Medical information processing device and medical information processing system

Abstract

To support subjects in using analysis applications. [Solution] The medical information processing device according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit that uses the medical information of a subject as input data and acquires the results of an analysis process performed based on the instructions of the subject, an identification unit that identifies a medical facility according to the results of the analysis process, and a notification unit that notifies the subject of the medical facility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a medical information processing device and a medical information processing system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, an environment has been established in which a subject can freely view and use their own medical information. For example, healthcare information linked to a personal ID is managed on the cloud, and medical services that allow individuals to freely view their medical information from a terminal device such as a smartphone have spread.

[0003] In addition, various analytical processes targeting medical information are being used for diagnostic support. Analytical applications for executing such analytical processes can be installed and used on workstations within a medical facility, etc., but in recent years, there has also been an increasing trend to install analytical applications on a cloud platform and provide analytical functions. For such forms of analytical applications, not only medical professionals such as doctors, but also the subject themselves may use them.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings aim to solve is to support the use of analysis applications by subjects. However, the problems that the embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings aim to solve are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The medical information processing device according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit that uses the medical information of a subject as input data and acquires the results of an analysis process performed based on the instructions of the subject; an identification unit that identifies a medical facility according to the results of the analysis process; and a notification unit that notifies the subject of the medical facility. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a medical information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an overall view of the system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an example of a display screen for notification according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the sequence of processes of the medical information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the medical facility identification process according to the first embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments of the medical information processing device and medical information processing system will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0009] (First Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the medical information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1 will be described as an example. The medical information processing system 1 includes a medical information storage device 10, a terminal device 20, an analysis device 30, a medical information processing device 40, and an in-facility workstation 50. The medical information storage device 10, the terminal device 20, the analysis device 30, the medical information processing device 40, and the in-facility workstation 50 are interconnected via a network NW.

[0010] The medical information storage device 10 stores the medical information of the subject. For example, the medical information storage device 10 manages the medical information of multiple subjects, linking it to each subject's personal ID.

[0011] In the embodiments, the examples of subjects include not only patients but also individuals who do not have any particular illness or injury. That is, examples of medical information include not only various test results collected for the diagnosis of patients with illnesses, but also information collected from healthy subjects through health checkups, wearable devices, etc.

[0012] The specific hardware configuration of the medical information storage device 10 is not limited in any way, but one example is that it can be implemented using the cloud. For example, the medical information storage device 10 can be realized by configuring cloud storage with any group of servers and building a database for managing medical information on the cloud storage. Of course, it is not necessary to configure the medical information storage device 10 using the cloud; it may also be storage installed within a specific facility.

[0013] Regardless of whether it is cloud-based or not, medical information is stored securely in the medical information storage device 10. Specifically, access to and use of medical information stored in the medical information storage device 10 requires the permission of the patient themselves. For example, access to and use of a patient's medical information is only possible when the patient logs into the database using an authorized authentication method.

[0014] The terminal device 20 is a device that performs information communication under the operation of the subject P. For example, according to an instruction transmitted via the terminal device 20, analysis processing by the analysis device 30 is executed. For example, the terminal device 20 is a mobile device such as a notebook computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or other computer equipment.

[0015] The analysis device 30 is a device that executes analysis processing by a first analysis application using the medical information of the subject as input data. There is no particular limitation on the specific hardware configuration of the analysis device 30, but as an example, it is realized by the cloud. For example, an arbitrary server group constitutes a cloud platform, and by installing an analysis application on the cloud platform, the analysis device 30 can be realized.

[0016] Of course, it is not essential to configure the analysis device 30 by the cloud. For example, the analysis device 30 may be a workstation installed within a specific facility. Alternatively, the analysis application may be installed on the terminal device 20. In this case, the analysis device 30 is integrated with the terminal device 20.

[0017] The medical information processing device 40 obtains the result of the analysis processing by the analysis device 30 and supports the use of the analysis application by the subject by executing the following-described processing. The configuration of the medical information processing device 40 will be described later.

[0018] The in-facility workstation 50 is installed within a medical facility such as a hospital or a clinic, and is a device that executes analysis processing using the medical information of the subject as input data. For example, the in-facility workstation 50 executes analysis processing by a second analysis application described later.

[0019] Next, a configuration example of the medical information processing device 40 will be described using FIG. 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the medical information processing device 40 includes a communication interface 41, a memory 42, and a processing circuit 43.

[0020] The communication interface 41 controls the transmission and communication of various data transmitted and received between the medical information processing device 40 and other devices and systems connected via the network NW. Specifically, the communication interface 41 is connected to the processing circuit 43, outputs data received from other devices and systems to the processing circuit 43, or transmits data output from the processing circuit 43 to other devices and systems. For example, the communication interface 41 is realized by a network card, a network adapter, a NIC (Network Interface Controller), etc.

