Remote medical examination and medication instruction system

Abstract

To provide a remote diagnosis and a dispensing system with a high convenience.SOLUTION: A remote-diagnosis and medication-teaching system have a patient terminal and a management device. The patient terminal has a medical interview information input unit for presenting a question for a medical interview and acquiring an answer to the question as medical interview information. The management device has a remote-diagnosis and medication-teaching management unit for selecting a doctor who can provide a remote diagnosis to the patient or a pharmacy that can provide a remote medication guidance to the patient on the basis of the medical interview information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a remote medical examination and medication instruction system. [Background technology]

[0002] Various methods have been proposed for remotely providing medical treatment using information and communication technology.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a system in which a patient uses a terminal device to self-medicate and measure their own blood pressure, etc., and sends the results to a server, and if the server determines that the interview or measurement results are abnormal, a doctor can make a remote diagnosis.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a system in which a call center operator talks with a patient over the phone to ask questions, and a doctor suitable for the patient is called based on the results of the questions.

[0005] Patent Document 3 describes a system that searches for and displays dispensing pharmacies that can dispense drugs listed in prescription data and dispensing costs for each dispensing pharmacy. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-312430 [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-185518 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2018-156165 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, no system has yet been provided that focuses on facilitating the use of information related to remote medical care and medication instructions, or on actively supporting the use of these applications to improve the user experience in remote medical care and medication instructions.

[0008] In this regard, in recent years, "medicine records," which were traditionally provided on paper, have been digitized and patients' prescription dispensing histories have been managed using applications that can be used on smartphones, PCs (Personal Computers), etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as "medicine record apps").

[0009] However, existing medicine notebook apps are mainly intended to manage information on dispensing offline, and there have been no sufficient proposals on how to effectively use medicine notebook apps in remote medical consultations and remote medication instructions as described above.

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and has an object to provide a highly convenient remote medical treatment and medication instruction system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to one embodiment, the remote medical treatment and medication instruction system includes a patient terminal and a management device, the patient terminal having a medical interview information input unit that presents questions for a medical interview and obtains answers to the questions as medical interview information, and the management device has a remote medical treatment and medication instruction management unit that selects a doctor that can provide remote medical treatment or a pharmacy that can provide remote medication instruction to the patient based on the medical interview information. According to one embodiment, the medical interview information input unit presents a first question for estimating the medical subject or disease name, followed by a second question specific to the estimated medical subject or disease name. According to one embodiment, the patient terminal further has a medical interview information storage unit that stores at least a portion of the input answers, and the medical interview information input unit sets the answers stored in the medical interview information storage unit as the initial value of the medical interview information. According to one embodiment, a concierge terminal is provided instead of or in addition to the patient terminal, and the concierge terminal has a medical interview information input / viewing unit that accepts input of the medical interview information obtained by the concierge from the patient. According to one embodiment, the medical interview information input / viewing unit verifies the identity of the patient by comparing personal identification information obtained from the patient by the concierge with the medical records stored in the management device. According to one embodiment, the pharmacy further comprises a pharmacy terminal used by the pharmacy, the pharmacy terminal having a prescription information input / viewing unit that outputs a list of the patients to whom medicines have been shipped. According to one embodiment, the management device further includes a prescription information management unit that stores content that explains how to take medicines. According to one embodiment, the pharmacy further includes a pharmacy terminal used by the pharmacy, the pharmacy terminal having a prescription information input / viewing unit that accepts questions from the patient who has viewed the content and provides medication instructions. According to one embodiment, the dispensing information management unit records the state of the medication instruction and stores it together with the content. According to one embodiment, the remote medical treatment and medication instruction system further includes a medical institution terminal used by the doctor, the medical institution terminal having a medical information input unit that records the details of the remote medical treatment conducted between the doctor and the patient. According to one embodiment, the patient terminal has a means for viewing at least one of the record of the remote medication instruction and the record of the remote medical treatment. According to one embodiment, the remote medical care and medication instruction system has a medical interview information input unit that presents questions for a medical interview, obtains answers to the questions as medical interview information, and selects a doctor or pharmacy to visit from among doctors who can provide remote medical care to the patient or pharmacies who can provide remote medication instructions to the patient, selected based on the medical interview information. According to one embodiment, the remote medical care and medication instruction system has a patient terminal, a management device, and a pharmacy terminal, wherein the pharmacy terminal transmits information about medication shipped to the patient to the management device, the patient terminal transmits a comparison result between the information about the shipped medication and the medication received by the patient to the management device, and the management device transmits a shipping notification including information about the shipped medication to the patient terminal and transmits a receipt notification including the comparison result to the pharmacy terminal. According to one embodiment, the remote medical consultation and medication instruction system has a management device and a medical institution terminal or a pharmacy terminal, the management device stores prescription information or dispensing information related to a patient, and the medical institution terminal or the pharmacy terminal performs online medical consultation or online medication instruction while referring to the prescription information or dispensing information. According to one embodiment, in the remote medical care and medication instruction system, the online medical care includes providing an online explanation of a medical examination or test result. According to one embodiment, the remote medical care and medication instruction system is such that the online medication instruction includes providing medication other than medicines or providing dietary advice online. According to one embodiment, the remote medical care and medication instruction system identifies the patient by image recognition or reading of identification information, and the patient includes an animal. According to one embodiment, the remote medical care and medication instruction system has a management device that stores patient information, medical interview information, diagnostic information, prescription information or dispensing information related to a patient, and provides the patient information, medical interview information, diagnostic information, prescription information or dispensing information in response to a request from the medical institution terminal or the pharmacy terminal based on the patient's prior authorization. Effect of the Invention

[0012] The present invention makes it possible to provide a highly convenient remote medical examination and medication instruction system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1A]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a remote medical examination and medication instruction system 1. [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is a correlation diagram of typical users of the remote medical care and medication instruction system 1. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the remote medical examination and medication instruction system 1. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the remote medical examination and medication instruction system 1. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the remote medical examination and medication instruction system 1. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the remote medical examination and medication instruction system 1. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the remote medical examination and medication instruction system 1. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the remote medical treatment and medication instruction system 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0015] 1A is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a remote medical examination and medication instruction system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The remote medical examination and medication instruction system 1 includes a patient terminal 10 used by a patient, a concierge terminal 20, a management device 30, a medical institution terminal 50 used by a medical institution, and a pharmacy terminal 70 used by a pharmacy. The management device 30 is connected to the patient terminal 10, the medical institution terminal 50, and the pharmacy terminal 70 via a network 90 so as to be able to communicate with them.

[0016] FIG. 1B is a correlation diagram of a typical user who uses the system 1. A patient using the patient terminal 10 performs a preliminary interview by himself or herself, or with the support of a concierge using the concierge terminal 20. After that, the patient accesses a doctor using the medical institution terminal 50 and receives medical treatment remotely. When the doctor prescribes a drug, the doctor transmits prescription data to a pharmacist using the pharmacy terminal 70. Note that the prescription data may be sent directly from the doctor to the pharmacy (pharmacist) or may be sent via a concierge. The pharmacist prepares the drug, delivers it to the patient, and provides medication guidance remotely. Note that in this paper, the service provided by the pharmacy (pharmacist) to the patient, including preparation of the drug and medication guidance, is referred to as dispensing. Records of the interview, medical treatment, prescription, and dispensing are stored in the management device 10. Each of the patient terminal 10, the medical institution terminal 50, and the pharmacy terminal 70 can access the necessary information on the management device 10.

[0017] The patient terminal 10, the concierge terminal 20, the medical institution terminal 50, and the pharmacy terminal 70 are typically information processing devices such as smartphones, tablets, wearable devices, and PCs (personal computers). The management device 30 is typically an information processing resource accessible via a network 90 such as a server computer, a cloud computing environment, an edge computing environment, or a fog computing environment. These information processing devices (information processing environments) include hardware such as a CPU (central processing unit), a storage device, a communication device, a display device, and an input device, and the CPU can realize predetermined functions such as those shown below by reading and executing a program stored in the storage device.

