Ophthalmic systems and methods for supporting behavioral change

Abstract

This invention provides an ophthalmological system and behavioral change support methods that effectively support patients in maintaining treatment continuity and improving their motivation for treatment. [Solution] In an ophthalmology system 1 in which a terminal device 30 primarily used by a physician and a patient terminal 50 are connected via a network NW1 to enable data communication between them, the patient terminal 50 has at least a terminal processor that runs an application for managing information sharing and communication, and a terminal communication unit that performs data communication with the terminal device. The terminal device 30 has at least a processor that runs an application and a communication unit that performs data communication with the patient terminal 50. The terminal processor sets specific functions in the application to encourage behavioral changes related to the patient's disease treatment based on the results of a patient personality diagnostic test conducted by the application.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ophthalmic system and a method for assisting behavioral modification.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a hospital terminal (such as a personal computer, a cloud computer, etc.) and a patient terminal (such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone) are connected by a network, and remote diagnosis of a patient by a doctor is performed through data communication between the two parties. Also, even during time periods other than hospital diagnosis, between the patient terminal and the hospital terminal, by using the functions of a SNS (Social Networking System), it has become possible to confirm symptoms, consult, and receive advice.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing apparatus that creates a conversation log by extracting important parts from text data showing the conversation content between a doctor and a patient during remote diagnosis. This information processing apparatus acquires the call information of a user from a terminal, creates a conversation log based on the call information, acquires bookmarks set in the conversation sentences included in the conversation log based on the user's operation, and creates and outputs a bookmark log in which bookmarks are set based on the bookmarks.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, eye diseases such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration often require long-term hospital visits, and it is known that their progression can be slowed by continuing to take medication or use eye drops. These eye diseases are relatively more common in the elderly. Therefore, there is a problem in that a certain number of patients are unable to continue hospital visits or continue taking medication or using eye drops. In other words, there is a problem in that eye diseases gradually progress because it is difficult to continue taking medication or using eye drops.

[0006] This disclosure is made in light of these circumstances and aims to provide an ophthalmological system and behavioral change support method that effectively supports patients in maintaining treatment continuity for their disease and improving their motivation for treatment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the ophthalmology system of the present disclosure provides an ophthalmology system comprising at least a first information terminal owned by a patient and a second information terminal owned by a medical institution, wherein the first information terminal has at least a first processor that runs an application for managing information sharing and communication and a first data communication unit that performs data communication with the second information terminal, wherein the second information terminal has at least a second processor that runs the application and a second data communication unit that performs data communication with the first information terminal, and the first processor sets specific functions in the application that promote behavioral changes related to the treatment of the patient's disease based on the results of a personality diagnostic test of the patient performed by the application.

[0008] In the ophthalmology system, applications are executed while data is communicated between a first information terminal and a second information terminal. The first information terminal, owned by the patient, sets and executes characteristic functions in the application that encourage behavioral changes related to the patient's disease treatment, in accordance with the results of the patient's personality diagnostic test executed in the application. As a result, according to the ophthalmology system, it is possible to maintain the patient's continuity of treatment for their disease and effectively support the improvement of their motivation for treatment.

[0009] In another embodiment of the ophthalmic system of this disclosure, the first information terminal further comprises a first display unit, the second processor selects a first image showing the current state of the patient's disease and a second image showing a future predicted image for the disease treatment based on the patient's disease treatment status, transmits the selected first image and second image to the first information terminal, and the first processor, as a specific function, displays the first image and second image selected by the second processor on the first display unit.

[0010] In the ophthalmology system, the second information terminal selects and shares with the first information terminal the current image of the patient's disease (first image) and a projected future image of the disease treatment (second image), according to the patient's disease treatment status. The first information terminal, as a specific function of the application, displays the first and second images selected by the second information terminal on the first display unit. As a result, according to the ophthalmology system, the first and second images can be presented to the patient visually and comparatively according to the results of the patient's personality diagnostic test, effectively promoting the maintenance and improvement of the patient's motivation to continue treatment.

[0011] In another embodiment of the ophthalmic system of this disclosure, the second processor re-selects the first and second images based on the progress of the patient's disease treatment, transmits the re-selected first and second images to the first information terminal, and the first processor, as a specific function, displays the first and second images re-selected by the second processor on the first display unit.

[0012] Furthermore, in the ophthalmology system, the second information terminal re-selects the first and second images according to the progress of the patient's disease treatment and shares them with the first information terminal. This re-selection may be repeated as needed, depending on the duration of disease treatment required. As a result, according to the ophthalmology system, the first and second images are adaptively selected according to the progress (progress) of the patient's disease treatment, effectively promoting the maintenance and improvement of the patient's motivation to continue treatment.

