Medical devices

Abstract

The present invention provides a medical device that performs different processing depending on the distance to the object being detected. [Solution] In a medical system in which a medical device 10 and a server 30 are connected via a network 40, the medical device 10, such as an infusion pump, includes a reader that can communicate with a communication device 20 attached to an infusion bag 50 or the like to be detected, and a control unit that determines the distance to the communication device based on the intensity of electromagnetic waves received by the reader from the communication device. The control unit performs different processing depending on the distance, and also has a function to change the intensity of the electromagnetic waves to be transmitted if the reader cannot detect the communication device.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to medical devices.

Background Art

[0002] When managing medical devices in a hospital, a technology for managing medical devices using a communicator such as an RFID tag is known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which an RFID reader reads data from an RFID tag attached to a medical device, collates the data read from the RFID tag with the data stored in a database, and displays the status of the medical device to which the RFID tag is attached on a browsing terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The invention described in Patent Document 1 can grasp the status of a medical device by collating the data read from the RFID tag attached to the medical device with the data stored in a database.

[0006] However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 can only grasp the status of the medical device to be detected, and cannot change the response according to the distance of the medical device to be detected.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a medical device capable of performing different processes according to the distance from a detection target.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] This disclosure is, [1] A communication device attached to the object to be detected and a reader capable of communication, The reader comprises a control unit that determines the distance to the communication device based on the intensity of electromagnetic waves received from the communication device, The control unit is a medical device that performs different processing depending on the distance.

[0009] [2] In the medical device described in [1] above, If the reader cannot detect the communication device, it may change the intensity of the electromagnetic waves it transmits.

[0010] [3] In the medical device described in [1] or [2] above, The aforementioned medical device is an infusion pump, The object to be detected is the infusion bag connected to the infusion pump. The control unit, If the distance is within a predetermined range, it is determined that the communication device may be attached to the infusion bag, and drug information is read from the communication device. If the distance is not within the predetermined range, it may be determined that the communication device is not attached to the infusion bag.

[0011] [4] In any of the medical devices described in [1] to [3] above, The control unit, Retrieve patient regimen information from the server, It is possible to determine whether the drug information read from the communication device matches the drug information contained in the regimen information.

[0012] [5] In any of the medical devices described in [1] to [4] above, It also has an output section, The control unit, If the drug information read from the communication device matches the drug information contained in the regimen information, the output unit will display that the drugs match. When the drug information read from the communicator does not match the drug information included in the regimen information, an alert indicating that the drugs do not match may be displayed on the output unit.

[0013] [6] In the medical device according to any one of [1] to [5] above, further comprising an output unit, the detection target is a medical worker, the control unit, reads the attributes of the medical worker from the communicator, when it is determined that the distance is less than or equal to a predetermined distance and the attributes of the medical worker are specific attributes, the output unit is caused to display first information, when it is determined that the distance is greater than the predetermined distance or the attributes of the medical worker are not specific attributes, the output unit may be caused to display second information or the display of the output unit may be turned off.

[0014] [7] In the medical device according to any one of [1] to [6] above, the first information is information including privacy-related information, the second information may be information not including privacy-related information.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the medical device according to the present disclosure, different processes can be executed according to the distance from the detection target.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a schematic configuration diagram of a medical system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a functional block diagram of a medical device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a medical device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] It is a schematic configuration diagram of a medical system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a functional block diagram of a medical device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of a medical device according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0018] In each figure, identical or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description of identical or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0019] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a medical system 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. The medical system 1 comprises a medical device 10, a communication device 20, and a server 30.

[0020] The medical device 10 and the server 30 are connected via a network 40 so that they can communicate with each other. The network 40 may be a network including the Internet.

[0021] In the medical system 1 according to the first embodiment, the case in which the medical device 10 is an infusion pump will be explained as an example.

[0022] The communication device 20 is attached to the object to be detected by the medical device 10. In the medical system 1 according to the first embodiment, the object to be detected is the infusion bag 50. The infusion bag 50 contains medication to be administered to the patient. The infusion bag 50 is an infusion bag connected to the medical device 10, which is an infusion pump. The medical device 10 can administer the medication from the infusion bag 50 to the patient under predetermined administration conditions.

