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

Abstract

To appropriately convert medical information. [Solution] The medical information processing device according to the embodiment comprises a first acquisition unit, a determination unit, a conversion unit, and an output unit. The first acquisition unit acquires medical information relating to the treatment of a subject, including information representing the characteristics of the subject to be converted. The determination unit determines a conversion rule for the medical information according to the characteristics of the subject based on the medical information. The conversion unit converts the medical information according to the determined conversion rule. The output unit outputs the converted medical information.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, DX (Digital Transformation) has been attracting attention. For this reason, DX has also been promoted in the medical field. For example, as part of the efforts to promote DX in the medical field, the construction of a system that allows individual patients to obtain and view their own medical information (PHR) has also been considered.

[0003] By the way, as DX progresses, for example, when receiving emergency medical treatment overseas, the number of scenarios in which patients' medical information useful for medical treatment is electronically provided to local medical institutions is expected to increase. In such scenarios, a technology has been proposed to convert medical information expressed in the language of the country where the patient belongs into medical information expressed in the local language according to a predetermined dictionary.

[0004] However, medical systems vary from country to country, and the standard treatment methods for a certain disease may differ from country to country, or a drug approved in one country may not be approved in another country. Also, even for a treatment method widely practiced worldwide, due to cultural differences, it may not be permitted to perform that treatment in a certain country.

[0005] Therefore, simply converting the language may not correctly convey the patients' medical information useful for medical treatment to local medical staff. Thus, a technology that can appropriately convert medical information considering the environment and conditions for receiving medical services is required.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

[0007] One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings aim to solve is the appropriate conversion of medical information. 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]

[0008] The medical information processing device according to the embodiment comprises a first acquisition unit, a determination unit, a conversion unit, and an output unit. The first acquisition unit acquires medical information relating to the treatment of a subject, including information representing the characteristics of the subject to be converted. The determination unit determines a conversion rule for the medical information according to the characteristics of the subject based on the medical information. The conversion unit converts the medical information according to the determined conversion rule. The output unit outputs the converted medical information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the data structure of the first conversion information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of the second conversion information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of the conversion history according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by the medical information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the data structure of the second conversion information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows another example of the data structure of the second conversion information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows another example of the data structure of the conversion history according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows another example of the data structure of the conversion history according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by the medical information processing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical information processing system according to Modification Example 1. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of the data structure of the second conversion information related to Modification Example 1. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical information processing system according to Modification Example 2. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of the data structure of the conversion history related to Modification Example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments of the medical information processing device, medical information processing method, and program will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a medical information processing system S according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the medical information processing system S has a medical information processing device 100 and a medical information storage device 200. These components are connected in a way that allows communication via a network such as an in-hospital LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

[0012] The medical information processing device 100 of this embodiment is an information processing device that acquires medical information, converts the medical information, and outputs it. The medical information processing device 100 is realized by, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), or the like. The configuration of the medical information processing device 100 will be described later.

[0013] The medical information storage device 200 stores, for example, a PHR (Personal Health Record) 20a or the like. The PHR 20a stores, for example, information related to an individual's medical treatment. Specifically, the PHR 20a stores an individual's medical information and related information related to the individual's medical information. In this embodiment, the individual's medical information and related information are information that is the subject of management in medical DX.

[0014] Examples of an individual's medical information include a disease name, allergy information, drug contraindication information, infectious disease information, examination information (including medical images), prescription information, and other basic information described in a medical record, specific health check information, and the like. Examples of an individual's related information include nationality information, medical expense information, drug information, family / relative medical information, past medical information, information related to a medical institution where a medical examination has been received or is scheduled to be received, and the like.

[0015] Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the medical information processing system S may further include other configurations or may not include a part of the configuration shown in FIG. 1. For example, the medical information processing system S may include an electronic medical record system or the like.

[0016] Next, the configuration of the medical information processing device 100 will be described. The medical information processing device 100 includes a NW (Network) interface 110, a memory 120, an input interface 130, a display 140, and a processing circuit 150.

[0017] The NW interface 110 is connected to the processing circuit 150 and controls the transmission and communication of various data between the medical information processing device 100 and other information processing devices. The NW interface 110 is implemented by a network card, network adapter, NIC (Network Interface Controller), etc.

[0018] The memory 120 stores various types of information used by the processing circuit 150 in advance. For example, the memory 120 in this embodiment stores first conversion information 121, second conversion information 122, and conversion history 123.

[0019] The first conversion information 121 represents information that expresses general conversion rules (hereinafter also referred to as general conversion rules) for converting medical information used in patient care. For example, the first conversion information 121 is a data table that stores the expression before conversion and the expression after conversion in association. The expression may be a single word or a phrase consisting of multiple words.

[0020] Here, Figure 2 shows an example of the data structure of the first conversion information 121. In this embodiment, the first conversion information 121 is a data table that stores the subject's nationality, the country of examination, the subject information, and the converted information in association with each other, as shown in Figure 2.

[0021] The subject's nationality is information representing the nationality of the person receiving medical treatment. The subject is an example of a patient. The country of treatment is information representing the nationality of the medical institution providing treatment to the subject. The target information is information representing the expression to be converted. The converted information is information representing how the target information will be converted.

[0022] As an example, the first line of the first conversion information 121 in Figure 2 represents the rule that if the subject's nationality is "Japan" and the country of consultation is "Country A", the word "○○ drug" in the medical information will be converted to "△△ drug". Here, for the sake of explanation, the converted information will be written in Japanese in this specification, but the converted information may also be expressed in a language commonly used in the country of consultation.

[0023] Returning to Figure 1, let's continue the explanation. The second transformation information 122 is information that describes special transformation rules (hereinafter also referred to as special transformation rules) that take precedence over general transformation rules for performing transformations according to the characteristics of the subject. For example, the second transformation information 122 is a data table that stores information representing the characteristics of the subject, the expression before transformation, and the expression after transformation in association with each other.

