Medical support system and medical support program

Abstract

To prevent patient misidentification.SOLUTION: A medical support system according to an embodiment comprises: an acquisition unit; an authentication unit; a checking unit; and a control unit. The acquisition unit acquires patient information on a patient to be inspected or treated. The authentication unit collates the patient information with authentication information to perform authentication processing for the patient. The checking unit checks whether the patient authenticated by the authentication unit and a subject scheduled to be inspected or scheduled to be treated match each other. The control unit controls, based on a result of checking performed by the checking unit, an inspection device or a treatment device based on information on the authenticated patient.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in the present specification and drawings relate to a medical support system and a medical support program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, examinations and treatments are performed according to a predetermined plan. For example, when performing intravascular treatment or X-ray angiography, medical staff select patients for the examination or treatment registered in the examination or treatment device based on the planned schedule, select the target area, protocol, etc., and then start the examination or treatment. Here, the above-mentioned patients include the subjects undergoing the examination and the subjects receiving the treatment.

[0003] For example, when performing radiation therapy, medical staff retrieve a series of treatment information for the patient scheduled for treatment from the treatment information system based on the planned schedule, then retrieve a treatment plan for the specific direction that should be treated first from that information and send it to the treatment device. The medical staff then go to the waiting room, verbally confirm the patient's identity, and escort them to the treatment room. Then, the medical staff place the patient on the treatment couch and begin treatment. When treatment is complete, the medical staff retrieves a treatment plan for the next direction and sends it to the treatment device. The medical staff continues this process until treatment from all directions is complete. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-115793 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 prevent patient mix-ups. However, the problems to be 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] A medical support system according to an embodiment includes an acquisition unit, an authentication unit, a confirmation unit, and a control unit. The acquisition unit acquires patient information about a patient who is a target of an examination or treatment. The authentication unit performs patient authentication processing by comparing the patient information with authentication information. The confirmation unit confirms whether the patient authenticated by the authentication unit matches the person scheduled for examination or treatment. The control unit controls an examination device or treatment device based on the authenticated patient information, based on the confirmation result by the confirmation unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a medical information processing apparatus and a terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by the medical support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by a medical support system according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a detailed description will be given of embodiments of the medical support system and medical support program according to the present application. Note that the medical support system and medical support program according to the present application are not limited to the embodiments shown below. Furthermore, the embodiments can be combined with other embodiments or conventional techniques as long as no inconsistency occurs in the processing content.

[0009] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medical support system 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the medical support system 100 according to the first embodiment includes an examination device 110, a treatment device 120, a terminal device 130, and a medical information processing device 140, which are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network 200. The medical support system 100 is also connected to a department system 300 via the network 200. For example, the medical support system 100 is constructed using an in-hospital LAN (Local Area Network) installed within a hospital.

[0010] The department systems 300 include various systems such as a Hospital Information System (HIS), a Radiology Information System (RIS), a diagnostic report system, a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), a Laboratory Information System (LIS), a rehabilitation department system, a dialysis department system, and a surgery department system. The medical support system 100 is connected to each of these department systems and exchanges various information with them. For example, the medical support system 100 exchanges patient information, examination information, treatment information, and the like with each department system.

[0011] The inspection device 110 is any of various devices that perform an inspection on a subject. For example, the inspection device 110 is an X-ray inspection device, an X-ray contrast inspection device (also called an X-ray intravascular treatment device), an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) device, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device, an ultrasound inspection device, an endoscopic inspection device, a SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) device, a PET (Positron Emission Computed Tomography) device, etc. In the inspection device 110 according to this embodiment, the start of inspection is controlled by the medical information processing device 140. The control of the start of inspection will be described in detail later.

[0012] The treatment device 120 is any of various devices that perform treatment on a subject. For example, the treatment device 120 is an X-ray intravascular treatment device, a radiation treatment device, etc. In the treatment device 120 according to this embodiment, the start of treatment is controlled by the medical information processing device 140. The control of the start of treatment will be described in detail later.

[0013] The terminal device 130 is a device into which various information is input and viewed by medical staff such as doctors and medical technicians working in a hospital. For example, the terminal device 130 is realized by a personal computer (PC), tablet PC, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), mobile phone, etc., operated by the medical staff. For example, the terminal device 130 displays patient information on its own display. Furthermore, for example, the terminal device 130 executes patient authentication processing. The processing by the terminal device 130 will be described in detail later.

[0014] The medical information processing device 140 acquires various pieces of information from the devices in the medical support system 100 and performs various types of information processing using the acquired information. For example, the medical information processing device 140 is realized by computer equipment such as a server, a workstation, or a personal computer.

[0015] Here, the medical support system 100 according to this embodiment prevents misidentification of patients during examinations and treatments. Specifically, the medical support system 100 authenticates patients based on patient information acquired from the patients and checks whether the patients match the examination schedule or treatment schedule, thereby preventing misidentification of patients during examinations and treatments. Note that the patient in this embodiment includes a subject undergoing an examination and a subject undergoing treatment.

