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

Abstract

To provide individualized support information for each patient without increasing the workload of physicians. [Solution] The medical information processing device comprises a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, a generation unit, and an output unit. The first acquisition unit acquires patient-related information relating to the first patient. The second acquisition unit acquires explanation history information indicating the content of explanations given to the second patient who was examined in the past. The generation unit generates response information indicating the answers to be given to the first patient based on the patient-related information and the explanation history information. The output unit outputs the response 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 medical information processing program.

[0002] Conventionally, medical practitioners such as doctors are required to provide medical treatment based not only on the biological aspects such as examination results but also on the social and psychological aspects of the patient. Therefore, not only information regarding the biological aspects but also information regarding the social and psychological aspects of the patient are recorded as medical treatment information in an electronic medical record or the like.

[0003] For example, during a medical examination, a doctor listens to the patient's symptoms and medical history and, based on examination findings and the like, explains the disease name, the cause of the disease, the treatment method, the treatment effect, the risks and benefits in treatment, and so on. In contrast, the patient asks questions or consults the doctor about unclear points such as the content of the explanation received from the doctor and future responses. Through explanations from the doctor, questions and consultations from the patient, etc., the trust relationship is deepened and communication is promoted.

[0004] However, for example, in the above-mentioned medical examination, there may be a uniform explanation from the doctor's perspective, and the patient may not obtain the information needed. Also, the patient may be nervous in front of the doctor and may not be able to say what they want to say or hear what they want to hear. Furthermore, there are cases where the patient or family members do not know what questions to ask and want the doctor to explain about question prompts and common questions. Also, since the patient is not familiar with medical terms explained by the doctor, there are cases where the patient cannot ask the doctor to repeat the explanation even if they do not understand it.

[0005] On the other hand, when there are no questions or consultations from the patient, the doctor does not know what the patient himself / herself is trying to confirm and what to explain. Also, the explanations, questions, and consultation matters requested by patients vary. Therefore, there may be a uniform explanation from the doctor's perspective, and it may be difficult to handle each individual patient during a medical examination. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-170312 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings aim to solve is to provide individualized support information for each patient without increasing the workload of physicians. However, the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and 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 second acquisition unit, a generation unit, and an output unit. The first acquisition unit acquires patient-related information relating to a first patient. The second acquisition unit acquires explanation history information indicating the content of explanations given to a second patient who has been examined in the past. The generation unit generates response information indicating the answers to be given to the first patient based on the patient-related information and the explanation history information. The output unit outputs the response information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a clinical support system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a clinical support device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of response information according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by the clinical support device according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The medical information processing apparatus, medical information processing method, and medical information processing program according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts with the same reference numerals perform similar operations, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the clinical support system 1 according to this embodiment. The clinical support system 1 is an example of a medical information processing system. The clinical support system 1 includes a hospital information system (HIS) 10, a radiology information system (RIS) 20, a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) 30, a laboratory information system (LIS) 40, a patient terminal 50, a clinical support device 60, and a display device 70.

[0012] Furthermore, each system and each device is connected to each other via the network 80 so that they can communicate with one another. Note that the configuration shown in Figure 1 is just one example, and the number of each system and each device can be changed as needed. Also, devices not shown in Figure 1 may be connected to the network 80.

[0013] The hospital information system 10, the radiology department information system 20, the medical image management system 30, and the clinical laboratory information system 40 are implemented using computer equipment such as servers and workstations.

[0014] The hospital information system 10 stores electronic medical record information 11 and medical history information 12. The electronic medical record information 11 is information that records the patient's medical treatment progress. For example, the electronic medical record information 11 contains information for identifying the patient, personal information such as the patient's name, gender, age, occupation, and family structure, as well as information such as the name of the disease the patient has suffered from, the name of the prescribed medication, and the duration of treatment.

[0015] The medical history information 12 is information that shows the patient's responses to the medical history questionnaire. For example, the medical history information 12 includes the patient's answers regarding their current symptoms, their living environment, and information on the patient's concerns, including explanations, questions, and matters of consultation that the patient or a person present during the examination may request from the doctor.

[0016] The radiology information system 20 stores the image interpretation report information 21. The image interpretation report information 21 is information containing findings from a physician or other person who interpreted the image information 31 acquired by the medical imaging diagnostic device.

[0017] The medical image management system 30 stores image information 31. The image information 31 contains images captured by a medical imaging diagnostic device. Medical imaging diagnostic devices include, for example, X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) devices, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) devices, X-ray diagnostic devices, and ultrasound diagnostic devices. Furthermore, the image information 31 conforms to the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standard.