[0024] Furthermore, the second conversion information 122 may represent a special conversion rule that defines the subject's nationality as a characteristic of the subject.

[0025] For example, if the subject is a Japanese national, a local physician may not be able to accurately understand the correspondence between the Japanese term for a body part and the actual diseased area. In this case, the second conversion information 122 may include information representing the rules for converting word elements representing body parts into schematic representations when the subject is a Japanese national. A schematic representation is, for example, a representation of the location of a body part using a diagram of the human body.

[0026] Furthermore, for example, if the subject's nationality is Japanese, there is a possibility that local medical professionals may not correctly understand symptoms unfamiliar outside of Japan, such as stiff shoulders. In this case, the second conversion information 122 may include information representing rules for converting word elements describing symptoms into links to display web pages or other resources that provide detailed explanations of those symptoms, provided the subject is a Japanese national.

[0027] Furthermore, while pain, for example, is often expressed numerically worldwide, it is said that Japanese people tend to underreport their pain. In this case, to prevent local examiners from underestimating the patient's pain, the second conversion information 122 may include information representing a rule that converts the pain value to 1.2 times the value calculated using the local general calculation method if the patient is a Japanese national.

[0028] In addition, in the above example, if the subject's nationality is not Japanese, there may be a tendency to overreport pain in that country. In this case, to prevent local physicians from overestimating the subject's pain, the second conversion information 122 may include information representing a rule that converts the pain value to 0.8 times the value calculated using the local general calculation method, if the subject's nationality is that of the country in question.

[0029] Furthermore, for example, if the subject's nationality is Japanese, the medication prescribed for the subject's illness may not be approved in the local area. Also, medications commonly prescribed locally may be less effective for Japanese people, or conversely, too effective. In such cases, the second conversion information 122 may include information representing a rule that, if the subject is a Japanese national, converts the name of a specific medication to the name of the medication most similar to the one prescribed to the subject among the locally approved medications.

[0030] Furthermore, treatment options may be limited by, for example, the rules of a widely practiced local religion. For instance, religious rules may prohibit the use of blood transfusions or drugs containing animal-derived components. In such cases, the second conversion information 122 may include information representing rules for converting word elements representing specific treatments into word elements representing locally approved treatments.

[0031] Here, Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of the second transformation information 122. In this embodiment, the second transformation information 122 is a data table that stores the subject's nationality, the country of examination, the subject's characteristics, the subject's information, and the transformed information in association with each other, as shown in Figure 3. The subject's characteristics are information that represents the characteristics of the subject.

[0032] As an example, the third line of the second conversion information 122 in Figure 3 represents the rule that if the subject's nationality is "Japan," the country of examination is "Country A," and the subject practices the religion "□□," then the word "blood transfusion" in the medical information is converted to an expression indicating that "blood transfusion is not permitted for the subject."

[0033] Returning to Figure 1, let's continue the explanation. The conversion history 123 represents the history of conversions of medical information. For example, the conversion history 123 is a data table that stores the reason for the conversion, the expression before the conversion, and the expression after the conversion, in association with each other.

[0034] Here, Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of the conversion history 123. In this embodiment, the conversion history 123 is a data table that stores the subject, the subject's nationality, the country of consultation, the reason for application, the subject information, and the converted information in association with each other, as shown in Figure 4. The subject is information representing the name of the subject. The reason for application is information representing the reason for converting the medical information according to special rules.

[0035] As an example, the third line of conversion history 123 in Figure 4 shows that the subject "X" is of Japanese nationality, the country of examination is "Country A," and due to "religious restrictions," the word "blood transfusion" in the medical information was converted to an expression indicating that "blood transfusion is not permitted for the subject."

[0036] Returning to Figure 1, let's continue the explanation. In addition to the above, memory 120 stores various programs. Memory 120 can be implemented using, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, optical discs, HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), or SSDs (Solid State Drives). Memory 120 may be located within the medical information processing device 100, or it may be located in an external storage device connected to the medical information processing device 100 via a network, for example.

[0037] The input interface 130 is implemented by a trackball, switch buttons, mouse, keyboard, touchpad for input operations by touching the operating surface, touchscreen with an integrated display screen and touchpad, non-contact input circuit using optical sensors, and audio input circuit, etc.

[0038] The input interface 130 is connected to the processing circuit 150 and converts the input operation received from the operator into an electrical signal and outputs it to the processing circuit 150.

[0039] In this specification, the input interface 130 is not limited to those equipped with physical operating components such as a mouse or keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the medical information processing device 100 and outputs this electrical signal to the processing circuit 150 is also included as an example of the input interface 130.

[0040] The display 140 is a dot-matrix type electronic display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electro-luminescence (OEL) display. The input interface 130 and the display 140 may be integrated.

[0041] For example, the input interface 130 and the display 140 may be implemented by a touch panel. The display 140 is an example of a display unit in this embodiment. The display 140 may be provided separately from the medical information processing device 100, for example, and connected to the medical information processing device 100 via a network.

[0042] The processing circuit 150 is a processor that reads programs from the memory 120 and executes them to realize functions corresponding to each program. The processing circuit 150 in this embodiment includes a first acquisition function 151, a determination function 152, a conversion function 153, an output control function 154, and a feedback function 155.

[0043] The first acquisition function 151 is an example of the first acquisition unit. The determination function 152 is an example of the determination unit. The conversion function 153 is an example of the conversion unit. The output control function 154 is an example of the output unit. The feedback function 155 is an example of the memory control unit.

[0044] Here, for example, the processing functions of the processing circuit 150, namely the first acquisition function 151, the decision function 152, the conversion function 153, the output control function 154, and the feedback function 155, are stored in memory 120 in the form of a program that can be executed by a computer. The processing circuit 150 is a processor.

[0045] For example, the processing circuit 150 reads a program from memory 120 and executes it, thereby realizing the functions corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuit 150, in the state where each program has been read, will have the functions shown in the processing circuit 150 in Figure 2.

