Medical information system, modality device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a medical information system, a modality device, an information processing method, and a program with which it is possible to confirm and select an appropriate imaging protocol corresponding to the inspection indication of an inspection order.SOLUTION: Provided is a medical information system including an information system for generating an inspection order including an inspection indication of diagnostic imaging and a modality device for capturing a medical image of a subject in accordance with the inspection order. The modality device includes a storage device for preliminarily storing an inspection indication and one or more imaging protocols in association, and one or more processors for executing the processes of acquiring the inspection order from the information system and displaying an inspection indication of the acquired inspection order and one or more imaging protocols preliminarily associated with the inspection indication.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medical information system, a modality device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes an imaging support device that includes a determination unit that determines the imaging conditions when imaging a patient with a modality in the form of an imaging protocol that can be read by the modality based on the contents of patient information about the patient, order information for requesting imaging of the patient, and instruction information about performing the imaging created according to the order information, and an output unit that outputs the imaging protocol determined by the determination unit to the modality.

[0003] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, a set of change factors of patient information, examination orders, and examination instructions acquired in the past is used as learning data, and machine learning is performed using the imaging protocol used in the learning data as teacher data to create a trained model that infers an imaging protocol from the set of change factors of patient information, examination orders, and examination instructions. During operation, the set of change factors is input to the trained model on the imaging diagnosis department information management system side, the imaging protocol is obtained as output, and the imaging protocol is transmitted to the modality. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-187542 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The task of creating examination orders is a heavy burden on doctors who are busy with image interpretation, etc., and there is a demand for accurate order creation and reduced burden. On the other hand, examination staff such as radiologists who operate modality devices used in image diagnostic examinations carefully check the examination orders of doctors to avoid selecting the wrong imaging protocol due to human error, which places a heavy burden on them. Furthermore, with the recent development of imaging technology, the examination contents have become more diverse, and the imaging protocols have tended to increase and become more complex, so examination staff with little knowledge and experience may not know which imaging protocol to select. In such cases, examination staff with little knowledge and experience can directly ask experienced technicians or doctors, but since each of them is busy and there are times when they cannot use their hands, it may take time to confirm. As a result, there is an issue of delays in the start of the examination.

[0006] The technology described in Patent Document 1 reduces the burden on doctors who issue examination instructions through a Radiology Information System (RIS). However, the examination staff must check whether the imaging protocol they receive is appropriate, and the contents of the imaging protocol may be updated or changed as necessary, so this technology is not sufficient to reduce the burden on the examination staff or prevent mistakes.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a medical information system, a modality device, an information processing method, and a program that enable confirmation and selection of an appropriate imaging protocol corresponding to the examination instructions in an examination order. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A medical information system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes an information system that generates an examination order including an examination instruction for an imaging diagnostic examination, and a modality device that captures medical images of a subject in accordance with the examination order, wherein the modality device includes a storage device that stores the examination instruction in advance in correspondence with one or more imaging protocols, and one or more processors that acquire the examination order from the information system and execute a process of displaying the examination instruction of the acquired examination order and the one or more imaging protocols that have been previously associated with the examination instruction.

[0009] According to the first aspect, an examination instruction and one or more imaging protocols are associated in advance and stored in a storage device of a modality device. A modality device that acquires an examination order from an information system can display the examination instruction specified in the examination order and one or more imaging protocols associated in advance with the examination instruction. This allows an operator such as an examination staff member to confirm and select an appropriate imaging protocol corresponding to the examination instruction in the examination order.

[0010] A medical information system according to a second aspect may be configured in the medical information system according to the first aspect, wherein one or more processors execute a process to display a setting screen that accepts setting operations to associate one or more imaging protocols with examination instructions.

[0011] A medical information system according to a third aspect may be configured such that, in the medical information system according to the first or second aspect, one or more processors execute a provisional registration process that associates identification information defined for each examination instruction with a plurality of imaging protocols related to the examination site according to the examination instruction and stores them in a storage device.

[0012] A medical information system according to a fourth aspect may be configured such that, in the medical information system according to the third aspect, one or more processors display a screen that prompts an operator to select one of the imaging protocols corresponding to the identification information when provisional registration has been made for the examination instructions of the examination order obtained from the information system.

[0013] A medical information system according to a fifth aspect may be configured such that, in the medical information system of any one of the first to fourth aspects, one or more processors execute a registration process in which identification information defined for each type of examination instruction is associated with one imaging protocol and stored in a storage device.

[0014] The medical information system according to the sixth aspect may be configured to, in the medical information system according to the fifth aspect, when the examination instructions of the examination order obtained from the information system have been officially registered, display an imaging protocol that is uniquely associated with the identification information, and automatically select the imaging protocol that is uniquely associated.

[0015] A medical information system according to a seventh aspect may be configured such that, in a medical information system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the test order includes linkage requirement information indicating whether linkage between the information system and a modality device is required.

[0016] A medical information system according to an eighth aspect may be configured such that, in the medical information system according to the seventh aspect, one or more processors control whether or not to display one or more imaging protocols that are pre-associated, depending on linkage requirement information included in an examination order obtained from the information system.

[0017] A medical information system according to a ninth aspect may be configured in such a way that in the medical information system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the test order includes identification information defined for the test instruction.

