Server device and computer program

Abstract

To increase the influence of support information provided to patients during dispensing on behavioral change. [Solution] The server device 12 is capable of communicating with multiple client devices 11. The storage 121 stores destination information that identifies at least one client device 11 to which each of a plurality of support information items, each with different content designed to encourage behavioral change in patients, is delivered. The processor 122 delivers at least one of the plurality of support information items to at least one client device 11 based on the destination information. Each of the plurality of support information items is associated with at least one of the medication and medication instruction text provided to the patient. The destination information can be modified to change the at least one client device 11 to which each of the plurality of support information items is delivered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server device capable of communicating with a plurality of client devices. The present disclosure also relates to a computer program executable by a processor mounted on the server device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for registering a medication guidance document describing side effects and precautions regarding a drug prescribed to a patient in association with the drug code of the drug. Thereby, the medication guidance document associated with the dispensed drug can be provided to the patient.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a demand to increase the degree of influence on behavior modification by support information provided to a patient at the time of dispensing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One exemplary aspect that can be provided by the present disclosure is a server device capable of communicating with a plurality of client devices, a storage storing destination information for identifying at least one client device to which each of a plurality of support information having different contents for prompting behavior modification of a patient is distributed, a processor that distributes at least one of the plurality of support information to the at least one client device based on the destination information, and comprising Each of the aforementioned support information is associated with at least one of the medications and medication instructions provided to the patient. The destination information can be modified to change at least one client device to which each of the multiple pieces of support information is delivered.

[0006] One possible embodiment provided by this disclosure is a computer program executable by a processor installed in a server device capable of communicating with multiple client devices, By being executed, the server device will It stores destination information that identifies at least one client device to which each of multiple pieces of support information with different content intended to encourage behavioral change in patients is delivered, Based on the destination information, at least one of the multiple pieces of support information is distributed to at least one client device. Each of the aforementioned support information is associated with at least one of the medications and medication instructions provided to the patient. The destination information can be modified to change at least one client device to which each of the multiple pieces of support information is delivered.

[0007] According to the configurations described in each of the above examples, the server device can choose whether or not to distribute each of the multiple pieces of support information to the client devices used by the medical institution, depending on the circumstances of the medical institution dispensing medication to the patient. For example, if a medical institution wants to encourage patients who have been prescribed a particular drug to purchase other useful products, such as health foods, that can enhance the therapeutic effect, it is possible to distribute support information associated with those other products exclusively to the client devices used by that medical institution. This increases the impact on patient behavioral change compared to a configuration in which each of the multiple pieces of support information is distributed uniformly to all of the client devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This illustrates the configuration of an information provision system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 illustrates the functional configuration of the client device, server device, and editing device. [Figure 3] Figure 2 illustrates the destination information stored in the storage. [Figure 4] The updated recipient information is shown as an example. [Figure 5] Figure 2 illustrates the processing flow executed by the processor in the server device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Examples of embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing referenced in the following description, the elements shown have been made recognizable as necessary. The scale is being changed.

[0010] As used in this disclosure, the term "medical institution" refers to an institution where medical professionals provide patients with information about pharmaceuticals. Examples of "medical institutions" include hospitals, clinics, medical offices, pharmacies, drugstores, nursing homes, care homes, and elderly care facilities. Examples of "medical professionals" include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, care managers, and registered dietitians.

[0011] Figure 1 illustrates the configuration of an information provision system 10 according to one embodiment. The information provision system 10 includes a plurality of client devices 11 and a server device 12. The server device 12 is installed at a location separate from each of the plurality of client devices 11. Each of the plurality of client devices 11 and the server device 12 are configured to enable bidirectional data communication via a communication network 20.

[0012] Each of the plurality of client devices 11 is used in a medical institution that dispenses at least medications to patients. The plurality of client devices 11 may be stationary devices installed in a specific location, or may be portable devices that can be carried by a user.

