Medical information processing apparatus, medical information processing method, and program

Abstract

To allow an appropriate engineer to operate a modality.SOLUTION: A medical information processing apparatus of an embodiment has an acquisition unit, a calculation unit, and a transmission unit. The acquisition unit acquires a call request for calling a user to a medical image diagnostic device. The calculation unit, based on at least either one of use of a plurality of terminals respectively managed by a plurality of users or the details of operations carried out by the users, calculates the notification priority for each of the plurality of users. The transmission unit transmits, to the plurality of terminals, notification information for causing the terminals to output call notifications according to the notification priority.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a medical information processing device, a medical information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there is a technology that allows technicians to remotely operate a medical imaging diagnostic device (hereinafter, modality) using a mobile terminal (tablet terminal) at a location away from the modality. Conventionally, one tablet terminal was associated with one modality, and the modality could only be operated with the associated tablet terminal. In response to this, a technology has been developed that allows a modality to be operated with multiple tablet terminals. Using this technology, multiple technicians can each carry a tablet terminal and operate multiple modalities.

[0003] In such a situation, when a modality is being used for work that is not available to a technician nearby, a technician may need to respond to the modality. In this case, the modality can send a notification to each of the multiple mobile terminals requesting a response. However, even if multiple technicians are available, a technician who is available may not respond appropriately, and a technician who is not available may respond instead. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-147608 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to enable appropriate engineers to handle the problem. However, the problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The medical information processing device of the embodiment has an acquisition unit, a calculation unit, and a transmission unit. The acquisition unit acquires a call request for calling a user to a medical image diagnostic device. The calculation unit calculates a notification priority for each of the multiple users based on at least one of the usage status of multiple terminals managed by each of the multiple users or the work content of the user. The transmission unit transmits notification information to the multiple terminals to cause the terminal to output a call notification according to the notification priority. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a hospital system 1 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a tablet terminal 50 according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a notification method list 59 in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical information processing apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a first priority list 151 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a second priority list 152 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the medical information processing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the medical information processing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment. [Figure 9]10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the medical information processing apparatus 100 of the modified example. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the medical information processing apparatus 100 of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the hospital system 1 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the medical information processing apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, a medical image processing apparatus, a medical image processing method, and a program according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (First embodiment) 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an in-hospital system 1 according to the first embodiment. The in-hospital system 1 according to the first embodiment includes, for example, a hospital information system (hereinafter, HIS) 10, a radiology information system (hereinafter, RIS) 20, a picture archiving and communication system (PACS: Picture Archiving and Communication System) 30, a plurality of medical image diagnostic apparatuses (modalities) 40, a plurality of tablet terminals 50, and a medical information processing device 100.

[0010] The HIS 10 is a computer system that supports operations within a hospital. Specifically, the HIS 10 has various subsystems, such as an electronic medical record system, a medical accounting system, a medical appointment system, a hospital reception system, and an admission and discharge management system.

[0011] The HIS 10 includes a computer such as a server device or a client terminal that includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), a display, an input interface, and a communication interface.

[0012] A technician or the like (hereinafter, a user) U inputs and refers to information about a patient using an electronic medical record system included in the HIS 10. The user U issues an order for an imaging examination to the HIS 10. The HIS 10 transfers order information corresponding to the imaging examination order to another system such as the RIS 20.

[0013] The HIS 10 manages the work schedules of the user U and the modality 40. Based on the issued imaging examination order, the HIS 10 determines the user U who will be in charge of the imaging examination and the modality 40 to be used for the imaging examination. The HIS 10 manages the schedules of the user U and the modality 40, including the determined contents. In response to a request from the medical information processing device 100, the HIS 10 transmits the schedules of the user U and the modality 40 to the medical information processing device 100 via the network NW.

[0014] The RIS 20 is a computer system that supports operations in the imaging diagnostic department. The RIS 20 manages reservations for imaging examination orders in cooperation with the HIS 10, links reservation information to examination equipment, manages examination information, etc. The RIS 20 includes a computer such as a server device or a client terminal that includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU, memories such as ROM and RAM, a display, an input interface, and a communication interface.

[0015] The PACS 30 is a computer system that receives medical images transmitted by the modality 40 and stores them in a database. The PACS 30 transmits (transfers) medical images stored in the database in response to requests from clients. The PACS 30 includes a server computer including a processor such as a CPU, memories such as ROM and RAM, a display, an input interface, and a communication interface. The medical images stored in the PACS 30 are accompanied by information about the patient to be imaged and the imaging as additional information. The additional information includes, for example, information such as a patient ID, examination ID, imaging conditions (imaging protocol), etc., in a format that complies with the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) standard.

[0016] The modality 40 performs imaging (photographing) according to imaging conditions (photographing protocol) determined based on, for example, an image examination instruction, etc. Examples of the modality 40 include an X-ray computed tomography apparatus, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus.