[0046] In Figure 1, the processing functions performed by the first acquisition function 151, decision function 152, conversion function 153, output control function 154, and feedback function 155 are explained as being realized by a single processor. However, it is also acceptable to combine multiple independent processors to form a processing circuit 150, and each processor may realize the functions by executing a program.

[0047] Furthermore, although Figure 1 describes a single memory 120 that stores programs corresponding to each processing function, it is also possible to have multiple memories distributed and the processing circuit 150 read the corresponding programs from each individual memory.

[0048] The above description illustrates an example in which a "processor" reads and executes programs corresponding to each function from memory, but the embodiments are not limited to this. 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)).

[0049] If the processor is a CPU, for example, it performs its functions by reading and executing a program stored in memory 120. On the other hand, if the processor is an ASIC, instead of storing the program in memory 120, the function is directly incorporated as a logic circuit within the processor's circuitry.

[0050] In this embodiment, each processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit; multiple independent circuits may be combined to form a single processor and realize its functions. Furthermore, the multiple components shown in Figure 1 may be integrated into a single processor to realize its functions.

[0051] The medical information processing device 100 of this embodiment has the function of acquiring medical information to be used in the treatment of a subject, and converting and outputting said medical information according to the characteristics of the subject. The details of each function of the medical information processing device 100 are described below.

[0052] The first acquisition function 151 acquires the patient's medical information, including information representing the patient's characteristics. For example, the first acquisition function 151 acquires the patient's medical information and related information, including information representing the patient's characteristics, from the PHR 20a of the medical information storage device 200 via the NW interface 110.

[0053] Information that describes the characteristics of the subject includes, for example, information about the subject's nationality, information about the subject's religion, information about the subject's sensitivity to drugs, and information about the subject's allergies.

[0054] The decision function 152 determines the conversion rules for medical information based on the patient's medical information, according to the patient's characteristics.

[0055] For example, among the medical information acquired by the first acquisition function 151, the information expressed in text is decomposed into multiple word elements using known natural language processing techniques. The decision function 152 analyzes the multiple word elements decomposed using known natural language processing techniques and identifies the subject's nationality, country of consultation, and subject characteristics from the analysis results.

[0056] Furthermore, the decision function 152 refers to a data table for performing transformations according to the characteristics of the subject in the second transformation information 122, and extracts subject information associated with the nationality, country of examination, and subject characteristics of the identified subject. The decision function 152 determines whether there is a word element among the multiple decomposed word elements that corresponds to the extracted subject information.

[0057] The decision function 152 may also use known natural language processing techniques to determine whether any of the decomposed word elements correspond to synonyms or related terms of the extracted target information.

[0058] If the decision function 152 determines that a corresponding word element exists, it decides to convert the target information corresponding to that word element according to the second conversion information 122. On the other hand, for word elements that do not exist, the decision function 152 decides to convert them according to the first conversion information 121. If no corresponding word elements exist in the medical information, the decision function 152 decides to convert all word elements according to the first conversion information 121.

[0059] Here, we consider the case where medical information is converted, referring to the first conversion information 121 in Figure 2 and the second conversion information 122 in Figure 3. Furthermore, the medical information of the subject is assumed to include the subject's nationality being Japanese, the country of treatment being Country A, the subject practicing the religion □□, and information regarding blood transfusions.

[0060] In this example, as described above, the decision function 152 identifies that among the multiple word elements it has broken down, the patient's medical information includes that the patient's nationality is Japanese, that the country of examination is Country A, and that the patient practices the religion □□. Therefore, the decision function 152 identifies that the patient's nationality is "Japanese," the country of examination is "Country A," and the patient's characteristic is "practices the religion □□."

[0061] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the patient's medical information includes information related to blood transfusions. Therefore, the decision function 152 refers to the second conversion information 122 in Figure 3 and determines that the patient's medical information contains a word element corresponding to "blood transfusion," which is the target information corresponding to the combination of patient nationality "Japan," country of examination "Country A," and patient characteristic "follows the religion □□." The decision function 152 then decides to convert the information related to "blood transfusion" in the patient's medical information according to the second conversion information 122.

[0062] The conversion function 153 converts medical information according to the conversion rules determined by the decision function 152. For example, for word elements corresponding to target information that the decision function 152 has decided to convert according to the second conversion information 122, the conversion function 153 converts them to the information specified in the converted information associated with the target information in the second conversion information 122.

[0063] Furthermore, for word elements that the decision function 152 has decided to convert according to the first conversion information 121, the decision function 152 refers to the first conversion information 121 and determines whether the word element corresponds to the target information associated with the combination of the subject's nationality, country of examination, and subject characteristics identified by the decision function 152. If it determines that it does, the decision function 152 converts the target information into the converted information associated with that target information.

[0064] The conversion function 153 may also present the user with the conversion locations and conversion content. In this case, the conversion function 153 may also accept correction input from the user for the conversion.

[0065] The output control function 154 outputs the patient's medical information converted by the conversion function 153. For example, the output control function 154 transmits the converted patient's medical information to a patient terminal (not shown) used by the examiner via the NW interface 110.

[0066] The output control function 154 may also upload the converted patient's medical information to a cloud server (not shown) in a format that can be downloaded to the examiner's terminal. Furthermore, the output control function 154 may control the display 140 to show the converted patient's medical information.

[0067] The feedback function 155 performs processing that leads to improved conversion accuracy. For example, after the medical information of the subject converted by the output control function 154 is output, the feedback function 155 records the details of the conversion of the medical information in the conversion history 123.

[0068] Specifically, the feedback function 155 identifies the reason for application of the converted medical information. The reason for application may be pre-associated with the content of the subject characteristics registered in the second converted information 122, or it may be content entered by the user as the reason for application after the conversion of the medical information.

[0069] By recording the conversion details of medical information along with the reasons for its application, users can more easily understand why the conversion was performed and verify the validity of the conversion.