[0013] The server device 12 is configured to distribute support information to at least one of the plurality of client devices 11. The "support information" in the present disclosure means information provided to a patient at the time of medication guidance to prompt a change in the behavior of the patient. Examples of support information include advice to continue using the currently prescribed medication, advice regarding precautions when using the medication (usage method, side effects, etc.), advice to prompt switching to another medication, advice to recommend the combined use of traditional Chinese medicine and health foods, advice to prompt improvement of lifestyle habits, and the like.

[0014] Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, one client device 11 will be described as representative of the plurality of client devices 11. The functions and configurations related to this description are construed to be similarly provided in other client devices 11.

[0015] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the server device 12 includes a storage 121 and a processor 122. The storage 121 is a storage device realized by a semiconductor memory, a hard disk device, a magnetic tape device, or the like. The storage 121 and the processor 122 may be mounted in a common housing, or may be provided in a distributed manner in independent housings.

[0016] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the storage 121 stores a plurality of drug information DGs. Each of the plurality of drug information DGs uniquely identifies one drug from other drugs. For example, drug codes such as the drug price standard listed drug code, the YJ code, etc. can be used as drug information. In this example, the plurality of drug information DGs includes drug information DG1, drug information DG2, drug information DG3, and drug information DG4.

[0017] Storage 121 stores a plurality of medication guidance text information. Each of the plurality of medication guidance text information GD includes information corresponding to the explanations provided during medication guidance to patients. Each of the plurality of medication guidance text information GD identifies one medication guidance text in a distinguishable manner from other medication guidance texts. For example, a code associated with the text data of the medication guidance text can be used as the medication guidance text information.

[0018] Although illustration is omitted, each of the plurality of drug information DG is associated with at least one medication guidance text information. Thereby, when a specific drug is dispensed to a patient, an explanation corresponding to at least one medication guidance text information can be provided to the patient. In this example, only the medication guidance text information GD1 included in the plurality of medication guidance text information GD is illustrated. The medication guidance text information GD1 is associated with the drug information DG4.

[0019] Storage 121 stores a plurality of advice information AD. The content included in each of the plurality of advice information AD for promoting the behavioral modification of patients is different from other advice information. Each of the plurality of advice information AD identifies one advice information in a distinguishable manner from other advice information. For example, a code associated with the text data of the health advice can be used as the advice information. Each of the plurality of advice information AD is an example of support information. In this example, the plurality of advice information AD includes advice information AD1, advice information AD2, advice information AD3, and advice information AD4.

[0020] Each of the multiple advice information ADs is associated with at least one of the multiple drug information DGs or at least one of the multiple medication instruction information GDs. In other words, at least one of the multiple drug information DGs is associated with at least one of the multiple advice information ADs. Similarly, at least one of the multiple medication instruction information GDs is associated with at least one of the multiple advice information ADs. At least one of the multiple advice information ADs may be associated with both at least one of the multiple drug information DGs and at least one of the multiple medication instruction information GDs.

[0021] In this example, advice information AD1 is associated with drug information DG1. Advice information AD2 is associated with drug information DG2 and drug information DG3. Advice information AD3 is associated with drug information DG3. Advice information AD4 is associated with medication instruction information GD1.

[0022] Each of the multiple Advice Information ADs may include distribution period information. The distribution period information specifies the period during which distribution to the client device 11 is permitted. The start and end dates of this period are specified by specific dates and times.

[0023] The storage device 121 stores multiple client device information CLs. Each of the multiple client device information CLs identifies one client device 11 as the destination for advice information distribution, distinguishing it from other client devices 11. For example, an ID for authenticating client device 11 may be used as client device information. In this example, the multiple client device information CLs include client device information CL1, client device information CL2, client device information CL3, and client device information CL4.

[0024] Each of the multiple advice information ADs is associated with at least one of the multiple client device information CLs. In this example, advice information AD1 is associated with client device information CL2. Advice information AD2 is associated with client device information CL1. Advice information AD3 is associated with client device information CL2 and client device information CL3. Advice information AD4 is associated with client device information CL3 and client device information CL4.