[0016] As described above, when conducting an examination or treatment, medical staff typically verbally identify the patient and escort them to the examination or treatment room. If a mistake occurs during patient identification, such as a mishearing or misunderstanding, or if the patient identification process is neglected, it will take time to call the correct patient again, resulting in wasted time. Furthermore, if the mistake is not noticed before the examination or treatment begins, there is a risk that the wrong examination or treatment will be performed.

[0017] Therefore, in this embodiment, when escorting a patient to an examination room or treatment room, or during or after the escort, biometric information (hereinafter also referred to as patient biometric information) is acquired from the patient, and patient authentication is performed using the biometric information to confirm whether the patient matches the examination schedule or treatment schedule, thereby preventing patient mix-up during examination and treatment. Note that in this embodiment, a case where the above-mentioned processes are executed by the medical information processing device 140 and the terminal device 130 will be described as an example, but the embodiment is not limited to this and may be executed by any device in the medical support system 100.

[0018] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the medical information processing device 140 and the terminal device 130 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 130 includes a communication interface 131, an input interface 132, a display 133, a memory circuitry 134, and a processing circuitry 135.

[0019] The communication interface 131 is connected to the processing circuitry 135, and controls the transmission and communication of various data between the processing circuitry 135 and the medical information processing device 140 connected via the network 200. For example, the communication interface 131 is realized by a network card, a network adapter, a NIC (Network Interface Controller), or the like.

[0020] The input interface 132 is connected to the processing circuitry 135 and converts input operations received from an operator (medical professional) into electrical signals and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuitry 135. Specifically, the input interface 132 converts the input operations received from the operator into electrical signals and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuitry 135. For example, the input interface 132 may be realized by a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touchpad that performs input operations by touching the operation surface, a touchscreen that integrates a display screen and a touchpad, a non-contact input circuit using an optical sensor, a voice input circuit, or the like. Note that in this specification, the input interface 132 is not limited to those that include physical operation components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs the electrical signal to a control circuit is also included as an example of the input interface 132.

[0021] In this embodiment, the input interface 132 can acquire patient information. For example, the input interface 132 can acquire patient information from the medical information processing device 140 or the department system 300 via the communication interface 131. In this embodiment, the input interface 132 can also acquire patient biometric information. For example, the input interface 132 can acquire fingerprint information of a patient by scanning the patient's fingerprint with a touchpad or touchscreen, or acquire voiceprint information by receiving voice input from the patient via a voice input circuit. The acquired patient biometric information is transmitted to the medical information processing device 140 via the communication interface 131, and after authentication is performed by the medical information processing device 140, the schedule information is confirmed and the confirmation result is returned to the terminal device 130 via the communication interface 131.

[0022] The display 133 is connected to the processing circuitry 135 and displays various types of information and various types of image data output from the processing circuitry 135. For example, the display 133 is realized by a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a touch panel, etc. In this embodiment, for example, the display 133 displays patient information, patient confirmation results, etc.

[0023] The memory circuitry 134 is connected to the processing circuitry 135 and stores various data. For example, the memory circuitry 134 is realized by a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. As an example, the memory circuitry 134 stores patient information, patient confirmation results, etc.

[0024] The processing circuitry 135 controls each component of the terminal device 130 in response to an input operation received from an operator via the input interface 132. For example, the processing circuitry 135 is realized by a processor. In this embodiment, for example, the processing circuitry 135 stores the patient information received via the input interface 132 in the storage circuitry 134 and transmits the patient information to the medical information processing device 140 via the communication interface 131. The processing circuitry 135 also stores the patient confirmation result received from the medical information processing device 140 via the communication interface 131 in the storage circuitry 134 and displays the result on the display 133.

[0025] The terminal device 130 may be equipped with a camera, and can acquire a photograph of the patient taken by the camera as patient information. In such a case, the processing circuitry 135 stores the photograph of the patient taken by the camera in the memory circuitry 134 in response to an input operation on the input interface 132, and transmits the photograph to the medical information processing device 140.

[0026] The terminal devices 130 are placed in various departments and divisions within the hospital and are operated by medical staff such as doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, and administrative staff. When conducting examinations and treatments, the medical staff acquires patient information for each patient using the terminal devices 130. The terminal devices 130 transmit the acquired patient biometric information to the medical information processing device 140 and display the confirmation results received from the medical information processing device 140.

[0027] For example, the terminal device 130 is a tablet terminal carried by a medical staff member, and is operated to confirm the patient when the medical staff member goes to pick up the patient in the waiting room or when the patient enters an examination room or treatment room, thereby acquiring the patient's biometric information. As an example, the terminal device 130 acquires the patient's fingerprint information using a touch screen or touch monitor. The terminal device 130 also acquires the patient's voice using a voice input circuit or the like to acquire voiceprint information. The terminal device 130 also acquires a photograph of the patient's face using a camera. Note that the patient's biometric information is not limited to a single piece of information, and multiple pieces of information may be acquired.

