User Matching System

Abstract

To enable setting an effective group according to a user.SOLUTION: A user matching system includes an analysis section, a setting section, and a connection section. The analysis section analyzes at least one piece of information among a knowledge degree, an interest degree, and an execution degree of the user to predetermined behavior for each user on the basis of user information on a plurality of users. The setting section sets a group composed of a part of users among the plurality of users on the basis of analysis information obtained by analyzing the information. The connection section performs online connection for allowing at least a part of the users belonging to the group to mutually exchange information with other users via the Internet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in the present specification and drawings relate to a user matching system. [Background technology]

[0002] In the treatment of various diseases, not only medical professionals administer medication or perform surgery, but also patients themselves may need to change their behavior. For example, patients with diabetes or heart failure are required to change their behavior in order to receive treatment. For example, dietary therapy is effective for treating diabetes. For patients with heart failure, exercise therapy, or rehabilitation in which exercise is performed at a load appropriate to the patient's cardiac function, is effective in improving symptoms or preventing progression. For such patients, behavioral change is required in order to receive treatment.

[0003] Various studies have been conducted to support the behavioral change of such patients and other users. For example, it is known that the feeling of working together as a group has a significant impact on human behavior. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-181276 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-169921 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to enable effective group setting according to users. However, the problems solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The user matching system according to this embodiment includes an analysis unit, a setting unit, and a connection unit. The analysis unit analyzes at least one piece of information regarding the user's level of knowledge, interest, and execution of a predetermined behavior for each user based on user information about the users. The setting unit sets a group consisting of some of the users based on analysis information obtained by analyzing the information. The connection unit establishes an online connection so that at least some of the users belonging to the group can exchange information with other users via the Internet. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the processing of the group therapy online matching system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the group therapy online matching system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the questionnaire. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the questionnaire. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the behavioral change stage model. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the processing of the group therapy online matching system according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a group therapy online matching system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of an online group activity for behavioral change. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of the relationship between medical professionals and participating patients at each connection point. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, a group therapy online matching system will be described in detail as an embodiment of a user matching system with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] 1 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the processing of the group therapy online matching system according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the user is a patient suffering from a disease.

[0010] 1, the group therapy online matching system according to this embodiment first (i) acquires patient information (described below) from electronic medical records, activity monitors, questionnaires, medical interviews, etc., (ii) analyzes the patient's behavioral change stage (described below), (iii) performs group matching according to the analyzed behavioral change stage, and (iv) establishes an online connection for at least some of the patients belonging to the matched groups to exchange information with other patients via the Internet. Examples of matched groups include a group of patients in the preparation stage of a behavioral change stage (described below) for dietary therapy for diabetes treatment, and a group of patients in the execution stage of a behavioral change stage (described below) for exercise therapy for heart failure treatment, and mutual communication occurs within the group via the online connection.

[0011] Here, in the group therapy online matching system, each component described below is a functional concept, and all or part of each component can be configured in a distributed manner. Below, we will explain the case where some of the components of the group therapy online matching system are applied to a hospital information server described below (first embodiment), the case where they are applied to an information terminal independent of the hospital information server (second embodiment), and the case where the hospital information server and the information terminal are combined (third embodiment).

[0012] (First embodiment) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a group therapy online matching system 1 according to the first embodiment. The group therapy online matching system 1 shown in FIG. 2 is a system including a service provider site that provides the services of the system and a plurality of medical facilities. The medical facilities are, for example, hospitals. In FIG. 2, the plurality of hospitals 110 are designated as hospitals 110A, 110B, and 110C. The group therapy online matching system 1 includes service providing servers 100 and 130 provided at the service provider site and a hospital information server 120 provided in each hospital 110. The hospital information server 120 is, for example, an HIS (Hospital Information System) server.

[0013] The hospital information server 120 and the service providing servers 100 and 130 each include a processing circuit and a memory circuit. The memory circuit is, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. Furthermore, the memory circuit stores various databases (hereinafter referred to as DBs) used by the processing functions of the processing circuit. The processing circuit is a processor that reads each program from the memory circuit and executes it to realize the function corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuit in a state where each program has been read will have each function within the processing circuit.

[0014] For example, the processing circuit of the hospital information server 120 has an acquisition function 121, an analysis function 122, a transmission function 123, a connection function 124, and a display function 125. The processing of each function of the hospital information server 120 will be described later.

[0015] For example, the processing circuit of the service providing server 100 has a setting function 102 and a connection function 103. The service providing server 100 also has a stage information DB 101. The processing of each function of the service providing server 100 will be described later.

[0016] For example, the service providing server 130 has a measurement value information DB 131. The measurement value information DB 131 stores information such as measurement values ​​measured by an activity monitor or heart rate monitor that is always worn by the patient, and measurement values ​​measured by a weight scale of the patient. The measurement value information DB 131 may be provided in the hospital information server 120 of each of the hospitals 110A, 110B, and 110C.

[0017] The treatment of various diseases often requires not only medical treatment, such as medication or surgery, but also behavioral change by the patient themselves. For example, diabetes and heart failure patients often require behavioral change for treatment. Dietary therapy is often effective for diabetes patients. For heart failure patients, exercise therapy, or rehabilitation that involves exercise tailored to the patient's cardiac function, is effective in improving symptoms or preventing progression. Various behavioral science and behavioral economic approaches are effective in supporting such behavioral change. For example, commitment approaches, which encourage patients to set and adhere to their own goals, and financial incentives based on goal achievement are considered effective. However, an even more effective approach is to organize appropriate group activities. Bringing together patients with similar circumstances and goals, and the sense of working together has a significant impact on human behavior. However, in the treatment of heart failure, for example, patients may be readmitted to the hospital after discharge due to poor lifestyle improvement. Exercise rehabilitation, which is considered important, is often not properly implemented after discharge, and group activities are rarely implemented. One of the reasons for this is the difficulty of group matching.

[0018] The effectiveness of group activities depends on the awareness of each individual. For example, there is a concept called the stage of behavioral change model, which is used to understand the stages of human behavior in behavioral change. However, this specific stage is the effective range for group therapy, and simply gathering patients with the same disease is not effective. However, even if you try to match groups selected based on the stage of the behavioral change model, there is no guarantee that there will be patients in the same stage of behavioral change nearby. For example, particularly in rural areas and small hospitals, where the number of patients is small, it is extremely difficult to match patients with the same disease while also taking into account individual awareness.