[0017] The modality 40 includes, for example, a gantry, a bed, and a console. The gantry is also called a gantry. The gantry is provided with a device for capturing an image of a subject, such as a tube for irradiating X-rays and an X-ray detector for detecting X-rays in the case of an X-ray tomography device. The bed carries the subject. The console controls various devices provided on the gantry, specifies the output of the devices provided on the gantry, and generates an image based on information provided by the devices provided on the gantry. The user U can operate the modality 40 using the console. The user U can operate the modality 40 using the tablet terminal 50 managed by the user U, in addition to the console. The medical image (image data) generated by imaging the modality 40 is transmitted to the PACS 30.

[0018] The modality 40 performs an examination involving capturing an image of a subject. The contents of the examination performed by the modality 40 (hereinafter, the examination contents of the modality 40) include, for example, "examination of medical checkups or mildly ill patients", "non-contrast examination (head)", "non-contrast examination (other than head)", and "contrast examination".

[0019] The modality 40 includes an input interface for inputting information related to the subject and information related to imaging (hereinafter, examination-related information), and a communication interface for communicating with a plurality of tablet terminals 50 via a network NW such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication interface includes, for example, a communication interface such as a NIC (Network Interface Card). The network NW may include the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, a WAN (Wide Area Network), etc., instead of or in addition to the LAN. The modality 40 receives the examination-related information transmitted by the tablet terminal 50 via the communication interface.

[0020] When treatment by the user U becomes necessary during an examination, the modality 40 transmits a call request to the medical information processing device 100. Cases in which treatment by the user U becomes necessary during an examination include, for example, a case in which the modality 40 during the examination breaks down or stops, or a case in which an abnormality occurs in the subject.

[0021] The configuration of the hospital system 1 is not limited to the above. The hospital system 1 may include, for example, an image interpretation report creation device. In addition, some elements of the hospital system 1 may be integrated. For example, the HIS 10 and the RIS 20 may be integrated into one system.

[0022] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a tablet terminal 50 according to the first embodiment. The tablet terminals 50 are distributed to a plurality of users U. Each user U manages the distributed tablet terminal 50. The tablet terminals 50 are mobile terminals owned by each user U.

[0023] The user U manages one tablet terminal 50, and one tablet terminal 50 is assigned to one user U. The tablet terminal 50 may be assigned to multiple users U, or one tablet terminal 50 may be assigned to multiple users U. Information on the user U to whom the tablet terminal 50 is distributed is managed by, for example, the medical information processing device 100.

[0024] The tablet terminal 50 includes, for example, a communication interface 51, a touch panel 52, a control circuit 53, a notification device 54, and a memory 55. The notification device 54 includes, for example, a speaker 56, a vibrator 57, and a light-emitting device 58. The communication interface 51 communicates with the medical information processing device 100 and the multiple modalities 40 via, for example, a network NW such as a LAN. The communication interface 51 receives, for example, notification information transmitted by the medical information processing device 100.

[0025] The touch panel 52 functions as an input interface through which the user U inputs information and an output interface that displays the input information, etc. The touch panel 52 displays, for example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like for receiving various input operations from the user U. The GUI includes, for example, one for the user U to remotely operate the modality 40. The touch panel 52 transmits information corresponding to the received input operation to the control circuit 53.

[0026] The control circuit 53 controls each unit in the tablet terminal 50. For example, the control circuit 53 performs display control to display a GUI on the touch panel 52. The control circuit 53 controls each unit in the tablet terminal 50 based on input information corresponding to an input operation received by the touch panel 52, and generates transmission information to be transmitted to an external device such as the modality 40 based on the input information. The transmission information includes examination-related information of the modality 40. The user U can remotely operate multiple modalities 40 by performing an input operation on the touch panel 52.

[0027] The control circuit 53 acquires the usage status of the tablet terminal 50. The usage status of the tablet terminal 50 includes, for example, the modality 40 operated by the tablet terminal 50 and the operation content for the modality 40 being operated. Specifically, the usage status of the tablet terminal 50 includes "operation of the console", "non-operation", "operation of the imaging screen", "call with a doctor", "patient registration", etc.

[0028] "Operation of the console" is a state in which the tablet terminal 50 is used to operate a console provided in the modality 40. By operating the tablet terminal 50, the user U can cause the tablet terminal 50 to transmit examination-related information intended for any of the multiple modalities 40. "Non-operation" is a state in which the tablet terminal 50 is not being operated (is not being used). "Operation of the imaging screen" is a state in which the tablet terminal 50 is used to specify settings of each device provided on the gantry to image the subject, for example.

[0029] "Telephone call with doctor" is a state in which the user U uses the tablet terminal 50 to talk to a doctor. The tablet terminal 50 is provided with a microphone (not shown), and the user U can talk to the doctor by having the microphone collect his / her own voice and receiving the doctor's voice from the speaker 56.