[0028] Then, the terminal device 130 transmits the acquired patient biological information to the medical information processing device 140. The medical information processing device 140 authenticates the patient using the patient biological information received from the terminal device 130, compares the authentication result with the schedule information, and transmits the schedule confirmation result to the terminal device 130. The authentication process and schedule confirmation process by the medical information processing device 140 will be described in detail later.

[0029] For example, the terminal device 130 displays the name, facial photograph, and the like of the patient corresponding to the transmitted patient information on the display 133. The medical staff refers to the patient information displayed on the display 133 to confirm the next patient to be escorted to the examination room or treatment room. Furthermore, the terminal device 130 displays the schedule confirmation results received from the medical information processing device 140 on the display 133.

[0030] In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the patient authentication process and schedule confirmation process are performed by the medical information processing device 140. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the patient authentication process and schedule confirmation process may be performed by the terminal device 130. In such a case, the patient authentication process and schedule confirmation process, which will be described later, are executed by the processing circuitry 135 of the terminal device 130. In addition, in such a case, the terminal device 130 needs to obtain the patient authentication information and schedule from the medical information processing device 140 in advance. In this case, the schedule on the terminal device 130 needs to be changed in synchronization with a change in the schedule on the medical information processing device 140.

[0031] The medical information processing device 140 acquires various types of information from the examination device 110, the treatment device 120, and the terminal device 130, and performs various types of information processing using the acquired information. The medical information processing device 140 also transmits processing results to the terminal device 130 and controls the examination device 110 and the treatment device 120 according to the processing results. The medical information processing device 140 also acquires various types of information from the department system 300 and performs various types of information processing using the acquired information. The medical information processing device 140 is placed in an examination room or a treatment room, and is operated by medical staff. For example, the medical information processing device 140 is realized by computer equipment such as a server, a workstation, a personal computer, or a tablet terminal.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the medical information processing device 140 includes a communication interface 141, an input interface 142, a display 143, a storage circuitry 144, and a processing circuitry 145, and is connected to a biological information acquisition device 150.

[0033] The biometric information acquisition device 150 is a device that acquires biometric information of a patient. Specifically, the biometric information acquisition device 150 collects biometric information from the patient, which is data for patient authentication. For example, the biometric information acquisition device 150 is an infrared camera for acquiring iris information of the patient, a sensor for acquiring vein information of the patient, or a camera for taking a photograph of the patient's face. The biometric information acquisition device 150 may also include a scanner for acquiring fingerprint information of the patient, a voice input device for acquiring voiceprint information of the patient, or the like. The fingerprint information and voiceprint information may also be acquired by the input interface 142.

[0034] The communication interface 141 is connected to the processing circuitry 145 and controls communication between the various devices in the medical support system 100. Specifically, the communication interface 141 receives various types of information from the various devices and outputs the received information to the processing circuitry 145. For example, the communication interface 141 is realized by a network card, a network adapter, a NIC (Network Interface Controller), or the like.

[0035] The input interface 142 is connected to the processing circuit 145 and accepts various instructions and information input operations from an operator. Specifically, the input interface 142 converts the input operations accepted by the operator into electrical signals and outputs them to the processing circuit 145. For example, the input interface 142 may be realized by a trackball, switch buttons, a mouse, a keyboard, a touchpad that performs input operations by touching the operation surface, a touchscreen that integrates a display screen and a touchpad, a non-contact input circuit using an optical sensor, a voice input circuit, etc. Note that, in this specification, the input interface 142 is not limited to those that include physical operation components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an example of the input interface 142 also includes an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs this electrical signal to a control circuit. Note that, in this embodiment, the input interface 142 can also acquire patient biometric information. For example, the input interface 142 can acquire patient fingerprint information by scanning the patient's fingerprint with a touchpad or touchscreen, or acquire patient voiceprint information by receiving the patient's voice input with a voice input circuit.

[0036] The display 143 is connected to the processing circuitry 145 and displays various types of information and images. Specifically, the display 143 converts information and image data sent from the processing circuitry 145 into an electrical signal for display and outputs it. For example, the display 143 is realized by a liquid crystal display, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a touch panel, or the like. In this embodiment, for example, the display 143 displays patient information, patient authentication results, schedule confirmation results, and the like.

[0037] The memory circuitry 144 is connected to the processing circuitry 145 and stores various types of data. Specifically, the memory circuitry 144 stores various types of information received from the terminal device 130 and the department system 300, information input via the input interface 142, information acquired by the biometric information acquisition device 150, processing results of the medical information processing device 140, etc. For example, the memory circuitry 144 stores authentication information 1441 and schedule information 1442, as shown in FIG. 2 .