[0025] As a result, the information set illustrated in Figure 3 forms destination information DS that identifies at least one client device 11 to which each of multiple pieces of advice information with different content aimed at promoting behavioral change in patients is delivered. For example, the destination information DS in this example indicates that advice information AD3 associated with the drug identified by drug information DG3 is delivered to client devices 11 identified by client device information CL2 and client device 11 identified by client device information CL3.

[0026] As illustrated in Figure 2, the server device 12 is equipped with a communication interface 123. On the other hand, the client device 11 is equipped with a communication interface 111. Both the communication interface 111 and the communication interface 123 are hardware interfaces configured to enable data communication between them.

[0027] The client device 11 comprises a processor 112 and a user interface 113. The user interface 113 is a hardware interface that mediates the exchange of information between the user and the processor 112 and receives user instructions to cause the client device 11 to perform a predetermined operation. The processor 112 and the user interface 113 may be mounted in a common enclosure or provided in a distributed manner across separate enclosures.

[0028] The processor 122 of the server device 12 transmits at least one of several pieces of advice information AD from the communication interface 123 based on the destination information DS stored in the storage 121.

[0029] At least one of the multiple pieces of advice information AD received by the communication interface 111 of the client device 11 is stored in storage (not shown) by the processor 112. Depending on the medication dispensed to the patient, the processor 112 reads at least one of the multiple pieces of advice information AD associated with that medication from the storage and visualizes it on the user interface 113. Examples of visualization include display on a screen, projection by a projector, and output of printed materials by a printer.

[0030] As illustrated in Figure 1, the information provision system 10 includes an editing device 13. The editing device 13 is a device for editing destination information DS stored in the storage 121 of the server device 12. The editing device 13 is installed at a location separate from the server device 12. The server device 12 and the editing device 13 are configured to communicate data bidirectionally via the communication network 20.

[0031] The editing device 13 is used by the user of the server device 12. The editing device 13 may be a stationary device installed in a specific location, or it may be a portable device that can be carried by the user.

[0032] As illustrated in Figure 2, the editing device 13 is equipped with a communication interface 131. The communication interface 131 is a hardware interface configured to enable data communication with the communication interface 123 of the server device 12.

[0033] The editing device 13 comprises a processor 132 and a user interface 133. The user interface 133 is a hardware interface that mediates the exchange of information between the user and the processor 132 and receives instructions to the editing device 13 to perform editing of destination information DS. The processor 132 and the user interface 133 may be mounted in a common enclosure or provided in a distributed manner in separate enclosures.

[0034] Specifically, editing the destination information DS is performed to change the recipient client device 11 for at least one of the multiple advice information ADs. Figure 4 shows an example of such a change. In this example, client device 11 corresponding to client device information CL1 is added as a recipient of advice information AD1. Also, client device 11 corresponding to client device information CL3 is removed from the recipients of advice information AD3.

[0035] The processor 132 transmits editing instruction information ED, which corresponds to the editing content of the destination information DS, from the communication interface 131. The editing instruction information ED is received by the communication interface 123 of the server device 12.

[0036] The processor 122 of the server device 12 applies the changes corresponding to the editing instruction information ED to the destination information DS stored in the storage 121. The processor 122 transmits at least one of the multiple advice information ADs to at least one of the multiple client devices 11 related to the changes via the communication interface 123.

[0037] Figure 5 illustrates the processing flow executed by the processor 122 configured as described above.

[0038] First, the processor 122 determines whether the editing instruction information ED transmitted from the editing device 13 has been received by the communication interface 123 (STEP 1). This process is repeated until it is determined that the editing instruction information ED has been received (NO in STEP 1).

[0039] If it is determined that the edit instruction information ED has been received (YES in STEP 1), the processor 122 applies the changes to the destination information DS stored in the storage 121 based on the edit instruction information ED (STEP 2).

[0040] Next, processor 122 determines whether any of the multiple advice information ADs stored in storage 121 as a result of the change contain any undelivered information (STEP 3). If it is determined that there is no undelivered advice information (NO in STEP 3), the process ends.