[0021] The memory 42 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. For example, the memory 42 records a program for the circuits included in the medical information processing device 40 to realize their functions. Also, the memory 42 records the results of the first analysis process executed by the analysis device 30 and the purchase history information of the application.

[0022] The processing circuit 43 includes an acquisition function 43a, a specification function 43b, and a notification function 43c. The acquisition function 43a is an example of an acquisition unit. The specification function 43b is an example of a specification unit. The notification function 43c is an example of a notification unit.

[0023] For example, the processing circuit 43 functions as the acquisition function 43a by reading and executing a program corresponding to the acquisition function 43a from the memory 42. Similarly, the processing circuit 43 can function as the specification function 43b and the notification function 43c. Details of the acquisition function 43a, the specification function 43b, and the notification function 43c will be described later.

[0024] Regarding the medical information processing device 40, the configuration may be appropriately added. For example, the medical information processing device 40 may include an input interface for receiving an input operation from an operator, a display, etc.

[0025] In the medical information processing device 40 shown in Figure 2, each processing function is stored in memory 42 in the form of a program that can be executed by a computer. The processing circuit 43 is a processor that realizes the function corresponding to each program by reading and executing the program from memory 42. In other words, the processing circuit 43, when a program has been read, has the function corresponding to the read program.

[0026] In Figure 2, the acquisition function 43a, the identification function 43b, and the notification function 43c are described as being realized by a single processing circuit 43. However, the processing circuit 43 may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may realize the functions by executing a program. Furthermore, each processing function of the processing circuit 43 may be realized by appropriately distributing or integrating them across one or more processing circuits.

[0027] Furthermore, the processing circuit 43 may implement its functions using a processor of an external device connected via a network NW. For example, the processing circuit 43 may implement its functions through cloud computing. Specifically, the processing circuit 43 can implement each of the functions shown in Figure 2 by reading and executing programs corresponding to each function from the memory 42, and by using a group of servers (cloud) connected to the medical information processing device 40 via a network NW as computing resources. Alternatively, the processing circuit 43 may be implemented by installing applications corresponding to each of the functions shown in Figure 2 on a cloud platform.

[0028] In the above explanation, the term "processor" refers to circuits such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), and Programmable Logic Devices (e.g., Simple Programmable Logic Devices (SPLDs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)). A processor performs its functions by reading and executing programs stored in memory.

[0029] In Figure 2, a single memory 42 was described as storing programs corresponding to each processing function. However, the embodiments are not limited to this. For example, multiple memories 42 may be distributed, and the processing circuit 43 may be configured to read the corresponding programs from individual memories 42. Alternatively, instead of storing programs in memory, the processor may be configured to directly incorporate programs into its circuitry. In this case, the processor realizes its functions by reading and executing the programs incorporated into the circuitry.

[0030] The above describes an example of the overall configuration of the medical information processing system 1. Under this configuration, the medical information processing device 40 supports the use of analysis applications by the subject.

[0031] Figure 3 illustrates the overall flow of the medical information processing system 1, including the subject P's use of the analysis application. Figure 3 shows an overall view of the system according to the first embodiment.

[0032] In Figure 3, the medical information of subject P is pre-recorded in the medical information storage device 10. For example, the medical information storage device 10 holds subject P's PHR (Personal Health Record). A PHR is an example of medical information and includes various pieces of information recorded about the individual subject.

[0033] An example of a Personal Health Record (PHR) is the various medical information collected when a subject P visits a medical facility. For example, when subject P visits a hospital, the results of the medical interview, the content and results of the tests and treatments performed, and the diagnosis are recorded as an electronic medical record. The medical information storage device 10 acquires the electronic medical record via the network NW and manages it in conjunction with subject P's personal ID. Even if subject P has visited multiple medical facilities, the medical information storage device 10 can acquire the electronic medical record from each medical facility and manage it centrally in conjunction with subject P's personal ID.

[0034] Examples of tests performed when subject P visits a medical facility include imaging tests, vital sign measurements, genomic tests, and blood tests. For example, imaging tests may include medical images such as X-ray images, X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) images, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) images, photoacoustic images, PET (Positron Emission Tomography) images, SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) images, and OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) images, as well as optical images obtained using endoscopes, etc. These image data are also included as examples of PHRs.

[0035] Another example of a PHR is information indicating the health status of subject P. This health status information may be recorded by subject P operating the terminal device 20, or it may be recorded by a wearable device worn by subject P. Specific examples of health status information include vital signs, sleep duration, and meal records. Specific examples of vital signs include electrocardiogram, body temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, exercise information such as steps taken, and eye movement information. The terminal device 20 may also be configured as a wearable device to record information indicating subject P's health status. Furthermore, a person related to subject P (e.g., family or friend) may operate the terminal device 20 on their behalf and record information indicating subject P's health status.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, subject P can use a terminal device 20, such as a mobile device or personal computer, to have the analysis device 30 analyze their PHR (Step S1). In other words, subject P can use application A1 provided by the analysis device 30.