[0030] "Patient registration" is a state in which the user U uses the tablet terminal 50 to register a new patient (subject) in the HIS 10. The usage status may include other situations. In response to a request from the medical information processing device 100, the control circuit 53 transmits the usage status of the tablet terminal 50 to the medical information processing device 100 via the network NW using the communication interface 51.

[0031] The notification device 54 operates under the control of the control circuit 53. The notification device 54 issues a call notification in response to the notification information transmitted by the medical information processing device 100. A speaker 56 included in the notification device 54 outputs a sound as the call notification. A vibrator 57 vibrates the entire tablet terminal 50 as the call notification. A light-emitting device 58 turns on, blinks, or turns off a lamp as the call notification.

[0032] The memory 55 stores, for example, a notification method list 59 including a notification method of the call notification. The notification method list 59 is information indicating a notification method of the call notification associated with a notification level included in the notification information transmitted by the medical information processing device 100. When the notification method differs, the strength of the notification by the notification device 54 to call the user U changes. The notification device 54 notifies the user U that he / she is being called by giving a stronger stimulus to the user U as the notification level becomes higher.

[0033] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a notification method list 59 of the first embodiment. Notification methods included in the notification method list 59 include, for example, notification by a speaker 56 (hereinafter, sound notification), notification by a vibrator 57 (hereinafter, vibration notification), and notification by a light-emitting device 58 (hereinafter, light notification). For example, three levels of vibration notification are set, namely, "strong," "medium," and "weak." In the first embodiment, the notification level is set to three levels, and the higher the numerical value represented by the notification level (the higher the notification priority), the higher the notification level and the greater the stimulation given to the user U.

[0034] For example, notification level 3 is the notification that provides the strongest stimulation to user U. At notification level 3, sound notification, vibration notification, and light notification are all executed, and the intensity of the vibration notification is set to "strong." Notification level 2 is the notification that provides the medium stimulation to user U. At notification level 2, sound notification and vibration notification are executed, and the vibration notification is set to "medium." At notification level 1, the notification that provides the weakest stimulation to user U. At notification level 1, vibration notification is executed, and the vibration notification is executed at "weak."

[0035] The vibration notification is executed at a strength of "strong," "medium," or "weak" to change the stimulus given to the user U, but the sound notification and light notification may also be changed to change the stimulus given to the user U. For example, in the case of a sound notification, the stimulus given to the user U may be changed by changing the volume or sound quality, or by playing a message according to the notification level. In the case of a light notification, the stimulus given to the user U may be changed by the amount of light, the color of the light source, blinking, lighting, the blinking speed when blinking, or the like.

[0036] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the medical information processing device 100 of the first embodiment. The medical information processing device 100 includes, for example, a communication interface 110, an input interface 120, a display 130, a processing circuit 140, and a memory 150. The communication interface 110, the input interface 120, and the display 130 in the medical information processing device 100 are provided separately from the communication interface, the input interface, and the display provided in the HIS 10, but these may be common.

[0037] The communication interface 110 communicates with external devices such as the HIS 10, the RIS 20, the PACS 30, and the modality 40 via a network NW such as a LAN. The communication interface 110 includes a communication interface such as a NIC.

[0038] The input interface 120 accepts various input operations from a doctor or the like, converts the accepted input operations into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuit 140. The input interface 120 includes, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a trackball, a switch, a button, a joystick, a touch panel, and the like. The input interface 120 may be, for example, a user interface that accepts voice input from a microphone or the like. When the input interface 120 is a touch panel, the input interface 120 may also have the display function of the display 130.

[0039] In this specification, the input interface is not limited to an interface having physical operation parts such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc. For example, an example of the input interface also includes an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs the electrical signal to a control circuit.

[0040] The display 130 displays various types of information. For example, the display 130 displays an image generated by the processing circuit 140, a GUI for receiving various input operations from an operator such as a user U, and the like. For example, the display 130 is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like.

[0041] The processing circuitry 140 includes, for example, an acquisition function 141, a calculation function 142, and a transmission function 143. The processing circuitry 140 realizes these functions by, for example, a hardware processor (computer) executing a program stored in a memory (storage circuitry) 150.

[0042] The hardware processor refers to circuitry such as a CPU, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD)), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0043] Instead of storing the program in the memory 150, the program may be directly embedded in the circuit of the hardware processor. In this case, the hardware processor realizes the function by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. The above program may be stored in the memory 150 in advance, or may be stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM, and installed in the memory 150 from the non-transitory storage medium by mounting the non-transitory storage medium in a drive device (not shown) of the medical information processing device 100.

[0044] The hardware processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit, but may be configured as a single hardware processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize each function. Also, multiple components may be integrated into a single hardware processor to realize each function. The hardware processor, memory, etc. in the medical information processing device 100 are provided separately from the hardware processor, memory, etc. of the HIS 10, but these may be common.

[0045] The acquisition function 141 acquires information transmitted by the HIS 10, the RIS 20, the PACS 30, the modality 40, and the tablet terminal 50. The acquisition function 141 acquires, for example, a call request transmitted by the modality 40 and received by the communication interface 110. When the acquisition function 141 acquires a call request, it requests the HIS 10 to provide the schedules of the user U and the modality 40, and requests the tablet terminal 50 to provide the usage status of the tablet terminal 50.