[0018] A medical information system according to a tenth aspect may be configured in a medical information system according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, in which a common symbol that cannot be changed between the information system and the modality device is assigned to a pair of a pre-matched examination instruction and an imaging protocol.

[0019] The modality device of the 11th aspect is a modality device that captures medical images of a subject in accordance with an examination order including an examination instruction for an imaging diagnostic test, and includes a storage device that stores the examination instruction in advance in correspondence with one or more imaging protocols, and one or more processors that acquire the examination order and execute a process of displaying the examination instruction of the acquired examination order and the one or more imaging protocols that have been previously associated with the examination instruction.

[0020] The modality device according to the eleventh aspect may have a configuration including the same specific aspects as the medical information systems according to the second to tenth aspects.

[0021] An information processing method according to a 12th aspect is an information processing method that links an information system that generates an examination order including an examination instruction for an imaging diagnostic examination with a modality device that captures medical images of a subject in accordance with the examination order, and includes one or more processors of the modality device pre-associating the examination instruction with one or more imaging protocols and storing them in a storage device, and the one or more processors acquiring the examination order from the information system, and executing a process to display the examination instruction of the acquired examination order and the one or more imaging protocols pre-associated with the examination instruction.

[0022] The information processing method according to the twelfth aspect may have a configuration including the same specific aspects as the medical information systems according to the second to tenth aspects.

[0023] The program of the thirteenth aspect is a program that enables a computer to realize a function of linking an information system that generates an examination order including examination instructions for an imaging diagnostic examination with a modality device that captures medical images of a subject in accordance with the examination order, and enables the computer to realize a function of previously associating the examination instructions with one or more imaging protocols and storing them in a storage device, and a function of acquiring the examination order from the information system, and displaying the examination instructions of the acquired examination order and the one or more imaging protocols previously associated with the examination instructions.

[0024] The program according to the thirteenth aspect may have a configuration including the same specific aspects as the medical information systems according to the second to tenth aspects.

[0025] The present disclosure also includes tangible non-transitory computer-readable recording media (computer-readable media) such as optical disks, semiconductor memories, and magnetic disks on which the program according to the thirteenth aspect is recorded. Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to confirm and select an appropriate imaging protocol corresponding to the examination instruction of the examination order. According to the present disclosure, the burden on examination staff who operate the modality device can be reduced, and it is possible to prevent the selection of an imaging protocol erroneously and to improve the efficiency of examination work. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an exemplary medical information system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view that illustrates a schematic configuration of an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus, which is an example of a modality apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the console unit. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the operations performed by the RIS and modality devices in this embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for associating each imaging protocol stored in the modality device with an examination instruction to be displayed on the RIS. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for uniquely associating an examination instruction with an imaging protocol. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on the RIS side when creating an examination order. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an order details screen displayed on the RIS side. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a subject registration confirmation screen displayed on a display device of a modality apparatus that has received an examination order. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a system including a RIS and a modality device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the modality apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of a modality apparatus that has received an examination order and that registers a subject. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0029] [Example of medical information system configuration] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an exemplary medical information system 2. The medical information system 2 is an information processing system introduced in a medical facility such as a hospital, and includes a Hospital Information System (HIS) 4, a Radiology Information System (RIS) 6, a modality device 10, and a Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) 30.

[0030] The HIS 4 is a system that manages various operations throughout the entire medical facility, and may be configured to include a plurality of systems, such as an electronic medical record system, an ordering system, and a medical accounting system.

[0031] The RIS 6 is a system that manages the work of the radiology department (radiology division). The RIS 6 cooperates with the HIS 4 and performs processes such as reservation of examinations for image diagnostic examinations, creation of examination orders, and management of examination results.

[0032] The modality device 10 is an examination device that captures medical images of a subject undergoing an image diagnostic examination. Specific forms of the modality device 10 may include various examination devices, such as an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device, a CT (Computed Tomography) device, an ultrasound diagnostic device, a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) device, a mammography device, an X-ray diagnostic device, an X-ray fluoroscopy diagnostic device, and an endoscope device. Although one modality device 10 is representatively illustrated in FIG. 1, the medical information system 2 may include multiple modality devices 10. There may be various combinations of types and numbers of modality devices 10 for each medical facility.

[0033] The PACS 30 is a computer system that stores and manages various data including examination images obtained by image diagnostic examinations using the modality device 10. The PACS 30 is equipped with a large-capacity external storage device and a database management program. The PACS 30 may be configured to include, for example, a DICOM server that operates according to the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) specifications.

[0034] The HIS 4, the RIS 6, the modality device 10, and the PACS 30 are communicatively connected via a network 35. The network 35 may be, for example, a local area network within a medical facility. A part of the network 35 may be a wide area network.

[0035] The PACS 30 receives various data including images generated by the modality device 10 via the network 35, and stores and manages the data in a recording medium such as a large-capacity external storage device. The PACS 30 communicates with other devices such as the HIS 4 and RIS 6 via the network 35, and transmits and receives various data including examination images. The storage format of image data in the PACS 30 and the communication between the devices via the network 35 are based on, for example, the DICOM protocol.