[0019] Therefore, the group therapy online matching system 1 performs the following processing to enable the setting of effective groups tailored to users such as patients. First, in the group therapy online matching system 1 according to this embodiment, the analysis function 122 analyzes at least one piece of information regarding the patient's level of knowledge, interest, and execution of a predetermined behavior for each patient based on patient information about multiple patients. The setting function 102 sets a group consisting of some of the multiple patients based on analysis information obtained by analyzing the above information. The connection function 103 establishes an online connection so that at least some of the patients belonging to the group can exchange information with other patients via the Internet.

[0020] First, the acquisition of patient information will be described.

[0021] The acquisition function 121 of the hospital information server 120 acquires patient information about patients by acquiring input from medical professionals such as doctors, equipment installed in various hospitals, or output from other linked or connected hospital information servers 120. In particular, in this embodiment, information about the patient's stage of behavioral change is acquired as patient information. Information about the stage of behavioral change is, for example, information about the level of knowledge or interest the target patient has in a target behavior, or the level of behavior they have performed, and the acquisition function 121 acquires this information as patient information.

[0022] Regarding information on the patient's level of knowledge, level of interest, and level of implementation, a medical professional such as a doctor may input the results of an interview with the patient, and the acquisition function 121 may acquire the input results as patient information. Also, by inputting medical information of the patient created by a medical professional, the acquisition function 121 may acquire the input results as patient information. The medical information is, for example, an electronic medical record.

[0023] Alternatively, a medical professional may use a terminal such as a tablet PC (Personal Computer) to present a questionnaire on a screen and have the patient input answers by touching the screen, and the acquisition function 121 may acquire the patient's answers to the questions on the questionnaire as patient information from the terminal. The questions on the questionnaire may directly inquire about the patient's interest in the target behavior or their intention to perform the behavior. The questions on the questionnaire are created, for example, by a medical professional. For example, the medical professional may obtain the detailed type of the patient's disease and its severity determined from various measurement value information, and then configure the questions to ask about the necessity of the patient's individual behavior, the expected degree of improvement, and specific aspects of the required behavior, thereby more accurately grasping the patient's interest and level of understanding. The questions on the questionnaire will be described later.

[0024] Furthermore, the degree of the patient's activity may be determined by asking the patient questions or receiving input from a medical professional. Alternatively, measurement information may be acquired using various devices. For example, the acquisition function 121 can obtain information on the extent of the patient's exercise by acquiring information on measurement values ​​measured by an activity monitor or heart rate monitor worn by the patient at all times from the measurement value information DB 131 of the service providing server 130. Furthermore, the acquisition function 121 can acquire information on the patient's exercise by establishing a system that enables communication between the acquisition function 121 and exercise equipment in the rehabilitation room of the hospital 120, or, if outside the hospital 120, exercise equipment such as a treadmill or exercise bike (registered trademark) at home, a nursing home, or a fitness gym. It would be more desirable for the acquisition function 121 to automatically acquire measurement information on calorie intake, salt content, and water content, whether weight has been measured, medication compliance status, and the like, using individual devices. For example, the acquisition function 121 acquires information on measurement values ​​measured by individual devices from the measurement value information DB 131 of the service providing server 130.

[0025] In addition, the acquisition function 121 may also acquire information on test results that are typically performed for the patient's disease, as well as the doctor's diagnosis, treatment plan, and prescription. For example, in the case of a patient with heart failure, a doctor's prescription is required regarding the level of exercise therapy load and the extent of salt and water intake restrictions, so such information is also acquired.

[0026] Furthermore, the acquisition function 121 may acquire not only direct information about the patient's disease or behavior, but also psychological and social information as patient information about the patient. For example, as psychological information, a medical professional may input the results of counseling provided to the patient by a clinical psychologist. Alternatively, a medical professional may use a terminal such as a tablet PC to present a questionnaire or test on a screen and have the patient input their responses, thereby acquiring patient information. Tests and questionnaires regarding psychological characteristics may use known psychological classifications, such as Enneagram analysis or the Big Five psychological characteristics. In this embodiment, it is desirable to obtain information, particularly regarding characteristics related to group activities, such as whether the patient tends to cooperate or compete. Furthermore, since elderly patients are also expected, information regarding cognitive function may also be obtained. Furthermore, as social characteristics, input of information such as family structure, place of residence, living environment, and occupation may be accepted.

[0027] Incidentally, acquisition of patient information continues even after the group activity described below begins. Information on the frequency and number of participation in group activities, various information measured and recorded during each group activity, and other information on changes since the group activity began are also continuously acquired. Furthermore, responses to questionnaires, surveys, tests, etc. are stored in the database of the hospital information server 120 or the database of the service provider server 100, and the analysis function 122 described below refers to the response results to analyze information such as the patient's level of knowledge, interest, and execution of the target behavior, and whether the patient tends to cooperate or compete. Here, information such as whether the patient tends to cooperate or compete may be determined by a medical professional based on the response results of a questionnaire, test, etc.

[0028] An example of the questionnaire will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0029] In the example shown in Figure 3, "Q1" on the questionnaire asks whether or not the respondent is taking any action to change their lifestyle, and the options are "1. Not taking any action" and "2. Taking any action." If "1. Not taking any action" is selected, the respondent proceeds to "Q2." If "2. Taking any action" is selected, the respondent proceeds to "Q4."

[0030] "Q2" of the questionnaire asks whether or not the participant is interested in changing their lifestyle, with the options "1. Not at all interested," "2. Not very interested," "3. Fairly interested," and "4. Very interested." If "1. Not at all interested" or "2. Not very interested" is selected in "Q2," the survey ends, but if "3. Fairly interested" or "4. Very interested" is selected, the survey proceeds to "Q3."

[0031] "Q3" on the questionnaire asks whether or not you would like to take action to change your lifestyle, with the options presented being "1. Not at all," "2. Not really," "3. Want to take action soon," and "Want to take action immediately."

[0032] "Q4" of the questionnaire asks whether or not you are anxious about continuing the activity, and the options presented are "1. Very anxious," "2. Fairly anxious," "3. Not very anxious," and "Not anxious at all."

[0033] In the example shown in Figure 4, "Q1" on the questionnaire asks whether the respondent is taking any action to change their lifestyle, and the options "1 NO" and "2 YES" are presented. If "1 NO" is selected, the respondent proceeds to "Q2," and if "2 YES" is selected, the respondent proceeds to "Q4."