[0023] The communication device 20 is, for example, an RFID tag. The communication device 20 can communicate with the medical device 10 via wireless communication.

[0024] The communication device 20 stores a dataset containing drug information corresponding to the medications contained in the infusion bag 50.

[0025] Server 30 may be a general-purpose server. Server 30 can communicate with the medical device 10 via the network 40.

[0026] Server 30 stores patient regimen information.

[0027] Regimen information (treatment plan information) is information about the treatment plan formulated for each patient receiving treatment at a medical institution. Regimen information includes drug information regarding the medications administered to the patient. It also includes a time-series administration plan of the medications to the patient. In the case of cancer patients, regimen information includes, for example, information such as the type of anticancer drug, the dosage of the anticancer drug, the administration device, patient information, administration schedule, and treatment period. Because even slight differences in the dosage of anticancer drugs can cause side effects, strict management is required for their administration.

[0028] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the medical device 10 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. The configuration of the medical device 10 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 2.

[0029] The medical device 10 comprises a reader 11, a communication unit 12, a storage unit 13, an input unit 14, an output unit 15, and a control unit 16.

[0030] The reader 11 can communicate with the communication device 20 attached to the object to be detected. In the medical system 1 according to the first embodiment, the object to be detected is the infusion bag 50, so the reader 11 can communicate with the communication device 20 attached to the infusion bag 50. The reader 11 can communicate with the communication device 20 by wireless communication.

[0031] When the reader 11 communicates wirelessly with the communication device 20, it transmits electromagnetic waves to the communication device 20. When the communication device 20 receives electromagnetic waves from the reader 11, it transmits electromagnetic waves back to the reader 11.

[0032] The reader 11 can detect the communication device 20 by receiving electromagnetic waves transmitted by the communication device 20. The communication device 20 transmits data containing drug information of the medications contained in the infusion bag 50 to which the communication device 20 is attached. By receiving the data transmitted by the communication device 20, the reader 11 can read the drug information of the infusion bag 50 to which the communication device 20 is attached.

[0033] The reader 11 can change the intensity of the electromagnetic waves it transmits to the communication device 20. If the reader 11 cannot detect the communication device 20, it changes the intensity of the electromagnetic waves. For example, if the reader 11 cannot detect the communication device 20, it increases the intensity of the electromagnetic waves by a predetermined amount.

[0034] Furthermore, there may be an upper limit to the intensity of the electromagnetic waves transmitted by the reader 11. When the intensity of the electromagnetic waves reaches the upper limit, the reader 11 will not further increase the intensity of the electromagnetic waves, even if it has not detected the communication device 20.

[0035] When the reader 11 receives electromagnetic waves from the communication device 20, it can detect the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received from the communication device 20. As will be described later, the control unit 16 can determine the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10 based on the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received by the reader 11 from the communication device 20.

[0036] The communication unit 12 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) interface. The communication unit 12 can communicate with the server 30 via the network 40.

[0037] The storage unit 13 is, for example, a semiconductor memory, magnetic memory, or optical memory, but is not limited to these. The storage unit 13 may function as, for example, a main memory, an auxiliary memory, or a cache memory. The storage unit 13 stores any information used in the operation of the medical device 10. For example, the storage unit 13 may store system programs, application programs, and various information received by the communication unit 12. The information stored in the storage unit 13 may be updateable with information received from the network 40 via the communication unit 12, for example.

[0038] The input unit 14 includes one or more input interfaces that detect user input and acquire input information based on user operations. For example, the input unit 14 includes, but is not limited to, physical keys, capacitive keys, a touchscreen integrated with the display of the output unit 15, or a microphone that accepts voice input.

[0039] The output unit 15 includes one or more output interfaces for outputting information and notifying the user. For example, the output unit 15 includes, but is not limited to, a display for outputting information as an image, a speaker for outputting information as sound, etc.