[0018] 2A to 2E are block diagrams showing an example of a functional configuration of the remote medical examination and medication instruction system 1 according to the embodiment. The remote medical examination and medication instruction system 1 includes an information providing unit 101, a remote medical examination and medication instruction application unit 102, a patient information input and storage unit 103, a prescription information input and storage unit 105, a medical history information input unit 107, a medical history information storage unit 109, an evaluation information input unit 111, a payment processing unit 113, a patient information input and viewing unit 201, a medical history information input and viewing unit 203, a diagnosis information input and viewing unit 205, a prescription information input and viewing unit 207, a prescription information input and viewing unit 209, an accounting information input and viewing unit 211, a patient information management unit 300, a prescription information input and viewing unit 202, a prescription information input and viewing unit 203, a prescription information input and viewing unit 205, a prescription information input and viewing unit 207, a prescription information input and viewing unit 209, an accounting information input and viewing unit 211, a patient information management unit 300, a prescription information input and viewing unit 202 ... The information management unit 301, the medical interview information management unit 303, the evaluation information management unit 305, the diagnosis information management unit 307, the prescription information management unit 309, the payment processing unit 311, the remote medical care and medication instruction management unit 313, the patient information viewing unit 500, the medical interview information viewing unit 501, the dispensing information viewing unit 503, the diagnosis information input and viewing unit 505, the prescription information input and viewing unit 507, the accounting processing unit 509, the patient information viewing unit 700, the medical interview information viewing unit 701, the dispensing information input and viewing unit 703, the prescription information viewing unit 705, and the accounting processing unit 709. A typical implementation example of each processing unit is shown below. However, it is basically arbitrary which of the hardware shown in FIG. 1 each processing unit is implemented in, and for example, a certain processing unit may be distributed and implemented in multiple hardware.

[0019] <Patient's device> The patient terminal 10 includes an information providing unit 101, a remote medical examination and medication instruction application unit 102, a patient information input and storage unit 103, a prescription information input and storage unit 105, a medical interview information input unit 107, a medical interview information storage unit 109, an evaluation information input unit 111, and a payment processing unit 113. These processing units can be realized as one function of a medicine notebook app that runs on the patient terminal 10. The medicine notebook app may be implemented in any form, such as a local application or a web application. Note that the present invention is not limited to implementation in the medicine notebook app, and can be provided in any form, such as a dedicated app specialized for remote medical examination and medication instruction.

[0020] The information providing unit 101 provides various information to patients. Typically, a news distribution function and a renowned doctor introduction function can be provided in a medicine notebook application.

[0021] News distribution function: The information providing unit 101 displays on the screen news received from the management device 30 or other distribution servers, as well as advertisements provided by sponsors.

[0022] Excellent doctor introduction function: The information providing unit 101 can display evaluation information acquired from the evaluation information management unit 305 (described later) along with the profile of the doctor who is providing remote medical care through the system 1. The doctor's profile may include, for example, diseases that the doctor has a track record of treating.

[0023] The remote medical examination and medication instruction application unit 102 accepts an application for remote medical examination and medication instruction by a patient. For example, the remote medical examination and medication instruction application unit 102 detects that an "online medical examination and medication instruction" menu provided in a medicine notebook application has been selected, and requests the remote medical examination and medication instruction management unit 313 (described later) of the management device 30 to start a remote medical examination and medication instruction process.

[0024] The remote medical examination and medication instruction application unit 102 can accept the following requests when applying. Pharmacy designation: We accept advance designation of pharmacies that will provide remote medication instructions. Designation of doctor: Accepts advance designation of a doctor who will perform remote medical treatment. For example, a specific doctor can be selected from the best doctor introduction function of the information providing unit 101 and designated as the doctor to whom remote medical treatment will be requested.

[0025] The remote medical examination and medication instruction application unit 102 may also accept remote medical examination and medication instruction only for a specific chronic disease. Since it is possible to assume to some extent the contents of medical examination and the type of medicine to be prescribed for a chronic disease, it is easy to assign, for example, a doctor who is familiar with the medical examination of a specific chronic disease and a pharmacy that has a specific medicine in stock. In other words, by limiting the target of remote medical examination and medication instruction to a chronic disease, it is possible to reduce the burden on a doctor who must deal with remote medical examinations for a wide range of diseases and the burden on a pharmacy who must stock a large number of medicines. In this case, the remote medical examination and medication instruction application unit 102 detects that, for example, a "chronic disease-specific online medical examination and medication instruction" menu provided in a medicine notebook application has been selected, and displays several predetermined chronic disease names. When it detects that a patient has selected a specific chronic disease name, the remote medical examination and medication instruction application unit 102 requests the remote medical examination and medication instruction management unit 313 (described later) of the management device 30 to start a remote medical examination and medication instruction process for the specific chronic disease.

[0026] The patient information input / storage unit 103 accepts input of patient information. The patient information includes, for example, the patient's health insurance card information (including identification information linked to the health insurance card, such as health insurance card number or My Number), payment information (including information required for cashless payment, such as credit card information), attribute information (name, age, sex, address, etc.), result information of past medical examinations, etc., medical history, side effect history, allergy history, etc. The patient information input / storage unit 103 transmits the input patient information to the patient information management unit 300 of the management device 30 in association with a patient ID. The patient information management unit 300 stores the received patient information.

[0027] Furthermore, the patient may send documents or the like including patient information (e.g., health insurance card, credit card, or results of past medical examinations, etc.) to the concierge by any means such as fax or e-mail. The patient information input / storage unit 103 may also be provided with a means for uploading these images. Information contained in the transmitted images is input by the concierge from the patient information input / viewing unit 201. Alternatively, the patient information input / viewing unit 201 may input patient information that has been digitized by an automated means such as OCR.

[0028] Furthermore, patients can import various medical data and the like relating to themselves from any data source and register it as patient information. For example, the patient information input / storage unit 103 requests a testing company's server (not shown) to transmit the patient's test data held by the server. At this time, if necessary, information indicating the patient's consent (ID, passcode, etc.) can be transmitted. The patient information input / storage unit 103 transmits the received test data to the patient information management unit 300 of the management device 30 for storage.

[0029] The patient information input / storage unit 103 can also accept the registration of a referral letter that the patient has received from a doctor in the past. The referral letter may be issued either online or offline. The patient information input / storage unit 103 may accept the contents of the referral letter as text data. Alternatively, the patient information input / storage unit 103 may accept the input of online location information where the contents of the referral letter are stored. Alternatively, the patient information input / storage unit 103 may accept the input of data in which the above information is encoded (QR code (registered trademark), etc.). Alternatively, the patient information input / storage unit 103 may accept the input of an image of the referral letter. The information contained in the image may be input from the patient information input / viewing unit 201 by a concierge, or the patient information input / viewing unit 201 may convert the information into data by an automated means such as OCR and input it.

[0030] Preferably, the patient information input / storage unit 103 can give the doctor written on the referral letter access permission to the patient's personal information in advance. That is, in the management device 30, a restriction is set so that various personal information can be accessed only when a passcode issued based on the patient's will is entered. The patient information input / storage unit 103 issues a passcode for accessing each processing unit of the management device 30 to the medical institution terminal 50 of the doctor. The passcode may be a one-time passcode that allows one-time access, or a passcode that allows access permanently or for a predetermined period of time. This allows the doctor written on the referral letter to access the patient's medical information at any time, even when an unexpected situation occurs to the patient, for example.

[0031] Furthermore, the patient information input / storage unit 103 can store a copy of the patient information managed by the patient information management unit 300 and a patient ID issued by the patient information management unit 300 in the patient terminal 10. In addition, the patient information input / storage unit 103 can edit the stored information and resend it to the patient information management unit 300. The patient information management unit 300 stores the received patient information.

[0032] The dispensing information input / storage unit 105 is a main function of the medicine notebook app, and stores and displays the patient's dispensing information. The dispensing information is a history of dispensing that the pharmacy has performed on the patient, and includes, for example, the patient ID, dispensing date, name and amount of the drug, and records of medication instructions. The dispensing information is typically input from the dispensing information input unit 705 of the pharmacy terminal 70 each time a drug is dispensed, and is accumulated in the dispensing information management unit 301 of the management device 30. The dispensing information input / storage unit 105 can copy the dispensing information related to its own patient ID from the dispensing information management unit 301, and store it in the patient terminal 10 or display it on a display device.

[0033] In addition, the dispensing information input / storage unit 105 may be provided with a means for viewing various contents for medication instructions (such as videos and texts prepared in advance to explain to patients how to take medication, etc.) stored in the dispensing information management unit 301, and for receiving remote medication instructions by sending and receiving messages to and from the dispensing information input / viewing unit 703 of the pharmacy terminal 70.

[0034] The dispensing information input and storage unit 105 may also include a means for transmitting a notification of receipt of the medicine to the management device 30 when the medicine delivered from the pharmacy is received. For example, when the scheduled arrival date of the medicine approaches, the remote medical treatment and medication instruction management unit 313 of the management device 30 transmits a notification including a message such as "Did your medicine arrive?" and a list of the medicines that have been shipped. The message or list may be in any format including text, image, photo, video, or audio. The dispensing information input and storage unit 105 displays the received notification on a screen and prompts the user to check the contents of the shipping list against the medicines actually received. The user checks for himself whether the contents of the shipping list and the medicines received match in type and number, and notifies the remote medical treatment and medication instruction management unit 313 of the confirmation result. Typically, the dispensing information input and storage unit 105 displays buttons such as "correct" and "wrong" on a screen, and notifies the remote medical treatment and medication instruction management unit 313 of the contents of the button selected by the user. If "Incorrect" is selected, the dispensing information input / storage unit 105 may provide a function for the patient to input information about the received medicine and upload it to the remote medical care / medication instruction management unit 313. The information about the received medicine can be input in any format including text, images, photographs, videos, or audio.