[0037] The analysis process performed by Application A1 uses the medical information of subject P as input data and is executed based on the subject's instructions. In Figure 3, the analysis process is performed by subject P using terminal device 20, but the analysis process may also be performed by a person involved who has received a request from subject P using terminal device 20. In any case, the analysis process performed by Application A1 is executed based on the instructions of subject P. Application A1 is an example of a first analysis application.

[0038] It is anticipated that the analysis results from Application A1 may show "findings present." In this case, subject P can choose a medical facility based on criteria such as the medical department and distance from home, and receive a diagnosis from a doctor.

[0039] When subject P visits a medical facility, it is assumed that a specialist will perform tests to make a definitive diagnosis. However, given that enough medical information has already been accumulated by Application A1 to determine the presence or absence of findings, repeating the same tests would be inefficient and burdensome for subject P. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the specialist's diagnosis may differ from the analysis results of Application A1. Even if subject P trusts the specialist's diagnosis, the anxiety cannot be completely dispelled since the analysis results of Application A1 indicated "findings present." Considering such cases, the purpose of using Application A1 becomes diminished in the first place.

[0040] Therefore, the processing circuit 43 of the medical information processing device 40 supports the subject P's use of the analysis application through the processing described below. Specifically, the processing circuit 43 acquires the analysis results from application A1, identifies a medical facility according to the results of the analysis, and notifies the subject P of the identified medical facility.

[0041] First, the acquisition function 43a of the processing circuit 43 acquires the analysis results from application A1. That is, the acquisition function 43a uses the medical information of the subject P as input data and acquires the results of the analysis process performed based on the instructions of the subject P. For example, the acquisition function 43a acquires the analysis results from application A1 installed on the analysis device 30 by communicating with the analysis device 30 via the network NW. The analysis results acquired by the acquisition function 43a are recorded in the memory 42. The part of the medical information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1 that consists of the analysis device 30 and the medical information processing device 40 will also be referred to as medical information processing system 1'.

[0042] Alternatively, the acquisition function 43a may acquire the analysis results from application A1 by executing application A1. That is, the analysis device 30 and the medical information processing device 40 may be integrated, and the acquisition function 43a may be equipped with functions equivalent to those of the analysis device 30.

[0043] Next, the specific function 43b identifies medical facilities based on the analysis results. For example, the specific function 43b identifies facilities that can use applications of the same type as application A1.

[0044] For example, purchase history information showing the purchase history of applications by medical facilities is recorded in memory 42 in advance. For example, memory 42 holds a list of applications purchased by each of several medical facilities connected via a network NW. Alternatively, memory 42 holds a list of medical facilities that purchased each application. The purchase history information may be sufficient to identify the application and medical facility, or it may include information such as the date and time of purchase and the usage status of the application after purchase.

[0045] For example, the acquisition function 43a acquires purchase history information through communication with the application vendor or the medical facility that purchased the application, and stores it in memory 42. For example, if a vendor maintains a list of hospitals that have purchased the application, the acquisition function 43a can acquire this list as purchase history information. Alternatively, the purchase history information may be manually registered by the operator of the medical information processing device 40.

[0046] In Figure 3, purchase history information, specifically the purchase history of application A2 by hospital H1 and the purchase history of application B1 by hospital H2, is recorded in memory 42. Application A2 is installed on workstation W1 located in hospital H1. Application B1 is installed on workstation W2 located in hospital H2. Workstations W1 and W2 are examples of the in-facility workstations 50 shown in Figure 1. As with the analysis device 30, workstations W1 and W2 may be implemented via the cloud.

[0047] The identification function 43b uses the purchase history information recorded in memory 42 to identify medical facilities according to the analysis results of application A1. Specifically, the identification function 43b identifies medical facilities that can use the same type of analysis application as application A1.

[0048] Here, an analysis application of the same type as Application A1 is defined as an application whose input and output data in the analysis process are similar. As an example, let's consider the case where Application A1 is an image analysis application that receives medical images as input and determines the presence or absence of heart disease. In this case, even if other applications differ in that they do not simply use medical images as input data, but instead process the medical images before analysis, or add medical information other than medical images to the input data, as long as the input data includes medical images, the input data of those other applications can be said to be similar to that of Application A1. Furthermore, even if other applications differ in that they do not determine the presence or absence of heart disease, but instead output a score indicating the possibility of heart disease, or can also determine the presence or absence of diseases in parts other than the heart, as long as they can evaluate heart disease, the output data of those other applications can be said to be similar to that of Application A1.