[0038] The authentication information 1441 includes patient information acquired in advance from each patient. Specifically, the authentication information is biometric information acquired in advance from each patient. For example, the authentication information 1441 includes information about the patient's vein pattern, information about the iris pattern, fingerprint information, voiceprint information, and a facial image of the patient. This information is acquired in advance by the input interface 132, the input interface 142, and the biometric information acquisition device 150 of the terminal device 130, and is stored in the memory circuitry 144 in association with information for identifying the patient (e.g., a patient ID). In other words, the authentication information 1441 is data initially collected from the patient and is compared with patient biometric information each time for patient authentication. When this information matches the patient biometric information, the patient is authenticated as a specific patient. Furthermore, this information is acquired for each examination and treatment, and is compared with information for identifying the patient.

[0039] The schedule information 1442 includes an examination schedule and a treatment schedule. For example, the schedule information 1442 is information indicating what kind of examination will be performed on which patient in an examination room. For example, the schedule information 1442 is information in which the contents of the examination are associated with information identifying the patient. Furthermore, the schedule information 1442 is information in which the contents of the treatment will be performed on which patient in a treatment room. For example, the schedule information 1442 is information in which the contents of the treatment are associated with information identifying the patient.

[0040] Here, the schedule information 1442 can also include information on instruments, devices, etc. used in examinations and treatments. For example, the schedule information 1442 can include information on catheters used in angiography, information on fixation devices used in radiation therapy, information on instruments and devices used in surgical operations, etc.

[0041] The storage circuitry 144 also stores various programs for implementing various functions by being read and executed by the processing circuitry 145. For example, the storage circuitry 144 is implemented by a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like.

[0042] The processing circuitry 145 controls the operation of the medical information processing device 140 in response to an input operation received from an operator via the input interface 142. For example, the processing circuitry 145 is realized by a processor. As shown in FIG. 2, the processing circuitry 145 executes a control function 1451, an acquisition function 1452, an authentication function 1453, and a confirmation function 1454. Here, the control function 1451 is an example of a control unit. The acquisition function 1452 is an example of an acquisition unit. The authentication function 1453 is an example of an authentication unit. The confirmation function 1454 is an example of a confirmation unit.

[0043] The control function 1451 controls the execution of processes in response to various requests input via the input interface 142. For example, the control function 1451 controls the transmission and reception of information via the communication interface 141, the storage of information in the memory circuit 144, the processing in the processing circuit 145, the display of information (for example, authentication information, authentication results, etc.) on the display 143, etc.

[0044] Furthermore, the control function 1451 controls the examination device 110 or the treatment device 120 based on the authenticated patient information, based on the confirmation result by the confirmation function 1454. Furthermore, the control function 1451 controls the start of examination or treatment for the authenticated patient, based on the confirmation result by the confirmation function 1454. Specifically, the control function 1451 controls the start of examination by the examination device 110 when the authenticated patient matches the person scheduled for examination. Furthermore, the control function 1451 controls the start of treatment by the treatment device 120 when the authenticated patient matches the person scheduled for treatment.

[0045] The acquisition function 1452 acquires patient information and patient biometric information of a patient who is the subject of an examination or treatment. Specifically, the acquisition function 1452 can acquire patient information from the department system 300. The acquisition function 1452 also acquires patient biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition device 150 and patient biometric information acquired by the input interface 142. Furthermore, the acquisition function 1452 acquires patient biometric information acquired by the terminal device 130. For example, the acquisition function 1452 acquires biometric information including at least one of a face image, vein information, fingerprint information, iris information, and voice information (voiceprint information).

[0046] The authentication function 1453 performs patient authentication processing by comparing patient information with authentication information. Specifically, the authentication function 1453 performs patient authentication processing by comparing the patient's biometric information acquired by the acquisition function 1452 with the authentication information stored in the storage circuit 144. For example, the authentication function 1453 reads corresponding authentication information from the storage circuit 144 based on the patient IDs of multiple subjects of an examination (or treatment), and compares the read authentication information with the patient's biometric information acquired by the acquisition function 1452 to perform patient authentication processing.

[0047] For example, the authentication function 1453 reads out from the storage circuit 144, as authentication information, information that is the same as the biometric information acquired by the acquisition function 1452, based on the patient IDs of multiple subjects scheduled for examination (or treatment). Then, the authentication function 1453 compares the biometric information acquired by the acquisition function 1452 with the read authentication information to determine whether the patient whose biometric information was acquired matches the read authentication information. If they do not match, the authentication function 1453 reads out from the storage circuit 144 other authentication information acquired by the acquisition function 1452 and determines whether it matches the read authentication information. By repeating this process for all authentication information, the authentication function 1453 recognizes the identity of the patient whose biometric information was acquired.