[0035] The medical interview information input unit 107 accepts input of medical interview information by a patient. The medical interview refers to questions asked prior to receiving remote medical treatment and medication instruction, and the medical interview information refers to answers to the questions. The medical interview information includes answers to questions such as "What are your symptoms today?" (chief complaint), "What illnesses have you had in the past?" (medical history), and "Have you ever had an allergy?" (allergy history). The questions are typically transmitted from the medical interview information management unit 303 of the management device 30. The medical interview information input unit 107 displays these questions on the screen of the patient terminal 10 and can obtain answers selected or freely input by the patient. The medical interview information input unit 107 transmits the obtained medical interview information to the medical interview information management unit 303 of the management device 30. The medical interview information management unit 303 stores the received medical interview information in association with the patient ID of the sender.

[0036] The medical interview information storage unit 109 is a means for storing reusable medical interview information input by the patient in the past. For example, information such as medical history and allergy history does not change frequently, and it is highly likely that the same information will be input every time a medical interview is conducted. Therefore, this medical interview information is reusable. The medical interview information storage unit 109 stores reusable medical interview information input by the patient during a medical interview, and can set the answer input field of the medical interview information input unit 107 to have a reusable answer pre-entered at the time of the next medical interview. This can significantly reduce the effort required for inputting medical interview information.

[0037] The patient can also edit the stored medical interview information as appropriate. That is, when accepting input of medical interview information, the medical interview information input unit 107 allows editing of the initial values ​​input in advance. The medical interview information storage unit 109 stores the edited medical interview information, and can reuse the edited medical interview information as the initial values ​​at the next medical interview. This allows the patient to update and deepen the contents of the medical interview information.

[0038] In this embodiment, the medical interview information storage unit 109 is provided in the patient terminal 10, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be provided in, for example, the management device 30. In this case, the reusable medical interview information is stored in association with the patient ID. This makes it possible to reuse part of the medical interview information even when the same patient uses multiple different patient terminals 10.

[0039] The evaluation information input unit 111 accepts input of evaluation of the doctor by the patient. Typically, after the remote medical treatment is completed, the evaluation information input unit 111 allows the patient to input an evaluation of the doctor who was in charge of the medical treatment, for example, by selecting an evaluation value from several levels. A free comment may also be input. The evaluation input by each patient is transmitted as evaluation information to the evaluation information management unit 305 of the management device 30. The evaluation information is accumulated and processed by the evaluation information management unit 305, and is used by the above-mentioned information providing unit 101, etc. The evaluation information input unit 111 may also notify the medical institution terminal 50 of the contents of the input evaluation. Such feedback enables the doctor to improve the contents of his / her medical treatment.

[0040] The evaluation information input unit 111 may also input an evaluation of the pharmacy, an evaluation of the concierge, and an evaluation of the app (medicine notebook app, etc.) that realizes the patient terminal 10 in a similar manner. These evaluations are notified to the pharmacy terminal 70, the concierge terminal 20, etc., and are fed back to each user. Note that, if the evaluation of the app (medicine notebook app, etc.) that realizes the patient terminal 10 is above a predetermined standard (for example, 3 or more out of 5), the evaluation information input unit 111 may also prompt the patient to also enter an evaluation of the app on the app distribution platform.

[0041] The payment processing unit 113 acquires the billing amount for the remote medical consultation and medication instruction from the payment agency processing unit 311 of the management device 30. That is, the payment agency processing unit 311 of the management device 30 automatically calculates the amount to be paid by the patient to the medical institution or pharmacy in relation to the remote medical consultation and medication instruction, and notifies the payment processing unit 113. The payment processing unit 113 receives the acquired billing amount from the patient. For example, the payment processing unit 113 has a function of executing a payment by the patient using a credit card, a debit card, electronic money, or other payment agency services. Since such so-called online cashless payment is a publicly known technology, a description of a specific implementation method will be omitted in this paper.

[0042] <Concierge terminal> The concierge terminal 20 includes a patient information input / viewing unit 201, a medical interview information input / viewing unit 203, a diagnosis information input / viewing unit 205, a prescription information input / viewing unit 207, a dispensing information input / viewing unit 209, and an accounting information input / viewing unit 211. These processing units can be realized as functions of a concierge application that runs on the concierge terminal 20. The concierge application may be implemented in any form, such as a local application or a web application. The concierge can assist with various tasks while communicating with each user (patient, doctor, or pharmacist) at, for example, a call center or the like.

[0043] The patient information input / viewing unit 201 accepts input of patient information obtained by the concierge from the patient. Obtaining information from the patient means obtaining information from the patient via telephone, video call, electronic transmission of text or images, or other remote communication means, or face-to-face. Patient information that can be input includes, for example, health insurance card information (health insurance card number, etc.), payment information (credit card information, etc.), attribute information, etc. The patient information input unit 201 transmits the input patient information to the patient information management unit 300 of the management device 30 in association with a patient ID. The patient information management unit 300 stores the received patient information.

[0044] In addition, the concierge can import various medical data and the like related to the patient from any data source and register it as patient information. For example, the patient information input / viewing unit 201 requests a server (not shown) of a testing company to transmit the patient's test data stored in the server. At this time, if necessary, information indicating consent by the patient or doctor (ID, passcode, etc.) can be transmitted. Here, the patient information input / viewing unit 201 holds information indicating consent by the patient or doctor in advance, or asks the patient or doctor for the information. The patient information input / viewing unit 201 transmits the received test data to the patient information management unit 300 of the management device 30 for storage.

[0045] The patient information input / view unit 201 can also accept the registration of a referral letter that the patient has received from a doctor in the past. The referral letter may be issued either online or offline. The patient information input / view unit 201 may accept the contents of the referral letter as text data. Alternatively, the patient information input / view unit 201 may accept the input of online location information where the contents of the referral letter are stored. Alternatively, the patient information input / view unit 201 may accept the input of encoded data (QR code (registered trademark), etc.) of the above information. Alternatively, the patient information input / view unit 201 may ask the patient about the contents of the referral letter by receiving an image of the referral letter. The contents of the referral letter may be input by a concierge through the patient information input / view unit 201, or the patient information input / view unit 201 may digitize the image by an automated means such as OCR and input the image.

[0046] Preferably, the patient information input / viewing unit 201 can give the doctor written on the referral letter access permission to the patient's personal information in advance. That is, in the management device 30, restrictions are set so that various personal information can be accessed only when a passcode issued based on the patient's will is entered. The patient information input / viewing unit 201 issues a passcode for accessing each processing unit of the management device 30 to the medical institution terminal 50 of the doctor. The passcode may be a one-time passcode that allows one-time access, or a passcode that allows access permanently or for a predetermined period of time. This allows the doctor written on the referral letter to access the patient's medical information at any time, even when an unexpected situation occurs to the patient, for example.

[0047] Furthermore, the patient information input / viewing unit 201 can view specific patient information stored in the patient information management unit 300 of the management device 30. The viewable patient information also includes the patient ID issued by the patient information management unit 300. An editing function and a copying function for the stored patient information may be provided. This allows the patient information to be updated and new patient information to be easily input.

[0048] The medical interview information input / viewing unit 203 accepts input of medical interview information obtained by the concierge from the patient. Questions used during the medical interview are transmitted from the medical interview information management unit 303 of the management device 30. The medical interview information storage unit 107 displays these questions on the screen of the concierge terminal 20 and accepts input of answers from the concierge. The medical interview information input unit 203 transmits the acquired medical interview information together with the patient ID to the medical interview information management unit 303 of the management device 30. The medical interview information management unit 303 stores the received medical interview information.

[0049] The medical interview information input / viewing unit 203 can view specific medical interview information stored in the medical interview information management unit 303 of the management device 30. An editing function or a copying function for the stored medical interview information may be provided. This allows the medical interview information to be updated or new medical interview information to be easily input.

[0050] The diagnostic information input / viewing unit 205 accepts input of diagnostic information that the concierge has heard from the doctor. "Hearing from the doctor" refers to obtaining information from the doctor through telephone, video call, electronic transmission of text or image, or other remote communication means, or face-to-face. The diagnostic information is information indicating the results of remote medical treatment, including the name of diagnosis, etc., and includes, for example, a patient ID, a consultation date, and a name of diagnosis. If a test that can be performed remotely, such as blood pressure, body temperature, or blood glucose level, is performed, the test results may be included. The diagnostic information input unit 205 transmits the input diagnostic information to the diagnostic information management unit 307 of the management device 30. The diagnostic information management unit 307 stores the received diagnostic information.