[0049] One possible scenario where a similar analysis application exists for application A1 is when a manufacturer provides both a simplified version for general users and a more detailed version for experts.

[0050] In other words, general users, including subject P, are often non-experts who lack medical expertise. Requesting various medical information inputs or providing detailed analysis results to non-experts is not only ineffective but could also hinder their use of the application. Therefore, if an application is provided for general users, it is expected to be a simplified version that is easy for non-experts to use. For example, a simplified application would be configured to output only analysis results with details omitted.

[0051] On the other hand, when providing an application for the purpose of supporting a physician's diagnosis, it is preferable to output more detailed analysis results, assuming that the user possesses specialized knowledge. Regarding input data, it is also preferable to utilize any medical information that is effective in improving the accuracy of the analysis process. In other words, a detailed application is one that, compared to a simplified application, uses at least one more type of input data for analysis and more types of output data as analysis results.

[0052] Besides cases where a manufacturer provides both a simplified and a detailed version of an application, it is conceivable that similar analysis applications exist for application A1. For example, an application with similar functionality to an application provided by one manufacturer may be offered as a separate product by another manufacturer. The determination of whether application A1 and other applications are of the same type may be performed automatically by specific function 43b based on the types of input and output data, or a table defining applications of the same type as application A1 may be created in advance.

[0053] For example, the specific function 43b first obtains the results of the analysis process performed by application A1 and determines whether or not to perform the medical facility identification process. For example, if the results of the analysis process performed by application A1 include findings or recommendations for additional diagnoses, the specific function 43b performs the medical facility identification process according to the results of the analysis process.

[0054] In the case shown in Figure 3, the specific function 43b identifies hospital H1, which has a purchase history of application A2, as a facility that can use an application of the same type as application A1. Application A2 is an example of a second analysis application of the same type as the first analysis application. If the results of the analysis processing by application A1 are such as "no findings" or "no need for further diagnosis," the processing circuit 43 may terminate the processing.

[0055] Alternatively, specific function 43b may identify medical facilities that have a track record of making diagnoses using applications of the same type as application A1, as facilities that can utilize applications of the same type. Since it is not always possible to fully utilize an application immediately after purchase, medical facilities that have a track record of making diagnoses using the application can be said to have gained experience by actually using the application after purchase, and are therefore able to use the application more reliably.

[0056] Then, the notification function 43c notifies the subject P of the medical facility identified by the identification function 43b (step S2). That is, the notification function 43c introduces the medical facility identified by the identification function 43b to the subject P and recommends that the subject P visit the medical facility. The processing by the identification function 43b and the notification function 43c is automatically executed sequentially, for example, triggered by the execution of the analysis process by application A1.

[0057] For example, notification function 43c notifies subject P of the medical facility identified according to the results of the analysis process, along with the analysis results from application A1. Below, Figure 4 will be used to explain a specific example of the display screen for notifying subject P of the analysis results and medical facility. In Figure 4, application A1 is assumed to be an image analysis application that receives a medical image I1 as input and outputs a score indicating the likelihood that subject P has a heart condition. The display screen showing the medical facility identified by identification function 43b will also be referred to as the recommendation screen.

[0058] For example, the display screen in Figure 4 is shown on a smartphone 21 owned by subject P. The smartphone 21 is an example of a terminal device 20. The display screen in Figure 4 may be displayed as part of application A1 used via the smartphone 21, or it may be sent to subject P separately from application A1, for example, via email.

[0059] The display screen in Figure 4 includes the heading "Analysis Complete" to indicate that the application's analysis is finished. The display screen in Figure 4 also includes the analysis results from application A1, a comment stating "The analysis by application A1 shows findings that may require further diagnosis by a specialist," a medical image I1 highlighting the location of the findings, and a "Score: 4" indicating the possibility of a heart condition. In Figure 4, "Score: 4" corresponds to the presence of findings, accompanied by the message "Further diagnosis is required."

[0060] In the example shown in Figure 4, application A1 is a simplified version of the application provided for general users. While various types of information can be output as part of the analysis process of medical image I1, application A1 selects a small amount of important information to avoid burdening non-experts and outputs it as the analysis result. For example, when multiple medical images are used as input data, application A1 selects the medical image in which the location of the finding is most clearly visible, and outputs it with symbols or shapes to highlight the location of the finding, or by enlarging the image to make the location of the finding easier to see.

[0061] Of course, the display screen in Figure 4 is merely an example, and the types of output data from Application A1 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the output data from Application A1 may include analysis information linked to patient information, such as analysis time, analysis algorithm, and analysis log.

[0062] Furthermore, the display screen in Figure 4 includes the comment, "Hospital H1 is the regional hospital with a track record of diagnosing patients using this application." In other words, the notification function 43c notifies the subject P that "Hospital H1" is the medical facility identified by the identification function 43b.