[0048] Here, the authentication function 1453 can perform patient authentication processing using one or more pieces of authentication information. For example, the authentication function 1453 can authenticate a patient by collating one piece of information from among a face image, vein information, fingerprint information, iris information, and voice information (voiceprint information). Also, for example, the authentication function 1453 can authenticate a patient by collating two or more pieces of information from among a face image, vein information, fingerprint information, iris information, and voice information (voiceprint information).

[0049] When the authentication function 1453 performs the patient authentication process, the control function 1451 controls the display 143 or the display 133 of the terminal device 130 to display the authentication result. For example, the control function 1451 causes the display 143 or the display 133 to display the patient's name and facial photograph.

[0050] The confirmation function 1454 confirms whether the patient authenticated by the authentication function 1453 matches the subject of the scheduled examination or treatment. Specifically, the confirmation function 1454 confirms whether the patient authenticated by the authentication function 1453 is a patient in accordance with the examination schedule (or treatment schedule). For example, the confirmation function 1454 refers to the schedule information 1442 to acquire information on the subject of the next examination (or the next treatment). Then, the confirmation function 1454 determines whether the patient authenticated by the authentication function 1453 is a subject of the next examination (or the next treatment).

[0051] Here, if the patient authenticated by the authentication function 1453 is a scheduled subject, the control function 1451 controls the start of an examination by the examination device 110 or the start of treatment by the treatment device 120. Specifically, the control function 1451 acquires examination information from the department system 300, and based on the acquired examination information, transmits information such as a protocol, patient information, and target area selection for the examination device 110, and starts the examination. The control function 1451 also acquires treatment information from the department system 300, and based on the acquired treatment information, transmits information such as a treatment plan to the treatment device 120, and starts the treatment.

[0052] On the other hand, if the patient authenticated by the authentication function 1453 is not a patient according to the schedule, the control function 1451 controls the display 133 or 143 of the terminal device 130 to display a warning.

[0053] An example of processing by the medical support system 100 will be described below with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure by the medical support system 100 according to the first embodiment. Here, step S100 in FIG. 3 is realized, for example, by the processing circuitry 145 reading a program corresponding to the control function 1451 from the storage circuitry 144 and executing it. Step S101 is realized, for example, by the processing circuitry 145 reading a program corresponding to the acquisition function 1452 from the storage circuitry 144 and executing it. Furthermore, step S102 is realized, for example, by the processing circuitry 145 reading a program corresponding to the authentication function 1453 from the storage circuitry 144 and executing it. Furthermore, step S103 is realized, for example, by the processing circuitry 145 reading a program corresponding to the verification function 1454 from the storage circuitry 144 and executing it. Furthermore, steps S104 to S106 are realized, for example, by the processing circuitry 145 reading a program corresponding to the control function 1451 from the storage circuitry 144 and executing it.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, in the medical support system 100 according to the first embodiment, the control function 1451 refers to the schedule information and displays information about the next patient to be examined or treated on the display 133 of the terminal device 130 and the display 143 of the medical information processing device 140 (step S100). The acquisition function 1452 acquires patient biometric information (step S101). The authentication function 1453 then executes authentication processing by comparing the acquired patient biometric information with the authentication information (step S102). The control function 1451 also refers to the schedule information and checks whether the authenticated patient is the next patient to be examined or treated (S103). If they match, the control function 1451 acquires the necessary information about the examination or treatment device (S104) and starts the examination or treatment (S105). If they do not match, a warning is displayed on the display 133 of the terminal device 130 and the display 143 of the medical information processing device 140 (S106).

[0055] For example, the control function 1451 displays data (such as name) of a subject who is scheduled for a test or treatment on the display 143 or the display 133 of the terminal device 130. Based on the displayed information, the medical staff goes to the waiting room to pick up the patient and escorts the patient to the examination room or treatment room. Here, the medical staff acquires the patient's biometric information when they come into contact with the patient, when the patient enters the room, or immediately after entering the room, and executes authentication processing.

[0056] For example, as an acquisition function, the medical staff goes to the waiting room carrying the terminal device 130 and acquires the patient's biometric information in the waiting room. As one example, the medical staff may ask the patient to look at the camera of the terminal device 130 and capture a picture of the patient's face to acquire a facial image, ask the patient to touch part of the touch screen or capture a picture of the patient's finger with the camera to acquire fingerprint information, or ask the patient to speak to acquire voiceprint information.

[0057] Also, for example, medical staff acquire biometric information of a patient who enters an examination room or treatment room. For example, the medical staff acquires facial images, fingerprint information, and voiceprint information in the same manner as the biometric information acquired by the terminal device 130. Furthermore, the medical staff acquires vein information and iris information of the patient using the biometric information acquisition device 150.

[0058] Alternatively, for example, a facial image of a patient may be obtained by taking a photograph of the patient entering an examination room or treatment room with a camera. Alternatively, for example, the patient may be asked for their name, and the name spoken by the patient may be converted into text information using voice recognition technology, and then the patient's name may be confirmed.