[0051] Furthermore, the diagnostic information input / viewing unit 205 can view specific diagnostic information stored in the diagnostic information management unit 307 of the management device 30. An editing function and a copying function for the stored diagnostic information may be provided. This allows the diagnostic information to be updated and new diagnostic information to be easily input.

[0052] The prescription information input / viewing unit 207 accepts the input of prescription information that the concierge has heard from the doctor. Prescription information is a record of the medicine prescribed by the doctor based on the findings in the remote medical examination, and is an electronic prescription, including, for example, the patient ID, the prescription date, the name and amount of the medicine, etc. The prescription information input / viewing unit 207 transmits the input prescription information to the prescription information management unit 309 of the management device 30. The prescription information management unit 309 stores the received prescription information. Thereafter, the prescription information viewing unit 705 of the pharmacy terminal 70 refers to the prescription information stored in the prescription information management unit 309 and uses it for dispensing to the patient.

[0053] In addition, the prescription information input / viewing unit 207 can view specific prescription information stored in the prescription information management unit 309 of the management device 30. An editing function or a copying function for the stored prescription information may be provided. This allows the prescription information to be updated or new prescription information to be easily input.

[0054] The dispensing information input / viewing unit 209 accepts input of prescription information obtained by the concierge from the doctor. The dispensing information is a record of dispensing performed by the pharmacy for the patient, and includes, for example, the patient ID, dispensing date, name and amount of the drug, and a record of medication instructions. The dispensing information input unit 209 transmits the input dispensing information to the dispensing information management unit 301 of the management device 30. The dispensing information management unit 301 stores the received dispensing information.

[0055] In addition, the dispensing information input / viewing unit 209 can view specific dispensing information stored in the dispensing information management unit 301 of the management device 30. An editing function or a copying function for the stored dispensing information may be provided. This allows the dispensing information to be updated or new dispensing information to be easily input.

[0056] The accounting information input / viewing unit 211 accepts input of accounting information obtained by the concierge from a doctor or a pharmacy. The accounting information includes the accounting amount for remote medical treatment at a medical institution, or the accounting amount for dispensing including remote medication instructions at a pharmacy. The accounting information input unit 211 transmits the input accounting information to the payment agent processing unit 311 of the management device 30. The payment agent processing unit 311 then performs processing to add up these amounts and bill the patient.

[0057] <Medical institution terminal> The medical institution terminal 50 includes a patient information viewing unit 500, an interview information viewing unit 501, a dispensing information viewing unit 503, a diagnosis information input / viewing unit 505, a prescription information input / viewing unit 507, and an accounting processing unit 509. These processing units can be realized as one function of a doctor's application that runs on the medical institution terminal 50. The doctor's application may be implemented in any form, such as a local application or a web application.

[0058] The patient information viewing unit 500 acquires the patient information stored in the patient information management unit 300 of the management device 30 and associated with the patient ID of the patient to be treated, and displays it on the screen. The patient information includes, for example, health insurance card information (health insurance card number, etc.), attribute information, etc. By using the patient information viewing unit 500, a doctor can perform remote medical treatment while viewing the patient information. The patient information viewing unit 500 can also copy the information acquired from the patient information management unit 300 and store it in the medical institution terminal 50.

[0059] Furthermore, doctors can import various medical data and the like relating to patients from any data source and register it as patient information. For example, the patient information viewing unit 500 requests a testing company's server (not shown) to transmit the patient's test data held by the server. At this time, if necessary, information indicating the doctor's consent (ID, passcode, etc.) can be transmitted. The patient information viewing unit 500 transmits the received test data to the patient information management unit 300 of the management device 30 for storage. The test data stored in the patient information management unit 300 can naturally be viewed by the patient information viewing unit 500.

[0060] The medical interview information viewing unit 501 acquires the medical interview information stored in the medical interview information management unit 303 of the management device 30 and associated with the patient ID of the patient to be treated, and displays it on the screen. It is assumed that the patient has registered the medical interview information in advance when receiving remote medical treatment and medication instructions. By using the medical interview information viewing unit 501, the doctor can perform remote medical treatment while viewing the medical interview information entered prior to the medical treatment. The medical interview information viewing unit 501 can also copy the information acquired from the medical interview information management unit 303 and store it in the medical institution terminal 50.

[0061] The diagnostic information input / viewing unit 505 accepts input of diagnostic information by a doctor. Diagnostic information is information indicating the results of remote medical treatment, including the name of a diagnosis, etc., and includes, for example, a patient ID, a consultation date, and a diagnosis. If tests that can be performed remotely, such as blood pressure, body temperature, and blood glucose level, are performed, the test results may also be included. The diagnostic information input / viewing unit 505 transmits the input diagnostic information to the diagnostic information management unit 307 of the management device 30. The diagnostic information management unit 307 stores the received diagnostic information.

[0062] Alternatively, the doctor may send documents including diagnostic information related to this remote medical treatment to the concierge by any means such as fax or email. The diagnostic information input / viewing unit 505 may also be provided with a means for uploading these images. The diagnostic information included in the transmitted images is input by the concierge from the diagnostic information input / viewing unit 205. Alternatively, the diagnostic information input / viewing unit 205 may input diagnostic information that has been digitized by an automated means such as OCR.

[0063] Furthermore, the diagnostic information input / viewing unit 505 acquires diagnostic information stored in the diagnostic information management unit 307 of the management device 30 and associated with the patient ID of the patient to be treated, and displays it on the screen. By using the diagnostic information input / viewing unit 505, a doctor can perform remote medical treatment while viewing the patient's past diagnostic information. The diagnostic information input / viewing unit 505 can also copy the information acquired from the diagnostic information management unit 307 and store it in the medical institution terminal 50.

[0064] The dispensing information viewing unit 503 acquires dispensing information stored in the dispensing information management unit 301 of the management device 30 and associated with the patient ID of the patient to be treated, and displays it on the screen. The dispensing information management unit 301 accumulates the history of dispensing performed by the pharmacy on the patient, such as the dispensing date, the name and amount of the drug, and records of medication instructions. By using the dispensing information viewing unit 503, a doctor can perform remote medical treatment while viewing the patient's past dispensing information. The dispensing information viewing unit 503 can also copy the information acquired from the dispensing information management unit 301 and store it in the medical institution terminal 50.

[0065] The prescription information input / view unit 507 accepts the input of prescription information by a doctor. Prescription information is a record of a drug prescribed by a doctor based on findings during remote medical care, and is an electronic prescription, including, for example, a patient ID, prescription date, drug name and amount, etc. The prescription information input / view unit 507 transmits the input prescription information to the prescription information management unit 309 of the management device 30. The prescription information management unit 309 stores the received prescription information. Thereafter, the prescription information viewing unit 705 of the pharmacy terminal 70 refers to the prescription information stored in the prescription information management unit 309 and uses it for dispensing to the patient.

[0066] Alternatively, the doctor may send a document including prescription information for this remote medical treatment, such as a prescription, to the concierge by any means such as FAX or email. The prescription information input / viewing unit 507 may also include a means for uploading these images. The diagnostic information included in the transmitted images is input by the concierge from the prescription information input / viewing unit 207. Alternatively, the prescription information input / viewing unit 207 may input diagnostic information that has been digitized by an automated means such as OCR.

[0067] The prescription information input / view unit 507 also acquires prescription information stored in the prescription information management unit 309 of the management device 30 and associated with the patient ID of the patient to be treated, and displays it on the screen. The prescription information management unit 309 accumulates prescriptions that have been created by doctors up to now. By using the prescription information input / view unit 507, the doctor can perform remote medical treatment while viewing the patient's past prescription information. The prescription information input / view unit 507 can also copy the information acquired from the prescription information management unit 309 and store it in the medical institution terminal 50.

[0068] The accounting processing unit 509 calculates the insurance points for this remote medical treatment and transmits them to the computer of the insurer (health insurance association, etc.). The accounting processing unit 509 also calculates the billing amount, i.e., the amount billed to the patient, based on the insurance points and transmits them to the settlement agent processing unit 311 of the management device 30. Note that since there are many known techniques for automatically calculating insurance points and billing amounts, a detailed description of the processing will be omitted in this document.

[0069] Alternatively, the doctor may send a document including information on the billing amount for this remote medical consultation, such as an image of an invoice or receipt, to the concierge by any means, such as fax or email. The accounting processing unit 509 may also be provided with a means for uploading these images. The billing amount included in the sent image is input by the concierge through the accounting information input / viewing unit 211. Alternatively, the accounting information input / viewing unit 211 may input the billing amount that has been digitized by automated means such as OCR.