[0070] Furthermore, for example, by verifying the conversion history 123, users can perform processes such as deleting combinations of target information and converted information that are considered acceptable as general conversion rules from the second conversion information 122 and adding them to the first conversion information 121.

[0071] Furthermore, the feedback function 155 may perform processing to improve the conversion accuracy of the second conversion information 122 using known machine learning techniques (including deep learning techniques).

[0072] In the above case, the second transformation information 122 may be a trained model learned using a known machine learning technique. The trained model may be, for example, a trained model that has learned the relationship between the two using a training dataset in which the word element to be transformed, the characteristics of the subject that caused the transformation of the word element (nationality, religion, allergies, etc.), and information representing the country of consultation are used as input training data, and the transformed word element is used as output training data.

[0073] When the above-described trained model is used as the second transformation information 122, the feedback function 155 may perform additional training on the trained model using the word elements before transformation, the characteristics of the subject derived from the reason for application, and information representing the country of consultation as input training data, and the word elements after transformation as output training data.

[0074] Next, we will describe the processes performed by the medical information processing device 100. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processes performed by the medical information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0075] First, the first acquisition function 151 acquires the patient's medical information (step ST101). For example, the first acquisition function 151 acquires the patient's medical information and related information to be used in treatment from the PHR 20a of the medical information storage device 200 via the NW interface 110. The patient's medical information and related information to be used in treatment includes the patient's characteristics (including the patient's nationality) and information indicating the nationality of the medical institution where the patient is scheduled to receive treatment.

[0076] Next, the decision function 152 determines whether there is any information in the patient's medical information that corresponds to the target information registered in the second conversion information 122 (step ST102).

[0077] For example, the decision function 152 decomposes the text data contained in the patient's medical information obtained in step ST101 into multiple word elements using known natural language processing techniques. The decision function 152 then analyzes the decomposed multiple word elements using known natural language processing techniques and identifies the patient's nationality, the examiner's nationality, and the patient's characteristics from the analysis results.

[0078] The decision function 152 then refers to the second conversion information 122 and determines whether, among the multiple decomposed word elements, there is a word element that corresponds to the target information, which is associated with the combination of the identified subject's nationality, the examiner's nationality, and the subject's characteristics.

[0079] If there is relevant information (Step ST102: Yes), the decision function 152 decides to convert the relevant word elements in the medical information according to the second conversion information 122 (Step ST103). The decision function 152 also decides to convert the word elements that do not apply according to the first conversion information 121.

[0080] On the other hand, if there is no relevant information (Step ST102: No), the decision function 152 decides to convert all word elements in the medical information according to the first conversion information 121 (Step ST104).

[0081] After step ST103 or step ST104, the conversion function 153 converts the patient's medical information (step ST105). For example, the conversion function 153 converts the medical information obtained in step ST101 according to the conversion rules determined in step ST103 or step ST104.

[0082] Next, the output control function 154 outputs the converted patient's medical information (step ST106). For example, the output control function 154 sends the patient's medical information converted in step ST105 to the examiner's terminal. The output control function 154 may also control the display of the converted patient's medical information on the display 140.

[0083] Next, the feedback function 155 records the converted content of the subject's medical information (step ST107) and terminates the process. For example, the feedback function 155 records the word elements before conversion as the subject information and the word elements after conversion as the converted information, in association with the subject's nationality and the examiner's nationality identified by the decision function 152, and the reason for application derived from the subject's characteristics, in the conversion history 123.

[0084] As described above, the medical information processing device 100 according to this embodiment acquires medical information of a subject, including information representing the subject's characteristics, determines a conversion rule for the medical information according to the subject's characteristics based on the medical information, converts the medical information according to the determined conversion rule, and outputs the converted medical information.

[0085] As a result, the medical information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can convert medical information used in the treatment of a patient according to conversion rules that are appropriate to the characteristics of the patient. By converting information according to the characteristics of the patient in this way, the medical information of the patient can be provided to the user in a form that is easier to understand compared to, for example, when the information is converted according to a predetermined dictionary. In other words, the medical information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can convert medical information appropriately.

[0086] (Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment described above, a method for transforming a subject's medical information according to the subject's characteristics was explained. In the second embodiment, a method for transforming a subject's medical information while also considering the characteristics of the examiner will be explained.

[0087] In the following, we will mainly describe the differences from the embodiments described above, and will omit detailed explanations of points that are common to those already described. Furthermore, each embodiment described below may be implemented individually or in combination as appropriate.

[0088] First, the configuration of the medical information processing system Sa according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the medical information processing system Sa according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the medical information processing system Sa comprises a medical information processing device 100a and a medical information storage device 200. The medical information storage device 200 is the same as in the first embodiment, so its description will be omitted.

[0089] The medical information processing device 100a according to the second embodiment is an information processing device used by a medical examiner. The medical information processing device 100a according to the second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the medical information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, but differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a memory 120a and a processing circuit 150a.

[0090] Memory 120a stores the first conversion information 121, the second conversion information 122a, the conversion history 123a, and the patient information DB 124. The first conversion information 121 is the same as in the first embodiment, so its description is omitted.

[0091] The second conversion information 122a is information that describes special conversion rules for performing conversions according to the characteristics of the subject and the characteristics of the examiner.

[0092] For example, the second conversion information 122a includes a data table that stores information representing the characteristics of the subject, the expression before conversion, and the expression after conversion in association, and a data table that stores information representing the characteristics of the examiner, the expression before conversion, and the expression after conversion in association. The information representing the characteristics of the examiner may include not only the characteristics of the examiner themselves, but also the characteristics of the examiner's country (for example, information such as whether they frequently examine patients of the subject's nationality).

[0093] Here, Figure 7 shows an example of the data structure of the second conversion information 122a. In this embodiment, the second conversion information 122a stores a data table for performing conversions according to the characteristics of the examiner, which represent the characteristics of the subject shown in Figure 3.