[0034] In "Q2" of the questionnaire, the respondent is asked whether they would like to take action to change their lifestyle habits, and the options "1 NO" and "2 YES" are presented. If "1 NO" is selected in "Q2," the respondent proceeds to "Q3." If "2 YES" is selected, the analysis function 122 determines that the respondent is in the "preparation stage" as a behavioral change stage, which will be described later.

[0035] "Q3" on the questionnaire asks whether the respondent is interested in changing their lifestyle habits, and the options are "1 NO" and "2 YES." If "1 NO" is selected in "Q3," the analysis function 122 determines that the respondent is in the "indifferent stage" as a behavioral change stage, which will be described later, and if "2 YES" is selected, the analysis function 122 determines that the respondent is in the "interested stage" as a behavioral change stage, which will be described later.

[0036] "Q4" on the questionnaire asks whether the respondent is confident in continuing the behavior, and the options are "1 NO" and "2 YES." If "1 NO" is selected in "Q4," the analysis function 122 determines that the behavioral change stage, described below, is the "action stage." If "2 YES" is selected, the analysis function 122 determines that the behavioral change stage, described below, is the "maintenance stage."

[0037] Next, the analysis of the behavioral change stage and the transmission of information will be described.

[0038] The analysis function 122 of the hospital information server 120 analyzes the patient information acquired by the acquisition function 121, including the patient's level of knowledge, interest, and execution of the target behavior, to determine which stage of behavioral change the patient is in. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the behavioral change stage model is a conceptual representation of human behavioral stages in a patient's behavioral change, divided into the "indifference stage," "interest stage," "preparation stage," "action stage," and "maintenance stage." In the behavioral change stage model, the "interest stage" to "action stage" are the areas where group therapy is effective.

[0039] In the example shown in FIG. 5, if the analysis function 122 can confirm that the patient has continued a behavior for six months or more through a patient questionnaire or device measurement information, it can determine the patient's behavior change stage as the "maintenance stage." If the analysis function 122 can confirm that the patient has continued the behavior for less than six months, it can determine the patient's behavior change stage as the "action stage." Furthermore, if the analysis function 122 can confirm that the patient has a certain level of knowledge and interest even if they have not yet started the behavior, it can determine the patient's behavior change stage as the "preparation stage." If the analysis function 122 cannot confirm that the patient has a certain level of interest even without the knowledge, it can determine the patient's behavior change stage as the "interest stage." Furthermore, the analysis function 122 can score the patient by asking specific questions according to the target disease or behavior and appropriately weighting the results of multiple measurement data, and can use the scoring to comprehensively determine the behavior change stage.

[0040] Here, if the analyzed behavioral change stage is the "maintenance stage" or the "indifference stage," the analysis function 122 may end the group activity, as it is unlikely to be effective. Furthermore, if the analyzed behavioral change stage is the "indifference stage," the analysis function 122 may first encourage the provision of information, education, etc. to stimulate interest. Furthermore, even after the behavioral change stage has been analyzed, the analysis function 122 may reanalyze the patient information acquired by the acquisition function 121 if there is a change in the patient information.

[0041] The transmission function 123 of the hospital information server 120 transmits, as the analysis result obtained by the analysis function 122, stage information indicating which behavioral change stage the target patient is in to the service providing server 100 of the service provider site outside the hospital 110. Here, since the transmitted stage information is transmitted outside the hospital 110, it is desirable from the viewpoint of protecting personal information and ethics that the transmitted information be information that does not allow the target patient's personal information to be identified. For example, the stage information may be information indicating which of the five behavioral change stages the patient is in, or information on the general type, severity, psychological characteristics, and social characteristics of the disease, transmitted as subject distribution information at the hospital, etc., and it is desirable not to transmit personal information such as the patient's name and address, information indicating the results of answers to medical interviews and questionnaires, or information indicating test results.

[0042] Therefore, the transmission function 123 of each of the multiple hospitals 110 converts the stage information analyzed by the analysis function 122 into information that does not identify the personal information of the target patient, and transmits it to the service providing server 100. Here, the stage information is an example of first analysis information, and the stage information converted into information that does not identify the personal information of the target patient is an example of second analysis information.

[0043] On the other hand, for example, if appropriate measures are taken for the exchange of personal information or anonymized and anonymized personal information between each of the multiple hospitals 110 and the service providing site, a function equivalent to the analysis function 122 may be provided in the service providing server 100, and the transmission function 123 of each of the multiple hospitals 110 may transmit the patient information acquired by the acquisition function 121 to the service providing server 100. Here, information acquired outside the hospital 110, such as measurements taken by an activity monitor or heart rate monitor worn by the patient at all times, is transmitted directly from the service providing server 130 to the service providing server 100 without going through the hospital information server 120 in the hospital 110. In this case, the functions to be installed in the software of the hospital information server 120 can be minimized and can be centrally managed as functions of the service providing server 100, which is desirable in terms of ease of maintenance.

[0044] Next, group matching and online connection will be described.

[0045] At the service provider site, the service providing server 100 stores the stage information transmitted from the transmission function 123 of each of the multiple hospitals 110 in the stage information DB 101. The setting function 102 of the service providing server 100 sets a group consisting of some of the multiple patients based on the stage information stored in the stage information DB 101. For example, the setting function 102 matches patient groups that can be expected to benefit from behavioral change according to the following conditions (1) to (4). Specifically, the setting function 102 matches patients so that groups of a certain number of patients are formed whose behavioral change stage, disease type, severity, psychological characteristics, and social characteristics are each within a certain similarity or related range. This makes it possible to form groups of similar patients, and it is expected that they will engage in group activities with a sense of solidarity. Here, patients matched to the same group are selected not only from the same hospital 110 but from multiple hospitals 110. Here, specific examples of conditions (1) to (4) are described.

[0046] For example, in condition (1), patients in the "indifference stage" or "maintenance stage" are excluded.

[0047] Patients who have no interest in behavioral change have no motivation to change their behavior in the first place, and they are unable to develop a sense of camaraderie toward behavioral change, so even if they participate in group activities, they will have little effect and may have a negative impact on other group members, so there are cases in which they are not allowed to participate in any groups. However, depending on the content of the group activities, even patients in the "indifferent stage" may be influenced positively by other patients in different stages and may benefit.