[0018] The clinical laboratory information system 40 stores clinical laboratory result information 41 and clinical laboratory report information 42. The clinical laboratory result information 41 is information showing the results of the clinical laboratory test. The clinical laboratory report information 42 is information containing findings regarding the clinical laboratory test results.

[0019] The patient terminal 50 is a terminal used by a patient or an attendant who is present during the patient's examination during the interview. The patient terminal 50 is realized by, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, or a personal computer. The patient terminal 50 is used, for example, by a patient or an attendant who is present during the patient's examination to input explanations, questions, consultation matters, etc. requested from a doctor during the examination with the doctor.

[0020] The clinical support device 60 is a device that supports medical staff such as doctors in clinical practice. The clinical support device 60 is an example of a medical information processing device. The clinical support device 60 is realized by, for example, computer devices such as a server or a workstation.

[0021] Based on the information acquired from each system and device of the clinical support system 1, the clinical support device 60 generates a summary of various information and presents it to medical staff, thereby supporting the efficient browsing of information by medical staff. The clinical support device 60 may be installed within the facility or may be a server on the Internet. The configuration of the clinical support device 60 will be described later.

[0022] The display device 70 is a device capable of displaying various information. The display device 70 is an example of a medical information display device. The display device 70 is realized by computer devices such as a personal computer or a tablet terminal. The display device 70 displays various information generated by the clinical support device 60. The information displayed by the display device 70 will be described later.

[0023] Next, the configuration of the clinical support device 60 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the clinical support device 60 according to the present embodiment. The clinical support device 60 includes a NW (network) interface 610, an input interface 620, a display 630, a memory circuit 640, and a processing circuit 650.

[0024] The NW interface 610 is connected to the processing circuit 650 and controls the transmission and communication of various data between the NW interface 610 and the devices connected via the network 80. For example, the NW interface 610 can be implemented by a network card, network adapter, NIC (Network Interface Controller), etc.

[0025] The input interface 620 is connected to the processing circuit 650 and converts input operations received from the operator (medical professional) into electrical signals and outputs them to the processing circuit 650. Specifically, the input interface 620 converts input operations received from the operator into electrical signals and outputs them to the processing circuit 650.

[0026] For example, the input interface 620 can be implemented using a trackball, switch buttons, a mouse, a keyboard, a touchpad that allows input by touching the operating surface, a touchscreen that integrates a display screen and a touchpad, a non-contact input circuit using an optical sensor, and an audio input circuit.

[0027] In this specification, the input interface 620 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 device and outputs this electrical signal to a control circuit is also included as an example of the input interface 620.

[0028] The display 630 is connected to the processing circuit 650 and displays various information and image data output from the processing circuit 650. For example, the display 630 can be implemented using a liquid crystal display, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a touch panel, etc.

[0029] The memory circuit 640 is connected to the processing circuit 650 and stores various types of data. The memory circuit 640 is an example of a memory unit. The memory circuit 640 also stores various programs that the processing circuit 650 reads and executes to realize various functions. For example, the memory circuit 640 can be implemented using semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, or a hard disk or optical disc.

[0030] Furthermore, for example, the memory circuit 640 stores explanation history information 641. Explanation history information 641 is information that includes a history of response information indicating the content of explanations given to patients examined by a doctor in the past. Response information will be described later.

[0031] The processing circuit 650 controls the overall operation of the clinical support device 60. The processing circuit 650 has, for example, a communication control function 651, a reception function 652, a first acquisition function 653, a second acquisition function 654, a specific function 655, a generation function 656, and an output function 657 as functional units.

[0032] Here, the communication control function 651 is an example of a communication control unit. The reception function 652 is an example of a reception unit. The first acquisition function 653 is an example of a first acquisition unit. The second acquisition function 654 is an example of a second acquisition unit. The identification function 655 is an example of an identification unit. The generation function 656 is an example of a generation unit. The output function 657 is an example of an output unit.

[0033] In this embodiment, each processing function performed by the constituent elements, namely the communication control function 651, the reception function 652, the first acquisition function 653, the second acquisition function 654, the identification function 655, the generation function 656, and the output function 657, is stored in the memory circuit 640 in the form of a program that can be executed by a computer.

[0034] The processing circuit 650 is a processor that reads programs from the storage circuit 640 and executes them to realize the functions corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuit 650, in the state where each program has been read, will have the functions shown in the processing circuit 650 in Figure 2.