[0040] The control unit 16 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 16 controls each part of the medical device 10 and executes processes related to the operation of the medical device 10.

[0041] (Operation of medical devices related to the first implementation form) Next, we will explain the operation of the medical device 10 related to the first implementation form.

[0042] The leader 11 transmits electromagnetic waves to communicate with the communication device 20 attached to the infusion bag 50.

[0043] If the reader 11 cannot detect the communication device 20, it changes the intensity of the electromagnetic waves it transmits. For example, if the reader 11 cannot detect the communication device 20, it increases the intensity of the electromagnetic waves by a predetermined amount.

[0044] When the reader 11 receives electromagnetic waves from the communication device 20, it detects the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received from the communication device 20.

[0045] The control unit 16 determines the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10 based on the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received by the reader 11 from the communication device 20.

[0046] When the infusion bag 50 is attached to the medical device 10, which is an infusion pump, the distance between the infusion bag 50 and the medical device 10 is usually within a predetermined range. This predetermined range is, for example, 30 cm to 70 cm.

[0047] Therefore, if the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10 is within a predetermined range, it is highly likely that the communication device 20 is attached to the infusion bag 50.

[0048] Furthermore, if the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10 is not within a predetermined range, it is highly likely that the communication device 20 is not attached to the infusion bag 50. For example, if the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10 is less than 30 cm, the communication device 20 may be attached to a syringe attached to a syringe pump located adjacent to the medical device 10. Also, if the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10 is less than 30 cm, the communication device 20 may be attached to an infusion bag held by a healthcare worker.

[0049] Furthermore, for example, if the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10 is greater than 70 cm, the communication device 20 may be attached to an infusion bag or syringe located at a distance.

[0050] The control unit 16 determines that the communication device 20 may be attached to the infusion bag 50 if the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10 is within a predetermined range, and reads drug information from the communication device 20. At this time, the control unit 16 reads the drug information from the communication device 20 via the reader 11.

[0051] In this case, since the communication device 20 is likely to be attached to the infusion bag 50 connected to the medical device 10, the drug information read by the control unit 16 from the communication device 20 is likely to be the drug information of the drug contained in the infusion bag 50 connected to the medical device 10.

[0052] If the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10 is not within a predetermined range, the control unit 16 determines that the communication device 20 is not attached to the infusion bag 50 and does not read drug information from the communication device 20.

[0053] The control unit 16 obtains patient regimen information from the server 30 via the communication unit 12. The regimen information includes drug information for the medications to be administered to the patient.

[0054] The control unit 16 determines whether the drug information read from the communication device 20 matches the drug information contained in the regimen information obtained from the server 30.

[0055] The control unit 16 displays on the output unit 15 that the medications match if the medication information read from the communication device 20 matches the medication information contained in the regimen information obtained from the server 30. This allows healthcare professionals to confirm that the medications contained in the infusion bag 50 connected to the medical device 10 match the medications listed in the patient's regimen information.

[0056] The control unit 16 may display on the output unit 15 that the medication matches, confirm that the medication read from the communication device 20 is the medication to be administered to the patient, and then begin administering the medication to the patient. Alternatively, the control unit 16 may display a request for confirmation to a healthcare professional on the output unit 15, and after the input unit 14 receives confirmation from the healthcare professional, confirm that the medication read from the communication device 20 is the medication to be administered to the patient, and then begin administering the medication to the patient.

[0057] Furthermore, if the drug information read from the communication device 20 matches the drug information contained in the regimen information obtained from the server 30, the control unit 16 may not only display on the output unit 15 that the drugs match, but also display the regimen information on the output unit 15. The regimen information includes, for example, information such as the type of drug, the dosage of the drug, the administration device, the patient information, the administration schedule, and the treatment period. This allows healthcare professionals to check the regimen information displayed on the output unit 15, confirm the type of drug to be administered at this time, the dosage of the drug, etc., and then administer the drug from the infusion bag 50.