[0013] In another embodiment of the ophthalmic system of this disclosure, the first information terminal further comprises an operation input unit, and the first processor, as a specific function, displays a patient's medication history table on the first display unit and updates the medication history table in response to operations on the operation input unit by the patient who has taken the medication.

[0014] In the ophthalmology system, the first information terminal displays the patient's medication history on the first display unit, and the contents of the medication history are updated by the patient's operation on the operation input unit after taking the medication. As a result, according to the ophthalmology system, the medication history is appropriately updated each time a conscientious patient takes medication by performing a predetermined operation on the operation input unit, and it is possible to effectively promote the maintenance and improvement of the patient's motivation to continue treatment in accordance with the patient's personality.

[0015] In another embodiment of the ophthalmic system of this disclosure, the medication history table includes at least one of the following: the date of the next visit and the scheduled end date of treatment for the disease.

[0016] Furthermore, in the ophthalmology system, the medication history sheet includes at least one of the following: the patient's next visit date and the expected end date of disease treatment. The next visit date is the day the patient is scheduled to visit the hospital next. The expected end date of disease treatment is not a date that can be definitively stated as the day when disease treatment will definitely end, but rather the date on which it is expected to end depending on the progression of the disease. As a result, according to the ophthalmology system, updating the medication history sheet which includes at least one of the patient's next visit date and the expected end date of disease treatment can effectively promote the maintenance and improvement of the motivation of diligent patients to continue treatment.

[0017] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the ophthalmic system of this disclosure, the system further comprises a third information terminal owned by another patient different from the patient, which is capable of data communication with the second information terminal and can use the application, wherein the first processor detects a first approval operation by the patient to approve the other patient and a second approval operation by the other patient to approve the patient, and as a specific function, performs the information sharing and communication using the application with the third information terminal.

[0018] Furthermore, in the ophthalmology system, a third information terminal owned by another patient can communicate data with the second information terminal, and applications can be used in the same way. If mutual approval is granted between the patient owning the first information terminal and the other patient owning the third information terminal, information sharing and communication using applications become possible between the first and third information terminals. According to the ophthalmology system, this allows extroverted patients, for example, to share necessary information and communicate with other patients suffering from similar diseases (e.g., eye diseases), thereby increasing their circle of acquaintances and effectively promoting the maintenance and improvement of patients' motivation for disease treatment.

[0019] In another embodiment of the ophthalmic system of this disclosure, the second image is an image showing the post-treatment visual field of the disease that is expected to result from the patient continuing treatment for the disease.

[0020] Furthermore, the ophthalmology system displays an image on the first information terminal showing the patient's visual field after treatment, which is expected as the patient continues treatment for their disease. According to the ophthalmology system, this effectively promotes the maintenance and improvement of the patient's motivation to continue treatment, as it visually and explicitly shows patients with a positive personality a bright future as a result of continuing treatment.

[0021] In another embodiment of the ophthalmic system of this disclosure, the second image is an image showing the visual field after the expected exacerbation of the disease due to the patient not continuing treatment for the disease.

[0022] Furthermore, the ophthalmology system displays an image on the first information terminal showing the patient's visual field after the expected deterioration of their disease if they do not continue treatment. According to the ophthalmology system, this effectively promotes the maintenance and improvement of the patient's motivation to continue treatment, as it visually and explicitly shows patients, who tend to act only when they feel a sense of crisis, the anxious future consequences of continuing treatment.

[0023] Furthermore, one aspect of the behavioral change support method of this disclosure is a behavioral change support method performed by an ophthalmology system comprising at least a first information terminal owned by a patient and a second information terminal owned by a medical institution, wherein the first information terminal is capable of executing an application for managing information sharing and communication and performs data communication with the second information terminal, the second information terminal is capable of executing the application and performs data communication with the first information terminal, and the first processor sets a specific function in the application to promote behavioral change related to the treatment of the patient's disease based on the results of a personality diagnostic test of the patient performed by the application, thereby providing a behavioral change support method.

[0024] In the behavior modification support method, an application is executed while data communication is performed between a first information terminal and a second information terminal. The first information terminal owned by the patient sets and executes a characteristic function in the application that promotes behavior modification related to the patient's disease treatment so as to match the results of the patient's personality diagnosis test executed in the application. Thereby, according to the ophthalmic system, the treatment continuity of the patient for the disease can be maintained, and the improvement of the treatment motivation can be effectively supported.

Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to the present disclosure, the treatment continuity of the patient for the disease can be maintained, and the improvement of the treatment motivation can be effectively supported.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is an overall view of the ophthalmic system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing hardware configuration examples of the terminal device and the patient terminal according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of displaying a behavior modification image corresponding to type A. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of displaying a behavior modification image corresponding to type B. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of displaying a behavior modification image corresponding to type C. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of displaying a behavior modification image corresponding to type D. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation procedure of the behavior modification support method according to the present embodiment in time series.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Hereinafter, an example embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the one embodiment described here, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0028] 1. Configuration of the ophthalmic system First, with reference to Figure 1, an example of the configuration of the ophthalmic system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0029] Figure 1 is an overall diagram of the ophthalmology system 1 according to this embodiment. The ophthalmology system 1 consists of multiple ophthalmic devices, a data management computer 20, and multiple terminal devices 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D. Each ophthalmic device or communication device connected to an ophthalmic device is connected to the data management computer 20, and each of the terminal devices 30A to 30D is connected to the data management computer 20 via a network. For example, the examination results obtained from the ophthalmic device are stored in the data management computer 20 via the network, so that a physician or their assistant using a terminal device (e.g., terminal device 30A) can check the examination results. Note that the number of ophthalmic devices and terminal devices is merely an example and is not limited to this.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the ophthalmic equipment includes a slit lamp 10A, an OCT device 10B, a fundus camera 10C, a refractometer 10D, and a phoropter 10E. Each piece of ophthalmic equipment may be owned by different medical institutions (e.g., a general hospital, a specialized ophthalmology clinic, a university hospital, etc.), or a single medical institution may own multiple pieces of ophthalmic equipment.

[0031] For example, since the fundus camera 10C is a device owned by many medical institutions, each institution uses different models from different manufacturers with varying functions. However, with the ophthalmology system 1, regardless of the manufacturer or model, and including information obtained from other medical institutions, a doctor or their assistant can check the examination results on at least one of the terminal devices 30A to 30D.

[0032] Here, we will briefly explain the characteristics of each ophthalmic device.

[0033] The slit lamp 10A, also known as a slit-lamp microscope, is a device that acquires anterior segment images, which are cross-sectional images of the cornea, by shining a long, narrow slit-shaped illumination beam onto the subject's eyeball (the eyeball) from an oblique direction. The slit lamp 10A is used for various anterior segment examinations, such as examining corneal shape, corneal endothelial cells, and meibomian glands.

[0034] The OCT device 10B is a device that splits low-coherence light into two, irradiates the fundus of the eye with one of the beams, and then interferes the posteriorly scattered light with the other beam to receive the light with a CCD image sensor or the like to obtain a cross-sectional image of the fundus (retina). This cross-sectional image is used to diagnose eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and retinitis pigmentosa. Any device can be used as the OCT device 10B, including the Fourier Domain method, Time Domain method, and Swept Source method.

[0035] The fundus camera 10C is a device that illuminates the fundus of the eye being examined with illumination light, and acquires fundus image data by receiving the reflected light with a light-receiving element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) image sensor. Fundus images are used to diagnose eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration.

[0036] The Refractometer 10D is an examination device that can measure various ocular characteristics of the eye being examined, such as intraocular pressure, refractive power, and corneal curvature.

[0037] The Phoropter 10E, also known as a vision tester, is an examination device used to select the appropriate lens for the eye being examined. The Phoropter 10E is equipped with multiple lenses, and by inserting one or more of these lenses onto the optical axis, it can measure refractive power such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, as well as binocular vision function.

[0038] The ophthalmic device 10 may include devices other than those described above. For example, a scanning laser ophthalmoscope is one such device that scans a light beam and irradiates the fundus, and receives the reflected light or fluorescence at a predetermined site with a CCD or the like to acquire image data of the fundus. Another example is a specular microscope that can image corneal endothelial cells, measure their density, and measure corneal thickness.

[0039] As will be described later with reference to Figure 2, terminal devices 30A to 30D are equipped with internal storage units 32 to store examination results and image data from ophthalmic devices (see above) transmitted via the network. Furthermore, since each of the terminal devices 30A to 30D is connected to the data management computer 20, they can constantly access the examination results and other data stored in the data management computer 20. There are no particular restrictions on the type of data management computer 20; for example, it may be configured as a cloud-type server device or as an on-premise server device deployed in a medical institution, etc.