[0046] The acquisition function 141 acquires, for example, the schedules of the user U and the modality 40 transmitted by the HIS 10 and received by the communication interface 110. The acquisition function 141 acquires, for example, the usage status of the tablet terminal 50 transmitted by the tablet terminal 50 and received by the communication interface 110. The acquisition function 141 checks and acquires the work content of the work being performed by the user U (hereinafter, the work content performed by the user U) based on the acquired usage status of the tablet terminal 50. The acquisition function 141 is an example of an acquisition unit. The work content performed by the user U is an example of the user's work content.

[0047] The calculation function 142 checks the examination contents of the examination performed by the user U using the modality 40 (hereinafter, the examination contents of the modality 40) based on the schedule of the user U and the modality 40 acquired by the acquisition function 141. The examination contents of the modality 40 may be checked based on the operating status of the modality 40. In this case, for example, the relationship with the modality 40 used by the user U may be checked based on the schedule of the user U and the modality 40.

[0048] The examination contents of the modality 40 include contents such as whether the user U is undergoing an examination using the modality 40, and which of the multiple modalities 40 the user U is using. The calculation function 142 calculates a notification priority for each of the multiple users U based on the work content performed by the user U acquired by the acquisition function 141 and the confirmed examination content of the modality 40. The calculation function 142 calculates the notification priority by including, for example, the content of the work performed by the user when the calculation function 142 calculates the notification priority in the work content of the user. The calculation function 142 is an example of a calculation unit.

[0049] The transmission function 143 sets a notification level when issuing a notification to each user U, based on the notification priority calculated by the calculation function 142. The transmission function 143 creates notification information including information on the set notification level. The transmission function 143 transmits the created notification information to the tablet terminals 50 managed by each user, using the communication interface 110. The transmission function 143 is an example of a transmission unit.

[0050] The memory 150 stores, for example, a first priority list 151 and a second priority list 152. The first priority list 151 is information indicating a first priority associated with the contents of the work performed by the user U. The second priority list 152 is information indicating a second priority associated with the examination contents of the modality 40.

[0051] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the first priority list 151 of the first embodiment. A priority of "1" is associated with "operation of the console that is the notification source." Additionally, a priority of "2" is associated with "no operation," a priority of "3" is associated with "operation of the imaging screen," a priority of "4" is associated with "call with a doctor," and a priority of "5" is associated with "patient registration." In the first embodiment, the priority of the first priority list 151 is set into five stages. The smaller the numerical value represented by the priority, the higher the priority, and the higher the priority, the more likely it is that the notification level will be high.

[0052] For example, since the user U performing "operation of the console of the notification source" is involved in the modality 40 of the notification source, it is preferable to give the user U priority in notification, and therefore the priority is set to a high level of "1." In addition, when information is being sent from the tablet terminal 50 to a modality 40 other than the notification source, such as "patient registration," it is highly likely that the user U is performing an important task, and therefore the priority is set to a low level of "5." Furthermore, when the user U is performing an operation only within the tablet terminal 50, such as "imaging screen operation," it is highly likely that the importance of the user U's task is not very high, and therefore the priority is set to a medium level of "3."

[0053] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the second priority list 152 in the first embodiment. In the second priority list 152, a priority level "1" is associated with an examination by the user U that is "an examination by the modality 40 that is the notification source or no examination is performed." A priority level "2" is associated with "a medical checkup or an examination of a patient with a mild condition." A priority level "3" is associated with "a non-contrast examination (head)," a priority level "4" is associated with "a non-contrast examination (other than head)," and a priority level "4" is associated with "a contrast examination." In the first embodiment, the priority level in the second priority list 152 is set in five stages. The smaller the numerical value represented by the priority level, the higher the priority level, and the higher the priority level, the higher the notification level is likely to be.

[0054] For example, since it is difficult for user U to leave the site during a "contrast examination," the priority is set to a low level of "4." Note that an "examination involving breath holding" may be set to a low priority level (= "4") instead of or in addition to a "contrast examination." Note that in cases where it is practically impossible for user U to leave the site, such as a "contrast examination," notification to user U may not be sent. Also, since a "non-contrast examination" is not as difficult for user U to leave the site as a "contrast examination," the priority level may be set to a high level of "2" or "3."

[0055] Among "non-contrast examinations," for head examinations, after the imaging plan is executed at the beginning of the examination, there will be a period of time when the need for user U to be present for the examination will be low, so a situation may arise where user U is more likely to leave the site than for examinations other than for head examinations. For this reason, the priority of "non-contrast examination (head)" is set to "2," and the priority of "non-contrast examination (other than head)" is set to "3." Furthermore, there are situations where the need for user U to be present is not high depending on the attributes of the patient, such as "doctor's checkup or patients with minor injuries." For this reason, the priority of "doctor's checkup or patients with minor injuries" is set to a high priority of "1."