[0094] The data table for performing transformations according to the characteristics of the examiner is, for example, a data table that stores the subject's nationality, the country of examination, the examiner's characteristics, the subject's information, and the transformed information in association with each other, as shown in Figure 7. The examiner's characteristics are information that represents the characteristics of the examiner. In this embodiment, the examiner's characteristics include information that represents the characteristics of the examiner's country.

[0095] As an example, the fifth row of the data table for the second conversion information 122a in Figure 7 represents the rule that if the subject's nationality is "Japan," the country of examination is "Country B," and the frequency of examining patients of the subject's nationality in the country of examination is "low," then the word "stiff shoulders" in the medical information will be converted to "a link to information explaining the details of the symptom of stiff shoulders (https: / / xxx~)."

[0096] As in the example above, in a country like Country B, where the frequency of treating patients of Japanese nationality is low, "stiff shoulders," which is considered a symptom unique to Japan, is likely to be an unfamiliar symptom to healthcare professionals in Country B. Therefore, by replacing the word "stiff shoulders" with a link to information explaining the symptoms of stiff shoulders in detail (http: / / xxx~), it is thought that healthcare professionals in Country B will be able to understand the symptom of "stiff shoulders" more easily.

[0097] On the other hand, in countries like Country A, where there is a high frequency of seeing patients of Japanese nationality, healthcare professionals in Country A are likely to be able to understand the symptom even if it is considered a symptom unique to Japan, simply by using the word "stiff shoulders." Therefore, in the example in Figure 7, the above conversion is not performed for healthcare professionals in countries where there is a high frequency of seeing patients of Japanese nationality.

[0098] As another example, the sixth row of the data table for the second conversion information 122a in Figure 7 shows a rule that if the subject's nationality is "Japan," the country of examination is "Country B," and the examiner's characteristic is "the subject's disease is outside the examiner's area of ​​expertise," then the representation of "body part information" in the medical information is converted to a "schematic representation."

[0099] In medical practice, there are situations where parts of the human body are described using unfamiliar terminology for physicians outside their specialty. However, by using schematic representations as described above, even physicians outside their specialty can understand the location of the body parts described in the medical information.

[0100] In this way, by considering not only the characteristics of the subject but also the characteristics of the examiner when converting medical information, it is possible to convert the medical information more appropriately.

[0101] The second conversion information 122a is not limited to the above. For example, the second conversion information 122a may store a data table that associates the frequency of patient consultations for the subject's nationality in the country of consultation with the subject information and the converted information.

[0102] Here, Figure 8 shows another example of the data structure of the second transformation information 122a. The data table for performing transformations according to the characteristics of the examiner in Figure 8 is a data table that stores the subject's nationality, the country of examination, the frequency of examinations of patients of the subject's nationality in the country of examination, the subject information, and the transformed information in association with each other.

[0103] Thus, by using a data table that associates the frequency of consultations of patients of the subject's nationality in the country of consultation for the conversion, the medical information processing device 100a according to this embodiment can convert medical information according to the frequency of consultations of patients of the subject's nationality in the country of consultation.

[0104] Furthermore, for example, the second conversion information 122a may store a data table that associates the examiner's expertise with the target information and the converted information.

[0105] Here, Figure 9 shows another example of the data structure of the second transformation information 122a. The data table for performing transformations according to the characteristics of the examiner in Figure 9 is a data table that stores the subject's nationality, the country of examination, the examiner's expertise, the subject information, and the transformed information in association with each other.

[0106] In this way, by using a data table associated with the expertise of the examiner in the conversion process, the medical information processing device 100a according to this embodiment can convert medical information according to the expertise of the examiner.

[0107] Furthermore, the second conversion information 122a may store a data table for each type of examiner characteristic. For example, the second conversion information 122a may store both the data table shown in Figure 8 and the data table shown in Figure 9. In this case, it may also be possible to pre-set which data table to prioritize.

[0108] This allows for the conversion of patient information, taking into account the characteristics of various examiners. For example, even if the frequency of patients of a particular nationality in the country of examination is low, if the examiner has high expertise, it may be possible to avoid conversion.

[0109] Returning to Figure 6, let's continue the explanation. Conversion history 123a is almost identical to conversion history 123, but it differs from conversion history 123 in that it stores information indicating whether the cause of the conversion lies with the subject or the examiner.

[0110] Here, Figure 10 shows an example of the data structure of the conversion history 123a. The conversion history 123a according to this embodiment is a data table that stores the subject, the subject's nationality, the country of examination, the reason for application, the cause, the subject information, and the converted information in association with each other, as shown in Figure 10. The subject is information representing the subject's name. The cause is information indicating whether the cause of the conversion lies with the subject or the examiner.

[0111] As an example, the sixth line of conversion history 123a in Figure 10 indicates that the subject "X" is of Japanese nationality, the country of examination is "Country A," and the "body part information" in the medical information was converted to a "schematic representation" due to the "characteristics of the examiner" being "outside their area of ​​expertise."

[0112] Returning to Figure 6, let's continue the explanation. The Patient Information Database (DB) 124 is a database that stores patient information about the patient. For example, the Patient Information Database (DB) 124 stores the patient's identification ID, the patient's name, the patient's affiliation, the current department, and past departments, etc., in an associated manner.

[0113] In addition to the above, the patient information DB124 may also store information such as the patient's area of ​​expertise and the papers they have published and their fields. Furthermore, the patient information DB124 may include information about the country in which the patient's medical institution is located, such as information representing the patient consultation status (number of consultations) in each country in the country where the medical institution is located.

[0114] Returning to Figure 6, the explanation continues. The processing circuit 150a of this embodiment includes a first acquisition function 151, a determination function 152a, a conversion function 153, an output control function 154a, a feedback function 155a, and a second acquisition function 156. The first acquisition function 151 and the conversion function 153 are the same as in the first embodiment, so their explanation is omitted.