[0035] In Figure 2, the communication control function 651, reception function 652, first acquisition function 653, second acquisition function 654, identification function 655, generation function 656, and output function 657 are explained using a single processor. However, it is also acceptable to combine multiple independent processors to form a processing circuit 650, with each processor executing a program to realize the functions.

[0036] Furthermore, although Figure 2 describes a single memory circuit, such as memory circuit 640, as storing programs corresponding to each processing function, it is also possible to have multiple memory circuits distributed and the processing circuit 650 read the corresponding programs from individual memory circuits.

[0037] In the above explanation, the term "processor" refers to circuits such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphical 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)).

[0038] The processor performs its functions by reading and executing the program stored in the memory circuit 640. Alternatively, instead of storing the program in the memory circuit 640, the processor may be configured to directly incorporate the program into its own circuitry. In this case, the processor performs its functions by reading and executing the program incorporated into the circuitry.

[0039] The communication control function 651 controls communication between the clinical support device 60 and other devices. For example, the communication control function 651 transmits and receives various types of information with other devices within the clinical support system 1 via the NW interface 610. As an example, the communication control function 651 receives medical interview information 12 from the hospital information system 10. Also, as an example, the communication control function 651 transmits the response information output by the output function 657 to the display device 70.

[0040] The reception function 652 accepts input of various types of information. For example, the reception function 652 accepts the designation of a target patient from a medical professional via the display device 70 and the communication control function 651. As an example, the reception function 652 accepts the medical history information 12 received by the communication control function 651.

[0041] The reception function 652 may also accept input for the designation of a target patient by selecting from a list of patients. Alternatively, the reception function 652 may accept input of various information directly from the user via the input interface 620. In this case, the various information may be displayed on the display 630 of the clinical support device 60.

[0042] The first acquisition function 653 acquires patient-related information relating to the first patient. Here, the first patient refers to a patient examined by a physician. Specifically, the first acquisition function 653 controls the communication control function 651 to acquire patient-related information relating to the first patient from each device constituting the clinical support system 1.

[0043] Here, patient-related information includes a patient identifier (Patient ID (Identification)) that identifies the first patient, the first patient's name, the first patient's gender, the first patient's age, the first patient's occupation, information about accompanying persons indicating whether or not there were any accompanying persons during the first patient's examination, information about areas of interest indicating the first patient's concerns during the examination, and medical information regarding the first patient's treatment. For example, the first acquisition function 653 acquires patient-related information when the reception function 652 receives input specifying the target patient.

[0044] The second acquisition function 654 acquires explanation history information 641, which shows the content of the explanation given to the second patient who was examined in the past. Specifically, the second acquisition function 654 acquires explanation history information 641, which shows the content of the explanation given to the second patient who was examined in the past, from the memory circuit 640.

[0045] The specific function 655 identifies similar information from the explanation history information 641 that is similar to the information of interest. Specifically, the specific function 655 identifies similar information from the explanation history information 641 acquired by the second acquisition function 654 that is similar to the information of interest included in the patient-related information acquired by the first acquisition function 653.

[0046] For example, the specific function 655 identifies interest information similar to the interest information included in patient-related information from the explanation history information 641 stored in the memory circuit 640. Alternatively, for example, the specific function 655 may extract explanation history information 641 similar to the patient's gender, age, occupation, treatment results, or treatment name from the explanation history information 641 stored in the memory circuit 640, and then identify interest information similar to the interest information included in patient-related information from the extracted explanation history information 641.

[0047] The generation function 656 generates response information indicating the answers to be explained to the first patient, based on patient-related information and explanation history information 641. Specifically, the generation function 656 generates response information indicating the answers to be explained to the first patient, based on patient-related information acquired by the first acquisition function 653 and explanation history information 641 acquired by the second acquisition function 654. In addition, the generation function 656 generates response information based on patient-related information acquired by the first acquisition function 653, explanation history information 641 acquired by the second acquisition function 654, and similar information identified by the identification function 655.

[0048] Here, the response information will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the response information 90 according to the embodiment. The response information 90 shown in Figure 3 includes patient information, medical information, areas of interest, and similar information.

[0049] The patient information in response information 90 is listed with corresponding items related to "Patient ID," "Patient Name," "Gender," "Age," "Occupation," and "Presence or Absence of Accompanying Persons." The medical information in response information 90 is listed with corresponding items related to "First Visit," "Diagnosis Result, Diagnosis Name," and "Treatment Policy, Plan." The matters of interest in response information 90 are listed with the matters of interest of the patient or accompanying persons during the patient's examination. The similar information in response information 90 is listed with information similar to the matters of interest of the patient or accompanying persons during the patient's examination.