[0040] Each of the terminal devices 30A to 30D is a PC, notebook PC, tablet terminal, etc., owned by each medical institution. Software for using the ophthalmology system 1 may be installed on each of these terminal devices 30A to 30D. Therefore, a physician or their assistant can check the examination results and image data stored in the data management computer 20 on each of the terminal devices 30A to 30D. In addition, the physician or their assistant can also check the records in the electronic medical record, as well as the examination results obtained at other medical institutions, and will consider all of this information to determine whether or not there is a disease in the eye being examined. Although not shown in Figure 1, the ophthalmology system 1 according to this embodiment may further include patient terminals (see Figure 2) owned by patients who visit hospitals or other medical institutions for treatment to suppress eye diseases (disease treatment).

[0041] Next, with reference to Figure 2, we will describe examples of the hardware configurations of the terminal device 30, patient terminal 50, and other patient terminal 60 that constitute the ophthalmology system 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing examples of the hardware configurations of the terminal device 30 and patient terminal 50 according to this embodiment. The terminal device 30 in Figure 2 corresponds to terminal devices 30A to 30D in Figure 1. Although the hardware configuration example of other patient terminal 60 is not shown in Figure 2, it has the same configuration as patient terminal 50. In the following description, we will explain a use case in which the ophthalmology system 1 according to this embodiment maintains and improves the motivation of patients who visit an ophthalmologist for some kind of eye disease to continue their disease treatment.

[0042] The terminal device 30, primarily used by the physician, and the patient terminal 50 are connected via network NW1 to enable data communication between them. Similarly, the patient terminal 50 and other patient terminals 60 are connected via network NW2 to enable data communication between them. Networks NW1 and NW2 are so-called wireless networks, and may be communication methods that utilize wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi® or short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®, which are effective within the facility. Although not shown in Figure 2, the terminal device 30 and other patient terminals 60 may also be connected via network NW1 to enable data communication between them.

[0043] The terminal device 30 consists of a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a processor 33. The terminal device 30 is configured as a computer device such as a PC that is placed inside a medical institution (within the hospital).

[0044] The communication unit 31 is configured using a communication circuit that connects to various ophthalmic devices (see Figure 1) or patient terminals 50 located within the medical institution via a network (not shown) and performs data communication with the various ophthalmic devices or patient terminals 50. The communication unit 31 performs data communication with the various ophthalmic devices or patient terminals 50, receives various data sent from the various ophthalmic devices or patient terminals 50, and transmits various data to the various ophthalmic devices or patient terminals 50.

[0045] The memory unit 32 is configured, for example, using RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), and temporarily stores programs necessary for the operation of the terminal device 30, as well as data acquired or generated during operation. RAM is, for example, work memory used during the operation of the terminal device 30. ROM stores, for example, programs for controlling the terminal device 30 in advance. The memory unit 32 stores programs and data for the behavioral change support application, which will be described in detail later. This behavioral change support application is executed by the processor 33, and data communication takes place between the terminal device 30 and the patient terminal 50 during the execution of this behavioral change support application.

[0046] The processor 33 is composed of at least one of the following: a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The processor 33 is an example of a second processor and functions as a controller that manages the overall operation of the terminal device 30. The processor 33 performs control processing to coordinate the operation of each part of the terminal device 30, data input / output processing between each part of the terminal device 30, data calculation processing, and data storage processing. The processor 33 operates according to the program stored in the storage unit 32. The processor 33 uses the storage unit 32 during operation and temporarily stores data generated or acquired by the processor 33 in the storage unit 32.

[0047] The patient terminal 50 consists of a terminal communication unit 51, a terminal display unit 52, a terminal storage unit 53, a terminal processor 55, and a terminal input unit 57. The patient terminal 50 is a computer owned or carried by patients who visit a medical institution (e.g., an eye disease) for treatment, and can be composed of, for example, a notebook PC, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. The patient terminal 50 can be made executable by installing a behavioral change support application through an approval operation by the patient who visits a medical institution (e.g., a hospital).

[0048] The terminal communication unit 51 is configured using a communication circuit that connects to the terminal device 30 or other patient terminals 60 via a network (not shown) and performs data communication with the terminal device 30 or other patient terminals 60. The terminal communication unit 51 performs data communication with the terminal device 30 or other patient terminals 60, receives various types of data sent from the terminal device 30 or other patient terminals 60, and transmits various types of data to the terminal device 30 or other patient terminals 60.

[0049] The terminal display unit 52 displays the results (e.g., a display screen) based on various processes performed by the terminal processor 55. The terminal display unit 52 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL display. The terminal display unit 52 and the terminal input unit 57, which receives operations from the patient who is the main user of the patient terminal 50, may be configured as a single unit. In this case, the terminal input unit 57 and the terminal display unit 52 are configured as a touch panel display.