[0048] Furthermore, patients in the "maintenance stage," who have achieved behavioral change and maintained it for a certain period of time, do not require any particular intervention, and are unlikely to develop a sense of camaraderie with patients in other stages of behavioral change, so it is conceivable that they will not be allowed to participate in any groups. However, even in the "maintenance stage," there may be cases where patients relapse into a negative direction, so it may be possible to match them with groups for the purpose of group activities to prevent this.

[0049] For example, in condition (2), patients with similar behavioral change stages and attributes are prioritized to be grouped together.

[0050] Grouping patients who belong to the same stage of behavioral change as much as possible into the same group will foster a sense of solidarity and enable more effective group activities. The same stage does not have to be limited to broad divisions such as the "interest stage," "preparation stage," and "action stage," but can also be based on more detailed divisions of the level of each stage. For example, the level of interest and the level of preparation can be asked in some detail in a questionnaire or interview. Knowledge, interest, and the level of action can be scored in detail and across multiple items based on the answers to the questions, and matching can be performed so that the scores are as close as possible.

[0051] In addition to the stage of behavioral change, matching is also performed based on the patient's medical, psychological, and social attributes. First, priority is given to grouping patients with the same or similar diseases and similar disease severity. Furthermore, even if the diseases are different, patients with similar types of behaviors, such as exercise or dietary restrictions, may be grouped. Furthermore, gender, age, occupation, and home environment (living alone or with family) are also taken into consideration, and groups are created based on attributes as similar as possible.

[0052] For example, in condition (3), patients at each stage of behavioral change and with each attribute are appropriately distributed.

[0053] It may be more effective to group patients who belong to somewhat dispersed stages of behavioral change. For example, if patients who belong to adjacent stages of behavioral change, such as the "preparation stage" and the "action stage," are grouped, it may be effective for patients in the "preparation stage" to learn about the way of thinking and methods of patients in the "action stage," which belongs to the stage a little later, and patients in the "action stage" may feel a sense of fulfillment from being able to guide patients in the "action stage" that they belonged to a little while ago.

[0054] In addition, for other medical, psychological, and social attributes of the behavioral change stage, it is desirable to group them by the most effective variance, even if they are not necessarily identical or similar. For example, in terms of gender, a mixed group may be more likely to create cohesion than a single-sex group. It is therefore desirable to set an effective degree of similarity and variance for each attribute and then group them accordingly.

[0055] For example, condition (4) takes into account the patient's personality.

[0056] Condition (2) explains an example of grouping patients into stages with similar attributes and its effects, while condition (3) explains an example of grouping patients into stages with a certain degree of dispersion and its effects, but which of these is more appropriate depends largely on the patient's personality. If a patient has a strong tendency to cooperate, even a dispersed grouping can maintain group cohesion, and there are positive effects such as gaining knowledge that one does not have from patients in different stages, so dispersed grouping can also be effective.

[0057] On the other hand, if a patient has a strong competitive or weak cooperative personality, it is unlikely that they will be able to unite with patients at a different stage. For example, they may feel defeated by patients at a higher stage than themselves, or conversely, they may display a superior attitude toward patients at a lower stage, which may result in ineffective group activities. For patients with such personalities, it is best to group them as similar as possible to encourage a sense of camaraderie. Alternatively, even if they are unable to develop a sense of camaraderie, group activities can be carried out by utilizing a sense of mutual competition, and even in this case, patients who are more similar are more likely to develop a sense of competition.

[0058] For example, information about a patient's personality is acquired from the patient's responses to a psychological test included in a questionnaire. In this case, the patient information acquired by the acquisition function 121 includes information about the patient's personality, and the setting function 102 further sets groups consisting of some of the multiple patients based on the information about the patient's personality. While examples of cooperative and competitive tendencies have been described above, other known personality assessments may also be used. Personality assessments determined by a doctor, nurse, clinical psychologist, or the like through interviews may also be input. For example, if the patient information acquired by the acquisition function 121 includes information about the patient's cooperative or competitive tendencies, the setting function 102 further sets groups by changing the ranges of the level of knowledge, interest, and execution of users that can be assigned to the same group depending on the patient's level of cooperative or competitive tendencies. Specifically, if a patient has a strong cooperative or weak competitive tendency, the setting function 102 sets groups by expanding the ranges of the level of knowledge, interest, and execution of users that can be assigned to the same group.

[0059] Condition (4) may further take into account the patient's hobbies and the patient's regionality. For example, patient hobbies include watching sports, playing Go, Shogi, and video games. Patients with similar hobbies can be expected to form a cohesive group even if they are dispersed among different groups. Patient regionality can also include their hometown, alma mater, or favorite sports team. Patients with similar regionality can be expected to form a cohesive group even if they are dispersed among different groups. For example, information about the patient's hobbies and regionality can be obtained from the patient's responses to a questionnaire. In this case, the patient information acquired by the acquisition function 121 includes information about the patient's hobbies and regionality, and the setting function 102 further sets a group consisting of some of the multiple patients based on the information about the patient's hobbies and regionality.

[0060] Here, the combination of conditions (2) and (3) will be explained.

[0061] The setting values ​​for the highly effective attribute similarity in condition (2) and the degree of variance in condition (3) are stored in the setting function 102, and the setting function 102 further sets a group consisting of some of the multiple patients based on a combination of conditions (2) and (3). For example, the highly effective degree (ratio) of attribute similarity / variance is set to "30-50% for the interest period, 50-70% for the preparation period," and further conditions including each medical, psychological, and social characteristic are stored.

[0062] In this case, the setting function 102 further sets groups consisting of patients in the "interest stage" and patients in the "preparation stage" based on the ratio of patients in the "interest stage" as a behavioral change stage to patients in the "preparation stage," which is a higher behavioral change stage than the "interest stage," by combining conditions (2) and (3). For example, since the "interest stage" is in the range of "30-50%" and the "preparation stage" is in the range of "50-70%, the setting function 102 sets groups consisting of 30% of patients in the "interest stage" and 70% of patients in the "preparation stage." Alternatively, the setting function 102 sets groups consisting of 50% of patients in the "interest stage" and 50% of patients in the "preparation stage."

[0063] The total number of participants, the type and number of healthcare professionals, and other factors are set and stored in the setting function 102 within a range that is effective for the group activities required for the targeted behavioral change. When detailed guidance from healthcare professionals is required, such as in cooking instruction or early exercise rehabilitation, the number of participants will be relatively small. However, even in exercise rehabilitation, the number of participants can be increased for groups of patients who are somewhat accustomed to the activity. Even in cases where peer support is provided in a format where each patient is allowed to speak freely, it can be more effective to have a group of a certain number of participants, as this allows for more opinions to be heard. The relationship between the number of healthcare professionals and patients will be discussed further below.