[0036] [Example of modality device 10: MRI device] 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an MRI apparatus 11, which is an example of the modality apparatus 10. The MRI apparatus 11 includes a measurement unit 12 including a gantry, a bed 14, and a console unit 16. The measurement unit 12 and the bed 14 are disposed in an imaging room, and the console unit 16 is disposed in an operation room. Although not shown, the MRI apparatus 11 also includes a gradient magnetic field power supply unit, an RF (Radio Frequency) amplifier unit, a helium compressor unit, and a control unit. These units, not shown, are stored in a housing on a unit basis or a group of multiple units, and are disposed in a machine room. Note that some or all of these units may be disposed in the operation room.

[0037] Although the detailed configuration of the measurement unit 12 is not shown, the measurement unit 12 includes a static magnetic field generating magnet, a gradient magnetic field coil, an RF irradiation coil, and an RF receiving coil. The static magnetic field generating magnet is, for example, a superconducting magnet, and generates a static magnetic field in the imaging space 12a of the gantry. The gradient magnetic field coil provides a magnetic field gradient to the static magnetic field generated by the static magnetic field generating magnet. The RF irradiation coil generates a high-frequency magnetic field for the measurement region of the subject. The RF receiving coil receives a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal generated from the measurement region of the subject.

[0038] Incidentally, the detailed configuration of each part of the measuring unit 12 and the operating principle of the MRI apparatus 11 are well-known techniques, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0039] The bed 14 includes a tabletop 14a on which a subject undergoing an imaging diagnostic test can be placed. The tabletop 14a can be moved by a drive device (not shown) in the vertical direction, in a direction (forward direction) entering the imaging space 12a of the gantry, and in a direction (backward direction) exiting the imaging space 12a.

[0040] The console unit 16 includes an information processing device 20, an input device 22, and a display device 24. The console unit 16 functions as a control device that controls the control unit in the machine room to control the measurement unit 12 and each part of the bed 14, and executes MRI imaging to acquire NMR signals. The console unit 16 also functions as a device that processes various types of data, including a process of reconstructing an image based on the NMR signal acquired from the measurement unit 12 and a communication process via a network 35, displays the processing results, and stores data.

[0041] The NMR signal obtained from the measuring section 12 is subjected to signal processing and then digital image processing, and the reconstructed image is displayed on the display device 24 of the console unit 16 .

[0042] [Example of hardware configuration of console unit 16] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the console unit 16. The console unit 16 is configured using a computer. The computer applied to the console unit 16 may be a personal computer, a workstation, or a server computer. The processing function of the console unit 16 may be realized by a computer system including multiple computers.

[0043] The information processing device 20 of the console unit 16 includes a processor 202 , a memory 204 which is a main storage device, a storage 206 which is an auxiliary storage device, an input / output interface 208 , and a bus 210 .

[0044] The processor 202 includes a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 202 may include a graphics processing unit (GPU). The information processing device 20 may further include a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a programmable logic device (PLD).

[0045] The processor 202 is connected to the memory 204 , the storage 206 , the input / output interface 208 , the input device 22 , and the display device 24 via a bus 210 .

[0046] The memory 204 includes a random access memory (RAM). The memory 204 may include a read only memory (ROM). The storage 206 may be, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination of a plurality of these. The storage 206 may also include an external storage device such as a removable disk.

[0047] The storage device including the memory 204 and the storage 206 stores programs, data, and the like that realize various functions of the MRI apparatus 11. The processor 202 realizes various functions by executing the programs stored in the memory 204. The processor 202 comprehensively controls each part of the information processing device 20 and various devices and units provided in the MRI apparatus 11, and performs various processes.

[0048] The input / output interface 208 includes a communication interface connectable to the network 35, and a connection interface connectable to an external device. As a connection interface connectable to an external device, for example, a Universal Serial Bus, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) (HDMI is a registered trademark), etc. can be applied.

[0049] The processor 202 communicates with various devices of the MRI apparatus 11 via an input / output interface 208, thereby transmitting and receiving necessary information.

[0050] The input device 22 is configured with, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a numeric keypad, various switch buttons, etc. The input device 22 may include a voice input device. The input device 22 may also be a touch panel type input device that is integrated with the display screen of the display device 24.

[0051] Various instructions and information input by the operator via the input device 22 are input to the information processing device 20. The operator uses the input device 22 and the display device 24 to interactively operate the MRI apparatus 11.

[0052] The display device 24 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic electro-luminescence (OEL) display, a projector, or an appropriate combination of these. The display device 24 is connected to the information processing device 20 via a bus 210. The display device 24 displays various information in addition to the examination image captured by the MRI device 11. The display device 24 is used as a part of a UI (User Interface) when receiving an input from the input device 22. The display device 24 is not limited to one, and a multi-display configuration having multiple display devices is also possible.

[0053] [Outline of the system to support confirmation and selection of imaging protocols corresponding to examination orders] A mechanism for supporting confirmation and selection of an imaging protocol corresponding to an examination order is implemented in the medical information system 2 including the modality device 10 according to this embodiment. Note that, in this embodiment, an example will be described in which an examination order is generated by the RIS 6 and transmitted from the RIS 6 to the modality device 10, but the examination order may be generated by another information system, such as an ordering system of the HIS 4, and transmitted to the modality device 10. The RIS 6 is an example of an information system.

[0054] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the operation of the RIS 6 and the modality device 10 in this embodiment. Users such as doctors and radiologists basically proceed with their work in the following sequence ([1] → [2] → [3]).