[0050] The terminal storage unit 53 is configured, for example, using RAM and ROM, and temporarily stores programs necessary for the operation of the patient terminal 50, as well as data acquired or generated during operation. RAM is, for example, work memory used during the operation of the patient terminal 50. ROM stores, for example, programs for controlling the patient terminal 50 in advance. The terminal storage unit 53 stores programs and data for the behavioral change support application 54, which will be described in detail later. This behavioral change support application 54 is executed by the terminal processor 55, and data communication takes place between the terminal device 30 and the patient terminal 50 during the execution of this behavioral change support application 54.

[0051] The behavioral change support application 54 can be installed and runnable on each of the terminal device 30, the patient terminal 50, and the other patient terminal 60. The behavioral change support application 54 may be processed and executed solely on the patient terminal 50, or it may be processed and executed via data communication over a network (e.g., networks NW1, NW2) with other devices (e.g., terminal device 30, other patient terminal 60). The behavioral change support application 54 has at least the following executable functions: a function to conduct a personality diagnostic test on the patient, and a specific function (see below) to encourage behavioral changes related to disease treatment in patients visiting a medical institution (e.g., a hospital) based on the results of the personality diagnostic test. Details of the specific function of the behavioral change support application 54 will be described later with reference to Figures 3 to 6.

[0052] The terminal processor 55 is an example of a first processor and consists of at least one of the following: a CPU, DSP, GPU, or FPGA. The terminal processor 55 functions as a controller that manages the overall operation of the patient terminal 50. The terminal processor 55 performs control processing to coordinate the operation of each part of the patient terminal 50, data input / output processing between each part of the patient terminal 50, data calculation processing, and data storage processing. The terminal processor 55 operates according to the program stored in the terminal storage unit 53. When operating, the terminal processor 55 uses the terminal storage unit 53 to temporarily store data generated or acquired by the terminal processor 55 in the terminal storage unit 53. In the patient terminal 50, the terminal processor 55 works in cooperation with the terminal storage unit 53 to execute various processes (for example, the processes shown in the flowchart in Figure 7). By working in cooperation with the terminal storage unit 53, the terminal processor 55 realizes the functions of the application processing unit 56.

[0053] The application processing unit 56 starts, executes, and terminates the behavioral change support application 54 stored in the terminal storage unit 53, and displays the processing results during execution (for example, the personality diagnostic test screen, the screens shown in Figures 3 to 6) on the terminal display unit 52. The application processing unit 56 also detects operations performed by the patient who owns the patient terminal 50 on the terminal input unit 57 (for example, inputting answers to questions in the personality diagnostic test), generates a notification screen based on the detection result, and displays it on the terminal display unit 52. Furthermore, the application processing unit 56 generates notification screens (for example, see Figures 3 to 6) according to the results of the personality diagnostic test (i.e., the patient's personality) either by itself or by receiving and acquiring them from the terminal device 30, and displays the results on the terminal display unit 52.

[0054] The terminal input unit 57 consists of a device that detects operations performed by the patient who owns the patient terminal 50, and includes, for example, at least one of a touch panel, touchpad, button, microphone, or mouse. The terminal input unit 57 detects operations performed by the patient while the behavioral change support application 54 is being executed by the application processing unit 56, and sends the detection results to the application processing unit 56.

[0055] The other patient terminal 60 is owned by a patient other than the patient who owns the patient terminal 50. Specifically, the other patient terminal 60 is a computer owned or carried by a patient who, like the patient who owns the patient terminal 50, visits a medical institution for treatment of an eye disease or other illness, and consists of, for example, a notebook PC, tablet, or smartphone. The other patient terminal 60 can be made executable by installing a behavioral change support application through an approval operation by the other patient who visits a medical institution (e.g., a hospital). Although a detailed example of the hardware configuration of the other patient terminal 60 is omitted from Figure 2, it is the same as the example of the hardware configuration of the patient terminal 50.

[0056] 2. Notification screens to display according to personality Next, with reference to Figures 3 to 6, an example of a notification screen displayed by the behavior change support application 54 according to the patient's personality will be explained. Figure 3 shows an example of a behavior change image corresponding to type A. Figure 4 shows an example of a behavior change image corresponding to type B. Figure 5 shows an example of a behavior change image corresponding to type C. Figure 6 shows an example of a behavior change image corresponding to type D.