[0058] If the control unit 16 finds that the drug information read from the communication device 20 does not match the drug information contained in the regimen information obtained from the server 30, it displays an alert on the output unit 15 indicating that the drugs do not match. This allows healthcare professionals to confirm that the infusion bag 50 containing a drug that should not be administered is connected to the medical device 10, and to reconnect the correct infusion bag 50 to the medical device 10.

[0059] An example of the operation of the medical device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 3.

[0060] Step S101: The reader 11 of the medical device 10 transmits electromagnetic waves to communicate with the communication device 20 attached to the infusion bag 50.

[0061] Step S102: The leader 11 determines whether or not it was able to detect the communication device 20. If the communication device 20 was detected (Yes in step S102), the leader 11 proceeds to step S105. If the communication device 20 was not detected (No in step S102), the leader 11 proceeds to step S103.

[0062] Step S103: The reader 11 determines whether the intensity of the electromagnetic waves being transmitted is at the upper limit. If the intensity of the electromagnetic waves is at the upper limit (Yes in step S103), the reader 11 terminates the process. If the intensity of the electromagnetic waves is not at the upper limit (No in step S103), the reader 11 proceeds to step S104.

[0063] Step S104: The leader 11 increases the intensity of the electromagnetic wave by a predetermined amount and returns to step S101.

[0064] Step S105: The control unit 16 determines the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10 based on the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received by the reader 11 from the communication device 20.

[0065] Step S106: The control unit 16 determines whether the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10 is within a predetermined range. If the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10 is within a predetermined range (Yes in step S106), the control unit 16 proceeds to step S107. If the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10 is not within a predetermined range (No in step S106), the control unit 16 proceeds to step S108.

[0066] Step S107: The control unit 16 determines that the communication device 20 may be attached to the infusion bag 50 and reads drug information from the communication device 20.

[0067] Step S108: The control unit 16 determines that the communication device 20 is not attached to the infusion bag 50 and does not read drug information from the communication device 20.

[0068] Step S109: The control unit 16 obtains patient regimen information from the server 30.

[0069] Step S110: The control unit 16 determines whether the drug information read from the communicator 20 in step S107 matches the drug information contained in the regimen information obtained from the server 30 in step S109. If they match (Yes in step S110), the control unit 16 proceeds to step S111. If they do not match (No in step S110), the control unit 16 proceeds to step S112.

[0070] Step S111: The control unit 16 displays on the output unit 15 that the drugs match and confirms that the drug read from the communication device 20 is the drug to be administered to the patient. Alternatively, the control unit 16 may display a request for confirmation to a healthcare professional on the output unit 15, and after the input unit 14 receives confirmation from the healthcare professional, confirm that the drug read from the communication device 20 is the drug to be administered to the patient. Once the control unit 16 confirms that the drug read from the communication device 20 is the drug to be administered to the patient, it may start administering the drug to the patient.

[0071] Step S112: If the drug information read from the communication device 20 does not match the drug information contained in the regimen information obtained from the server 30, the control unit 16 displays an alert on the output unit 15 indicating that the drugs do not match.

[0072] <Detection of multiple communication devices> In the process of steps S101 to S106 of the flowchart shown in Figure 3, if multiple communication devices 20 are detected within a predetermined distance range, the control unit 16 may display a list of the detected communication devices 20 on the output unit 15. In this case, the control unit 16 may display the list of multiple communication devices 20 on the output unit 15, for example, in order of proximity.

[0073] When the control unit 16 displays a list of multiple communication devices 20, it may, for example, read drug information from the communication devices 20 and display the list of drugs on the output unit 15.

[0074] When a medical professional operates the input unit 14 and selects one drug from the list of drugs displayed on the output unit 15, the control unit 16 may execute the processing from step S107 onward for the selected drug.

[0075] (Second Embodiment) Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a medical system 2 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. The medical system 2 comprises a medical device 10a, a communication device 20, and a server 30.

[0076] The medical device 10a and the server 30 are connected via a network 40 so that they can communicate with each other. The network 40 may be a network including the Internet.