[0055] [1] Pre-settings First, on the modality device 10 side, before accepting an examination order from the RIS 6, a setting is performed to associate an examination instruction with one or more imaging protocols that are desired to be selected for the examination instruction. This association setting is called "pre-setting." The term "association" may also be rephrased as "association" or "linking." The pre-setting is basically performed by a user and an application staff member when starting operation of the device.

[0056] A setting screen that accepts presetting operations by the operator is displayed on the display device 24 of the modality device 10 (see Figs. 5 and 6). The operator inputs necessary information through the setting screen and sets up the correspondence between the examination instructions and the imaging protocol. Through the presetting, correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the examination instructions and the desired imaging protocol is stored in a storage device within the modality device 10.

[0057] The association information set by the presetting may be updated by the operator as necessary after the initial setting. For example, there may be cases where the imaging protocol used in clinical practice is changed, or where the operator wishes to change the imaging protocol that is preferably selected for the examination instruction, so in order to meet such requests, the modality device 10 is configured to be able to change the association at any time on the setting screen before the start of the examination. The modality device 10 accepts an operation to change (modify) the settings of the presetting.

[0058] Furthermore, by sharing the association information registered in advance with the RIS 6, the RIS 6 can create an examination order using the association information.

[0059] [2] Creating an inspection order When performing an imaging diagnostic examination, an examination order is created on the RIS 6 side. The doctor requesting the examination inputs information required for the examination, such as subject information, examination purpose, examination area, examination instructions, and imaging protocol, on the screen of the RIS 6 terminal, and creates the examination order (see Figures 7 and 8). When creating this examination order, pre-set association information can be used. It is possible to specify an imaging protocol suitable for the examination instructions according to the association information. The created examination order is transmitted from the RIS 6 to the modality device 10.

[0060] [3] Confirmation of examination instructions and imaging protocol of the examination order on the modality device 10 side at the start of the examination On the side of the modality device 10 that has received the examination order, information including the examination instruction specified in the examination order and the imaging protocol associated with this examination instruction is displayed on the display device 24. This allows an operator such as a radiologist who operates the modality device 10 to confirm on the screen of the display device 24 that the examination order specified by the doctor and the selected imaging protocol are correct (see FIG. 9).

[0061] When a specific imaging protocol is uniquely associated with an examination instruction specified in a received examination order by presetting, the modality device 10 can automatically select an imaging protocol appropriate for the examination instruction of the examination order from the presetting association information. When multiple imaging protocols are associated with an examination instruction, the modality device 10 can display, on the display device 24, multiple selection candidates of imaging protocols associated with the examination instruction from the presetting association information, and display a screen that prompts the operator to select an appropriate imaging protocol from these selection candidates. The imaging protocol to be applied to the examination is determined by the operator selecting an imaging protocol from the displayed selection candidates.

[0062] The above [2] and [3] are performed for each test. [1] is performed at the initial setup or when a setting change is required thereafter. Further specific examples are given below.

[0063] [Regarding internal processing related to presettings] A specific example of a mechanism for linking information between the RIS 6 and the modality device 10 using identification information regarding examination orders will be described below.

[0064] The RIS 6 and the modality device 10 generally communicate in accordance with the DICOM standard. For this reason, how DICOM tags are used to link the RIS 6 and the modality device 10 is determined in advance so that the RIS 6 and the modality device 10 can commonly recognize the information content. Note that it is not essential to use the DICOM standard, but an example using the DICOM standard will be described here.

[0065] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which tags A and B among DICOM tags are used for cooperation between the RIS 6 and the modality device 10.

[0066] A common symbol is added to tag A. The common symbol is an unchangeable symbol that is used in common by RIS6 and modality device 10. In modality device 10, the common symbol is associated with an imaging protocol held in modality device 10 by presetting. A specific common symbol is defined for each type of examination instruction. For example, a common symbol "HN01" is defined for an examination instruction called "brain routine". The common symbol is an example of identification information, and functions as ID (Identification). Note that in the DICOM standard, tag A is not defined as a tag that includes a common symbol associated with an imaging protocol, but is uniquely defined in this embodiment.

[0067] Information (e.g., a keyword string) is added to tag B to indicate that it is a linking target. When the value of tag B matches a specific keyword string, a process is executed in which the value of tag A (a common symbol) is used as a key to select an imaging protocol associated with that key within the modality device 10. The information added to tag B is an example of linking necessity information indicating whether linking is necessary. Note that tag B is not defined as a linking tag in the DICOM standard, but is uniquely defined in this embodiment.

[0068] [Example of GUI (Graphical User Interface) in pre-settings] FIG. 5 shows an example of a screen for associating each imaging protocol stored in the modality device 10 with an examination instruction to be displayed on the RIS 6. In FIG.

[0069] The modality device 10 stores a correspondence table of RIS protocol IDs defined for each examination instruction displayed on the RIS 6, and the RIS protocol IDs are associated with imaging protocols by presetting. The RIS protocol ID is a common symbol used in common by the RIS 6 and the modality device 10.