[0064] For such combinations, it is preferable to not fix them to specific combination conditions, but to set conditions with a certain breadth within the range in which effects can be expected, in order to allow for flexibility in the combinations. Furthermore, the processing of the setting function 102 also includes storing the attributes of each group participant and the results of the group activity (the extent to which each patient achieved behavioral change), using these as learning data for machine learning, and updating the combination conditions to become more effective.

[0065] Even after group matching has been performed, if patient information, including changes in prescriptions or diagnoses from doctors, etc., changes in the patient's stage of behavioral change, or if the specified conditions are no longer met, a new matching will be performed.

[0066] The connection function 103 of the service providing server 100 notifies the success or failure of matching in the setting function 102 via the connection function 124 of the hospital information server 120 provided in the hospital 110. After a patient is interviewed when visiting the hospital and stage information is transmitted from the hospital 110 to the service providing server 100, if matching is established, this fact is displayed on the display unit of the hospital information server 120, and if the number of people in the group that meets the conditions has not reached a predetermined number, this fact is displayed on the display unit of the hospital information server 120, and later, when the predetermined number is reached, this fact is notified again.

[0067] The connection function 103 also includes a function for group activities via online connection. First, for example, the connection function 103 has a function for setting schedules for activities that require real-time connections, such as conversational counseling, peer support, exercise rehabilitation, and cooking instruction. Each patient schedules the activity by specifying a convenient date and time through the doctor and the hospital information server 120. Here, participation by all members of a matched group is not required, and an activity may be carried out with the participation of a predetermined percentage of the group members.

[0068] The connection function 103 also performs real-time connections for scheduled group activities as described above. For example, the connection function 124 of the hospital information server 120 inputs and outputs audio and video information in real time to and from other hospitals 110 via the connection function 103 of the service providing server 100 using cameras and microphones installed in designated rooms within the hospital (counseling rooms, rehabilitation rooms, nutritional guidance rooms, etc.). If multiple patients are matched at each hospital 110, the patients may connect from the same room. The connection function 103 may also transmit and receive measurement value information related to the activity. For example, if a patient is undergoing exercise rehabilitation, information such as heart rate and exercise level may be transmitted and received via online connection. If a patient is receiving nutritional cooking guidance, information on ingredients and seasonings used, as well as measurement information such as salt concentration, input by each patient may be transmitted and received via online connection. The information transmitted and received in the online connection example will be described later.

[0069] Because group activities may involve not only patients but also healthcare professionals, the connection function 103 also transmits and receives information to and from healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals are typically doctors, but may also include nurses, clinical psychologists, licensed psychologists, registered dietitians, and physical therapists depending on the content of the group activity. At least one healthcare professional may be required to participate online, or a healthcare professional or other attendant may be required to provide guidance and supervision in the same room at each connection point in a hospital or other facility. The connection function 103 may be configured to set the participation format of the required healthcare professionals depending on the content of the activity, and to start the group activity only if the set participation is a condition. The relationship between healthcare professionals and participating patients will be discussed further below.

[0070] Next, the display of patient information will be described.

[0071] The display function 125 of the hospital information server 120 displays the activity status of each patient belonging to a group on the display unit of the hospital information server 120 via an online connection, correlating the activity status with the effect of the activity. For example, the display function 125 displays the activity status, such as the frequency, number of times, and content of group activities, on the display unit of the hospital information server 120, correlating it with the effect indicating the degree of achievement of the patient's behavioral change or various test values ​​indicating the patient's medical condition. Doctors and other medical professionals can present this display to patients to encourage a sense of accomplishment or crisis, thereby motivating them to continue or further promote behavioral change. Doctors and other medical professionals can also refer to this information and change the diagnosis, prescription, etc. for the patient. Such change information is acquired by the acquisition function 121 described above and can serve as an opportunity to change the content of the group activity, suspend the activity itself, reanalyze the behavioral change stage, or rematch groups.

[0072] Here, the processing procedure of the group therapy online matching system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0073] For example, in step S101 of Fig. 6, the acquisition function 121 causes a medical professional to present a questionnaire screen to a target patient on a terminal such as a tablet PC. Then, in step S102 of Fig. 6, the patient inputs answers to the questionnaire on the screen, and the terminal transmits the answers to the acquisition function 121, thereby causing the acquisition function 121 to acquire patient information.

[0074] In step S103 of FIG. 6, the analysis function 122 analyzes the patient information acquired by the acquisition function 121, including information on the patient's level of knowledge, interest, and execution of the target behavior, to determine stage information indicating which behavioral change stage the patient is in. The stage information output from the analysis function 122 is stored in the stage information DB 101. Here, the stage information includes information indicating any of the following behavioral change stages: "indifference stage," "interest stage," "preparation stage," "action stage," and "maintenance stage." Note that the stage information stored in the stage information DB 101 may be modified or input by medical professionals, patients, etc.

[0075] In step S104 of FIG. 6, the setting function 102 checks whether the behavioral change stage is the "indifference stage" or the "maintenance stage." If the behavioral change stage is the "indifference stage" or the "maintenance stage" (step S104; Yes), the processing ends. That is, the setting function 102 does not match patients in the "indifference stage" or the "maintenance stage," as they are not expected to benefit from group activities.

[0076] On the other hand, if the behavioral change stage is not the "indifference stage" or the "maintenance stage" (step S104; No), in step S105 of Fig. 6, the setting function 102 refers to the stage information DB 101 and checks whether or not there is a group currently recruiting for the corresponding stage. Here, if there is no group currently recruiting for the corresponding stage (step S105; No), the setting function 102 creates a new group in the stage information DB 101, and starts recruiting for the group (step S107).

[0077] On the other hand, if there is a group currently recruiting for the corresponding stage (step S105; Yes), the group is suitable for the target patient, and the setting function 102 registers the target patient in that group. Then, in step S109 of FIG. 6, the connection function 103 checks whether the number of people in the group has reached the minimum number. Here, if the number of people in the group has not reached the minimum number (step S109; No), the connection function 103 waits until the number of people in the group reaches the minimum number.

[0078] On the other hand, if the number of people in the group has reached the minimum number (step S109; Yes), in step S110 of Fig. 6, the connection function 103 starts the group activity (step S107). For example, the connection function 103 sets a schedule for carrying out activities that require real-time connections, such as conversational counseling, peer support, exercise rehabilitation, and cooking instruction. Then, in step S111 of Fig. 6, the connection function 103 establishes an online connection for mutual information exchange between the target patient and other patients as the scheduled group activity.