[0077] In the medical system 2 according to the second embodiment, the medical device 10a may be any medical device capable of displaying patient information.

[0078] The communication device 20 is attached to the object to be detected by the medical device 10a. In the medical system 2 according to the second embodiment, the object to be detected is a medical professional 60. The communication device 20 may be included, for example, inside an ID card held by the medical professional 60.

[0079] The communication device 20 stores a dataset containing information about the attributes of the healthcare worker 60. This information may include, for example, information about the healthcare worker 60's occupation. The healthcare worker 60's occupation may be, for example, a doctor, nurse, nursing assistant, or student. Furthermore, the information may include, for example, information about the patients the healthcare worker 60 is responsible for. Additionally, the information may include, for example, the healthcare worker 60's ID.

[0080] Regarding the medical system 2 according to the second embodiment, we will mainly explain the differences from the medical system 1 according to the first embodiment, and will omit explanations of the common points and similarities with the medical system 1 according to the first embodiment as appropriate.

[0081] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of the medical device 10a according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. The configuration of the medical device 10a according to the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 5.

[0082] The medical device 10a comprises a reader 11, a communication unit 12, a storage unit 13, an input unit 14, an output unit 15, a control unit 16, and an authentication unit 17.

[0083] The reader 11 can communicate with the communication device 20 attached to the object to be detected. In the medical system 2 according to the second embodiment, the object to be detected is a medical worker 60, so the reader 11 can communicate with the communication device 20 attached to the medical worker 60.

[0084] The reader 11 can detect the communication device 20 by receiving the electromagnetic waves transmitted by the communication device 20. The communication device 20 transmits data containing information about the attributes of the medical professional 60 to whom the communication device 20 is attached. The reader 11 can read the attributes of the medical professional 60 to whom the communication device 20 is attached by receiving the data transmitted by the communication device 20.

[0085] The communication unit 12, storage unit 13, input unit 14, output unit 15, and control unit 16 are the same as those shown in Figure 2, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0086] The authentication unit 17 can read the ID of the medical professional 60 by reading a barcode or the like attached to the ID card worn by the medical professional 60. The authentication unit 17 may be, for example, a scanner.

[0087] In the configuration shown in Figure 5, the medical device 10a is equipped with an authentication unit 17, but the medical device 10a does not necessarily have to be equipped with an authentication unit 17. In this case, an external authentication unit 17 may be connected to the medical device 10a.

[0088] (Operation of medical devices related to the second implementation model) Next, we will explain the operation of the medical device 10a related to the second implementation form.

[0089] The leader 11 transmits electromagnetic waves to communicate with the communication device 20 attached to the medical worker 60.

[0090] If the reader 11 cannot detect the communication device 20, it changes the intensity of the electromagnetic waves it transmits. For example, if the reader 11 cannot detect the communication device 20, it increases the intensity of the electromagnetic waves by a predetermined amount.

[0091] When the reader 11 receives electromagnetic waves from the communication device 20, it detects the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received from the communication device 20.

[0092] The control unit 16 determines the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10a based on the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received by the reader 11 from the communication device 20.

[0093] The control unit 16 determines whether the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10a is less than or equal to a predetermined distance. If the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10a is less than or equal to the predetermined distance, it determines that the medical professional 60 is near the medical device 10a and reads the attributes of the medical professional 60 from the communication device 20.

[0094] The specified distance can be set to any distance, but for example, it could be around 3 meters.

[0095] The control unit 16 determines whether the attributes of the medical professional 60 read from the communication device 20 are specific attributes. Specific attributes refer to attributes that do not pose a problem when showing patient privacy-related information. Specific attributes may include, for example, doctors and assigned nurses. Attributes that are not specific may include, for example, other nurses, nursing assistants, and students.

[0096] The control unit 16 determines that the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10a is less than or equal to a predetermined distance, and that the attributes of the medical professional 60 are specific attributes, and causes the output unit 15 to display the first information. The first information includes patient privacy-related information.