[0059] The acquisition function 1452 acquires the patient's biometric information through the above-described method and sends the acquired biometric information to the authentication function 1453. The authentication function 1453 compares the patient's biometric information received from the acquisition function 1452 with the authentication information 1441 and executes authentication processing. Here, the control function 1451 displays the authentication result (for example, the name and face image of the authenticated patient) on the display 133 or the display 143.

[0060] As described above, after acquiring the patient's biometric information and executing the authentication process, the confirmation function 1454 determines whether the authenticated patient matches the schedule (step S103). For example, the confirmation function 1454 acquires information about the next examination (or treatment) and compares it with the authenticated patient to determine whether the authenticated patient matches the schedule.

[0061] If the authenticated patient matches the schedule (step S103, YES), the control function 1451 acquires examination information or treatment information (step S104) and starts the examination or treatment (step S105). If the authenticated patient does not match the schedule (step S103, NO), the control function 1451 outputs a warning (step S106).

[0062] For example, if the authenticated patient matches the examination schedule, the control function 1451 acquires examination information from the department system 300, selects an examination protocol, an examination target area, etc. based on the acquired information, and sets conditions in the examination device 110 by transmitting the selected information to the examination device 110. Then, the control function 1451 starts the examination in the examination device 110. Also, for example, if the authenticated patient matches the treatment schedule, the control function 1451 acquires treatment information from the department system 300, selects a treatment protocol, an examination target area, etc. based on the acquired information, and transmits the selected information to the treatment device 120 to set conditions in the treatment device 120. Then, the control function 1451 starts the treatment in the treatment device 120.

[0063] Furthermore, for example, if the authenticated patient matches the radiation therapy schedule, the control function 1451 opens the treatment data for each irradiation direction on the radiation therapy information system by calling up the patient's treatment information from the radiation therapy information system in the department system 300. Then, the control function 1451 selects the treatment data for each irradiation direction and sends it to the radiation therapy device in the treatment device 120 to start the treatment.

[0064] Then, when treatment in one direction is completed, the control function 1451 transmits a treatment plan for the next direction to the radiation therapy device and controls the radiation therapy device to perform the treatment. The control function 1451 repeats this process until treatment in all directions is completed. Note that, although the above example describes the case where data is sent for each direction, the control function 1451 can also transmit the treatment data to the radiation therapy device in a batch in accordance with the treatment order, and the radiation therapy device can perform treatment sequentially accordingly.

[0065] In addition, the control function 1451 can also perform control to execute patient selection in the radiation therapy information system and display a treatment beam selection screen when the authenticated patient matches the radiation therapy schedule.

[0066] In this way, the medical support system 100 can authenticate patients using their biometric information, and after confirming that the authenticated patient is a patient according to the schedule, control is made so that examinations and treatments are carried out, thereby preventing patient mix-ups.

[0067] (Variation) In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which an examination or treatment was performed using one device. Below, a case in which an examination or treatment was performed using multiple devices will be described. In a hospital workflow, a single examination is rarely completed; for example, a diagnosis requires multiple examinations, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans, before a diagnosis is confirmed. Therefore, preventing such patient mix-ups may not be sufficient if performed in only one device, one examination room, or one treatment room; similar functionality must be implemented in all or particularly closely related examination rooms and treatment rooms. In other words, patient mix-ups are prevented so that examinations and treatments are performed on patients who at least match the patient information and schedule during a series of examinations and treatments.

[0068] In such a case, the control function 1451 associates the biometric information of the subject acquired during the examination or treatment with the examination result and the treatment result as authentication information and stores it in the memory circuitry 144. For example, the control function 1451 associates the biometric information acquired to authenticate the patient during an X-ray examination with the examination result of the X-ray examination and stores it in the memory circuitry 144.

[0069] Then, when authenticating a patient for the next examination or treatment, the authentication function 1453 compares the biometric information acquired by the acquisition function 1452 with authentication information acquired in advance before the X-ray examination. The confirmation function 1454 refers to schedule information and determines whether the authenticated patient matches the schedule. In other words, when the patient whose biometric information has been acquired matches the authentication information of the patient to be examined or treated next, the confirmation function 1454 determines that the patient is the patient to be examined or treated next.