[0056] Next, a description will be given of processing in the medical information processing device 100. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the medical information processing device 100 of the first embodiment. In the medical information processing device 100, first, the acquisition function 141 determines whether or not a call request transmitted by any of the multiple modalities 40 has been acquired (step S101).

[0057] If it is determined that a call request has not been acquired, the acquisition function 141 repeats the process of step S101. If it is determined that a call request has been acquired, the acquisition function 141 requests the tablet terminal 50 to provide the usage status of the tablet terminal 50, and acquires the usage status of the tablet terminal 50 (step S103). Next, the acquisition function 141 requests the HIS 10 to provide the schedules of the user U and the modality 40, and acquires the schedules of the user U and the modality 40 (step S105).

[0058] Next, the calculation function 142 checks the work content performed by the user U based on the usage status of the tablet terminal 50 acquired by the acquisition function 141 (step S107). In the first embodiment, the usage status of the tablet terminal 50 directly means the work content performed by the user U. Next, the calculation function 142 checks the examination content of the modality 40 based on the schedule of the user U and the modality 40 acquired by the acquisition function 141 (step S109).

[0059] Next, the calculation function 142 calculates the notification priority for each user U based on the confirmed work content of the user U and the examination content of the modality 40 (step S111). For example, the calculation function 142 sets a first priority and a second priority for the work content of the user U and the examination content of the modality 40, respectively, and calculates the notification priority using the set first priority and second priority. For example, the calculation function 142 calculates the notification priority in the following procedure.

[0060] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the medical information processing device 100 of the first embodiment. Fig. 8 shows processing for calculating a notification priority. First, the calculation function 142 refers to the first priority list 151 for the work content performed by the user U confirmed in step S107. The calculation function 142 acquires a first priority according to the work content performed by the user U based on the result of referring to the first priority list 151 for the work content performed by the user U (step S201).

[0061] Next, the calculation function 142 refers to the examination contents of the modality 40 confirmed in step S109 in the second priority list 152. The calculation function 142 acquires a second priority according to the examination contents of the modality 40 based on the result of the modality 40 referring to the second priority list 152 (step S203).

[0062] Next, the calculation function 142 calculates the notification priority based on the acquired first priority list 151 and second priority list 152 (step S205). The calculation function 142 calculates the notification priority by, for example, adding the numerical value indicated by the first priority and the rank indicated by the second priority. In this way, the medical information processing device 100 ends the process shown in FIG. 8.

[0063] The calculation function 142 may calculate the notification priority by other calculation methods. For example, the calculation function 142 may calculate the notification priority by multiplying the first priority and the second priority, or may calculate the notification priority by adding or multiplying the first priority and the second priority multiplied by a predetermined coefficient.

[0064] 7, after the calculation function 142 calculates the notification priority for each user U, the transmission function 143 sets a notification level for each of the multiple users U based on the notification priority calculated by the calculation function 142. The transmission function 143 sets a higher notification level for a higher notification priority. The transmission function 143 sets the notification level based on a result of relatively evaluating the notification priorities calculated by the calculation function 142.

[0065] For example, if the notification priority of the first user is "1", the notification priority of the second user is "4", and the notification priority of the third user is "6", the notification level of the first user is set to "3", the notification level of the second user is set to "2", and the notification level of the third user is set to "1". The transmission function 143 may set the notification levels in any way. For example, if the number of users U and the number of notification levels are the same, e.g., "3", and the notification priorities of the users U and the notification levels are different, the transmission function 143 may set the notification levels to "3", "2", and "1" in descending order of notification priority.

[0066] The transmission function 143 may set the notification levels in any way as long as the order of the notification levels matches the order of the notification priorities of the users U. For example, when there are two users U with different notification priorities, the transmission function 143 may set the notification levels to "3" and "2", or to "3" and "1", or to "2" and "1", respectively.

[0067] Next, the transmission function 143 generates notification information including information on the set notification level. The transmission function 143 transmits the generated notification information to the tablet terminals 50 managed by each of the multiple users U (step S115). After that, the medical information processing device 100 ends the process shown in FIG.

[0068] The tablet terminal 50 that receives the notification information transmitted by the transmission function 143 executes a notification according to the notification level included in the transmitted notification information. When the notification level included in the notification information is "3," the tablet terminal 50 issues a notification by sound from the speaker 56, strong vibration from the vibrator 57, and light emission from the light-emitting device 58. When the notification level included in the notification information is "2," the tablet terminal 50 issues a notification by sound from the speaker 56 and medium vibration from the vibrator 57. When the notification level included in the notification information is "1," the tablet terminal 50 issues a notification by weak vibration from the vibrator 57.

[0069] When the modality 40 transmits a call request to call a user U, the medical image processing device 100 of the first embodiment performs a call notification to a plurality of users U. Therefore, when the user U needs to respond to the modality 40 due to an abnormality occurring in the modality 40, the user U can respond to the modality 40 promptly.