[0079] So far, we have explained an example of application to a hospital information server as the first embodiment, but we will now explain an example using software on a personally owned information terminal or an information terminal shared by multiple patients in a fitness gym, nursing home, senior housing, local clinic, etc.

[0080] The information terminal may be a general-purpose personal computer, a mobile terminal such as a PC, a smartphone, a tablet PC, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or may be one built into equipment related to behavioral change such as a treadmill or an exercise bike (registered trademark). The information terminal can be applied in combination with the above-mentioned example of application to the hospital information server 120, but may also be applied independently of the hospital information server 120.

[0081] (Second embodiment) A case where the present invention is applied to an information terminal independent of the hospital information server 120 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a group therapy online matching system 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0082] In the second embodiment, behavioral modification is not necessary after the onset of a disease, but is also effective in disease prevention, so it can be provided as a service for healthy individuals without being associated with a hospital, or as a service combined with medical insurance, or as part of a health program through a health insurance association.

[0083] 7, the multiple hospitals 110 in FIG. 3 are replaced with homes 210A, 210B, fitness gym 210C, etc. as multiple bases 210, the hospital information server 120 in FIG. 3 is replaced with an information terminal 220, the analysis function 122 is provided in the service providing server 100, and there is no information input / output to / from medical professionals such as doctors; in this respect, this differs from the first embodiment applied to the hospital information server 120, but all other points are common. In FIG. 7, an example is shown in which the analysis function 122 is provided in the service providing server 100, taking into account the capabilities of the individual's information terminal; however, the analysis function 122 may also be provided in the information terminal 220.

[0084] (Third embodiment) A case where the hospital information server 120 and the information terminal 220 are combined will be described.

[0085] When the information terminal 220 is combined with the hospital information server 120, for example, a patient can use the information terminal 220 to input an ID, password, etc. issued by the service providing server 100 in accordance with a doctor's instructions and prescription, thereby configuring a system that identifies the patient and makes the information terminal 220 available for use. As an example of how the information terminal 220 can link with the hospital information server 120 through the service providing server 100, in the case of using an application that can be installed on a personally owned smartphone, the software may be made available for free download from an application download site, or, in consideration of hardware performance and the burden on the patient of operating the information terminal, the hospital 110 may input patient-identifying information into an information terminal on which the software has been installed in advance, and lend the information terminal to the patient.

[0086] When the information terminal 220 is combined with the hospital information server 120, the information terminal 220 is configured to be connectable via the connection function 103 of the service provider server 100, allowing patients to check their matching status, schedule, and connect online for group activities outside the hospital 110. When a personal computer, smartphone, or the like is used as the information terminal 220, group activities may be conducted in a videophone format, in which video captured by a camera and audio collected by a microphone are sent and received in real time, or in a chat format, in which text, images, and other data are posted within the group for everyone to see. The connection function 103 may also be configured to acquire information from the information terminal 220 when acquiring patient information. A system may be constructed so that patients can input information that should be acquired daily, such as how much exercise they performed, what they ate and drank, and check their medication and physical condition, via their personal information terminal 220. Such information from the personal information terminal 220 may be transmitted to the hospital information server 120, or if the analysis function 122 is provided in the service providing server 100, it may be transmitted directly to the service providing server 100 without going through the hospital information server 120.

[0087] A specific example of online group activities for behavioral change carried out by the connection function 103 will be described below.

[0088] As mentioned above, there are many different examples of online group activities. The simplest example is a peer support format such as a video or audio meeting, where each person takes a turn speaking, facilitated by a medical professional or other person. A text-based group chat format is also acceptable. In this case, patients can communicate with each other within the group whenever they want to see or send a message. In either case, information related to the group activity can be shared among participants. The connected information terminals can be shared within the hospital or other facility, or they can be personal devices. Using information terminals at the hospital or facility makes it easy to connect with other hospital devices and medical professionals.

[0089] For example, by configuring a system that allows the connection function 103 to communicate with exercise equipment in a rehabilitation room within the hospital 110 or with exercise equipment in a fitness gym or other facility outside the hospital 120, the connection function 103 can acquire measurement information related to the patient's heart rate and exercise load from the exercise equipment via an online connection. For example, the measurement information is stored in a memory circuit in the service provider server 100. Also, by configuring a system that allows communication between a personally owned device and the connection function 103, patients can easily participate from home. Furthermore, if the personally owned device is portable, patients can participate from a more flexible environment. For example, when performing exercise rehabilitation, a patient can connect using earphones or smart glasses while walking outside. In this case, data such as travel distance and speed based on an activity meter or a global positioning system (GPS) may be shared in real time. Furthermore, when providing cooking instruction, a patient may connect while cooking in their own kitchen. In this case, it is preferable to use an information device designed for hands-free use, such as a smart speaker. Various measurement values ​​related to cooking may also be shared. For example, when providing cooking guidance to patients with heart failure, the amount of salt used measured using a salt concentration meter or weighing scale may be shared over the network. When providing guidance to diabetic patients or weight loss guidance, the measured values ​​and information regarding calorie content may be shared.

[0090] A specific example of exercise rehabilitation for a heart failure patient will be described with reference to the example display of screen 300 shown in Figure 8. In this example, exercise equipment such as treadmills and exercise bikes (registered trademark) installed in hospital rehabilitation facilities, other off-hospital facilities, and homes is equipped with microphones / speakers and cameras / monitors, allowing patients in a group to communicate face-to-face while exercising. Also, key instructors such as doctors and physical therapists participate online and provide instruction to each patient while appropriately observing the patient's facial expressions and other measurement information related to heart rate and exercise load, which is transmitted and received in real time.

[0091] Here, the screen display of the exercise intensity scale will be described.

[0092] For example, the connection function 103 acquires, via an online connection, actual exercise intensity information 312 relating to the intensity of exercise performed by each patient belonging to the group and target exercise intensity information 311 relating to a preset range of exercise intensity that the patient should perform. Then, the connection function 103 outputs relative exercise information 310 indicating the relative relationship between the target exercise intensity information 311 and the actual exercise intensity information 312 for each patient belonging to the group. For example, the connection function 103 causes the display unit of the information terminal 220 to display the relative exercise information 310 of each patient belonging to the group on a screen 300.