[0070] <Pharmacy terminal> Pharmacy terminal 70 includes a patient information viewing unit 700, a medical interview information viewing unit 701, a dispensing information input / viewing unit 703, a prescription information viewing unit 705, and an accounting processing unit 709. These processing units can be realized as one function of a pharmacist application that runs on pharmacy terminal 70. The pharmacist application may be implemented in any form, such as a local application or a web application.

[0071] The patient information viewing unit 700 acquires the patient information stored in the patient information management unit 300 of the management device 30 and associated with the patient ID of the patient to be treated, and displays it on the screen. The patient information includes, for example, health insurance card information (health insurance card number, etc.), attribute information, etc. By using the patient information viewing unit 700, a pharmacist can prepare medicines and provide remote medication instructions while viewing the patient information. The patient information viewing unit 700 can also copy the information acquired from the patient information management unit 300 and store it in the pharmacy terminal 70.

[0072] The medical interview information viewing unit 701 acquires the medical interview information stored in the medical interview information management unit 303 of the management device 30 and associated with the patient ID of the patient to be treated, and displays it on the screen. It is assumed that the patient has registered the medical interview information in advance when receiving online medical care and dispensing. By using the medical interview information viewing unit 701, the pharmacist can dispense medicine while viewing the medical interview information previously entered. The medical interview information viewing unit 701 can also copy the information acquired from the medical interview information management unit 303 and store it in the pharmacy terminal 70.

[0073] The dispensing information input / view unit 703 accepts input of dispensing information by a pharmacist. The dispensing information is a record of dispensing performed by the pharmacy for the patient, and includes, for example, the patient ID, dispensing date, name and amount of the drug, and a record of medication instructions. The dispensing information input / view unit 703 transmits the input dispensing information to the dispensing information management unit 301 of the management device 30. The dispensing information management unit 301 stores the received dispensing information.

[0074] Alternatively, the pharmacist may transmit documents including the dispensing information to the concierge by any means such as FAX or e-mail. The dispensing information input / viewing unit 703 may also be provided with a means for uploading these images. The dispensing information included in the transmitted images is input by the concierge from the dispensing information input / viewing unit 209. Alternatively, the dispensing information input / viewing unit 209 may input dispensing information that has been digitized by an automated means such as OCR.

[0075] The dispensing information input / view unit 703 acquires dispensing information stored in the dispensing information management unit 301 of the management device 30 and associated with the patient ID of the patient, and displays the information on the screen. The dispensing information management unit 301 accumulates the history of dispensing performed by the pharmacy for patients, such as the dispensing date, the name and amount of the drug, etc. The pharmacist can use the dispensing information input / view unit 703 to dispense medicine while viewing the past dispensing information. The dispensing information input / view unit 703 can also copy the information acquired from the dispensing information management unit 301 and store it in the pharmacy terminal 70.

[0076] The dispensing information input / view unit 703 may also include a means for transmitting a drug delivery notification to the management device 30 when the drug is delivered to the patient. For example, the dispensing information input / view unit 703 accepts registration of a list of prepared drugs that are ready for delivery, and transmits it to the remote medical examination / medication instruction management unit 313 of the management device 30. The list may be in any format including text, images, photos, videos, or audio. When the scheduled arrival date of the drug approaches, the remote medical examination / medication instruction management unit 313 of the management device 30 transmits a notification including a message such as "Did your medicine arrive?" and a list of the delivered drugs to the patient terminal 10. The dispensing information input / view unit 703 may also include a means for receiving a drug receipt notification from the patient. Typically, the remote medical examination / medication instruction management unit 313 of the management device 30 notifies the dispensing information input / view unit 703 that it has received a drug receipt notification from the patient terminal 10. If there is a discrepancy between the contents of the shipping list and the contents of the medicine actually received by the patient, the information of the medicine received by the patient will be sent along with the notification. The information of the medicine received can be in any format, including text, images, photos, videos, or audio. The pharmacist can check the information of the medicine received by the patient and instruct the patient to return the medicine or resend the correct medicine.

[0077] The prescription information viewing unit 705 acquires prescription information stored in the prescription information management unit 309 of the management device 30 and associated with the patient ID of the patient to be treated, and displays it on the screen. The prescription information management unit 309 stores prescription information that the doctor has given to the patient, such as the prescription date, the name and amount of the drug, etc. By using the prescription information viewing unit 705, the pharmacist can dispense the drug while viewing the electronic prescription online. The prescription information viewing unit 705 can also copy the information acquired from the prescription information management unit 309 and store it in the pharmacy terminal 70.

[0078] The prescription information viewing unit 705 may have a function of transmitting the prescription information acquired from the prescription information management unit 309 of the management device 30 by FAX, E-mail, or the like. For example, the prescription information viewing unit 705 automatically acquires new prescription information by, for example, fetching from the prescription information management unit 309 or by pushing from the prescription information management unit 309, and transmits the acquired prescription information to the FAX or E-mail address of the pharmacy in a push-type manner. This allows the pharmacy to receive the new prescription information more reliably.

[0079] The accounting processing unit 709 calculates the insurance points for this dispensing and transmits it to the computer of the insurer (health insurance association, etc.). The accounting processing unit 709 also calculates the billing amount, i.e., the amount billed to the patient, based on the insurance points and transmits it to the settlement agent processing unit 311 of the management device 30. Note that since there are many known techniques for automatically calculating insurance points and billing amounts, a description of the specific processing contents will be omitted in this paper.

[0080] Alternatively, the pharmacy may send a document including information on the billing amount for this prescription, such as an image of an invoice or receipt, to the concierge by any means, such as fax or email. The accounting processing unit 709 may also be provided with a means for uploading these images. The billing amount included in the sent image is input by the concierge through the accounting information input / viewing unit 211. Alternatively, the accounting information input / viewing unit 211 may input the billing amount that has been digitized by automated means such as OCR.

[0081] <Management device> The management device 30 includes a patient information management unit 300, a dispensing information management unit 301, a medical interview information management unit 303, an evaluation information management unit 305, a diagnosis information management unit 307, a prescription information management unit 309, a payment agent processing unit 311, and a remote medical examination and medication instruction management unit 313. These processing units can be realized as one function of an application or service that operates on the management device 30.

[0082] The patient information management unit 300 accumulates and provides patient information. The patient information is input from the patient information input / storage unit 103 or the patient information input unit 201 by the patient or concierge. The patient information management unit 300 accumulates the input patient information. The patient information includes, for example, health insurance card information (health insurance card number, etc.), attribute information, etc. When new patient information is registered, the patient information management unit 300 issues a unique patient ID and adds it to the patient information. In addition, the patient information management unit 300 notifies the patient information input / storage unit 103 or the patient information input / viewing unit 201 of the patient ID. In addition, the patient information management unit 300 transmits accumulated dispensing information to the patient information input / storage unit 103, the patient information input / viewing unit 201, the patient information viewing unit 500, and the patient information viewing unit 700 in response to a request from the patient, the concierge, the doctor, or the pharmacist.

[0083] The dispensing information management unit 301 accumulates and provides dispensing information. The dispensing information is input by a pharmacist from the dispensing information input / viewing unit 703 every time the pharmacy dispenses medicine to a patient. The dispensing information management unit 301 accumulates the input dispensing information. In addition, in response to a request from a patient, a concierge, a doctor, or a pharmacist, the dispensing information management unit 301 transmits the accumulated dispensing information to the dispensing information input / storage unit 105, the dispensing information input / viewing unit 209, the dispensing information viewing unit 503, or the dispensing information input / viewing unit 703.

[0084] Furthermore, when the remote medical examination and medication instruction management unit 313 receives a drug receipt confirmation result from the patient, the dispensing information management unit 301 may store the content of the result together with the dispensing information.

[0085] The medical interview information management unit 303 transmits questions related to the medical interview, and stores and provides the medical interview information.

[0086] Sending questions: The medical interview information management unit 303 sequentially sends questions for the medical interview to the medical interview information input unit 107 of the patient terminal 10 or the medical interview information input / viewing unit 203 of the concierge terminal 20. Sequential sending means that when an answer to a question is received, the next question is sent. Note that multiple questions may be sent at once.

[0087] The medical interview information management unit 303 may change the question to be sent next depending on the answer. For example, a question for estimating the medical specialty or disease name, etc. may be sent first, and the medical specialty or disease name, etc. may be estimated based on the answer. For example, the medical interview information management unit 303 first sends a question, "What are your symptoms today?" If "My stomach hurts" is selected as an answer to this, the medical interview information management unit 303 estimates that the medical specialty is "Gastroenterology". Or, if the answer is "My blood sugar level is high", the medical interview information management unit 303 estimates that the disease name is "Diabetes". Here, the medical interview information management unit 303 is assumed to hold a correspondence relationship between the answer and the medical specialty or disease name, etc. in the form of a table or the like in advance. The question for estimating the medical specialty or disease name, etc. may be one or multiple questions.