[0115] First, let's explain the second acquisition function 156. The second acquisition function 156 acquires patient information about the patient. The second acquisition function 156 is an example of the second acquisition unit. For example, the second acquisition function 156 receives the patient's own patient ID from the patient via the input interface 130. The second acquisition function 156 refers to the patient information DB 124 and acquires the information corresponding to the received patient ID as patient information.

[0116] The decision function 152a determines a conversion rule for medical information based on the patient's medical information, according to the patient's characteristics and the examiner's characteristics. The method for determining the conversion rule for medical information according to the patient's characteristics is the same as in the first embodiment, so the explanation is omitted. The following describes the method for determining the conversion rule for medical information according to the examiner's characteristics.

[0117] For example, the decision function 152a uses known natural language processing techniques to decompose the patient information acquired by the second acquisition function 156 into multiple word elements. The decision function 152 uses known natural language processing techniques to analyze the multiple word elements decomposed and identifies patient characteristics from the analysis results.

[0118] Furthermore, the decision function 152a refers to a data table for performing transformations of the second transformation information 122a according to the characteristics of the examiner, and extracts target information associated with the identified examiner characteristics. The decision function 152a then determines whether there is a word element corresponding to the extracted target information among the multiple word elements obtained by decomposing the subject's medical information using known natural language processing techniques.

[0119] If the decision function 152a determines that a corresponding word element exists, it decides to convert the target information corresponding to that word element according to the data table for performing conversions according to the characteristics of the examiner in the second conversion information 122a.

[0120] Here, it is conceivable that the target information that has been decided to be transformed according to a data table for transformations tailored to the characteristics of the subject may also be the same target information that has been decided to be transformed according to a data table for transformations tailored to the characteristics of the examiner. In this case, the decision function 152a decides in advance whether to prioritize the characteristics of the subject or the characteristics of the examiner, and then determines the transformation rules for the target information according to that agreement.

[0121] The decision function 152a may also present the user with the converted information of both options and confirm which one to choose. In this case, the decision function 152a may determine the conversion rules for the target information according to the user's selection.

[0122] Here, we consider the case where medical information is transformed by referring to the data table for performing transformations according to the characteristics of the examiner in the second transformation information 122a of Figure 7. Furthermore, the medical information is assumed to include information about body parts. In addition, the examiner information is assumed to include information indicating that the patient's disease is outside the examiner's area of ​​expertise.

[0123] In this example, as described above, the patient information includes information indicating that the patient's disease is outside the patient's area of ​​expertise. Therefore, the decision function 152a determines that among the multiple decomposed word elements, there is a word element that corresponds to the patient characteristic "the patient's disease is outside the patient's area of ​​expertise," which is registered in the second conversion information 122a in Figure 7. Therefore, the decision function 152a decides to convert the "body part information" in the medical information according to the data table for performing conversions according to the patient characteristics in the second conversion information 122a.

[0124] Returning to Figure 6, let's continue the explanation. The output control function 154a controls the display of the patient's medical information converted by the conversion function 153 on the display 140. This allows the user, who is the examiner, to check the contents of the converted patient's medical information on the display 140.

[0125] The feedback function 155a records the details of the conversion of the medical information, including the cause of the conversion, in the conversion history 123 after the medical information of the subject converted by the output control function 154 is displayed on the display 140.

[0126] Specifically, the feedback function 155a records the converted target information in the conversion history 123, associating it with the target person as the cause, according to the data table for performing conversions according to the characteristics of the target person of the second conversion information 122a.

[0127] Furthermore, the feedback function 155a records the converted information in the conversion history 123, associating it with the examiner as the cause, according to the data table for performing conversions according to the characteristics of the examiner in the second conversion information 122a.

[0128] Next, the processes performed by the medical information processing device 100a will be described. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processes performed by the medical information processing device 100a according to the second embodiment. Step ST201 is the same as step ST101 in Figure 6, so its explanation is omitted.

[0129] After step ST201, the second acquisition function 156 acquires patient information (step ST202). For example, the second acquisition function 156 receives patient ID input from the user via the input interface 130. Then, the second acquisition function 156 refers to the patient information DB 124 and acquires information corresponding to the received patient ID as patient information.

[0130] Next, the decision function 152a determines whether there is any information in the patient's medical information or the examiner's patient information that corresponds to the target information registered in the second conversion information 122a (step ST203). The method for determining whether there is any information in the patient's medical information that corresponds to the target information registered in the data table for performing conversion according to the patient's characteristics in the second conversion information 122a is the same as in step ST102 in Figure 6, so the explanation is omitted.

[0131] For example, the decision function 152a decomposes the examiner information obtained in step ST202 into multiple word elements using known natural language processing techniques. The decision function 152a then analyzes the decomposed word elements using known natural language processing techniques and identifies the examiner's characteristics from the analysis results.

[0132] Then, the decision function 152a refers to a data table for performing transformations of the second transformation information 122a according to the characteristics of the examiner, and determines whether there is a word element among the multiple word elements that has been decomposed that corresponds to the target information and is associated with the identified examiner characteristics.

[0133] If there is relevant information (Step ST203: Yes), the decision function 152a decides to convert the relevant word elements in the medical information according to the second conversion information 122a (a data table for performing conversions according to the characteristics of the subject or a data table for performing conversions according to the characteristics of the examiner) (Step ST204).

[0134] On the other hand, step S205, which occurs when there is no relevant information (step ST203: No), is the same as step ST104 in Figure 6, so its explanation is omitted. Also, step S206 is the same as step ST205 in Figure 6, so its explanation is omitted.

[0135] After step ST206, the output control function 154a outputs the converted patient's medical information (step ST207). For example, the output control function 154 controls the display of the patient's medical information converted in step ST206 on the display 140.

[0136] Next, the feedback function 155a records the converted content of the subject's medical information (step ST208) and terminates the process. For example, the feedback function 155a records the word elements before conversion as the target information and the word elements after conversion as the converted information, in association with the subject's nationality and the examiner's nationality identified by the decision function 152a, the reason for application derived from the subject's characteristics, and the cause of the conversion, in the conversion history 123a.