[0063] The display screen in Figure 4 shows a single medical facility, "Hospital H1," but it is conceivable that multiple medical facilities may be identified when searching for medical facilities that can use the same type of analysis application as application A1. In such cases, the identification function 43b can, for example, identify the medical facility with the highest priority among the medical facilities that can use the same type of analysis application as application A1, as the medical facility according to the results of the analysis processing by application A1.

[0064] Prioritization criteria include location and similarity between applications. For example, specific function 43b identifies medical facilities that are easily accessible to subject P, based on location information and transportation network information, from among medical facilities that can use the same type of analysis application as application A1. Furthermore, among the same type of analysis application as application A1, the detailed version provided by the manufacturer of the simplified application A1 can be said to have a greater similarity to application A1 compared to similar applications with the same functionality provided by other manufacturers. Therefore, specific function 43b identifies medical facilities that can use the detailed version of the analysis application from among medical facilities that can use the same type of analysis application as application A1.

[0065] Alternatively, the identification function 43b may identify multiple medical facilities that can use the same type of analysis application as application A1. In this case, the notification function 43c can notify the subject P of multiple medical facilities, for example, in the order according to the priority described above.

[0066] Furthermore, in the display screen shown in Figure 4, the notification function 43c displays the option "Do you want to make a medical appointment? Yes / No." That is, the notification function 43c not only notifies the user of the medical facility identified by the identification function 43b, but may also accept a reservation for that medical facility. For example, if "Yes" is selected in the display screen shown in Figure 4, the notification function 43c presents a link to the medical appointment reservation page for Hospital H1. Alternatively, if "Yes" is selected, the notification function 43c automatically redirects the display screen shown in Figure 4 to the medical appointment reservation page for Hospital H1. On the other hand, if "No" is selected, the notification function 43c terminates the display of the screen shown in Figure 4. Alternatively, the notification function 43c may automatically execute the reservation for the medical facility identified by the identification function 43b.

[0067] After reviewing the display screen in Figure 4, subject P can visit hospital H1 (step S3). Upon subject P's arrival, physician D1 at hospital H1 begins diagnosing subject P and receives the analysis results from application A1 (step S4). For example, physician D1 can access the analysis device 30 via workstation W1 and, with subject P's permission, review the analysis results from application A1.

[0068] Here, under the direction of physician D1, workstation W1 executes the analysis process using application A2 (step S5). For example, a viewer equipped with an input interface and a display is installed in the examination room, and physician D1 executes the analysis process using application A2 by operating workstation W1 through the viewer.

[0069] The input data to application A2 includes at least the input data used in the analysis process by application A1. For example, if application A1 received medical image I1 as input and performed image analysis, the input data to application A2 will include at least medical image I1.

[0070] The input data to application A2 may include additional data other than the input data used in the analysis process by application A1. For example, if application A1 has received medical image I1 as input and performed image analysis, the input data to application A2 may include other image data other than medical image I1, as well as other medical information such as vital signs, blood test results, and genome test results.

[0071] Furthermore, the analysis results from application A1 may be added to the input data for application A2. That is, the analysis process by application A2 may be performed using the input data used in the analysis process by application A1 and the analysis results from application A1. The analysis results from application A1 include, for example, in the case of Figure 4, the judgment result "findings are present," the location of the findings in medical image I1, and the score value.

[0072] Workstation W1 inputs the display screen shown in Figure 4, for example, as the analysis result from application A1 into application A2. In other words, workstation W1 inputs the results seen by subject P directly as input data to application A2. Alternatively, workstation W1 may extract the necessary information from the analysis results from application A1 as text or numerical data and input it into application A2.

[0073] Furthermore, the input data to application A2 may include analysis conditions and analysis logs from the analysis process performed by application A1. Examples of analysis conditions include the location information of the analysis, analysis parameters, analysis time, and analysis algorithm. For example, if the analysis process performed by application A1 involved analyzing a portion of medical image I1 as a region of interest, the location information indicating the region of interest set in medical image I1 would be input as an analysis condition.

[0074] For example, workstation W1 can acquire input data used for analysis processing by application A2 from analysis device 30 via network NW. Medical information of subject P may be acquired from medical information storage device 10 which stores PHR, etc.

[0075] For example, workstation W1 identifies data that can be obtained from the analysis device 30 or the medical information storage device 10 as input data, from among the types of data usable for analysis processing by application A2. Alternatively, the input data to be used for analysis processing by application A2 may be manually selected by physician D1 via a viewer.

[0076] The analysis results from Application A2 are displayed, for example, on a viewer in the examination room. The analysis results from Application A2 are more detailed than those from Application A1. In other words, the analysis results from Application A2 include detailed information that may be difficult to understand without specialized medical knowledge.