[0070] Furthermore, when the medical information processing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment transmits a call notification to a plurality of users U, the call notification is sent in a manner according to a notification level set in the call notification. Therefore, the user U who receives the call notification can recognize how much he or she is needed. Therefore, it is possible to allow the user U who is suitable for the modality 40 to respond.

[0071] The tablet terminal 50 may be provided with an end button for ending notifications to the user U who operates the tablet terminal 50 or to tablet terminals 50 managed by other users U. By the user U who has reached the modality 40 that has output the call request operating the end button, it is possible to prevent users U from excessively congregating at the modality 40 that has output the call request.

[0072] (Modification of the first embodiment) Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described. In the modified example, the procedure for calculating the notification priority is mainly different from the first embodiment. In the modified example, the notification priority is adjusted according to the contents of the examination by the modality 40. For example, specifically, in the modified example, when the examination performed by the modality 40 is a mammography examination (hereinafter, mammo examination), the notification priority of the user U who is a female technician is adjusted to be high. Alternatively, when the modality 40 performs examinations on young subjects such as children or elderly subjects, the notification priority of the user U who is a technician suitable for subjects of that age may be adjusted to be high.

[0073] When the modality 40 transmits a call request while a mammography is being performed, the modality 40 adds a message to that effect to the call request. Furthermore, the information of the user U managed by the medical information processing device 100 includes the gender of the user U as an attribute of the user U. The following describes the modified example, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0074] 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the medical information processing device 100 of the modified example. In the modified example, the medical information processing device 100 first acquires a first priority according to the work content performed by the user U in the calculation function 142 (step S301). The calculation function 142 then acquires a second priority according to the examination content of the modality 40 (step S303). Up to this point, the process is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0075] Next, the calculation function 142 refers to the call request transmitted by the notifying modality 40, and determines whether the examination performed by the notifying modality 40 is a mammography examination (step S305). As a result, when it is determined that the examination performed by the notifying modality 40 is not a mammography examination, the calculation function 142 advances the process to step S309.

[0076] Furthermore, when it is determined that the examination being performed by the notifying modality 40 is a mammography examination, the calculation function 142 increases the first priority of the user U who is a female technician (step S307). In this case, the calculation function 142 may increase the first priority of the user U who is a female technician in any way. For example, the calculation function 142 may increase the first priority of the user U who is a female technician by one level.

[0077] Thereafter, the calculation function 142 calculates the notification priority based on the first priority list 151 acquired in step S301 and the second priority list 152 acquired in step S303 or step S305, as in the first embodiment (step S309). In this way, the medical information processing apparatus 100 ends the process shown in FIG.

[0078] The medical information processing device 100 of the modified example has the same effect as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the medical information processing device 100 of the modified example, when the examination being performed by the notifying modality 40 is a mammography examination, the priority of a female technician is set high. Therefore, it is possible to give priority to a female technician for a mammography examination, and furthermore, it is possible to allow a user U who is suitable for the modality 40 to respond.

[0079] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. The medical information processing device 100 of the second embodiment differs from the medical information processing device 100 of the first embodiment mainly in the processing when the notification priority for multiple users is the same, but the device configuration is the same. The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0080] The medical information processing device 100 of the second embodiment executes processing according to the flowchart shown in Fig. 7, and the processing for setting the notification level (step S113) is different from that of the first embodiment. Here, the processing of the medical information processing device 100 of the second embodiment, in particular, the processing corresponding to step S113 in Fig. 7 will be described.

[0081] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the medical information processing device 100 of the second embodiment. Fig. 10 shows processing corresponding to step S113 in Fig. 7 in the medical information processing device 100 of the second embodiment. As in the first embodiment, the calculation function 142 sets a first priority and a second priority for each of the multiple users U, and then calculates a notification priority for each of the multiple users U based on the first priority and the second priority. After the calculation function 142 calculates the notification priority, the transmission function 143 executes the processing shown in Fig. 10.

[0082] After the calculation function 142 calculates the notification priority, the transmission function 143 selects a user U with the highest notification priority from among a plurality of users U for which a notification level is not set (step S401). Next, the transmission function 143 determines whether or not there is a user U with the same notification priority as the notification priority of the selected user U (step S403).

[0083] The transmission function 143 determines that there is a user U with the same notification priority as the selected user U. In this case, the notification priority for the multiple users U is common. The transmission function 143 sets the multiple notification levels to be selected, here the highest notification level among the notification levels that have not been set, for the selected user U and the users U with the same notification priority as the selected user U (step S405). The highest notification level is the notification level that provides the strongest stimulation to the user.

[0084] On the other hand, in step S403, the transmission function 143 determines that there is no user U with the same notification priority as the selected user U. In this case, the transmission function 143 sets the highest notification level among the notification levels that have not been set for the selected user U (step S407).