[0097] As a result, if a healthcare professional 60 with specific attributes, such as a doctor or a nurse in charge, is within a predetermined distance from the medical device 10a, the healthcare professional 60 with specific attributes can access the first information, including patient privacy-related information.

[0098] If the control unit 16 determines that the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10a is greater than a predetermined distance, or that the attributes of the medical professional 60 are not specific attributes, it will either display second information on the output unit 15 or turn off the display on the output unit 15. The second information is information that does not include patient privacy-related information.

[0099] This ensures that healthcare professionals 60 who do not have specific attributes, such as nurses, nursing assistants, or students who are not assigned to a patient, can only view the second set of information, which does not include patient privacy-related information, thus preventing healthcare professionals 60 who do not have specific attributes from viewing the first set of information, which includes patient privacy-related information.

[0100] Furthermore, even if there are medical professionals 60 with specific attributes, such as doctors and assigned nurses, if the medical professionals 60 with specific attributes are located at a distance greater than a predetermined distance from the medical device 10a, for example, 3 meters or more away, it is possible to prevent third parties from viewing the first information, including patient privacy-related information.

[0101] An example of the operation of the medical device 10a according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 6.

[0102] Step S201: The reader 11 of the medical device 10a transmits electromagnetic waves to communicate with the communication device 20 attached to the medical worker 60.

[0103] Step S202: The leader 11 determines whether or not it was able to detect the communication device 20. If the communication device 20 was detected (Yes in step S202), the leader 11 proceeds to step S205. If the communication device 20 was not detected (No in step S202), the leader 11 proceeds to step S203.

[0104] Step S203: The reader 11 determines whether the intensity of the electromagnetic waves being transmitted is at the upper limit. If the intensity of the electromagnetic waves is at the upper limit (Yes in step S203), the reader 11 terminates the process. If the intensity of the electromagnetic waves is not at the upper limit (No in step S203), the reader 11 proceeds to step S204.

[0105] Step S204: The leader 11 increases the intensity of the electromagnetic wave by a predetermined amount and returns to step S201.

[0106] Step S205: The control unit 16 determines the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10a based on the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received by the reader 11 from the communication device 20.

[0107] Step S206: The control unit 16 determines whether the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10a is less than or equal to a predetermined distance. If the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10a is less than or equal to the predetermined distance (Yes in step S206), the control unit 16 proceeds to step S207. If the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10a is not less than or equal to the predetermined distance (No in step S206), the control unit 16 proceeds to step S208.

[0108] Step S207: The control unit 16 determines that the medical professional 60 is near the medical device 10a and reads the attributes of the medical professional 60 from the communication device 20.

[0109] Step S208: The control unit 16 determines that the medical professional 60 is not near the medical device 10a and turns off the display on the output unit 15.

[0110] Step S209: The control unit 16 determines whether the attribute of the medical professional 60 read from the communication device 20 in step S207 is a specific attribute. If the attribute of the medical professional 60 is a specific attribute (Yes in step S209), the control unit 16 proceeds to step S210. If the attribute of the medical professional 60 is not a specific attribute (No in step S209), the control unit 16 proceeds to step S211.

[0111] Step S210: The control unit 16 determines that the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10a is less than or equal to a predetermined distance, and that the attributes of the medical professional 60 are specific attributes, and causes the output unit 15 to display the first information.

[0112] Step S211: The control unit 16 determines that the attributes of the medical professional 60 are not specific attributes and causes the output unit 15 to display the second information.

[0113] In step S209, the authentication unit 17 may read the ID of the medical professional 60 before determining whether the attribute of the medical professional 60 is a specific attribute. In this case, the control unit 16 may proceed to step S210 if the attribute of the medical professional 60 read from the communication device 20 is a specific attribute, and the ID of the medical professional 60 read by the authentication unit 17 matches the ID of the medical professional 60 included in the attribute of the medical professional 60 read from the communication device 20. In this case, since the medical professional 60 needs to operate the authentication unit 17, the control unit 16 can only display the first information on the output unit 15 when the medical professional 60 is definitely near the medical device 10a.

