in [Fig. 2], can be provided, for example, three circular locations of the same size. These devices can include a microphone, a camera, and a speaker. A USB port can be provided, for example, for charging.

[0034] A button to stop and reset the touch screens may be provided.

[0035] All other commands are preferably performed via the two touchscreens. They They function like smartphone apps. Preferably, the patient P device is lockable, if necessary by the nurse, leaving only the emergency call accessible.

[0036] The invention is technological, modern, stylish and easy to use. But above all, it enhances the image of the establishment and provides reassurance to the patient through its technological and playful aspects.

[0037] The back of the patient device P can be flat with an induction charger. The front is surrounded by a luminous band which is 5 mm thicker to protect the screens in case of drops and to allow for a better grip.

[0038] Regarding the technology, the patient device P can be connected to the hospital room's electricity supply. It can be connected to the existing nurse call system. It can be connected to the room's television, for example, via Bluetooth™.

[0039] The patient device can be controlled via home automation. It can control the window curtains, the bed, and the room lights. For each use, a specific animation corresponding to the requested action can be activated on the screen.

[0040] Applications can be installed, optionally by online purchase, uninstalled, managed directly by the establishment.

[0041] Among the proposed functions are, in particular: - the nurse call, and the prioritization of the need; - call confirmation; - a multilingual translator; - an SOS Nurse; - an induction charger; - a USB port; - a multicoloured headband; - a nightlight; - an e-reader; - a clock / alarm clock / timer; - a hanging clip; - a magnet; - a radio / speaker / television reception; - headphones and a specific jack plug; - a sound cut; - a microphone for communication with the nurse; - a TV remote control; - an anti-fall bracelet; - a flashlight / room light / bed light; - a means of controlling the curtains; - a visitor access control interface, and messaging; - a means of conducting video conferencing.

[0042] Regarding the nurse call, this function is preferably in the form of a conventional AI electric button with a click. It is made of red plastic and is backlit, white when in use, and turns blue when the nurse confirms receipt of the request.

[0043] Colorblind people confuse green and red. The invention preferably uses red and blue for this reason.

[0044] When the patient presses the AI ​​call button, a list of functions appears (icons IU, ID, IS, IE or IM, IB, IC, IF, IL, ID). He then chooses the function corresponding to his need.

[0045] When the call is received and confirmed by the caregiver, the AI ​​call button logo (SR background) turns blue B.

[0046] The caregivers also have a device to communicate with the patient (caregiver device S).

[0047] Light devices L1, L2 can be provided outside the patient's room, connected to the patient device P. This is illustrated in [Fig. 4]. Thus, at the patient's room door, a red light L1 R indicates a medical need; and a blue light L2 B, a comfort need. This allows the call to be assigned to the available qualified person.

[0048] The nurse informs the patient of the receipt of his request, for example by sending him a text message or a voice message if necessary, to inform him that she is coming, but the patient will preferably not be able to converse with her, under penalty of disturbing her for trivial matters.

[0049] Examples of responses that can be pre-recorded in whole or in part are as follows: - a caregiver arrives; - I'm coming with the medicine; - A stretcher-bearer will be there at 10:00 for your X-ray.

[0050] Regarding the translator, it allows the patient to explain their pain, anxiety, and needs, as this is very difficult in a language other than their native tongue, especially in stressful situations. A dictionary with pre-written phrases in several languages ​​enables precise and unambiguous communication between the patient and the caregiver. A drop-down menu can offer themes and phrases for this purpose. Artificial intelligence can be used for translation.

[0051] This limits the risk of diagnostic errors, wasted time, and patient frustration. The translation can be done using a touchscreen keyboard or automatically with the integrated microphone.

[0052] The invention preferably provides one or, more preferably, two separate, dedicated AS aggression alert buttons, illustrated in [Fig. 5]. This can be provided on the patient device and / or, preferably, on the caregiver device S. By pressing the two AS buttons with a specific design, preferably embossed (for example, a raised fingerprint effect), for, for example, 10 seconds, the caregiver device S sends a security alert. The caregiver can then alert the security services.

[0053] Thus, the caregiver does not need to take the device out of his pocket, thereby hiding his action from his attacker who is not informed of the call, reducing the risk of escalating violence.

[0054] The induction charging function improves patient comfort, and above all gives caregivers a little more freedom, as they will no longer be bothered, or even harassed, for a mobile phone charger or an extension cord.

[0055] The system of the invention may include a BA fall arrest bracelet, preferably washable and reusable, with the logo of the establishment ([Fig.6]).

[0056] The patient wearing the connected BA bracelet will, for example, be able to move up to a distance of a few meters for a few minutes (duration adjustable by the care team); beyond that distance, an audible alarm will be sent to the on-call team. It also has a nurse call function.

[0057] It may be made of flexible plastic, covered with a hypoallergenic rubber membrane, preferably with a magnetic clasp; or a stretchable silicone bracelet. It may be anthracite grey, measuring 8 cm in diameter, 2 cm in width, and 5 mm in thickness. It may have an orange band, like a surfer's wristband.

[0058] The BA bracelet can be connected to the hospital's patient monitoring system. In the event of a fall, or movement exceeding the time and / or distance allotted by the care team, the BA bracelet flashes and sends an alarm to the on-call team.