[0050] By checking patient information such as gender and age, doctors can, for example, provide explanations tailored to the patient's behavior, such as when an elderly patient is at risk of falls and injuries. Similarly, when a patient is a child, doctors can simplify explanations for children, as they may have difficulty understanding medical terminology. Furthermore, doctors can differentiate their explanations for the child's parents, providing more detailed information and precautions. Additionally, doctors can explain to pregnant or breastfeeding women whether a medication is unsuitable or has conditional use.

[0051] Furthermore, by verifying the patient's occupation in their patient information, doctors can, for example, communicate using medical terminology and other specialized terms if the patient is a healthcare professional. They can also omit detailed explanations and focus on answering the patient's questions.

[0052] Furthermore, by confirming the presence of accompanying persons, doctors can ascertain, for example, whether the accompanying person is a spouse, parent, sibling, relative, friend, or caregiver / attendant / guardian for caregiving or childcare. Doctors can also guide patients or accompanying persons during examinations by providing information on whether hospitalization should be explained by the doctor themselves, or whether it is sufficient for a nurse or other hospital staff member to provide the information, and who they should ask. For example, if a patient is hospitalized, information regarding procedures, what to bring, and precautions during hospitalization (such as whether visitors are allowed or if changes of clothes can be brought to the hospital room) can be provided to the patient so that they are directed to someone other than the doctor.

[0053] By checking whether a patient is on their first or second visit, physicians can provide information tailored to their specific needs, as the information patients require differs depending on the situation. Furthermore, by reviewing the patient's interests and similar information, physicians can address their concerns during consultations.

[0054] Furthermore, the generation function 656 generates response information 90 that includes content to be explained to the accompanying person if they are present during the examination of the first patient. The generated response information 90 is then stored in the memory circuit 640 as explanation history information 641.

[0055] Returning to Figure 2, the output function 657 outputs the response information 90. Specifically, the output function 657 controls the communication control function 651 to output the response information 90 generated by the generation function 656 to the display device 70. As a result, by checking the response information 90 output to the display device 70, the doctor can explain not only the patient's medical information but also matters of interest to the patient during the examination, enabling individual patient care without increasing the doctor's workload.

[0056] Next, the processes performed by the clinical support system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processes performed by the clinical support device 60 according to this embodiment. As a premise for the explanation of Figure 4, it is assumed that the process begins after the patient or a person present during the patient's examination has used the patient terminal 50 to input the patient's concerns, including explanations, questions, and matters to be discussed with the doctor during the examination.

[0057] The first acquisition function 653 controls the communication control function 651 to acquire patient-related information related to the first patient from each device constituting the clinical support system 1 (step S41). Subsequently, the second acquisition function 654 acquires explanation history information 641 from the memory circuit 640, which shows the content of explanations given to the second patient who was examined in the past (step S42).

[0058] Next, the identification function 655 identifies similar information from the explanation history information 641 acquired by the second acquisition function 654 that is similar to the interest information included in the patient-related information acquired by the first acquisition function 653 (step S43). Subsequently, the generation function 656 generates response information 90 indicating the response to be explained to the first patient, based on the patient-related information acquired by the first acquisition function 653 and the explanation history information 641 acquired by the second acquisition function 654 (step S44).

[0059] Next, the generation function 656 stores the generated response information 90 as explanation history information 641 in the memory circuit 640 (step S45). Subsequently, the output function 657 controls the communication control function 651 to output the response information 90 generated by the generation function 656 to the display device 70 (step S46). When the processing in step S46 is completed, this process executed by the clinical support device 60 is terminated.

[0060] As described above, the clinical support device 60 according to this embodiment acquires patient-related information related to the first patient, acquires explanation history information 641 showing the content of explanations given to the second patient who was examined in the past, generates response information 90 showing the answers to be given to the first patient based on the patient-related information and the explanation history information 641, and outputs the response information 90.

[0061] Furthermore, the patient-related information according to this embodiment includes a patient identifier that identifies the first patient, the first patient's name, the first patient's gender, the first patient's age, the first patient's occupation, information indicating whether or not there are any accompanying persons present during the first patient's examination, information indicating the first patient's concerns during the examination, and medical information relating to the first patient's treatment.