[0077] The analysis results from Application A1 may be displayed along with the analysis results from Application A2. For example, the viewer may display the screen shown in Figure 4 along with the detailed analysis results from Application A2. In other words, the results seen by subject P may be displayed exactly as they are. Since subject P came to the hospital after seeing the screen shown in Figure 4, the doctor can also confirm this screen, which will allow the examination to proceed more smoothly.

[0078] Here, application A2 is at least the same type of application as application A1, and uses the same medical information as application A1 as input data for analysis. Furthermore, if application A2 is a detailed version corresponding to the simplified application A1, then the analysis algorithm and evaluation criteria are basically the same. Therefore, for example, if the analysis result by application A1 is "findings present," then the analysis result by application A2 will basically also be "findings present."

[0079] Of course, it is conceivable that the accuracy of the analysis may change and different analysis results may be output compared to Application A1 if additional input data is used in the analysis process by Application A2, or if analysis conditions with a higher processing load are set.

[0080] For example, it is conceivable that noise in medical image I1 could cause the analysis result by application A1 to be classified as "findings present." In this case, application A2 can determine that the feature identified as "findings" by application A1 is actually noise by using additional input data or setting analysis conditions that place a greater processing load on the system. In this situation, physician D1 can reassure subject P by explaining that the analysis result from application A2 is more accurate and why the analysis results from applications A1 and A2 do not match.

[0081] As described above, the medical information processing device 40 according to the first embodiment includes an acquisition function 43a, an identification function 43b, and a notification function 43c. The acquisition function 43a uses the medical information of the subject P as input data and acquires the results of the analysis process performed based on the instructions of the subject P. That is, the acquisition function 43a acquires the analysis results from the first analysis application. The identification function 43b identifies a medical facility according to the results of the analysis process. Specifically, the identification function 43b identifies a facility that can use a second analysis application of the same type as the first analysis application. The notification function 43c notifies the subject P of the medical facility identified by the identification function 43b. With this configuration, the medical information processing device 40 can support the subject P in using the analysis application.

[0082] For example, if subject P visits a medical facility after using the first analysis application, that facility may not use the same type of analysis application. In this case, even if subject P claims that the first analysis application indicated "an abnormality," the medical facility may not be able to handle the analysis results from the first application, and will instead perform examinations and diagnoses as usual. In this situation, it is conceivable that previously performed examinations may be repeated.

[0083] In contrast, according to the medical information processing device 40 of the first embodiment, after the subject P uses the first analysis application, it can recommend a medical facility where a second analysis application of the same type as the first analysis application is available. If the subject P visits a recommended medical facility, they can obtain analysis results from the second analysis application or undergo any necessary additional tests as an extension of the analysis processing by the first analysis application. In other words, the medical information processing device 40 can make the subject P's use of the analysis application more meaningful and support its use.

[0084] The processing performed by the medical information processing device 40 can be said to be beneficial to both application vendors and medical facilities. Specifically, medical facilities that can use the application may be able to attract patients P who have used similar applications, thus increasing the number of visits. Furthermore, vendors can, for example, gain the opportunity to sell their detailed application to medical facilities by providing a simplified version of the application.

[0085] Next, the flowchart in Figure 5 will be used to explain the sequence of operations of the medical information processing device 40. Step S12 corresponds to the acquisition function 43a. Steps S13 and S14 correspond to the identification function 43b. Steps S15, S16, and S17 correspond to the notification function 43c. Step S11 corresponds to the analysis device 30. However, if the analysis device 30 is integrated into the medical information storage device 10 and the medical information storage device 10 executes application A1, then step S11 corresponds to the acquisition function 43a.

[0086] First, based on instructions from subject P, application A1 is activated by the analysis device 30 or processing circuit 43 (step S11). Application A1 performs analysis using the subject P's medical information as input data. The processing circuit 43 obtains the analysis results from application A1 (step S12).

[0087] Here, the processing circuit 43 determines whether the analysis results from application A1 indicate "findings present" (step S13). For example, if there is a description indicating findings, or if additional diagnosis is recommended, a candidate disease name is listed, or the disease score is high, the processing circuit 43 determines that "findings present" (step S13 affirmative) and proceeds to step S14. Details of step S14 will be described later. On the other hand, if it determines that "findings present" is not present (step S13 negative), the processing circuit 43 terminates the process.

[0088] After identifying a medical facility in step S14, the processing circuit 43 outputs a recommendation screen (step S15). That is, in order to encourage subject P to visit the medical facility identified in step S14, the identified medical facility is notified to subject P, for example, through a display screen as shown in Figure 4.