[0093] Actual exercise intensity information 312 may be displayed as is for each patient, such as heart rate and exercise load, or may be displayed in a format that can be shared and recognized by patients. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, target exercise intensity information 311 is set based on information about the exercise rehabilitation prescribed for each patient, and the relationship between actual exercise intensity information 312 and target exercise intensity information 311 is displayed as relative exercise information 310 on the display unit of information terminal 220. Here, target exercise intensity information 311 may be based on information measured from the body, such as heart rate, respiratory rate, or sweat monitor, or may be based on treadmill speed information, exercise bike (registered trademark) rotation speed, or pedal load (weight) information. Specifically, if the prescribed information for exercise rehabilitation is an exercise intensity of 0 to 100%, the range of heart rates calculated using the Karvonen method from the patient's resting heart rate may be used as target exercise intensity information 311. Alternatively, if the prescribed information is a perceived level of exertion (Borg index), the range applicable to the Karvonen method may be used as target exercise intensity information 311. Furthermore, if cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) is available, load information from an exercise bike (registered trademark) or treadmill may be acquired as the patient's anaerobic threshold (AT), and this information may be used as target exercise intensity information 311. Furthermore, as for actual exercise intensity information 312, the intensity of the exercise currently being performed is displayed on screen 300 using an actual exercise indicator obtained by real-time measurement, as shown in FIG. 8 .

[0094] It is known that in the case of exercise rehabilitation for patients with heart failure, exercise intensity may not be reflected in heart rate depending on the patient's condition. In such cases, exercise intensity should not be displayed using heart rate. It is desirable to provide an input means to mark such patients, and for patients who have this input, exercise intensity based on heart rate should not be displayed. For example, it is desirable to construct a system that prohibits operation even if instructed by the operator.

[0095] This display format allows patients to confirm the relationship between target exercise intensity information 311, which indicates the target intensity range, and actual exercise intensity information 312, which indicates the current exercise intensity. For example, when performing exercise rehabilitation for a heart failure patient, excessive exercise loads should be strictly avoided. However, simply displaying heart rate and exercise intensity may lead to the patient overexerting themselves, aiming for a higher load due to a competitive spirit or a lack of understanding of appropriate rehabilitation. However, clearly displaying target exercise intensity information 311 can prevent such overexertion. Furthermore, although the prescribed exercise load format may differ depending on each patient's hospital, such conversion allows for a consistent display format, allowing patients participating in group activities to compare with each other and promote group activities. Note that while a simple linear exercise intensity scale is shown in this example, a game-like display may also be used to attract patients' attention. For example, a score may be displayed based on the proximity to the target intensity multiplied by the duration of the exercise. In addition, the display of the exercise intensity scale could be designed to encourage the athlete to maintain the target intensity range. For example, the target range could be displayed as land, and the rest as the sea. If the actual exercise intensity indicator is represented by an easily sympathetic character, it would be easier to understand intuitively that the athlete should maintain the land, and rehabilitation would be more enjoyable.

[0096] Next, a specific example of the relationship between medical professionals and participating patients at each connection point will be described.

[0097] As mentioned above, group matching and online activities may involve medical professionals, and control based on the medical professional's occupation is also necessary. Furthermore, in the case of exercise rehabilitation for heart failure, depending on the severity of the patient's symptoms, monitoring by a medical professional or assistant at the connection location may be required rather than an online connection. The participation of such medical professionals by occupation and connection location is explained below with reference to Figure 9.

[0098] Figure 9 shows an example of exercise rehabilitation for heart failure patients, conducted by connecting multiple facilities. A hospital rehabilitation room 401 is connected as the primary site A. At primary site A, patients and primary healthcare professionals who provide guidance and instruction for the entire online group activity participate. Primary healthcare professionals, such as doctors and physical therapists in the case of exercise rehabilitation, are ideally physicians and physical therapists with additional certifications, such as heart failure care instructors. Secondary sites B and C, for example, are connected via shared facilities at a senior housing facility 402 and a local clinic 403. Patients participating from these secondary sites participate in the activities under the guidance of the primary healthcare professionals at the primary site. However, due to the nature of heart failure, patients may be accompanied by a healthy individual in case of acute exacerbations, depending on the severity of their condition. In the example shown in Figure 9, patients are accompanied by a nurse resident at the senior housing facility 402 and a doctor working at the local clinic 403.

[0099] Here, the function of confirming medical staff and attendants will be explained.

[0100] For example, based on information indicating whether medical staff or attendants are available to accompany the patient, the setting function 102 sets up a group, or the connection function 103 performs an online connection.

[0101] For example, the connection function 103 may obtain information on whether a patient is accompanied by a medical professional or other attendant, and restrict online connections between the patient and other patients if the attendant is not present. For example, the connection function 103 may obtain information on whether a patient is accompanied by a medical professional by issuing an ID and password to each attendant and having the attendant enter these IDs and passwords. Alternatively, the connection function 103 may obtain information on whether a patient is accompanied by a medical professional by registering biometric information along with confirmation of credentials in advance and having the attendant confirm the biometric authentication method each time a group activity begins. In addition, if physical therapists or other personnel other than physicians are providing instruction and accompanying exercise rehabilitation for heart failure patients, the physician must be constantly contactable and able to respond immediately to emergencies. Confirming the presence of such a doctor may also be one of the processes performed by the connection function 103. Specifically, the connection function 103 may check whether a doctor is available and working at the same or a nearby hospital by connecting to each hospital's personnel management system. Furthermore, this point shall be confirmed by each base or the main base, and the connection function 103 may simply display a warning message or prompt the main medical staff or each attendant to enter a check.

[0102] Next, we will explain the restrictions on the number of medical professionals and attendants who can participate based on their occupation.

[0103] For example, the number of patients who can be instructed at one time or the number of patients who can be attended to at one time can be limited depending on the capabilities of the participating medical professionals and attendants. Information indicating capabilities clearly indicates occupational type such as doctor, physical therapist, nurse, etc., or certification related to the target disease such as heart failure medical care instructor, but information on each person's experience, personality, and other capabilities can also be used.