[0137] For example, the feedback function 155a, when transforming target information according to a data table for transforming according to the characteristics of the target person, identifies the target person as the cause of the transformation. On the other hand, the feedback function 155a, when transforming target information according to a data table for transforming according to the characteristics of the examiner, identifies the examiner as the cause of the transformation.

[0138] As described above, the medical information processing device 100a according to this embodiment determines the conversion rules for the patient's medical information according to the characteristics of the examiner.

[0139] This allows for the conversion of patient medical information according to, for example, the circumstances of the examiner's country or the examiner's area of ​​expertise. In other words, the medical information processing device 100a according to this embodiment can convert medical information more appropriately.

[0140] The embodiments described above can also be modified and implemented as appropriate by changing some of the configurations or functions of each device. Therefore, several modifications of the embodiments described above will be described below as other embodiments. In the following, we will mainly describe the differences from the embodiments described above, and will omit detailed explanations of points that are common with what has already been described. Furthermore, the modifications described below may be implemented individually or in combination as appropriate.

[0141] (Variation 1) In the first embodiment described above, the second conversion information 122 was described as a data table that stores the subject's nationality, the country of examination, the subject's characteristics, the subject's information, and the converted information in association. In this modified example, the second conversion information is described as a data table that stores the subject's nationality, the subject's information, and the converted information in association.

[0142] First, the configuration of the medical information processing system S according to Modification Example 1 will be described. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the medical information processing system S according to Modification Example 1. As shown in Figure 12, the configuration of the medical information processing system S is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0143] Next, the configuration of the medical information processing device 100 according to this modified example will be described. The medical information processing device 100 according to this modified example is an information processing device used by a medical examiner. The medical information processing device 100 according to this modified example has substantially the same configuration as the medical information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, but differs from the first embodiment in that the memory 120 stores the second conversion information 122b.

[0144] The second conversion information 122b is a data table that stores the subject's nationality, the subject information, and the converted information in association. In this modified example, the second conversion information 122b is determined according to the rules of the medical institution that examines the subject.

[0145] Here, Figure 13 shows an example of the data structure of the second conversion information 122b. The second conversion information 122b in this modified example is a data table that stores the subject's nationality, the subject information, and the converted information in association with each other, as shown in Figure 13.

[0146] As an example, the first line of the second conversion information 122b in Figure 13 represents the rule that if the subject's nationality is "Japan," the word "○○ drug" in the medical information will be converted to "△△ drug."

[0147] As another example, the fourth line of the second conversion information 122b in Figure 13 shows the rule that if the subject's nationality is "Country B", the word "□□ drug" in the medical information is converted to "△△ drug".

[0148] Here, for example, "○○ drug" and "□□ drug" are different types of drugs, but are prescribed for the subject's disease. Furthermore, the medical institution that examines the subject is, in principle, to prescribe "△△ drug," which is not a drug commonly prescribed for the subject's disease.

[0149] In this case, for the medical professionals affiliated with the medical institution, it is likely that converting "○○ drug" or "□□ drug" to "△△ drug" would make it easier to understand the patient's medical information than converting them to the names of commonly prescribed drugs.

[0150] Thus, even if a medical institution that examines a subject has its own rules, by preparing the second conversion information 122b according to those rules, the subject's medical information can be converted in a way that is appropriate for the examiner belonging to that medical institution.

[0151] According to the modified medical information processing device 100, it is possible to convert the patient's medical information in accordance with the unique rules of the medical institution to which the examiner belongs.

[0152] (Modification 2) In the first and second embodiments described above, a method was described in which all target information registered in the second conversion information 122 (122a) is converted into corresponding converted information. In this modified example, a method is described in which conversion is determined according to the importance of the target information in the patient's medical information.

[0153] First, the configuration of the medical information processing system S according to Modification Example 2 will be described. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the medical information processing system S according to Modification Example 1. As shown in Figure 14, the configuration of the medical information processing system S is the same as in the first embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0154] Next, the configuration of the medical information processing device 100 according to this modified example will be described. The medical information processing device 100 according to this modified example has substantially the same configuration as the medical information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, but differs from the first embodiment in that the memory 120 stores the conversion history 123b.

[0155] Conversion history 123b differs from conversion history 123 in that, in addition to storing a data table similar to that of conversion history 123, it also stores a data table representing information that has been excluded from conversion according to the second conversion information 122 because the importance of the word elements is low.

[0156] Here, Figure 15 shows an example of the data structure of the conversion history 123b. The conversion history 123a according to this embodiment includes a data table that stores the subject, the subject's nationality, the country of examination, the reason for exclusion, the subject information, and the excluded information in association with each other, as shown in Figure 15. The reason for exclusion is information that represents the reason for excluding the subject from being converted according to the second conversion information 122. The excluded information is information that represents information that was not converted according to the second conversion information 122.

[0157] As an example, the sixth line of the second conversion information 122 in Figure 4 indicates that the subject "X" is of Japanese nationality, the country of examination is "Country A", and because of the "low importance" reason, the "pain" in the medical information was not converted to the "evaluation value × 1.3" specified as the converted information in the second conversion information 122.

[0158] Furthermore, the medical information processing device 100 according to this modified example differs from the first embodiment in that the processing circuit 150 is equipped with a decision function 152b and a feedback function 155b.

[0159] The decision function 152b determines whether or not to convert the word element corresponding to the target information according to the second conversion information 122, based on the importance of the word element.

[0160] For example, the decision function 152b uses known natural language processing techniques to decompose the patient's medical information acquired by the first acquisition function 151 into multiple word elements. The decision function 152b also uses known natural language processing techniques to calculate the frequency of occurrence of each word element, as well as the synonyms and related words of each word element, in the patient's medical information. The decision function 152b then calculates the importance of each word element such that the more frequently it appears, the higher its importance.