[0057] Figure 3 shows an example where, for a patient diagnosed with a Type A personality (e.g., positive), the behavioral change support application 54 displays a current image IMG1 (an example of a first image) and a future image IMG2 (an example of a second image) side-by-side on the terminal display 52 of the patient terminal 50. Current image IMG1 is an example of a first image and shows the visual field image as seen under the patient's current disease state. On the other hand, future image IMG2 is an example of a second image and shows the visual field image as expected to be seen in the future if the patient continues to take medication (e.g., eye drops) (i.e., treatment) for a certain period (e.g., one year) based on the present. In other words, while current image IMG1 appears to have a defect in a part of the visual field (region R1), future image IMG2 is presented to a patient with a positive personality, showing that as a result of continuing to take medication, the defect in that visual field becomes smaller (region R2), and they acquire a somewhat normal visual field. This is expected to effectively improve the patient's motivation for treatment under a positive reinforcement policy.

[0058] Figure 4 shows an example where, for a patient diagnosed with a Type B personality (e.g., driven by a sense of crisis), the behavioral change support application 54 displays a current image IMG1 (an example of the first image) and a future image IMG3 (an example of the second image) side-by-side on the terminal display 52 of the patient terminal 50. The current image IMG1 is the same as that in Figure 3. The future image IMG3 is an example of the second image and shows the expected future visual field if the patient does not continue taking medication (e.g., eye drops) (i.e., treatment) for a certain period (e.g., one year), based on the present. In other words, while the current image IMG1 appears to show a defect in a part of the visual field (region R1), for a patient with a personality that is driven by a sense of crisis, the future image IMG3 shows that as a result of not continuing to take medication, the visual field defect will worsen further, resulting in visual field constriction (regions R3, R4), which will interfere with daily life. This is expected to effectively improve the patient's motivation for treatment under a strict management policy.

[0059] Figure 5 shows an example in which, for a patient diagnosed with a Type C personality (e.g., extroverted), the behavioral change support application 54 displays a communication screen (e.g., chat screen TLK1) between the patient and another patient who owns another patient's terminal 60 on the terminal display unit 52 of the patient's terminal 50. Similarly, for another patient diagnosed with a Type C personality (e.g., extroverted), the behavioral change support application 54 displays a communication screen (e.g., chat screen TLK2) between the patient and the patient who owns the patient's terminal 50 on the terminal display unit 62 of the other patient's terminal 60.

[0060] When installing the behavioral change support application 54, patient terminal 50 detects the patient's approval operation indicating that they wish to share information and communicate with other patient terminals 60, and then installs the behavioral change support application 54. Similarly, when installing the behavioral change support application 54, other patient terminals 60 also detect the approval operation by other patients indicating that they wish to share information and communicate with patient terminal 50, and then install the behavioral change support application 54. As a result, patients with extroverted personalities and other patients can share information and communicate (for example, through chat screens TLK1 and TLK2) with other patients suffering from similar diseases, and exchange information that they are allowed to make public, which can help them to relax and develop a positive attitude toward disease treatment. The information that can be made public may include, but is not limited to, gender, age, hospital name, treatment period, disease name, and next scheduled visit date.

[0061] Figure 6 shows an example in which, for patient PT1 diagnosed with a Type D personality (e.g., serious), the behavioral change support application 54 displays a medication history table STC1 on the terminal display unit 52 of the patient terminal 50 based on the detection of input operations indicating that patient PT1 has taken (e.g., used eye drops) prescribed by a medical institution (e.g., hospital, pharmacy). Each time patient PT1 takes medication (e.g., eye drops), the behavioral change support application 54 updates the display of the medication history table STC1 to indicate that eye drops have been used, in accordance with the input operations. This medication history table STC1 can be viewed by a terminal device 30 that can communicate data with the patient terminal 50. This allows a physician DT1 at a medical institution (e.g., hospital) to appropriately monitor whether patient PT1 is using eye drops on a daily basis. Furthermore, for patient PT1, who has a conscientious personality, the behavioral change support application 54 allows them to visually and explicitly confirm their past use of eye drops in the medication history sheet STC1, thereby appropriately maintaining and improving their motivation for disease treatment.

[0062] The medication history form STC1 may display the next appointment date (indicated by the star mark S in the diagram). Furthermore, the medication history form STC1 for subsequent months may be viewable, and a function indicating the expected end date of treatment or outpatient visits may be included. Such displays can help maintain and improve the patient PT1's motivation for disease treatment.

[0063] Although not shown in the diagram, for patients diagnosed with a tendency to get bored easily, the behavioral change support application 54 frequently displays new information about the patient's illness or other matters on the terminal display unit 52, and also displays comments from the doctor sent from the terminal device 30 on the terminal display unit 52. This allows patients with a tendency to get bored easily to appropriately maintain and improve their motivation for disease treatment by frequently receiving new information.