[0041] If it is determined that undelivered advice information is included (YES in STEP 3), the processor 122 refers to the delivery period information included in the undelivered advice information and determines whether the current time is within the period specified by the delivery period information (STEP 4). If it is determined that the current time is outside the specified period (NO in STEP 4), the process ends.

[0042] If it is determined that the current time is within the specified period (YES in STEP 4), the processor 122 sends the undelivered advice information from the communication interface 123 to the client device 11 corresponding to the changed destination (STEP 5).

[0043] In the case of the changes illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, a client device 11 corresponding to the client device information CL1 has been added as a destination for the advice information AD1, so the advice information AD1 has not yet been delivered to the said client device 11. Therefore, the processor 122 will deliver the advice information AD1 to the said client device 11 if it is within the period specified by the delivery period information contained in the advice information AD1.

[0044] According to the configuration of this embodiment, the server device 12 can select whether or not to distribute each of the multiple pieces of advice information AD to the client devices 11 used by the medical institution, depending on the circumstances of the medical institution dispensing medication to the patient. For example, if a medical institution wants to encourage a patient who has been prescribed a particular drug to purchase another useful product, such as a health food that can enhance the therapeutic effect, it is possible to distribute advice information associated with that other product exclusively to the client devices 11 used by the medical institution. This increases the impact on patient behavioral change compared to a configuration in which each of the multiple pieces of advice information AD is distributed uniformly to all of the multiple client devices 11.

[0045] For example, the change in destination information DS may be made to identify client devices 11 used by medical institutions whose dispensing record for a particular drug exceeds a threshold.

[0046] This configuration allows for the provision of advice information associated with the medication to a wider range of patients, thereby increasing the impact of such advice on behavioral change in patients.

[0047] As an alternative example, the change in destination information DS may be made to identify a client device 11 used by a medical institution where the inventory quantity of a product related to a specific medication instruction exceeds a threshold.

[0048] This configuration allows for the provision of advice information associated with the product to a wider range of patients, thereby increasing the impact of this advice on patient behavioral change. In addition, it helps to prevent situations where advice information is provided for products that are out of stock.

[0049] Alternatively, the system may be configured to identify client devices 11 used by healthcare facilities where the likelihood of a patient having previously received a prescription for a specific medication exceeds a threshold.

[0050] This configuration increases the likelihood of providing advice information related to the drug to patients who may be prescribed the drug again, thereby increasing the impact of such advice information on changing patients' behavior.

[0051] As illustrated in Figure 2, the processor 112 of the client device 11 may be configured to transmit performance information RS, which corresponds to the usage history of the delivered advice information, from the communication interface 111 to the server device 12. The performance information RS is received by the communication interface 123 and can be used for verification by the processor 122.

[0052] With this configuration, the server device 12 can track how much of the distributed advice information has been used. This allows for measures such as stopping the distribution of less frequently used advice information or planning the creation of new advice information based on more frequently used advice information.

[0053] Each of the processors 112 of the client device 11, 122 of the server device 12, and 132 of the editing device 13, which have the various functions described above, can be realized by at least one general-purpose microprocessor operating in cooperation with at least one general-purpose memory. Examples of general-purpose microprocessors include CPUs, MPUs, and GPUs. Examples of general-purpose memory include ROMs and RAMs. In this case, the ROM may store a computer program that performs the processing described above. ROM is an example of a non-temporary computer-readable medium in which a computer program is stored. The general-purpose microprocessor selects at least a portion of the program stored in the ROM and loads it onto the RAM, and then works with the RAM to execute the processing described above. The computer program may be pre-installed in the general-purpose memory, or it may be downloaded from an external server device via a communication network and then installed in the general-purpose memory. In this case, the external server device is an example of a non-temporary computer-readable medium in which a computer program is stored.