[0089] Furthermore, based on the input from the subject P, the processing circuit 43 accepts the reservation of the medical facility notified via the recommendation screen (step S16). For example, if "Yes" is selected on the display screen shown in Figure 4, it is determined that a reservation will be made (step S16 affirmative), and a reservation screen is output (step S17). For example, the processing circuit 43 presents the appointment booking page for the medical facility. On the other hand, if "No" is selected on the display screen shown in Figure 4, it is determined that a reservation will not be made for the medical facility (step S16 negative), and the process ends.

[0090] The flowchart in Figure 5 is merely an example and can be modified as needed. For example, in step S12, the processing circuit 43 may acquire only the results of the analysis performed by application A1 that are judged to have "findings present." In this case, the processing in step S13 is omitted. Alternatively, steps S16 and S17 may be omitted if the subject P makes the medical facility reservation himself. Or, instead of steps S16 and S17, the processing circuit 43 may automatically make the medical facility reservation.

[0091] Next, step S14 will be explained in detail using the flowchart in Figure 6. First, the processing circuit 43 acquires the location information of subject P (step S141). The location information may be the address or residence of subject P, or it may be the current location of subject P1 identified by the GPS (Global Positioning System) function of a mobile terminal or wearable device.

[0092] Next, the processing circuit 43 searches for medical facilities in the area surrounding the location obtained in step S141 that have a purchase history of applications similar to application A1 (step S142), and obtains a list of such medical facilities (step S143). Alternatively, the processing circuit 43 may obtain a list of medical facilities that have a purchase history of applications similar to application A1, and then search for medical facilities in the area surrounding the location obtained in step S141 within that list.

[0093] Next, the processing circuit 43 obtains the subject P's medical history (step S144) and identifies medical facilities corresponding to that history. For example, if subject P has a medical history and there is a hospital that subject P has visited in the list obtained in step S143, the processing circuit 43 identifies that hospital as a recommendation target. Conversely, the processing circuit 43 may also identify medical facilities that subject P has not visited as recommendation targets.

[0094] Next, the processing circuit 43 selects a facility that subject P can visit based on their health insurance information (step S145). For example, depending on the health insurance association subject P belongs to, there may be restrictions on the medical institutions that can be visited. The processing circuit 43 takes such restrictions into consideration and selects a facility that subject P can visit. Through the series of processes from step S141 to step S145, the processing circuit 43 can determine the medical facility to recommend (step S146). As with the case in Figure 5, the flowchart in Figure 6 is merely an example and can be modified as appropriate.

[0095] (Modified version of the first embodiment) So far, we have described an example of identifying medical facilities that can use Application A1, which is of the same type as Application A1. However, the identification function 43b may also identify medical facilities that have a dedicated viewer capable of displaying the analysis results from Application A1.

[0096] If you visit such a medical facility, you will not be able to obtain the analysis results from the detailed application, but you can have a doctor review the analysis results from Application A1 and undergo additional tests to obtain any missing information. Also, even if the analysis results from Application A1 are incorrectly classified as "findings present" due to image noise or other factors, you can confirm the doctor's opinion on why the incorrect classification occurred.

[0097] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, an example was described in which applications A1 and A2 are image analysis applications. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and applications A1 and A2 may be applications that perform analyses other than image analysis.

[0098] The medical information processing device 40 according to the second embodiment can be configured in the same manner as the medical information processing device 40 according to the first embodiment, as described in the block diagrams of Figures 1 and 2. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are used for parts described in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0099] For example, applications A1 and A2 may be applications that perform analysis on electronic medical record data. For instance, subject P's PHR may include electronic medical records containing medical records such as medication records and test results such as blood test results. Applications A1 and A2 may be applications that perform analysis on such medical records and test results.

[0100] Furthermore, for example, applications A1 and A2 may be applications that analyze vital signs. Here, the vital signs to be analyzed may be data stored in the medical information storage device 10 as a PHR, but the system may also be configured to analyze the measurement data directly. For example, application A1 may be an application that acquires and analyzes vital signs measured by a mobile terminal or wearable device in real time and notifies when an abnormality is detected.

[0101] Furthermore, for example, applications A1 and A2 may be applications that use genome analysis data such as genes. Also, for example, applications A1 and A2 may be applications that use the results of blood tests. The blood to be tested may be collected at a medical facility when subject P visits the hospital, or it may be collected during a health checkup or blood donation.

[0102] (Third embodiment) In the first embodiment, an example was described of identifying medical facilities that can use a second analysis application of the same type as the first analysis application. In contrast, the third embodiment describes an example of identifying medical facilities that can obtain medical information to improve the accuracy of the analysis processing by the first analysis application.

[0103] The medical information processing device 40 according to the third embodiment can be configured in the same manner as the medical information processing device 40 according to the first embodiment, as described in the block diagrams of Figures 1 and 2. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals are used for parts described in the first and second embodiments, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0104] First, the acquisition function 43a acquires the analysis results from application A1, as described in the first and second embodiments. Next, the identification function 43b identifies medical information to improve the accuracy of the analysis processing by application A1, based on the analysis results.