[0064] Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, for patients diagnosed with a personality that is motivated by self-interest, the behavioral change support application 54 processes and assigns incentives (e.g., rewards, points) for taking medication (e.g., eye drops) in a manner linked to the patient's identification information. As a result, patients with a personality that is motivated by self-interest can receive incentives (e.g., rewards, points) for taking medication (e.g., eye drops), thereby appropriately maintaining and improving their motivation for disease treatment.

[0065] 3. Operating procedures for the ophthalmic system (methods for supporting behavioral change) Next, with reference to Figure 7, an example of the operation procedure of the ophthalmic system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation procedure of the behavioral change support method according to this embodiment in chronological order. The series of processes shown in Figure 7 may be executed independently by the terminal processor 55 of the patient terminal 50, or they may be executed in cooperation with the terminal device 30 via data communication.

[0066] In Figure 7, the terminal processor 55 determines whether or not the behavior change support application 54 is installed (S01). If it is determined that the behavior change support application 54 is not installed (S01, NO), the processing in Figure 7 by the terminal processor 55 ends.

[0067] On the other hand, if the terminal processor 55 determines that the behavioral change support application 54 is installed (S01, YES), it executes a personality diagnostic test in the behavioral change support application 54 to diagnose the personality of the patient who owns the patient terminal 50 (S02). Here, the personality diagnostic test consists of 3 to 5 questions and preferably takes several minutes to complete. This allows the behavioral change support application 54 to execute specific functions (see Figures 3 to 6) to ensure that the patient continues treatment for their illness, in accordance with the patient's personality.

[0068] The terminal processor 55 determines whether the patient has a Type A personality as a result of the personality diagnostic test performed in step S02 (S03). If the terminal processor 55 determines that the patient has a Type A personality (i.e., a positive personality) (S03, YES), it performs a process to set up the mutual support function corresponding to Type A (S04). Specifically, the terminal processor 55 displays a current image IMG1 that shows the visual field image according to the patient's current disease status and a future image IMG2 that shows the visual field image expected if the patient continues to take the medication for a certain period of time, in a comparative manner (see Figure 3). As a result, patients with a positive personality can appropriately recognize their current self and their future self if they do not neglect to continue treatment, thereby maintaining and improving their motivation for disease treatment.

[0069] On the other hand, if the terminal processor 55 determines that the patient does not have a Type A personality (i.e., a positive personality) (S03, NO), it determines whether the patient has a Type B personality based on the results of the personality diagnostic test performed in step S02 (S05). If the terminal processor 55 determines that the patient has a Type B personality (i.e., a personality that acts on a sense of crisis) (S05, YES), it performs a process to set up the mutual support function corresponding to Type B (S06). Specifically, the terminal processor 55 displays a current image IMG1 that shows the visual field image corresponding to the patient's current disease status and a future image IMG3 that shows the visual field image expected if the patient does not continue taking the medication for a certain period of time, in a comparative manner (see Figure 4). As a result, patients with a personality that acts on a sense of crisis can appropriately recognize their current self and their future self if they neglect to continue treatment, thereby maintaining and improving their motivation for disease treatment.

[0070] On the other hand, if the terminal processor 55 determines that the patient does not have a Type B personality (i.e., a personality that acts on a sense of crisis) (S05, NO), it determines whether the patient has a Type C personality based on the results of the personality diagnostic test performed in step S02 (S07). If the terminal processor 55 determines that the patient has a Type C personality (i.e., an extroverted personality) (S07, YES), it performs a process to set up the mutual support function corresponding to Type C (S08). Specifically, the terminal processor 55 displays a communication screen (e.g., talk screen TLK1) between the patient and another patient who owns another patient terminal 60 in the behavior change support application 54, and updates the display of the talk content each time a talk is conducted with another patient terminal 60 (see Figure 5). As a result, patients with an extroverted personality can maintain and improve their motivation for disease treatment by sharing useful information with other patients undergoing treatment for the same disease and easily changing their behavior through conversations.

[0071] On the other hand, if the terminal processor 55 determines that the patient does not have a Type C personality (i.e., an extroverted personality) (S07, NO), it determines whether the patient has a Type D personality based on the results of the personality diagnostic test performed in step S02 (S09). If the terminal processor 55 determines that the patient has a Type D personality (i.e., a serious personality) (S09, YES), it performs a process to set up the mutual support function corresponding to Type D (S10). Specifically, in the behavior change support application 54, the terminal processor 55 displays the medication history table STC1 or updates its display contents based on the detection of input operations indicating that the patient PT1 has taken the medicine provided by the medical institution (see Figure 6). As a result, patients with a serious personality can visually and explicitly confirm their past record of taking eye drops in the medication history table STC1, thereby appropriately maintaining and improving their motivation for disease treatment.