[0085] Next, the transmission function 143 determines whether or not the setting of the notification levels for all users U has been completed (step S409). If the transmission function 143 determines that the setting of the notification levels for all users U has been completed, the medical information processing device 100 ends the process shown in Fig. 10. If the transmission function 143 determines that the setting of the notification levels for all users U has not been completed, the transmission function 143 returns the process to step S401. In this way, the medical information processing device 100 ends the process shown in Fig. 10.

[0086] The medical information processing device 100 of the second embodiment has the same operational effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, the medical information processing device 100 of the second embodiment sets the same notification level for users U with the same notification priority. Therefore, it is possible to notify users U with the same notification priority without any difference in priority. As a result, it is possible to enable users U who are more suitable for the response of the modality 40 to respond.

[0087] Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described. The medical information processing device 100 of the third embodiment is mainly different in that, while the medical information processing device 100 of the first embodiment is provided independent of the modality 40, the medical information processing device 100 of the third embodiment is built into the modality 40. The third embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0088] 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the in-hospital system 1 of the third embodiment. The in-hospital system 1 of the third embodiment includes, as modalities 40, a specific modality 41 having a built-in medical information processing device 100, and a normal modality 42 not including the medical information processing device 100. The medical information processing device 100 is provided, for example, in a console of the specific modality 41.

[0089] The in-hospital system 1 of the third embodiment includes one specific modality 41 and multiple normal modalities 42. The specific modality 41 includes a medical information processing device 100 and has substantially the same configuration as the normal modality 42. The normal modality 42 includes the same configuration as the modality 40 in the first embodiment.

[0090] The medical information processing device 100 in the hospital system 1 of the third embodiment achieves the same effects as those of the first embodiment. Moreover, the medical information processing device 100 of the third embodiment is built into the modality 40 (specific modality 41). This makes it possible to reduce the space required for installing an independent medical information processing device 100. In the third embodiment, the hospital system 1 includes one specific modality 41 and multiple normal modalities 42, but the number of specific modalities 41 and normal modalities 42 may be appropriately different. For example, the hospital system 1 may include multiple specific modalities 41, or may include a single normal modality 42.

[0091] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The medical information processing device 100 of the fourth embodiment differs from the medical information processing device 100 of the first embodiment mainly in the manner in which the user's work execution contents are confirmed, but the device configuration is the same. The fourth embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0092] 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the medical information processing device 100 of the fourth embodiment. As in the first embodiment, the medical information processing device 100 of the fourth embodiment first determines whether or not a call request has been acquired in the acquisition function 141 (step S501), and repeats the processing of step S501 until a call request is acquired.

[0093] Next, in the first embodiment, the acquisition function 141 acquires the usage status of the tablet terminal 50. In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, the acquisition function 141 requests the HIS 10 to provide the schedules of the user U and the modality 40 without acquiring the usage status of the tablet terminal 50, and acquires the schedules of the user U and the modality 40 (step S503).

[0094] Next, the calculation function 142 checks the work content performed by the user U based on the schedules of the user U and the modality 40 acquired by the acquisition function 141, rather than the usage status of the tablet terminal 50 (step S505). The calculation function 142 checks the work content performed by the user U, for example, by referring to the current time in the schedules of the user U and the modality 40.

[0095] Thereafter, similarly to the first embodiment, the calculation function 142 checks the examination contents of the modality 40 (step S507), and then calculates the notification priority for each user (step S509). Furthermore, the transmission function 143 sets a notification level based on the notification priority (step S511), and transmits notification information including the set level to the tablet terminal 50 (step S513). In this way, the medical information processing apparatus 100 of the fourth embodiment ends the process shown in FIG.

[0096] The medical information processing device 100 of the fourth embodiment has the same effect as the first embodiment. Furthermore, the medical information processing device 100 of the fourth embodiment checks the work performed by the user U based on the schedules of the user U and the modality 40. This makes it possible to omit the process of requesting the tablet terminal 50 to provide the usage status and receiving the usage status of the tablet terminal 50 transmitted by the tablet terminal 50. This makes it possible to simplify the device and the process compared to the first embodiment.

[0097] In the fourth embodiment, the medical information processing device 100 checks the currently performed work content of the user U based on the schedules of the user U and the modality 40. In contrast, the medical information processing device 100 may check the future performed work content of the user U instead of or in addition to the currently performed work content of the user U. In this case, the calculation function 142 may calculate the notification priority by including the work content that the user U plans to perform in the future in the user's work content.

[0098] It is difficult to confirm the future work contents of the user U from only the usage status of the tablet terminal, but it is possible to estimate (confirm) the future work contents of the user U based on the schedule of the user U and the modality 40. By including the contents of the work that the user U plans to perform in the future in the user's work contents and calculating the notification priority, it is possible to set the notification priority of multiple users U more appropriately.