[0070] The list of examination instruction selection candidates shown in Figure 5 is a notation of the name of the examination instruction displayed on RIS6, and the symbol in the parentheses such as "(HN01)" in the name of this examination instruction represents the RIS protocol ID defined for the examination instruction. For example, the RIS protocol ID "HN01" is defined for "(HN01) Brain Routine", an examination instruction displayed on RIS6. Also, the RIS protocol ID "HN02" is defined for "(HN02) Whole Brain Follow-Up Simple", an examination instruction displayed on RIS6. The RIS protocol ID corresponds to the common symbol mentioned above. The name (notation) of the examination instruction displayed on RIS6 can be freely determined on the RIS6 side.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 5, examination instructions are classified by examination site category. For an imaging protocol registered in the modality device 10, multiple candidates of examination instructions to which the imaging protocol is applied can be selected for each category of the corresponding examination site. Selection candidates of examination instructions can be set for each imaging protocol held in the modality device 10 on the selection screen shown in Fig. 5. By this setting, the correspondence between the examination instructions and the imaging protocols is registered.

[0072] There are two types of pre-settings: provisional registration and final registration. Provisional registration is a setting that associates a RIS protocol ID with multiple imaging protocols related to the examination site. In other words, a setting that associates multiple imaging protocols with a RIS protocol ID is called "provisional registration." Final registration is a setting that uniquely associates one imaging protocol with a RIS protocol ID.

[0073] FIG. 6 is an example of a setting screen for uniquely associating an examination instruction with an imaging protocol (full registration). FIG. 6 shows an example in which an imaging protocol with a protocol name of "Protocol1" is associated with an examination instruction "(HN01) Brain Routine" shown in the first line of the list. The parenthetical part "(Brain)" in the notation "Protocol1 (Brain)" in FIG. 6 indicates that the target part of the examination is the brain. In addition, a specific sequence and conditions are defined for the imaging protocol with the protocol name of "Protocol1". In addition, a specific imaging protocol can be uniquely set for each of the other examination instructions shown in the second line and subsequent lines of FIG. 6. The pair of the examination instruction and the imaging protocol associated by the full registration can be identified by the RIS protocol ID, which is a common symbol between the RIS 6 and the modality device 10. In addition, in order to identify the pair of the examination instruction and the imaging protocol, a common symbol (identification symbol) that can be commonly recognized by the RIS 6 and the modality device 10 may be given to the pair.

[0074] [Example of the RIS6 screen when creating an examination order] Fig. 7 is an example of a screen on the RIS side when creating an examination order. A doctor inputs information required for the examination on the RIS screen shown in Fig. 7. The RIS 6 may automatically acquire information such as subject information from other systems in cooperation with an electronic medical record system or the like. For example, when the order details button 42 is pressed on the screen of Fig. 7, an order details screen such as that shown in Fig. 8 is displayed.

[0075] In the order details screen shown in FIG. 8, the doctor specifies the examination site and imaging protocol that match the examination purpose. In the combo box 52 that accepts the input of the examination instruction, the doctor can select the examination instruction that matches the examination purpose. The name of the examination instruction displayed in the drop-down list of this combo box 52 is "Examination instruction to be displayed on the RIS 6". When linking information on the imaging protocol between the RIS 6 and the modality device 10, for example, by selecting a preset examination instruction such as "(HN01) Brain Routine", an examination order including information on the imaging protocol associated with this examination instruction can be created. The examination order created using the preset association information includes a keyword string (an example of information on whether or not to link) indicating that it is a link target using the association information, and a RIS protocol ID (an example of a common symbol) commonly used by the RIS 6 and the modality device 10.

[0076] In addition, in the examination instruction combo box 52, it is possible to input examination instructions in a free description format, such as text input, in addition to the examination instructions registered in advance.

[0077] [Example of confirmation and selection screen on the GUI of the modality device 10 at the start of an examination] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a subject registration confirmation screen 60 displayed on the display device 24 of the modality device 10 that has received an examination order. The subject registration confirmation screen 60 includes a work list display area 62 and a registration information display area 64.

[0078] The work list display area 62 displays a work list corresponding to the test order received from the RIS 6. Although only the test order for the newly registered subject (subject ID: P001) is shown in Fig. 9, the work list display area 62 can display a list of test orders for multiple subjects.

[0079] The work list display area 62 includes a column displaying the reservation protocol code and a column displaying the reservation protocol code definer, as shown in the portion enclosed by a dashed frame 70. The reservation protocol code corresponds to the RIS protocol ID of the examination instruction specified in the examination order. The column displaying the reservation protocol code displays the name of the examination instruction corresponding to the RIS protocol ID of the examination instruction specified in the examination order. The processor 202 converts the received RIS protocol ID into the name of the examination instruction to be displayed on the RIS 6, and displays the name of the examination instruction in the reservation protocol code column.

[0080] The reservation protocol code definer corresponds to information (keyword string) that indicates that it is a linkage target. In the column that displays the reservation protocol code definer, if the received test order is a linkage target, the keyword string of tag A is displayed. If the reservation protocol code definer is displayed, it is a linkage target, and if it is not displayed, it is not a linkage target. It is sufficient to know this, and it does not prompt the user to confirm whether the reservation protocol code definer information is correct.

[0081] The registration information display area 64 displays detailed registration information related to the examination order of the subject selected in the worklist. The registration information display area 64 includes a subject information display area, an examination site display area, and a protocol display area. The subject information display area displays information identifying the subject and information related to the subject's attributes. The examination site display area displays information related to the examination site specified in the examination order. The protocol display area displays the imaging protocol corresponding to the examination instructions specified in the examination order.