[0062] As a result, for example, the clinical support device 60 according to this embodiment allows the patient or a person present during the patient's examination to identify their concerns before the examination. Therefore, the physician can understand in advance the patient's or a person present during the patient's examination's concerns and the answers to those concerns before the examination. In other words, the clinical support device 60 according to this embodiment can provide individualized support information to each patient without increasing the workload of the physician.

[0063] Furthermore, the clinical support device 60 according to this embodiment identifies similar information that is similar to the patient's area of ​​interest from the explanation history information 641, and generates response information 90 based on the explanation history information 641 and the similar information. This allows, for example, a doctor to identify similar information that is similar to the patient's area of ​​interest from past explanation history information 641, even if the patient is not interested in it at the time of the interview. This enables the doctor to identify information that is preferable to explain during the examination and explain it to the patient. In addition, the patient feels that they are receiving a better examination by receiving explanations from the doctor, which can deepen the trust relationship with the doctor and facilitate communication.

[0064] Furthermore, the clinical support device 60 according to this embodiment generates response information 90 that includes content to be explained to the accompanying person when an accompanying person is present during the examination. This allows the physician to provide appropriate explanations even to accompanying persons with different perspectives.

[0065] Furthermore, the clinical support device 60 according to this embodiment stores the generated response information 90 as explanation history information 641 in the storage unit. This allows the clinical support device 60 to generate better response information 90.

[0066] The above-described embodiments can also be modified and implemented as appropriate by changing the configuration or some of the functions of each device in the clinical support system 1. Therefore, several modifications of the above-described embodiments will be described below as other embodiments. In the following, we will mainly describe the differences from the above-described embodiments, 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.

[0067] (First variation) The above-described embodiment explains how the clinical support device 60 identifies similar information similar to the information of interest from the explanation history information 641, but it is not limited to this. For example, the patient or a person present during the patient's examination may check the explanation history information 641 via the patient terminal 50 during the interview and select information similar to their own concerns. This allows the clinical support device 60 to provide the physician with more appropriate response information 90.

[0068] (Second variation) In the embodiment described above, the explanation history information 641 stored in the memory circuit 640 is described as information that includes a history of response information 90 indicating the content of explanations given to patients examined by a doctor in the past, but it is not limited to this. The explanation history information 641 may also include information such as treatment guidelines.

[0069] According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to provide individualized support information to patients without increasing the workload of physicians.

[0070] 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]

[0071] 1…Clinical support system, 10…Hospital information system, 20…Radiology department information system, 30...Medical image management system, 40...Clinical laboratory information system, 50...Patient terminal, 60...Clinical support device, 70...Display device, 610...NW interface, 620...Input interface, 630...Display, 640...Memory circuit 650... Processing circuit, 651... Communication control function, 652... Reception function, 653...First acquisition function, 654...Second acquisition function, 655...Specific function, 656...Generation function, 657...Output function

Claims

1. A first acquisition unit that acquires patient-related information related to the first patient, A second acquisition unit acquires explanation history information showing the content of explanations given to a second patient who was examined in the past, A generation unit generates response information indicating the answer to be explained to the first patient, based on the patient-related information and the explanation history information. An output unit that outputs the aforementioned response information, A medical information processing device equipped with [a specific feature].

2. The patient-related information includes a patient identifier that identifies the first patient, the first patient's name, the first patient's gender, the first patient's age, the first patient's occupation, information indicating whether or not there were any accompanying persons present during the first patient's examination, information indicating the first patient's concerns during the examination, and medical information relating to the first patient's treatment. The medical information processing device according to claim 1.

3. The system includes a special unit that identifies similar information from the aforementioned explanatory history information that is similar to the information of interest, The generation unit generates the response information based on the patient-related information, the explanation history information, and the similar information. The medical information processing device according to claim 2.

4. The generation unit generates the response information, which includes the content to be explained to the accompanying person when the accompanying person is present during the examination. The medical information processing device according to claim 3.

5. The generation unit stores the generated response information in the storage unit as the explanation history information. The medical information processing device according to claim 4.

6. A medical information processing method using a medical information processing device, Obtain patient-related information related to the first patient, We obtained explanation history information showing the content of the explanation given to the second patient in the past. Based on the patient-related information and the explanation history information, response information indicating the answer to be explained to the first patient is generated. Output the aforementioned response information. A medical information processing method, including the following.

7. On the computer, Obtain patient-related information related to the first patient, We obtained explanation history information showing the content of the explanation given to the second patient in the past. Based on the patient-related information and the explanation history information, response information indicating the answer to be explained to the first patient is generated. Output the aforementioned response information. A medical information processing program that executes a process.

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