[0088] Once the medical specialty or disease name, etc. has been estimated, the medical interview information management unit 303 then transmits questions specific to that medical specialty or disease name, etc. For example, if the medical specialty is "gastroenterology," questions prepared for gastroenterology patients are transmitted. If the disease name is "diabetes," questions prepared for diabetes patients are transmitted. Here, the medical interview information management unit 303 is assumed to hold questions for each medical specialty or disease name in advance. Note that each medical specialty or disease name may have one question or multiple questions.

[0089] It should be noted that the generation and transmission of the question does not necessarily have to be performed by the medical interview information management unit 303, and may be performed by the medical interview information input unit 107 or the medical interview information input / view unit 203, for example.

[0090] Storage and provision of medical history information: Answers to questions, i.e., medical history information, are input by the patient from the medical history information input unit 107 prior to the remote medical consultation and medication instruction. The medical history information management unit 303 stores the input medical history information at least until the remote medical consultation and medication instruction are completed. In addition, in response to a request from a concierge, a doctor, or a pharmacist, the medical history information management unit 303 transmits the stored medical history information to the medical history information input / viewing unit 203, the medical history information viewing unit 501, or the medical history information viewing unit 701.

[0091] The evaluation information management unit 305 collects, processes, stores, and provides evaluation information. Collection and processing: Evaluation information is input from the evaluation information input unit 111 by a patient who has received remote medical care. The evaluation information may include, for example, a graded evaluation value (such as a score out of 5 points). The evaluation information management unit 305 can process the evaluation values ​​received from one or more patients using a predetermined algorithm and calculate a statistical evaluation value of the doctor. For example, the statistical evaluation value can be calculated by taking a simple average or a weighted average of the evaluation values ​​collected from multiple patients. Storage and provision: The evaluation information management unit 305 stores the calculated evaluation information. It also distributes the evaluation information to the information provision unit 101 of the patient terminal 10. When selecting a doctor for remote medical treatment, the patient can refer to the evaluation information displayed on the medicine notebook app.

[0092] The diagnostic information management unit 307 accumulates and provides diagnostic information. Diagnostic information is input by the doctor from the diagnostic information input / viewing unit 505 every time the doctor examines a patient online. The diagnostic information management unit 307 accumulates the input diagnostic information. In addition, in response to requests from the concierge and doctor, the diagnostic information management unit 307 transmits accumulated diagnostic information to the diagnostic information input / viewing unit 205 and the diagnostic information input / viewing unit 505.

[0093] The prescription information management unit 309 receives prescription information input from the prescription information input / viewing unit 507 by a doctor every time the doctor prescribes a drug for a patient. The prescription information management unit 309 stores the input prescription information at least until dispensing is completed. In addition, in response to a request from a concierge, a doctor, or a pharmacist, the prescription information management unit 309 transmits the stored prescription information to the prescription information input / viewing unit 207, the prescription information input / viewing unit 507, or the prescription information viewing unit 705.

[0094] The patient information management unit 300, the dispensing information management unit 301, the interview information management unit 303, the evaluation information management unit 305, the diagnosis information management unit 307, and the prescription information management unit 309 are processing units that manage advanced personal information related to patients. In general, access to this personal information is limited to only doctors, pharmacists, or concierges who input a passcode (which may be one-time, time-limited, or indefinite) issued each time or in advance based on the patient's will from the medical institution terminal 50, the pharmacy terminal 70, or the concierge terminal 20. In addition, in this embodiment, it is technically possible to allow doctors, pharmacists, business operators, etc., who are included in the range approved in advance by the patient by contract, etc., to access the personal information using the passcode. For example, the management device 30 can provide a mechanism for checking the authority or attributes, etc., of doctors, pharmacists, and business operators, and a function for allowing doctors, pharmacists, business operators, etc., who meet certain conditions, to access the personal information using a passcode stored in advance in the management device 30. As a result, even if there are multiple businesses that provide online medical consultations or online medication instructions, by sharing patients' personal information, it will be possible to provide online medical consultations and online medication instructions services seamlessly across business boundaries.

[0095] The payment agent processing unit 311 receives the billing amount for the remote medical consultation from the accounting processing unit 509 of the medical institution. Similarly, it receives the billing amount for dispensing including remote medication instruction from the accounting processing unit 709 of the pharmacy. When the payment agent processing unit 311 receives the billing amounts for this series of remote medical consultations and medication instruction, etc., it transmits the billing amount that is the sum of both to the payment processing unit 113 of the patient. The payment processing unit 113 settles the billing amount by cashless payment. In this way, the payment agent processing unit 311 can add up the billing amounts for the remote medical consultations and medication instruction, etc., and bill the patient together.

[0096] In addition, for example, in the case where only remote medical consultation was performed and no medication was dispensed (no prescription was issued), the payment agent processing unit 311 can bill the patient only for the billing amount for the remote medical consultation.

[0097] The remote medical examination and medication instruction management unit 313 is a processing unit that performs coordination to provide a series of services in an appropriate order, from accepting an application for remote medical examination and medication instruction by a patient, to providing remote medical examination and medication instruction, etc., and settlement. The operation of the remote medical examination and medication instruction management unit 313 will be explained step by step using the flowchart in Fig. 3.

[0098] Step 1 (S1): Apply for remote medical consultation and medication guidance The remote medical examination and medication instruction management unit 313 detects a request from the remote medical examination and medication instruction application unit 102 of the patient terminal 10, and starts the remote medical examination and medication instruction process.

[0099] If a doctor or a pharmacy is specified in the application, the remote medical examination and medication guidance management unit 313 judges whether or not the doctor or the pharmacy can perform remote medical examination. The logic for judging whether or not medical examination can be performed is not particularly limited in this embodiment, but the judgment can be made, for example, according to a schedule, an upper limit of the number of patients that can be accepted, and attributes of patients that can be accepted that are preset by the doctor or the pharmacy. If the doctor or the pharmacy can be accepted, the remote medical examination and medication guidance management unit 313 decides that the doctor or the pharmacy specified by the patient is the request destination for remote medical examination and medication guidance. If the doctor or the pharmacy cannot be accepted, the remote medical examination and medication guidance management unit 313 notifies the remote medical examination and medication guidance application unit 102 that the doctor or the pharmacy designation was not accepted.

[0100] If a specific chronic disease name is specified in the application, the remote medical examination and medication guidance management unit 313 extracts doctors who can treat the disease and pharmacies that can dispense medicines used for the disease, and determines which doctor or pharmacy to request remote medical examination and medication guidance from among them. Here, the remote medical examination and medication guidance management unit 313 is assumed to hold in advance a list of doctors and pharmacies that can treat the specific chronic disease name.

[0101] If no doctor, pharmacy or chronic disease name is specified at the time of application, the remote medical examination and medication guidance management unit 313 can determine the doctor or pharmacy to which the remote medical examination and medication guidance is to be requested according to any logic. Note that the remote medical examination and medication guidance management unit 313 may extract a doctor or pharmacy that can handle the medical examination subject or disease name, etc., inferred by the medical interview information management unit 303 after receiving the medical interview information described below, and determine the doctor or pharmacy as the request destination for the remote medical examination and medication guidance. Here, the remote medical examination and medication guidance management unit 313 is assumed to hold in advance, in the form of a table or the like, a correspondence relationship between the medical examination subject or disease name, etc., and the doctor or pharmacy that can handle it.

[0102] In addition, regardless of whether or not a doctor, a pharmacy, or a chronic disease name is specified, the remote medical examination and medication guidance management unit 313 may perform a preliminary screening to determine whether or not to accept remote medical examination and medication guidance. For example, if the medical interview information management unit 303 cannot guess the medical examination subject or disease name, etc., as a result of accepting the medical interview information described below, or if it cannot extract a doctor or pharmacy that can handle the guessed medical examination subject or disease name, etc., it can reject the application. In this case, the remote medical examination and medication guidance management unit 313 can send a notification to the remote medical examination and medication guidance application unit 102 indicating that the application was not accepted. This can reduce the risk of accidents such as misdiagnosis in cases that are not suitable for remote medical examination and medication guidance.

[0103] The remote medical examination and medication instruction management unit 313 can extract a plurality of doctors or pharmacies as candidates for remote medical examination and medication instruction, and allow the patient or concierge to select the doctor or pharmacie to request from among the candidates.