[0099] In each of the above embodiments, the user U is an engineer, but the user U may be someone other than an engineer. The user U may be, for example, a doctor or a nurse. Also, in the above embodiments, the call request is transmitted by the modality 40, but the call request may be transmitted by something other than the modality 40. The call request may be transmitted by the tablet terminal 50 of the user U who is handling the modality 40, for example, when the user handling the modality 40 needs more personnel.

[0100] In each of the above embodiments, the call request is transmitted when treatment by the user U becomes necessary during an examination, but the call request may be transmitted in cases other than when treatment by the user U becomes necessary during an examination. The call request may be transmitted, for example, when the end of the examination of the subject is approaching and the end of the examination requires the action of the user U.

[0101] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, by having an acquisition unit that acquires a call request to call a user to a medical image diagnostic device, a calculation unit that calculates a notification priority for each of a plurality of users based on at least one of the usage status of a plurality of terminals managed by each of the plurality of users or the work content of the users, and a transmission unit that transmits notification information to the plurality of terminals to cause the terminal to output a call notification according to the notification priority, it is possible to enable an appropriate technician, etc. to respond.

[0102] Although some embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1. In-hospital system 10. Hospital Information System (HIS) 20…Radiology Information System (RIS) 30…Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) 40...Medical imaging diagnostic equipment (modality) 40…Modality 41...Specific modality 42...Normal modality 50…Tablet device 51...Communication interface 52...Touch panel 53...Control circuit 54…Notification device 55…Memory 56…Speaker 57...Vibrator 58...Light emitting device 59...Notification method list 100...Medical information processing device 110...Communication interface 120...Input interface 130…Display 140...Processing circuit 141…Acquisition function 142...Calculation function 143...Transmission function 150…Memory 151…First Priority List 152…Second Priority List NW…Network U...User

Claims

1. Obtaining a call request to call a user to a medical image diagnostic device; Acquires the work contents of each of the users based on the usage status of a plurality of terminals managed by each of the users; an acquisition unit that acquires examination details of the medical image diagnostic apparatus based on a schedule or an operating status of the medical image diagnostic apparatus; a calculation unit that calculates a notification priority for each of the plurality of users based on a first priority corresponding to the work content, the first priority being acquired by referring to a first priority list in which the first priority is associated with the work content of the user, and a second priority corresponding to the inspection content, the second priority being acquired by referring to a second priority list in which the second priority is associated with the work content of the user; a transmitting unit configured to transmit, to each of the plurality of terminals, notification information for causing the terminal to output a call notification according to the notification priority; Medical information processing equipment.

2. the calculation unit calculates the notification priority by including a content of an operation being performed by the user in the content of the operation of the user when the calculation unit calculates the notification priority. The medical information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the calculation unit calculates the notification priority by including a content of a task that the user plans to perform in the future in the content of the task of the user; The medical information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. The transmission unit causes the terminal to perform a call notification in which the stimulus given to the user increases as the notification priority increases. The medical information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. the calculation unit, when the notification priorities for the plurality of users are common, causes the terminal to perform a call notification of a notification level that provides the strongest stimulus to the user from among a plurality of notification levels to be selected; The medical information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. The call notification includes at least one of sound, vibration, and light emission output by the terminal. The medical information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. Built into the medical image diagnostic device, The medical information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. The calculation unit calculates the notification priority by adding the value of the first priority and the value of the second priority. The medical information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. The calculation unit calculates the notification priority by multiplying the value of the first priority by the value of the second priority. The medical information processing device according to claim 1 .

10. The calculation unit multiplies the value of the first priority and the value of the second priority by a coefficient, respectively, and calculates the notification priority by adding or multiplying the obtained multiplication results. The medical information processing device according to claim 1 .

11. The computer Obtaining a call request from a medical imaging diagnostic device; Acquires the work contents of each of the users based on the usage status of each of the terminals managed by the users; acquiring the details of the examination to be performed by the medical image diagnostic device based on the schedule or operating status of the medical image diagnostic device; calculating a notification priority for each of the plurality of users based on a first priority corresponding to the work content, the first priority being acquired by referring to a first priority list in which the first priority is associated with the work content of the user, and a second priority corresponding to the inspection content, the second priority being acquired by referring to a second priority list in which the second priority is associated with the work content of the user; transmitting notification information to each of the plurality of terminals, the notification information causing the terminal to output a call notification according to the notification priority; Medical information processing method.

12. On the computer, Acquiring a call request from a medical image diagnostic device; Acquires the work contents of each of a plurality of users based on the usage status of a plurality of terminals managed by each of the users; acquiring the details of the examination performed by the medical image diagnostic device based on the schedule or operating status of the medical image diagnostic device; calculating a notification priority for each of the plurality of users based on a first priority corresponding to the work content, the first priority being acquired by referring to a first priority list in which the first priority is associated with the work content of the user, and a second priority corresponding to the inspection content, the second priority being acquired by referring to a second priority list in which the second priority is associated with the work content of the user; transmitting notification information to each of the plurality of terminals, the notification information causing the terminal to output a call notification according to the notification priority; program.

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