[0082] As shown in the area surrounded by a dashed frame 72 in Figure 9, the subject registration confirmation screen 60 uses the RIS protocol ID specified in the examination order as a key, and displays an icon 74 indicating the examination area of ​​the imaging protocol corresponding to the examination instruction and an imaging protocol 75 based on the pre-set settings.

[0083] If the RIS protocol ID specified in the examination order has been fully registered, the process automatically selects the fully registered imaging protocol 75. If the RIS protocol ID specified in the examination order has not been fully registered and has only been provisionally registered, the icon 74 indicating the examination site is selected at the top, and the imaging protocol is not automatically selected. In this case, the protocol display area displays multiple selection candidates for the imaging protocol set on the provisional registration setting screen (see FIG. 5), and the operator is prompted to perform a selection operation to specify the imaging protocol.

[0084] [Operation of RIS 6 and modality device 10] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a system including the RIS 6 and the modality device 10. The flowchart shown in Fig. 10 is an example of an information processing method according to the present disclosure.

[0085] The right side of FIG. 10 shows the processing steps of the modality device 10 (steps S11 to S20), and the left side of FIG. 10 shows the processing steps of the RIS 6 (steps S62 to S63).

[0086] In step S11, the processor 202 of the modality device 10 accepts a pre-setting operation and performs setting to associate the examination instructions with the imaging protocol in advance according to the setting operation by the operator. The association information set by the pre-setting includes provisionally registered provisionally registered data and formally registered formally registered data.

[0087] In step S12, the processor 202 of the modality device 10 may enable an examination instruction for corresponding to the presetting to be shared with the RIS 6. Thereafter, the processor 202 accepts an examination order from the RIS 6 (step S13).

[0088] On the other hand, in step S61, the RIS 6 creates an examination order based on an operation by a doctor requesting an examination. When creating the examination order, the RIS 6 and the modality device 10 can cooperate with each other by using examination instruction information.

[0089] In step S62, the RIS 6 transmits the created examination order to the modality device 10. Then, in step S63, the RIS 6 judges whether or not to create the next examination order. In step S63, if the RIS 6 judges that the creation process of the next examination order should be continued (if the judgment result in step S63 is a Yes judgment), the RIS 6 returns to step S61. On the other hand, in step S63, if the RIS 6 judges that the creation process of the examination order should be ended (if the judgment result in step S63 is a No judgment), the RIS 6 ends the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10.

[0090] After starting to accept an examination order in step S13, the processor 202 of the modality device 10 determines whether or not an examination order has been received in step S14. If the modality device 10 has not received an examination order from the RIS 6, that is, if the determination result in step S14 is No, the processor 202 returns to step S13 and waits for receipt of an examination order from the RIS 6.

[0091] On the other hand, when the modality device 10 receives an examination order from the RIS 6 (when the determination result in step S14 is Yes), the processor 202 proceeds to step S15.

[0092] In step S15, the processor 202 displays a screen (see FIG. 9) on which the operator can check the examination instructions of the received examination order and the corresponding imaging protocol. The operator can check from this screen display whether the imaging protocol corresponding to the examination instructions specified by the doctor is appropriate. The processor 202 accepts operations such as changing and selecting the information displayed on the subject registration confirmation screen 60. The operator checks whether there are any errors in the content displayed in step S15, and if a change or selection is required for the displayed content, the operator can perform operations such as changing and selecting on this subject registration confirmation screen 60.

[0093] In step S16, the processor 202 judges whether to execute an examination or register a reservation with the examination contents displayed on the subject registration confirmation screen 60. When the operator checks the screen display and performs an operation to execute an examination or register a reservation, the judgment result in step S16 is a Yes judgment, and the process proceeds to step S17.

[0094] In step S17, the processor 202 executes subject registration for the examination based on the information content displayed on the subject registration confirmation screen 60.

[0095] On the other hand, if the determination result in step S16 is a No determination, the processor 202 proceeds to step S18. In step S18, the processor 202 determines whether or not to cancel the operation or display such as change or selection accepted on the subject registration confirmation screen 60. If the operator does not press the cancel button on the subject registration confirmation screen 60, the determination result in step S18 is a No determination, and the process returns to step S15. If the cancel button is pressed on the subject registration confirmation screen 60, the determination result in step S18 is a Yes determination, and the process proceeds to step S19.

[0096] In step S19, the processor 202 cancels the operation etc. accepted from the subject registration confirmation screen 60, and proceeds to step S20. In step S20, the processor 202 determines whether or not to accept the next examination order.

[0097] In step S20, if the processor 202 determines to continue the process of receiving the next inspection order (if the determination result in step S20 is Yes), the processor 202 returns to step S13. On the other hand, in step S20, if the processor 202 determines to end the process of receiving the inspection order (if the determination result in step S20 is No), the processor 202 ends the process shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0098] [Functional configuration of modality device 10] 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the modality device 10 according to this embodiment. The modality device 10 includes a presetting unit 110, a storage unit 112, an examination order acquisition unit 113, a collaboration determination unit 114, a subject registration confirmation screen generation unit 116, and a display control unit 118.

[0099] The presetting unit 110 accepts presetting operations via the input device 22, and performs presetting processing to associate examination instructions with imaging protocols.