[0105] For example, if application A1 is an image analysis application, it may be possible to input additional data such as vital signs (blood pressure, electrocardiogram, etc.) as input data for analysis, in addition to medical images of subject P. In many cases, inputting additional data can improve the accuracy of the analysis process, but subject P may not necessarily possess the medical information that would constitute this additional data.

[0106] Therefore, the specific function 43b identifies medical information that can be input to application A1 but was not used to obtain the analysis results acquired by the acquisition function 43a as medical information to improve the accuracy of the analysis process. For example, if "medical image," "blood pressure," and "electrocardiogram" can be input to application A1, and the analysis results acquired by the acquisition function 43a are based on "medical image" and "blood pressure," then the specific function 43b identifies "electrocardiogram" as medical information to improve the accuracy of the analysis process.

[0107] Furthermore, the identification function 43b identifies medical facilities where an electrocardiogram (ECG) can be obtained, and the notification function 43c notifies the subject P of the identified medical facilities. For example, the identification function 43b obtains the location information of the subject P and identifies a medical facility that is easily accessible to the subject P among the medical facilities where an ECG can be obtained. The notification function 43c may also notify the subject P of the identified medical facilities along with the analysis results from application A1. For example, the notification function 43c creates a display screen that includes a comment such as, "If you take ECG data at hospital H1, you can proceed to a more detailed diagnosis with application A1," and presents it to the subject P.

[0108] Alternatively, the identification of the medical facility may be omitted, and the notification function 43c may notify the subject P of the medical information identified by the identification function 43b. For example, the notification function 43c may create a display screen that includes a comment such as, "More accurate results can be obtained if electrocardiogram data is available," and present it to the subject P.

[0109] Each component of the apparatus according to the above embodiment is a functional concept and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the illustration. That is, the specific form of distribution and integration of each apparatus is not limited to that shown in the illustration, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions. Furthermore, each processing function performed by each apparatus can be implemented in whole or in any part by a CPU and a program that is analyzed and executed by the CPU, or by hardware using wired logic.

[0110] Furthermore, the medical information processing method described in the above-mentioned embodiments can be implemented by executing a pre-prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or workstation. This program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. Alternatively, this program can be recorded on a computer-readable non-transient recording medium such as a hard disk, flexible disk (FD), CD-ROM, MO, or DVD, and executed by reading it from the recording medium by a computer.

[0111] According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to support the use of the analysis application by the subject.

[0112] While several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0113] 1: Medical Information Processing System 1': Medical Information Processing System 10:Medical information storage device 20: Terminal device 30: Analysis device 40: Medical Information Processing Device 41: Communication Interface 42: Memory 43: Processing Circuit 43a: Acquisition function 43b: Specific function 43c: Notification function 50: On-site workstations

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that uses the subject's medical information as input data and acquires the results of an analysis process performed based on the subject's instructions, A unit for identifying medical facilities according to the results of the aforementioned analysis process, A notification unit that notifies the subject of the aforementioned medical facility A medical information processing device equipped with [a specific feature].

2. The acquisition unit acquires the analysis results from the first analysis application as a result of the analysis process. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identifying unit identifies a medical facility that can use a second analysis application of the same type as the first analysis application.

3. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second analysis application has a greater number of input data types used for analysis and a greater number of output data types output as analysis results compared to the first analysis application.

4. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the analysis processing by the second analysis application is performed using the input data used in the analysis processing by the first analysis application and the analysis results by the first analysis application.

5. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first analysis application and the second analysis application are image analysis applications that include at least a medical image of the subject as input data.

6. The medical information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the identifying unit identifies a medical facility that has a record of purchasing the second analysis application, or a medical facility that has a record of performing diagnoses using the second analysis application.

7. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the medical information is recorded by a wearable device attached to the subject.

8. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the subject of the medical facility along with the results of the analysis process.

9. The medical information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the subject of the medical facility and accepts or executes a reservation for the medical facility.

10. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specified unit identifies a medical facility capable of acquiring medical information to improve the accuracy of the analysis process.

11. The medical information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the identifying unit identifies the medical facility according to the results of the analysis process and the patient's medical history.

12. The medical information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the identifying unit identifies a medical facility to which the subject can receive treatment.

13. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the results of the analysis process by executing the analysis process.

14. An analysis device that uses the subject's medical information as input data and performs analysis processing based on the subject's instructions, A medical information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit for acquiring the results of the analysis process; an identification unit for identifying a medical facility according to the results of the analysis process; and a notification unit for notifying the subject of the medical facility. A medical information processing system equipped with [the following features].

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