[0114] After displaying the first information in step S210, and after displaying the second information in step S211, the control unit 16 may return to step S201 at a predetermined time interval. This allows the control unit 16 to turn off the display of the output unit 15 when the medical professional 60 moves away from the vicinity of the medical device 10a.

[0115] Thus, the medical device 10 according to the first embodiment and the medical device 10a according to the second embodiment include a reader 11 capable of communicating with a communication device 20 attached to the object to be detected, and a control unit 16 that determines the distance to the communication device 20 based on the intensity of electromagnetic waves received by the reader 11 from the communication device 20. The control unit 16 then performs different processing depending on the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10 or the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10a. Therefore, the medical device 10 according to the first embodiment and the medical device 10a according to the second embodiment are capable of performing different processing depending on the distance to the object to be detected.

[0116] For example, in the first embodiment, if the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10 is within a predetermined range, the system determines that the communication device 20 may be attached to the infusion bag 50 and reads drug information from the communication device 20. If the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10 is not within the predetermined range, the system determines that the communication device 20 is not attached to the infusion bag 50 and does not read drug information from the communication device 20.

[0117] Furthermore, for example, in the medical device 10a according to the second embodiment, if the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10a is less than or equal to a predetermined distance and it is determined that the attributes of the medical professional 60 are specific attributes, the output unit 15 will display the first information. If the distance between the communication device 20 and the medical device 10a is greater than the predetermined distance, or if it is determined that the attributes of the medical professional 60 are not specific attributes, the output unit 15 will display the second information or turn off the display of the output unit 15.

[0118] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, multiple blocks described in the block diagram may be combined, or a single block may be divided. Instead of executing multiple steps described in the flowchart in chronological order as described, they may be executed in parallel or in a different order, depending on the processing capacity of the device performing each step, or as necessary. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0119] For example, in the embodiment described above, the case where the communication device 20 is an RFID tag was used as an example, but the communication device 20 may be a communication device other than an RFID tag. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1, 2 Healthcare system 10, 10a Medical devices 11 Leader 12 Communications Department 13 Storage section 14 Input section 15 Output section 16 Control Unit 17. Certification Department 20 Communication devices 30 servers 40 Networks 50 IV bags 60 healthcare workers

Claims

1. A communication device attached to the object to be detected, and a reader capable of communication, The reader comprises a control unit that determines the distance to the communication device based on the intensity of electromagnetic waves received from the communication device, The control unit is a medical device that performs different processing depending on the distance.

2. In the medical device described in claim 1, The reader is a medical device that changes the intensity of the electromagnetic waves it transmits if it cannot detect the communication device.

3. In the medical device described in claim 1, The aforementioned medical device is an infusion pump, The object to be detected is the infusion bag connected to the infusion pump. The control unit, If the distance is within a predetermined range, it is determined that the communication device may be attached to the infusion bag, and drug information is read from the communication device. A medical device that determines that the communication device is not attached to the infusion bag if the distance is not within the predetermined range.

4. In the medical device described in claim 3, The control unit, Retrieve patient regimen information from the server, A medical device that determines whether the drug information read from the communication device matches the drug information contained in the regimen information.

5. In the medical device described in claim 4, It also has an output section, The control unit, If the drug information read from the communication device matches the drug information contained in the regimen information, the output unit will display that the drugs match. A medical device that, if the drug information read from the communication device does not match the drug information contained in the regimen information, displays an alert on the output unit indicating that the drugs do not match.

6. In the medical device described in claim 1, It also has an output section, The subjects of detection are healthcare workers, The control unit, The attributes of the medical professional are read from the communication device. If the distance is less than or equal to a predetermined distance and it is determined that the attributes of the medical professional are specific attributes, the output unit will display the first information. A medical device that, if the aforementioned distance is greater than a predetermined distance, or if it is determined that the attributes of the medical professional are not specific attributes, causes the output unit to display second information or turns off the display of the output unit.

7. In the medical device described in claim 6, The first piece of information mentioned above includes information related to privacy, The second piece of information mentioned above is a medical device, which does not contain any privacy-related information.

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