[0100] The storage unit 112 stores a correspondence table 120 between examination instructions to be displayed on the RIS 6 and RIS protocol IDs, and imaging protocol data 122. The imaging protocol data includes data on a plurality of imaging protocols. The storage unit 112 also stores correspondence information 124 between the RIS protocol IDs and imaging protocols set by the presetting unit 110. The correspondence information 124 includes provisional registration data 126 and official registration data 128. The storage unit 112 may be a storage device including the memory 204 and storage 206 shown in FIG. 3.

[0101] The examination order acquisition unit 113 acquires an examination order from the RIS 6. The cooperation determination unit 114 determines whether cooperation is necessary or not based on the information of tags A and B of the acquired examination order.

[0102] The subject registration confirmation screen generating unit 116 generates a subject registration confirmation screen 60 based on the acquired examination order. When the acquired examination order is a link target, the subject registration confirmation screen generating unit 116 generates the subject registration confirmation screen 60 including a display of an imaging protocol corresponding to an instruction of the examination order, by using the association information 124 between the RIS protocol ID and the imaging protocol stored in the storage unit 112.

[0103] The display control unit 118 generates a display signal required for display output to the display device 24, and performs display control of the display device 24. The display control unit 118 causes the display device 24 to display the subject registration confirmation screen 60 generated by the subject registration confirmation screen generating unit 116.

[0104] <Hardware configuration of each processing unit> The hardware structure of the processing unit that executes various processes such as the pre-setting unit 110, the examination order acquisition unit 113, the collaboration determination unit 114, the subject registration confirmation screen generation unit 116, and the display control unit 118 in the modality device 10 shown in FIG. 11 is, for example, various processors as shown below.

[0105] Various types of processors include CPUs, which are general-purpose processors that execute programs and function as various processing units, GPUs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), such as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), which are processors whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, and dedicated electrical circuits, such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), which are processors with a circuit configuration designed specifically to execute specific processes.

[0106] A processing unit may be composed of one of these various processors, or may be composed of two or more processors of the same type or different types. For example, a processing unit may be composed of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA, or a combination of a CPU and a GPU. Also, multiple processing units may be composed of one processor. As an example of multiple processing units being composed of one processor, first, as represented by a computer such as a client or a server, there is a form in which one processor is composed of a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as multiple processing units. Second, as represented by a system on chip (SoC), there is a form in which a processor is used that realizes the functions of the entire system including multiple processing units in one IC (Integrated Circuit) chip. In this way, the various processing units are composed of one or more of the above various processors as a hardware structure.

[0107] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0108] [Processing flow of subject registration in the modality device 10] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the modality device 10 when registering a subject after receiving an examination order.

[0109] In step S101, the processor 202 determines whether the tag B has a specific value and the tag A is not blank. This determination process is a process for determining whether to check the provisional registration data 126 by the provisional registration function. If the tag B has a specific value and the tag A is not blank, the processor 202 proceeds to step S102.

[0110] In step S102, the processor 202 acquires, from the provisional registration data 126, an examination site of an imaging protocol that matches the received RIS protocol ID.

[0111] In step S103, the processor 202 determines whether the result obtained in step S103 is empty. The determination process in step S103 is a process for determining whether there is a provisional registration for the received RIS protocol ID.

[0112] If it is determined in step S103 that the acquired result is not empty, the processor 202 proceeds to step S104. In step S104, the processor 202 determines whether or not there is a permanent registration for the received RIS protocol ID.

[0113] When it is determined in step S104 that the official registration has been performed, the processor 202 proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the processor 202 selects an imaging protocol that matches the received RIS protocol ID in accordance with the official registration data 128.

[0114] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that no official registration has been made, the processor 202 proceeds to step S106.

[0115] In step S106, the processor 202 displays a plurality of imaging protocols provisionally registered for the received RIS protocol ID. The processor 202 accepts the selection of an imaging protocol from the operator on this screen display.

[0116] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S101 is that the tag B is not a specific value or that the tag A is blank, this means that the conventional method of receiving an examination order is used. In this case, the processor 202 proceeds to step S107. Also, if the result of the determination in step S103 is that the acquisition result is blank, the processor 202 proceeds to step S107. In step S107, the processor 202 operates in accordance with the settings on the modality device side by the conventional function. Note that the conventional function refers to the function of a conventional modality device that does not use the mechanism of cooperation by the RIS protocol ID implemented by this embodiment. Specifically, for example, a favorites column is displayed, or a manual input screen is displayed, and the operator selects the imaging protocol by himself / herself.

[0117] After step S105, step S106, or step S107, the flowchart in Fig. 12 ends. The flowchart in Fig. 12 may be performed for each received examination order.

[0118] [Effects of the embodiment] According to the medical information system 2 including the modality device 10 and the RIS 6 according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0119] [1] The modality device 10 can display the imaging protocol associated with the examination instruction based on the preset association information for the examination order received from the RIS 6 at the start of the examination. This allows the operator of the modality device 10 to easily check the imaging protocol corresponding to the examination order specified by the doctor, and enables selection of an appropriate imaging protocol that matches the examination order.

[0120] [2] According to the present embodiment, the workload of the operator of the modality device 10 is reduced, and the selection of an imaging protocol can be prevented. In addition, since an imaging protocol suitable for an examination order can be selected based on preset association information, the examination can be started early after receiving the examination order, and the patient can be prevented from having to wait.