[0070] An example of processing by the medical support system 100 according to the modified example will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure by the medical support system 100 according to the modified example. Fig. 4 shows processing when treatment is performed after an examination. Steps S200 to S205 and S207 in Fig. 4 are the same as steps S100 to S106 in Fig. 3, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0071] 4 is realized, for example, by the processing circuitry 145 reading out a program corresponding to the control function 1451 from the storage circuitry 144 and executing the program. Step S209 is realized, for example, by the processing circuitry 145 reading out a program corresponding to the acquisition function 1452 from the storage circuitry 144 and executing the program. Furthermore, step S210 is realized, for example, by the processing circuitry 145 reading out a program corresponding to the authentication function 1453 from the storage circuitry 144 and executing the program. Furthermore, step S211 is realized, for example, by the processing circuitry 145 reading out a program corresponding to the confirmation function 1454 from the storage circuitry 144 and executing the program. Furthermore, steps S212 to S215 are realized, for example, by the processing circuitry 145 reading out a program corresponding to the control function 1451 from the storage circuitry 144 and executing the program.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 4, in the medical support system 100 according to the first embodiment, once an examination is performed in steps S201 to S205, a treatment plan is executed (step S206).

[0073] For example, in the case of radiation therapy, treatment planning CT images or treatment planning MRI images are acquired by a treatment planning CT device or a treatment planning MRI device during planning. In the treatment planning, the treatment planning device executes the treatment plan based on the treatment planning CT images or treatment planning MRI images. Here, the control function 1451 associates the patient's biological information acquired in step S201 with the treatment plan and the treatment planning CT images or treatment planning MRI images used in the treatment plan, and stores them in the memory circuitry 144.

[0074] Thereafter, during treatment, the acquisition function 1452 acquires the patient's biometric information (step S209), and the authentication function 1453 executes authentication processing by collating the acquired patient's biometric information with the authentication information (step S210).

[0075] For example, the control function 1451 displays data (such as name) of the subject who will be scheduled for radiation therapy on the display 143 or the display 133 of the terminal device 130 (step S208). Based on the displayed information, the medical staff goes to the waiting room to pick up the patient and escorts the patient to the radiation therapy room. Here, the medical staff acquires the patient's biometric information when they come into contact with the patient, when the patient enters the room, or immediately after entering the room, just as during an examination (step S209), and executes authentication processing (step S210).

[0076] As described above, after acquiring the patient's biometric information and executing the authentication process, the confirmation function 1454 determines whether the authenticated patient matches the treatment schedule (step S211). For example, the confirmation function 1454 acquires information about the next radiation treatment and compares it with the authenticated patient to determine whether the authenticated patient matches the schedule.

[0077] If the authenticated patient matches the schedule (step S211, YES), the control function 1451 acquires the matching treatment plan (step S212), acquires treatment information (step S214), and starts radiation treatment (step S215). If the authenticated patient does not match the schedule (step S211, NO), the control function 1451 outputs a warning (step S213).

[0078] In this way, the medical support system 100 according to the modified example authenticates patients using their biometric information and confirms that the authenticated patients are in line with the schedule, thereby preventing mix-ups of patients and errors in reference data during a series of examinations and treatments.

[0079] For example, in radiation therapy, image data used in treatment planning is used for alignment during treatment. Also, in interventions and surgical operations, image data used in examinations and diagnoses is used as a reference image. Therefore, the medical support system 100 can prevent errors related to such data.

[0080] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the acquisition function 1452 acquires patient information about a patient who will be examined or treated. The authentication function 1453 performs patient authentication processing by comparing the patient information with authentication information. The confirmation function 1454 confirms whether the patient authenticated by the authentication function 1453 matches the person scheduled for examination or treatment. The control function 1451 controls the examination device 110 or the treatment device 120 based on the authenticated patient information, based on the confirmation result by the confirmation function 1454. Furthermore, the control function 1451 controls the start of examination or treatment for the authenticated patient, based on the confirmation result by the confirmation function 1454. Therefore, the medical support system 100 according to the first embodiment can prevent patient mix-ups during examination or treatment. Furthermore, by starting examination or treatment based on correct patient information, the medical support system 100 can eliminate steps for medical staff and improve workflow.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the acquisition function 1452 acquires biometric information including at least one of a patient's facial image, vein information, fingerprint information, iris information, and voice information. The authentication function 1453 authenticates the patient by comparing the biometric information with corresponding authentication information. Therefore, the medical support system 100 according to the first embodiment can perform authentication processing using information unique to the patient, enabling accurate judgment.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the display 133 and the display 143 display the patient name or face image, or both, from the patient information acquired by the acquisition function 1452. Furthermore, the display 133 and the display 143 display the patient name or face image, or both, of the patient authenticated by the authentication function 1453. This reduces the chance of escorting the wrong patient to an examination room or treatment room. Furthermore, the medical support system 100 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to immediately present the patient authentication result even if an error is made.

[0083] According to the first embodiment, the display 133 is a display of a mobile terminal. Therefore, the medical support system 100 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to authenticate a patient anywhere in a hospital.

[0084] According to a modified example, patient biometric information is acquired from the patient for each examination and treatment. The authentication function 1453 performs patient authentication processing by comparing the authentication information acquired in advance by the acquisition function 1452 with the patient biometric information acquired for each examination and treatment. Therefore, the medical support system 100 according to the modified example makes it possible to prevent patient mix-ups and errors in reference data during a series of examinations and treatments.