[0104] First, the setting function 102 sets up a group based on the capabilities of the medical professionals, or the connection function 103 establishes an online connection. For example, because a primary medical professional participating from a primary site must provide medical care to all patients at both the primary site and secondary sites, the number of participants in the entire online group activity is limited according to the primary medical professional's capabilities. Specifically, the number of patients who can participate is stored as 20 for cardiologists, 5 for other physicians, 8 for physical therapists certified as heart failure medical instructors, and 4 for other physical therapists. The setting function 102 controls matching, or the connection function 103 controls scheduling, so that the total number of patients participating in the group activity does not exceed this number. In the example shown in Figure 9, the primary medical professional at primary site A is a physical therapist certified for the target disease (heart failure medical instructor), so the total number of participants can be limited to 8. Since there are three patients participating from primary site A, up to five participants from other secondary sites can be accepted.

[0105] For example, among patients belonging to a group, patients participating from the main base A are instructed by a medical professional, while patients participating from the secondary bases B and C are instructed by their attendants. In this case, the connection function 103 limits the number of patients who can participate at the secondary bases B and C based on the attendant's capabilities. For example, for attendants participating from the secondary bases B and C, the number of participants at that base is limited based on their capabilities. Specifically, the number of participants at that base is set to five for non-specialist doctors and two for other non-specialist / non-physician medical professionals, and the setting function 102 controls matching or the connection function 103 controls scheduling so that the number of participating patients at the participating base does not exceed this limit. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the secondary base B is accompanied by a non-specialist nurse, so the limit is two patients, and the secondary base C is accompanied by a non-specialist doctor, so the limit is five patients. In FIG. 9, two patients are participating at the secondary base B and one patient is participating at the secondary base C, so the limit is met. Let us assume that the inclusion of five patients at secondary site C is prohibited because, although it meets the condition based on the accompanying person at secondary site C, it exceeds the total number of eight patients limited by the primary medical personnel.

[0106] As described above, in the group therapy online matching system 1 according to this embodiment, the analysis function 122 analyzes at least one piece of information regarding the patient's level of knowledge, interest, and execution of a predetermined behavior for each patient based on patient information about the multiple patients. The setting function 102 sets a group consisting of some of the multiple patients based on analysis information obtained by analyzing the above information. The connection function 103 establishes an online connection so that at least some of the patients belonging to the group can exchange information with other patients via the Internet. This enables effective group therapy tailored to the characteristics of patients in various environments.

[0107] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since a large number of people are involved through online connection, detailed group matching is possible, taking into account the proportion of people at each stage, personality, and disease information, resulting in more effective group therapy.

[0108] In addition, in this embodiment, medical professionals can participate in and monitor online group activities, making it possible to provide more detailed group coordination and appropriate guidance.

[0109] In addition, in this embodiment, the group therapy online matching system 1 according to this embodiment appropriately arranges group therapy, thereby reducing the burden on medical professionals. Also, online connection and group-based guidance allows for efficient use of medical professional resources to provide various types of guidance.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, matching is performed using information that does not allow the identification of individuals, so there are no concerns about personal information or ethics, and it is easy to use widely in many hospitals.

[0111] Note that the components of each device illustrated in the present embodiment are functional concepts and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that illustrated, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc. Furthermore, all or any part of the processing functions performed by each device can be realized by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or can be realized as hardware using wired logic.

[0112] Furthermore, the term "processor" used in the above description refers to circuits such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). If the processor is a CPU, for example, the processor realizes its functions by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit. On the other hand, if the processor is an ASIC, for example, the program is directly embedded in the processor circuit instead of storing the program in a memory circuit. Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit, but may be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function. Furthermore, multiple components in this embodiment may be integrated into a single processor to realize its function.

[0113] The method described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. This program can also be recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, flexible disk (FD), CD-ROM, MO, or DVD, and executed by being read from the recording medium by a computer.

[0114] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to set an effective group according to the user.

[0115] Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1. Group Therapy Online Matching System 102 Setting Function 103 Connection Function 122 Analysis functions

Claims

1. an analysis unit that determines a stage of human behavior in the behavioral change of a user by analyzing at least one piece of information regarding the user's level of knowledge, level of interest, and level of execution of a predetermined behavior for each user based on user information regarding the user; a setting unit that sets a group consisting of users in the first stage and users in the second stage as a portion of the plurality of users based on a predetermined ratio between users in a first stage and users in a second stage higher than the first stage; a connection unit that enables at least some of the users belonging to the group to make an online connection to exchange information with other users via the Internet; Equipped with The setting unit resets the group in accordance with a change in the stage. User matching system.

2. The user is a patient suffering from a disease, The user information includes medical information of the user created by a medical professional. The user matching system according to claim 1 .

3. The user information includes the user's answers to questions in a questionnaire.

3. The user matching system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a display processing unit that displays, via the online connection, the status of the activity of each user belonging to the group in association with the effect of the activity on a display unit; The user matching system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

5. the connection unit acquires, via the online connection, actual exercise intensity information relating to the intensity of the exercise being performed by each user belonging to the group and target exercise intensity information relating to a preset range of intensity of the exercise that the user should perform, and outputs relative exercise information indicating a relative relationship between the target exercise intensity information and the actual exercise intensity information to each user belonging to the group. The user matching system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The user information includes information regarding the user's personality tendencies toward cooperation or competition; The setting unit further sets the groups by changing the ranges of the level of knowledge, the level of interest, and the level of execution of the users that can be set in the same group according to the level of cooperation tendency or competition tendency of the users. The user matching system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The setting unit sets the group or the connection unit makes the online connection based on information indicating whether a medical professional can accompany the user. The user matching system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the setting unit sets the group or the connection unit performs the online connection based on the capabilities of the medical staff; The user matching system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Among the users belonging to the group, users participating from the main base are instructed by the medical staff, and users participating from the secondary base are instructed by their attendants, the connection unit limits the number of users who can participate at the secondary base based on the ability of the attendant. The user matching system according to claim 8.

10. The setting unit sets the number of users who can participate in the entire group based on whether the medical professional is a specialist or a non-specialist with respect to the user's disease, or the connection unit limits the number of users who can participate in the entire group. The user matching system according to claim 8.

11. The setting unit sets the number of users who can participate in the entire group, or the connection unit limits the number of users who can participate in the entire group, based on whether the medical professional is a physical therapist who is qualified as a physical therapist instructor for the disease of the user or is a physical therapist who is not qualified as a physical therapist instructor. The user matching system according to claim 8.

12. the analysis unit is provided in a plurality of medical facilities, converts first analysis information, which is analysis information obtained by analyzing the information, into second analysis information that cannot identify personal information of the user, and outputs the second analysis information; the setting unit sets the group based on the second analysis information output from the analysis unit of the plurality of medical facilities. The user matching system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images