[0059] It can be connected to one or more light devices, for example on the door of the patient's room, to signal a fall or a departure.

[0060] Regarding access control (illustrated in [Fig. 7]), it secures the care unit. No one can access the rooms or other areas under its control without authorization. It is the patient who, from their bed, authorizes the visitor to enter.

[0061] The healthcare team can decide the number of visitors for each patient, depending on their state of health. From their computer, they grant or deny access to visitors.

[0062] A specific interface V, such as an interactive touchscreen kiosk, is located at the entrance to the care unit. It may include an adjustable speaker, a touchscreen (preferably with sound), optionally a means of input in braille, and preferably a means of printing an entry card or a QR code for entry. It may be adapted for people who are hard of hearing, visually impaired, or who use a wheelchair, with its adjustable height, touchscreen, braille keyboard, and speaker.

[0063] The corresponding DA access request can be sent to the patient device P as illustrated in [Fig.7].

[0064] Regarding the terminal V, it can be made of anthracite grey plastic, with a touch screen of the type of iPad™ tablet screen. It can be surrounded by a multicoloured LED strip that changes colour regularly (for example red, orange, blue, green, white, pink, brown, grey, purple) to encourage visitors to use it.

[0065] Terminal V can measure from 90 cm to 1.5 m in length by 90 cm in width. The screen can measure 50 cm by 40 cm and 5 cm in thickness. The base can be a circular tube of a 15 cm diameter. The base can be circular with a diameter of 60 cm, it weighs at least 15 kg and can end with a gentle slope towards the ground, so as not to hit shoes and wheelchair wheels.

[0066] Regarding telemedicine, since the patient is available and reachable in his room, it is possible for doctors not present in the recovery area to communicate with him, to inquire about his state of health in complete safety and confidentiality, since the device operates on a secure network.

Claims

Demands

1. Communication system comprising a patient device (P) and a caregiver device (S) connected to the patient device (P), the patient device (P) comprising: - an emergency interface (U) comprising emergency call means (IU, AI, ID, IS, IE) for different emergency situations; and - a comfort interface (C) comprising comfort call means (AI, IM, IB, IC, IF, IL, ID) for different discomfort situations, the caregiver device (S) receiving a call when one of the call means (AI, ID, IS, IE, IM, IB, IC, IF, IL, ID) is activated, and comprising an identification means (MI) identifying the corresponding emergency situation or the corresponding discomfort situation, the caregiver device (S) comprising a call reception confirmation means (CR), the patient device comprising a signaling means (SR) of a call reception confirmation by the caregiver device.

2. A communication system according to the preceding claim, further comprising a visitor device (V) connected to the patient device (P) so as to send access requests (AD) via the visitor device (V) to the patient device (P), the patient device (P) comprising an access authorization means and an access denial means following the access request (AD).

3. Communication system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the patient device (P) comprises at least one mobile application (A) for radio, ambient lighting control, torch or reading light, the patient device in this case comprising a torch, audible alert, alarm, watch, timer, translator, home automation with respect to surrounding equipment, conversational artificial intelligence, remote control, fall detection, video conferencing and / or audio conferencing, the patient device in this case comprising a camera and / or a microphone and speaker, keyboard and messaging, or a combination of at least two of these mobile applications.

4. A communication system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the emergency call means comprise an emergency call button (AI) and emergency situation icons, preferably at least one emergency icon (IU), one pain icon (ID), one bleeding icon (IS), one need to excrete icon (IE) or a combination of at least two of these icons; and the comfort call means comprise the emergency call button (AI) and comfort situation icons, preferably at least one hunger icon (IM), one thirst icon (IB), one heat icon (IC), one cold icon (IF), one need to shower icon (IL), one need for a sheet icon (ID) or a combination of at least two of these icons.

5. Communication system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the emergency call means (AI, ID, IS, IE) and the comfort call means (AI, IM, IB, IC, IF, IL, ID) comprise a display of a different color (B, R), and the identification means preferably comprises a display of the corresponding color (B, R).

6. Communication system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one light device (L1, L2) separate from the patient device (P), connected to the patient device (P), characterized in that said light device (L1, L2) displays one or said different color (B, R) depending on an actuation of the emergency call means (AI, ID, IS, IE) or the comfort call means (AI, IM, IB, IC, IF, IL, ID).

7. Communication system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the patient device and / or the caregiver device has the form of two discoid structures connected by a pivot joint, one and / or the other discoid structure having at least one of said interfaces and / or a screen and / or a keyboard and / or a set of buttons.

8. Communication system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the caregiver device (S) is connected to a security service device, and includes an assault alert button (AS) preferably in relief more preferably in the form of a fingerprint, sending a silent alert to the security service device.

9. A method of communication by means of a communication system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - activating on the patient device (P) an emergency call means (AI, ID, IS, IE) for a given emergency situation or a comfort call means (AI, IM, IB, IC, IF, IL, ID) for a given discomfort situation; - receiving on the caregiver device (S) a call corresponding to the activated call means; and identifying the corresponding emergency situation or the corresponding discomfort situation; - confirming the receipt of the call on the caregiver device (S); - signaling on the patient device (P) the confirmation of the call received by the caregiver device (S).

10. A computer program comprising program code instructions for carrying out the steps of the communication method according to any one of the preceding claims, when said program is running on a computer.

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