[0104] When the application for remote medical treatment and medication instruction is accepted, the remote medical treatment and medication instruction management unit 313 grants the doctor and the pharmacy the right to access various personal information related to the patient. In the processing unit that manages the personal information, it is preferable that the patient's consent is required for input, viewing, and editing of the personal information by anyone other than the patient (and the concierge). Therefore, a restriction is set for the medical institution terminal 50 or the pharmacy terminal 70 so that the various personal information managed by the management device 30 can be accessed only when a passcode issued based on the patient's will is entered. The remote medical treatment and medication instruction management unit 313 determines that the access to the various personal information has been granted by accepting the application for remote medical treatment and medication instruction, and issues a passcode for accessing each processing unit of the management device 30 to the medical institution terminal 50 or the pharmacy terminal 70. The passcode may be a one-time passcode that allows one-time access, or a passcode that allows access permanently or for a predetermined period of time. The latter is convenient because the doctor or the pharmacy can continuously provide medical treatment or medication instruction to the patient.

[0105] In addition, when performing such processing, it is preferable to include a provision in the terms of use for system 1 stating that "application for remote medical treatment and medication instructions is deemed to have been granted permission to access various personal information."

[0106] Examples of processing units for which it is preferable to perform access management using such a passcode include, but are not limited to, a patient information management unit 300 for managing patient information, a dispensing information management unit 301 for managing dispensing information, a medical interview information management unit 303 for managing medical interview information, and a diagnostic information management unit 307 for managing diagnostic information.

[0107] Step 2 (S2): Receiving medical interview information The remote medical examination and medication instruction management unit 313 activates the medical interview information input unit 107 of the patient terminal 10 to input medical interview information. The input medical interview information is transmitted to and stored in the medical interview information management unit 303 of the management device 30. In this case, the patient inputs the medical interview information by himself / herself, but may also do so with the advice of a concierge at the call center.

[0108] Alternatively, the concierge may ask the patient for medical interview information and input the medical interview information from the medical interview information input / viewing unit 203 of the concierge terminal 20. In this case, it is preferable that the concierge confirms the identity of the patient before asking for the medical interview information. For example, the concierge first asks the patient for his / her health insurance card number and name, and checks whether a record including the same combination of the health insurance card number and name exists in the various personal information stored in the management device 30 and is actually used as valid information. If the record exists, the health insurance card number and name are presumed to be genuine. For example, if a record including the combination of the health insurance card number and name asked from the patient and the patient ID is recorded in the patient information management unit 300, and a record including the patient ID is recorded in the prescription information management unit 301, it is known that a patient with the health insurance card number and name has received prescriptions in the past, so that it can be presumed that the patient's identity and existence are certain. Note that instead of the health insurance card number, if there is another personal identification number (such as My Number) managed by the management device 30, the same processing may be performed using that number. Also, other personal authentication means such as biometric authentication may be combined. The medical interview information input / viewing unit 203 can accept the input of medical interview information only if such personal identification is cleared. On the other hand, if personal identification cannot be confirmed, a notice can be sent to the effect that acceptance is not possible.

[0109] Step 3 (S3): Conducting telemedicine The remote medical treatment and medication instruction management unit 313 notifies the patient terminal 10 and the medical institution terminal 50 of the doctor determined as the request recipient that remote medical treatment can be started. Remote medical treatment is carried out by the patient terminal 10 and the medical institution terminal 50 making a video call or sending and receiving test data via a communication line, for example. A specific method of carrying out remote medical treatment is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1, and therefore will not be described here. Medical treatment may be carried out face-to-face if necessary.

[0110] At this time, for example, the diagnostic information input / viewing unit 505 can record the remote medical examination in the form of video, audio, image, text data, or the like. The recorded information is transmitted to the diagnostic information management unit 307 of the management device 30. The diagnostic information management unit 307 stores the information on the medical examination for each patient. The patient can view these contents as many times as he / she likes using the patient terminal 10.

[0111] Currently, not all diseases can be treated remotely. If a doctor determines that a disease cannot be treated remotely, the doctor may electronically create a referral letter to a specialist on the medical institution terminal 50 and send it to the patient terminal 10. The patient can receive more specialized medical care by bringing the received referral letter to the specialist.

[0112] Step 4 (S4): Implementing remote medication instructions When the remote medical examination and medication instruction management unit 313 detects that prescription information has been input by a doctor and stored in the prescription information management unit 309 of the management device 30, it notifies the pharmacy terminal 70 of the pharmacy determined as the request destination that dispensing can begin. The pharmacist prepares the medicine based on the electronic prescription stored in the prescription information viewing unit 705, while referring to the medical interview information recorded in the medical interview information viewing unit 701 and the past dispensing information accumulated in the dispensing information input and viewing unit 703.

[0113] The remote medical examination and medication instruction management unit 313 notifies the patient terminal 10 and the pharmacy terminal 70 of the pharmacy determined as the request destination that remote medication instruction can be started. The remote medication instruction is implemented by, for example, a video call, a voice call, a text chat, or the like between the patient terminal 10 and the pharmacy terminal 70 via a communication line. The remote medical examination and medication instruction management unit 313 may record the video call, the voice call, or the text chat and store it in the dispensing information management unit 301. The dispensing information management unit 301 may also store videos and texts prepared in advance to explain to the patient how to take the medicine, etc. The patient can view these contents any number of times using the patient terminal 10.

[0114] The patient terminal 10 may provide a means for aggregating, displaying, and viewing contents including the state of remote medical treatment stored in the diagnostic information input / viewing unit 505, contents including the state of remote medication instructions stored in the dispensing information management unit 301, etc. The patient can select and view only any desired content, or can continuously view multiple contents from remote medical treatment to remote medication instructions.

[0115] The pharmacy arranges for the prepared medicine to be delivered to the patient. At this time, the dispensing information input / viewing unit 703 of the pharmacy terminal 70 accepts the registration of a list of prepared medicines that are ready for delivery, and transmits it to the remote medical examination / medication instruction management unit 313 of the management device 30. The list may be in any format including text, images, photographs, videos, audio, etc. When it approaches the scheduled arrival date of the medicine, the remote medical examination / medication instruction management unit 313 of the management device 30 transmits a notification to the patient terminal 10 including a message such as "Has your medicine arrived?" and a list of the medicines that have been shipped.

[0116] The patient can notify the pharmacy that the medicine has been received. The dispensing information input / storage unit 105 of the patient terminal 10 may be provided with an input means for transmitting a receipt notification of the medicine. For example, the patient compares the medicine delivery list displayed on the patient terminal 10 with the medicine that has actually been received. If they match, the patient inputs that they are "correct" from the dispensing information input / storage unit 105. On the other hand, if there is an excess, shortage, or error, the patient inputs information on the received medicine into the dispensing information input / storage unit 105. Information on the received medicine can be input in any format including characters, images, photos, videos, or audio. The dispensing information input / storage unit 105 transmits the result of the receipt confirmation (receipt notification) and information on the medicine that the patient has received to the remote medical care / medication instruction management unit 313.

[0117] When the remote medical treatment and medication instruction management unit 313 receives the receipt notification, it notifies the dispensing information input and viewing unit 703 of the pharmacy terminal 70 of the receipt notification. In addition, the fact that the receipt notification has been received is added to the dispensing information. This allows the pharmacy to confirm that the medicine has been delivered to the patient without fail. Furthermore, if the medicine received by the patient is over or under or incorrect, the pharmacist can use the dispensing information input and viewing unit 703 of the pharmacy terminal 70 to specifically check the contents and take appropriate measures. For example, the pharmacist can ask the patient to return the received medicine to the pharmacy using the return envelope enclosed with the medicine, or can resend the correct medicine.

[0118] In this way, according to this embodiment, when a pharmacist gives online medication instruction, he / she creates a list and photos of the medication to be given to the patient, and the patient checks whether the type and number of medications received are correct and sends a receipt notification, so it is possible to prevent the wrong medication from being given to the patient during online medical examinations and medication instruction. In addition, the patient can check the medication instruction video any number of times at any time, which prevents the patient from taking the wrong medication.

[0119] Here, the dispensing information input / viewing unit 703 of the pharmacy terminal 70 may have a function of generating and displaying a list of patients for whom delivery of medicines has been arranged. This list can include, for example, whether or not a receipt notice has been received, the patient's contact information (phone number, email address, etc.), and a link to a function for sending comments to the patient. This allows the pharmacy to check the receipt status of medicines at a glance. Furthermore, for patients who have not received a receipt notice, the pharmacy can easily check the receipt status by sending comments using the list as a starting point or contacting them by phone or email.