[0161] Furthermore, the decision function 152b determines that even if a word element corresponding to the target information registered in the second conversion information 122 exists in the patient's medical information, it will not perform a conversion according to the second conversion information 122 if the importance of the word element is below a predetermined threshold.

[0162] As a result, for example, the medical information processing device 100 according to this modified example can avoid performing conversions according to the second conversion information 122 for word elements of low importance.

[0163] The feedback function 155b, after the patient's medical information converted by the output control function 154 is output, records the converted patient's medical information in the conversion history 123b, including a data table that shows the information excluded from the conversion target according to the second conversion information 122.

[0164] As an example, consider the case where the conversion is performed using the second conversion information 122 in Figure 4, and the subject "X" is of Japanese nationality, the country of examination is "Country A", and the importance of "pain" in "X"'s medical information is below a predetermined threshold. In this case, the feedback function 155b sets the reason for exclusion to "low importance" and records it in the conversion history 123b, associating it with subject "X", subject nationality "Japan", country of examination "Country A", subject information "pain", and exclusion information "evaluation value × 1.3".

[0165] Furthermore, if a user makes corrections to revert the converted information back to the original information, the feedback function 155b may record the reason for exclusion as "user instruction," etc., in the conversion history 123b, associating it with the subject, subject nationality, country of examination, subject information, and exclusion information.

[0166] According to the modified medical information processing device 100, it is possible to convert the patient's medical information according to the importance of word elements in the patient's medical information.

[0167] The first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the modifications described above were explained using the example of a Japanese national receiving medical treatment overseas. However, the application of this technology is not limited to this.

[0168] For example, this technology could be applied to situations such as when a person living overseas receives medical treatment in Japan, when a foreigner living in Japan receives medical treatment in Japan, when providing medical treatment outside one's specialty regardless of whether it is in Japan or overseas (e.g., in an emergency room), or when providing medical treatment in Japan where interpretation and understanding can easily vary (leading to misunderstandings) depending on the region, hospital, or physician.

[0169] According to this modified version, medical information can be transformed into a format appropriate for each specific scenario.

[0170] The various types of data discussed in this specification are typically digital data.

[0171] According to at least one embodiment described above, medical information can be appropriately converted.

[0172] 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 are possible 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]

[0173] 100 Medical Information Processing Devices 110 NW Interfaces 120, 120a memory 121 First Conversion Information 122, 122a Second conversion information 123, 123a Conversion History 124 Patient Information Database 130 Input Interfaces 140 displays 150 Processing Circuits 151 First Acquisition Function 152, 152a Decision function 153 Conversion function Output control function for 154 and 154a 155, 155a Feedback function 156 Second acquisition function 200 Medical information storage device S, Sa Medical Information Processing System

Claims

1. A first acquisition unit acquires medical information relating to the treatment of the subject, which includes information representing the characteristics of the subject to be converted. A determination unit that determines a conversion rule for the medical information according to the characteristics of the subject based on the medical information, A conversion unit that converts the medical information according to the determined conversion rules, An output unit that outputs the converted medical information, A medical information processing device equipped with [a specific feature].

2. The system further includes a memory control unit that stores the converted medical information in association with the reason for converting the medical information, which is derived from the characteristics of the subject. The medical information processing device according to claim 1.

3. The determination unit calculates an importance score for each word element constituting the medical information, and determines a conversion rule for the medical information according to the calculated importance score. The medical information processing device according to claim 1.

4. The system further includes a second acquisition unit that acquires examiner information relating to the examiner, including information representing the characteristics of the examiner who examines the subject, The determination unit determines, based on the patient information, a conversion rule for the medical information according to the characteristics of the patient. The medical information processing device according to claim 1.

5. The determination unit decides, according to the characteristics of the examiner, to convert words representing the symptoms of the subject included in the medical information into links for displaying information that explains those symptoms. The medical information processing device according to claim 4.

6. The determination unit decides, according to the characteristics of the examiner, to convert words representing body parts included in the medical information into representations of the location of those body parts in a diagram. The medical information processing device according to claim 4.

7. The determination unit decides, according to the characteristics of the examiner, to convert the words expressing the subject's sensations into an index that numerically represents those sensations. The medical information processing device according to claim 4.

8. The characteristics of the examiner include at least one of the following: information representing the frequency of examinations of subjects belonging to each country in the country to which the examiner belongs, and information representing the expertise of the examiner. A medical information processing device according to any one of claims 4 to 7.

9. The characteristics of the subject include at least one of the following: information representing the country to which the subject belongs, information regarding the religion practiced by the subject, and information regarding the subject's allergies. A medical information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. The aforementioned medical information includes the subject's medical information and related information relating to the subject's medical information. The aforementioned medical information includes at least one of the following: the name of the illness or injury of the subject, allergy information, drug contraindication information, infectious disease information, test information including medical images, prescription information, basic information recorded in the medical record, and specific health checkup information. The aforementioned related information includes at least one of the following: nationality information, medical expense information, medication information, medical information of family or relatives, past medical information, and information about medical institutions where the subject has received or is scheduled to receive treatment. A medical information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. A medical information processing method using a medical information processing device, A first acquisition step involves acquiring medical information relating to the treatment of the subject, which includes information representing the characteristics of the subject to be converted. A decision step in which, based on the aforementioned medical information, a rule for converting the medical information according to the characteristics of the subject is determined, A conversion step that converts the medical information according to the determined conversion rules, An output step which outputs the converted medical information, A medical information processing method including [the specified term].

12. On the computer, A first acquisition step involves acquiring medical information relating to the treatment of the subject, which includes information representing the characteristics of the subject to be converted. A decision step in which, based on the aforementioned medical information, a rule for converting the medical information according to the characteristics of the subject is determined, A conversion step that converts the medical information according to the determined conversion rules, An output step which outputs the converted medical information, A program that executes the command.

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