[0121] [3] The pre-configured settings can be changed at any time, allowing the system to flexibly respond to changes in imaging protocols or clinical situations after the system is put into operation.

[0122] [4] By enabling test orders to be created using pre-set association information, the burden on doctors creating test orders is reduced.

[0123] [Regarding programs that operate computers] A program that causes a computer to realize some or all of the processing functions of the information processing device 20 in the modality device 10 of this embodiment can be recorded on a computer-readable medium such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, or other tangible, non-transitory information storage medium, and the program can be provided through this information storage medium.

[0124] In addition, instead of providing the program by storing it on such a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium, it is also possible to provide the program signal as a download service using a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0125] Furthermore, some or all of the processing functions of the information processing device 20 may be realized by cloud computing, and may also be provided as SaaS (Software as a Service).

[0126] "others" The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 2 Medical Information Systems 4. Hospital Information System (HIS) 6 Radiology Information System (RIS) 10 Modality Equipment 11 MRI machine 12 Measurement section 12a Imaging space 14 Sleeper 14a Tabletop 16 Console unit 20 Information processing device 22 Input Devices 24 Display device 30 Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) 35 Network 42 Order details button 52 Combo Box 60 Subject registration confirmation screen 62 Worklist display area 64 Registration information display area 70,72 Dashed frame 74 Icons 75 Imaging Protocol 110 Presetting section 112 Storage section 113 Inspection Order Acquisition Department 114 Collaboration Judgment Unit 116 Subject registration confirmation screen generation unit 118 Display control section 120 Correspondence table between test instructions displayed on RIS and RIS protocol ID 122 Imaging Protocol Data 124 Correspondence information between RIS protocol ID and imaging protocol 126 Provisional Registration Data 128 Registered Data 202 Processor 204 Memory 206 Storage 208 Input / Output Interface 210 Bus S11 to S20: Processing steps in the modality device S61-S63 RIS processing steps S101 to S107 Steps for processing the subject registration in the modality device

Claims

1. A medical information system including an information system that generates an examination order including an examination instruction for an imaging diagnostic examination, and a modality device that captures medical images of a subject in accordance with the examination order, The modality device includes: a storage device that stores the examination instructions in advance in association with one or more imaging protocols; one or more processors that execute a process of acquiring the examination order from the information system and displaying the examination instruction of the acquired examination order and the one or more imaging protocols that are associated with the examination instruction in advance; Healthcare information systems, including:

2. The one or more processors: Executing a process of displaying a setting screen that accepts a setting operation for associating the one or more imaging protocols with the examination instruction; The medical information system according to claim 1.

3. The one or more processors: execute a provisional registration process for correlating identification information determined for each type of the examination instruction with a plurality of imaging protocols related to the examination site according to the examination instruction and storing the corresponding identification information in the storage device; The medical information system according to claim 1.

4. the one or more processors, when the provisional registration has been made for the examination instruction of the examination order acquired from the information system, display the plurality of imaging protocols corresponding to the identification information and display a screen prompting an operator to select any one of the imaging protocols. The medical information system according to claim 3.

5. the one or more processors execute a process of main registration in which identification information defined for each type of the examination instruction and one of the imaging protocols are associated with each other and stored in the storage device; The medical information system according to claim 1.

6. the one or more processors, when the examination instruction of the examination order acquired from the information system is officially registered, display the imaging protocol uniquely associated with the identification information, and execute automatic selection of the imaging protocol uniquely associated with the identification information. The medical information system according to claim 5.

7. The examination order includes information on whether or not cooperation between the information system and the modality device is required. The medical information system according to claim 1.

8. the one or more processors control whether or not to display the one or more imaging protocols associated in advance, depending on the linkage necessity information included in the examination order acquired from the information system. The medical information system according to claim 7.

9. The test order includes identification information defined for the test indication. The medical information system according to claim 1.

10. a common symbol that cannot be changed between the information system and the modality device is assigned to the pair of the examination instruction and the imaging protocol that are associated in advance; The medical information system according to claim 1.

11. A modality device that captures medical images of a subject in accordance with an examination order including an examination instruction for an imaging diagnostic examination, a storage device that stores the examination instructions in advance in association with one or more imaging protocols; one or more processors that execute a process of acquiring the examination order from an information system and displaying the examination instruction of the acquired examination order and the one or more imaging protocols associated with the examination instruction; A modality device comprising:

12. 1. An information processing method for linking an information system that generates an examination order including an examination instruction for an imaging diagnostic examination with a modality device that captures medical images of a subject in accordance with the examination order, comprising: One or more processors of the modality device store the examination instructions and one or more imaging protocols in advance in a storage device in association with each other; The one or more processors execute a process of acquiring the examination order from the information system, and displaying the examination instruction of the acquired examination order and the one or more imaging protocols previously associated with the examination instruction; An information processing method comprising:

13. A program for causing a computer to realize a function of linking an information system for generating an examination order including an examination instruction for an imaging diagnostic examination with a modality device for capturing medical images of a subject in accordance with the examination order, the program comprising: a function of previously associating the examination instruction with one or more imaging protocols and storing them in a storage device; a function of acquiring the examination order from the information system, and displaying the examination instruction of the acquired examination order and the one or more imaging protocols associated with the examination instruction in advance; A program for causing the computer to realize the above.

Images