[0054] Each of processors 112, 122, and 132 may be implemented by at least one dedicated integrated circuit capable of executing the above-described computer program. Examples of dedicated integrated circuits include microcontrollers, ASICs, FPGAs, etc. In this case, the above-described computer program is pre-installed in a memory element included in the dedicated integrated circuit. The memory element is an example of a computer-readable medium in which the computer program is stored.

[0055] Processor 112, processor 122, and processor 132 can each be realized by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a dedicated integrated circuit.

[0056] The configurations described herein are merely examples to facilitate understanding of this disclosure. Each configuration example may be modified or combined with other configuration examples as appropriate, as long as it does not deviate from the intent of this disclosure.

[0057] In the above embodiment, changes to the destination information DS stored in the storage 121 of the server device 12 are made based on the editing instruction information ED transmitted from the editing device 13. In other words, changes to the destination information DS are made by the user of the editing device 13. However, a configuration in which the processor 122 automatically changes the destination information DS by referring to the performance information RS as described above may also be adopted. Alternatively, a configuration in which the processor 122 autonomously changes the destination information DS using an inference model trained on the editing performance of the editing device 13 may also be adopted.

[0058] In the above embodiment example, the multiple client devices 11 are illustrated as two independent devices. However, identical client devices used with different user accounts may be considered different client devices.

[0059] The configurations listed below also constitute part of this disclosure. Item 1: A server device capable of communicating with multiple client devices, A storage device that stores destination information identifying at least one client device to which each of several different pieces of support information intended to encourage behavioral change in patients is delivered, A processor that distributes at least one of the plurality of support information to at least one client device based on the destination information, It is equipped with, Each of the aforementioned support information is associated with at least one of the medications and medication instructions provided to the patient. The destination information can be modified to change the at least one client device to which each of the plurality of support information is delivered. Server device. Item 2: The change in destination information is made to identify at least one of the client devices used by medical institutions whose number of dispensed drugs exceeds a threshold, the number of products in stock related to the medication instruction document exceeds a threshold, and the likelihood of a patient who has previously received the drug being dispensed visiting exceeds a threshold. The server device described in item 1. Item 3: It is equipped with an interface that accepts editing instruction information to change the aforementioned destination information. The server device described in item 1 or 2. Item 4: The system includes an interface that receives performance information corresponding to the usage history of the aforementioned support information from at least one of the multiple client devices. A server device as described in any one of items 1 through 3. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 11: Client device, 12: Server device, 121: Storage, 122: Processor, 123: Communication interface, AD: Multiple advice information, DS: Destination information, ED: Edit instruction information, RS: Performance information

Claims

1. A server device capable of communicating with multiple client devices, A storage device that stores destination information identifying at least one client device to which each of several different pieces of support information intended to encourage behavioral change in patients is delivered, A processor that distributes at least one of the plurality of support information to at least one client device based on the destination information, It is equipped with, Each of the aforementioned support information is associated with at least one of the medications and medication instructions provided to the patient. The destination information can be modified to change the at least one client device to which each of the plurality of support information is delivered. Server device.

2. The change in destination information is made to identify at least one of the client devices used by medical institutions whose number of dispensed drugs exceeds a threshold, the number of products in stock related to the medication instruction document exceeds a threshold, and the likelihood of a patient who has previously received the drug being dispensed visiting exceeds a threshold. The server device according to claim 1.

3. It is equipped with an interface that accepts editing instruction information to change the aforementioned destination information. The server device according to claim 1.

4. The system includes an interface that receives performance information corresponding to the usage history of the aforementioned support information from at least one of the multiple client devices. The server device according to claim 1.

5. A computer program that can be executed by a processor installed in a server device capable of communicating with multiple client devices, By being executed, the server device will It stores destination information that identifies at least one client device to which each of multiple pieces of support information with different content intended to encourage behavioral change in patients is delivered, Based on the destination information, at least one of the multiple pieces of support information is distributed to at least one client device. Each of the aforementioned support information is associated with at least one of the medications and medication instructions provided to the patient. The destination information can be modified to change the at least one client device to which each of the plurality of support information is delivered. Computer program.

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