[0072] Although not shown in Figure 7, for patients diagnosed with a personality type different from types A to D, the terminal processor 55 similarly sets up mutual support functions corresponding to the patient's personality in the behavioral change support application 54. As a result, patients can obtain appropriate suggestions from the behavioral change support application 54 that motivate them to treat their illness, according to their diagnosed personality, thereby appropriately maintaining and improving their motivation for treatment.

[0073] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its essence. For example, the personality diagnosed by the behavioral change support application 54 is not necessarily limited to one, and if multiple personalities are diagnosed, mutual support functions tailored to each personality may be combined, set, and executed.

[0074] Furthermore, the content of the images used in the current and future images, as explained with reference to Figures 3 and 4, may be adaptively selected according to the patient's attributes (e.g., occupation). This selection is performed, for example, by the terminal device 30. For example, if the patient's occupation is a truck driver, the current and future images may be images of things that would be problematic if there were a visual field defect, such as images of traffic lights visible from the vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1. Ophthalmic System 10A Slit Lamp 10B OCT device 10C fundus camera 10D Refractometer 10E Phoropter 20 Data Management Computers 30, 30A~30D Terminal equipment 31 Communications Department 32 Storage section 33 processors 50 Patient terminals 51 Terminal Communication Unit 52 Terminal display unit 53 Terminal Storage Unit 54 Behavioral Change Support Applications 55 terminal processors 56 Application Processing Unit 57 Terminal Input Section 60 Other patient terminals 62 Terminal display unit

Claims

1. It comprises at least a first information terminal owned by the patient and a second information terminal owned by the medical institution, The first information terminal comprises at least a first processor that executes an application for managing information sharing and communication, and a first data communication unit that performs data communication with the second information terminal. The second information terminal comprises at least a second processor for executing the application and a second data communication unit for performing data communication with the first information terminal. The first processor sets a specific function in the application that promotes behavioral changes related to the patient's disease treatment, based on the results of the patient's personality diagnostic test performed by the application. Ophthalmic system.

2. The first information terminal further comprises a first display unit, The second processor selects a first image showing the current state of the patient's disease and a second image showing a predicted future state of the disease treatment, based on the patient's disease treatment status, and transmits the selected first and second images to the first information terminal. The first processor, as a specific function, displays the first image and the second image selected by the second processor on the first display unit. The ophthalmic system according to claim 1.

3. The second processor re-selects the first image and the second image based on the progress of the patient's disease treatment, and transmits the re-selected first image and the second image to the first information terminal. The first processor, as a specific function, displays the first image and the second image re-selected by the second processor on the first display unit. The ophthalmic system according to claim 2.

4. The first information terminal further includes an operation input unit, The first processor, as a specific function, displays the patient's medication history table on the first display unit and updates the medication history table in response to operations performed by the patient on the operation input unit after taking the medication. The ophthalmic system according to claim 2.

5. The aforementioned medication history form includes at least one of the following: the date of the next hospital visit and the scheduled end date of treatment for the aforementioned disease. The ophthalmic system according to claim 4.

6. The system further comprises a third information terminal, which is owned by a patient other than the aforementioned patient, is capable of data communication with the second information terminal, and is capable of using the aforementioned application, When the first processor detects a first approval operation by the patient to approve the other patient and a second approval operation by the other patient to approve the patient, it performs the information sharing and communication using the application with the third information terminal as a specific function. The ophthalmic system according to claim 2.

7. The second image above shows the visual field after treatment for the disease, which is expected to occur as the patient continues treatment for the disease. The ophthalmic system according to claim 2.

8. The second image above shows the visual field after the expected worsening of the disease if the patient does not continue treatment for the disease. The ophthalmic system according to claim 2.

9. A method for supporting behavioral change, which is implemented by an ophthalmic system comprising at least a first information terminal owned by the patient and a second information terminal owned by the medical institution, The first information terminal is capable of running an application for managing information sharing and communication, and performs data communication with the second information terminal. The second information terminal is capable of executing the application and performs data communication with the first information terminal. The first information terminal sets a specific function in the application to promote behavioral changes related to the patient's disease treatment, based on the results of the patient's personality diagnostic test performed by the application. Methods for supporting behavioral change.

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