[0120] In addition, the dispensing information input / storage unit 105 of the patient terminal 10 may include a means for inputting a record of taking medication, questions to a pharmacist, and the like as medication information. For example, when a patient inputs a receipt notification of a medication, the dispensing information input / storage unit 105 displays a menu such as "Click here to ask a pharmacist" in the medicine notebook application. When a menu is selected by the patient, the dispensing information input / storage unit 105 accepts input of medication information such as questions. The input medication information is transmitted to the dispensing information management unit 301 of the management device 30. The dispensing information management unit 301 stores the received medication information and transmits a reception notification to the dispensing information input / viewing unit 703 of the pharmacy terminal 70. The dispensing information input / storage unit 105 accepts input of medication information such as questions. The dispensing information input / viewing unit 703 of the pharmacy terminal 70 displays new medication information on a screen and accepts input of comments on questions, etc. The input comment is transmitted to the dispensing information management unit 301 of the management device 30. The dispensing information management unit 301 stores the received comment and transmits a reception notification to the dispensing information input / storage unit 105 of the patient terminal 10. The dispensing information input / storage unit 105 displays the new comment on the screen and accepts the input of a reply comment. In this way, the system 1 functions as a platform for remote medication instruction by pharmacists. This is particularly advantageous for patients with specific chronic diseases, as it allows for continuous and specialized support to be provided.

[0121] Step 5 (S5): Payment agency When the remote medical examination and medication instruction management unit 313 detects that dispensing information has been input by the pharmacy and stored in the dispensing information management unit 301 of the management device 30, it starts the payment agent processing unit 311. Alternatively, the payment agent processing unit 311 may automatically start operation when triggered by receiving the billing amount from the accounting processing unit 509 of the medical institution and the accounting processing unit 709 of the pharmacy. As a result, the billing amount for the remote medical examination and medication instruction, etc. is settled in a lump sum.

[0122] <Other embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the user of the medical institution terminal 50 is assumed to be a doctor, and the user of the pharmacy terminal 70 is assumed to be a pharmacist, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any medical worker in a medical institution or pharmacy, or a business providing medical and health-related services, etc. may be the user of these terminals.

[0123] For example, the medical institution terminal 50 may be used by doctors, as well as businesses that perform tests and medical examinations, to explain the results of health checkups and various tests to patients. In this case, the doctor or business explains the results of the health checkups and various tests online and provides various advice (including dietary therapy and exercise therapy). At this time, the doctor or business can refer to the patient information, dispensing information, interview information, diagnosis information, prescription information, etc. stored in the management device 30, so that it is possible to provide accurate explanations and advice. In addition, as necessary, prescription information may be issued as shown in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the pharmacist may take over and provide online medication guidance.

[0124] In addition, the pharmacy terminal 70 may be used by a nutritionist who provides dietary advice, a business providing supplements and health foods, etc., in addition to a pharmacist. For example, as a result of a health check or various tests, even if treatment by medication is not necessary, dietary therapy or efforts to improve using supplements and health foods may be considered desirable. In such cases, a doctor or business issues prescription information including the implementation of dietary advice and the recommendation to use supplements and health foods, and hands it over to a pharmacist, nutritionist, business, etc. The pharmacist, nutritionist, business, etc. uses the pharmacy terminal 70 to provide online dietary advice and online guidance on the use of supplements and health foods. Alternatively, these online guidance may be provided to patients at the discretion of the pharmacist, nutritionist, business, etc., regardless of the prescription information. Supplements, health foods, etc. can be delivered to patients in the same way as the drugs in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the patients can confirm receipt. This allows not only sick people who need medication, but also relatively healthy patients to receive support from medical professionals and business operators.

[0125] In the above embodiment, the pharmacy terminal 70 receives prescription information from the medical institution terminal 50 and provides online medication instruction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pharmacy terminal 70 can directly provide online instruction without a prescription at the request of the patient. A specific example is shown. The patient information input / storage unit 103 obtains the results of a health check and various tests from a business operator and displays them on the screen. At this time, the patient information input / storage unit 103 displays a "Consult a pharmacy" button on the screen, and when the button is selected, notifies the pharmacy terminal 70 of the selection. This allows the pharmacy terminal 70 to start online instruction with the patient terminal 10. As a result, even a relatively healthy patient who does not need to be examined by a doctor can be connected to a pharmacy and receive health consultation. In addition, the patient information input / storage unit 103 may present the patient with options such as consulting a pharmacy, receiving medical treatment from a doctor, or receiving medical treatment from a doctor and receiving consultation from a pharmacy, depending on the results of the health check and various tests.

[0126] In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the user of the patient terminal 10 is the patient himself, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied, for example, to a case where a child, parent, caregiver, guardian, or the like of the user of the patient terminal 10 receives remote medical treatment and medication instruction as a patient. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to medical treatment and dispensing for people, and can be applied, for example, to a case where a pet, livestock, or the like receives remote medical treatment and medication instruction.

[0127] When dealing with animals such as pets or livestock, images or feature values ​​of the animal's appearance (face, etc.), or identification information that can be read from a chip attached to the animal (typically embedded), etc., can be used as part of the patient information. This allows animals to be uniquely identified by image recognition or matching of identification numbers, improving the convenience and accuracy of online medical consultations and online medication instructions.

[0128] In the above embodiment, the doctor or pharmacist views patient information, medical interview information, drug preparation information, prescription information, etc., using the medical institution terminal 50 or the pharmacy terminal 70, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a concierge who has obtained consent in advance from the doctor or pharmacist may obtain and compile this information using the concierge terminal 20, and provide it to the doctor or pharmacist by means of FAX, E-mail, or the like.

[0129] The present invention can also be realized by hardware, and any process can be realized by making a CPU (Central Processing Unit) execute a computer program. In this case, the computer program can be stored using various types of non-transitory computer readable media and supplied to a computer. The non-transitory computer readable media includes various types of tangible storage media. Examples of the non-transitory computer readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (random access memories)). The program may also be supplied to a computer by various types of transitory computer readable media. Examples of the transitory computer readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The temporary computer-readable medium can supply the program to the computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire or an optical fiber, or via a wireless communication path. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 10 Patient terminal 101 Information Provision Department 102 Remote Medical Treatment and Medication Guidance Application Department 103 Patient information input / storage unit 105 Prescription information input / storage unit 107 Medical interview information input section 109 Medical interview information storage unit 111 Evaluation information input section 113 Payment processing unit 20 Concierge terminal 201 Patient information input and viewing section 203 Medical interview information input and viewing section 205 Diagnostic information input and viewing section 207 Prescription information input and viewing section 209 Pharmacy information input and viewing section 211 Accounting information input and viewing section 30 Management device 300 Patient Information Management Department 301 Dispensing Information Management Department 303 Interview Information Management Department 305 Evaluation Information Management Department 307 Diagnostic Information Management Department 309 Prescription Information Management Department 311 Payment processing unit 313 Remote Medical Care and Medication Guidance Management Department 50 Medical institution terminals 500 Patient Information Viewing Section 501 Medical Interview Information Viewing Department 503 Dispensing Information Viewing Section 505 Diagnostic information input and viewing section 507 Prescription information input and viewing section 509 Accounting Department 70 Pharmacy terminal 700 Patient Information Viewing Section 701 Medical Interview Information Viewing Department 703 Pharmacy information input and viewing section 705 Prescription Information Viewing Section 709 Accounting Department

Claims

1. A patient terminal and a management device, The patient terminal includes: a medical interview information input unit that presents questions for a medical interview and acquires answers to the questions as medical interview information; The management device includes: a remote medical examination / medication instruction management unit that selects a doctor capable of providing remote medical examination or a pharmacy capable of providing remote medication instruction to the patient based on the interview information, and executes the remote medical examination or remote medication instruction; a diagnosis information management unit that stores, for each patient, content that records the state of remote medical treatment carried out between the patient and the doctor, or a prescription information management unit that stores, for each patient, content that records the state of remote medication instruction carried out between the patient and the pharmacy; The patient terminal includes: The content recording the state of the remote medical treatment for the patient or the content recording the state of the remote medication instruction for the patient can be selected and viewed. Remote medical consultation and medication instruction system.

2. A remote medical examination / medication instruction management unit that selects a doctor capable of providing remote medical examination or a pharmacy capable of providing remote medication instruction to a patient based on interview information received from a patient terminal, and performs the remote medical examination or remote medication instruction; a diagnosis information management unit that stores, for each patient, content that records the state of remote medical treatment carried out between the patient and the doctor, or a prescription information management unit that stores, for each patient, content that records the state of remote medication instruction carried out between the patient and the pharmacy; The diagnostic information management unit or the dispensing information management unit allows the patient to view the content that records the remote medical treatment or the content that records the remote medication instruction selected by the patient in response to a request from the patient terminal. Management device.

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