[0085] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, when an authenticated patient matches a subject scheduled for examination, the control function 1451 selects at least one of an examination protocol and a target region based on the examination information, and transmits the selected information to the examination device. Furthermore, when an authenticated patient matches a subject scheduled for treatment, the control function 1451 selects at least one of a treatment protocol and a target region based on the treatment information, and transmits the selected information to the treatment device. Therefore, the medical support system 100 according to the first embodiment enables improvement of the workflow in examination and treatment.

[0086] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, when an authenticated patient matches a person scheduled for radiation therapy, the control function 1451 executes patient selection in the radiation therapy system and controls the display of a treatment beam selection screen. Therefore, the medical support system 100 according to the first embodiment can improve the workflow in radiation therapy.

[0087] According to the first embodiment, the control function 1451 controls to output a warning when the authenticated patient does not match the person scheduled for radiation therapy. Therefore, the medical support system 100 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to notify the user of a misidentified patient.

[0088] (Other embodiments) Although the first embodiment has been described above, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms other than the first embodiment described above.

[0089] In the above-described embodiment, the medical information processing device 140 executes various processes. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and may be executed by the terminal device 130, for example. In such a case, the processing circuitry 135 executes the same functions as the processing circuitry 145.

[0090] In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which a warning is output when the authenticated patient does not match the person scheduled for testing. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, in an emergency, the control function 1451 can also control the testing device 110 and the treatment device 120 to start an emergency test without inputting the patient name, patient ID, etc. As an example, when there is no response to the output warning, the control function 1451 determines that an emergency has occurred and controls the testing device 110 and the treatment device 120 to start an emergency test.

[0091] Additionally, for example, if the authenticated patient does not match the person scheduled for examination, the control function 1451 can also control the department system 300 to further obtain the latest examination information or treatment information related to the examination schedule.

[0092] In the above-described modified example, the authentication information linked to images, examination and treatment plan data, etc. is compared with biometric information. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the authentication information linked to an instrument used in an examination or treatment may be compared with biometric information. In such a case, when the instrument (e.g., a catheter, a stent, a fixation device manufactured specifically for the patient, etc.) to be used in the examination or treatment is determined, the control function 1451 associates the biometric information acquired from the patient with information about the instrument and stores the information in the memory circuitry 144. Note that the instrument may be identified by a barcode or the like on the instrument.

[0093] The authentication function 1453 checks the biometric information acquired from the patient during the examination or treatment in which the instruments are used against the authentication information linked to the instruments to determine whether the patient matches the prepared instruments (whether the instruments are correct). This allows the instruments to be checked in advance, preventing mistakes.

[0094] In the above-described embodiment, the processing functions of the processing circuitry 145 have been described. Here, for example, the above-described processing functions are stored in the storage circuitry 144 in the form of programs executable by a computer. The processing circuitry 145 reads each program from the storage circuitry 144 and executes the read program to realize the processing function corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuitry 145 in a state in which each program has been read has the processing functions shown in FIG. 2.

[0095] 2 illustrates an example in which each processing function is realized by a single processing circuit 145, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the processing circuit 145 may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize each processing function. Furthermore, each processing function of the processing circuit 145 may be realized by being distributed or integrated as appropriate across a single or multiple processing circuits.

[0096] Furthermore, the term "processor" used in the description of each of the above-mentioned embodiments refers to a circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), 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)). Here, instead of storing a program in a memory circuit, the program may be directly embedded in the processor circuit. In this case, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. Furthermore, each processor in the present 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.

[0097] Here, the program executed by the processor is provided in advance in a read-only memory (ROM) or storage unit. The program may be provided in a format installable or executable by these devices and stored on a computer-readable storage medium such as a compact disk (CD)-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a recordable CD-R, or a digital versatile disk (DVD). The program may also be provided or distributed by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. For example, the program may be composed of modules including each functional unit. In actual hardware, a CPU reads and executes the program from a storage medium such as a ROM, whereby each module is loaded into a main memory device and generated on the main memory device.

[0098] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to prevent the mix-up of patients.

[0099] 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]

[0100] 100 Medical Support System 110 Inspection equipment 120 Treatment equipment 130 Terminal Equipment 140 Medical information processing equipment 143 Display 1451 Control Function 1452 Acquisition Function 1453 Authentication Function 1454 Confirmation Function

Claims

1. a storage unit that stores authentication information including a facial image of a patient who is a target of radiation therapy, and information associated with the authentication information, the information relating to a fixing tool to be used when the radiation therapy is performed; an acquisition unit that acquires patient information including a facial image of the patient captured by a camera; an identification unit that identifies authentication information including a facial image corresponding to the facial image acquired by the acquisition unit from among a plurality of pieces of authentication information stored in the storage unit; a control unit that displays, on a display unit, a face image and a name of the patient corresponding to the authentication information identified by the identification unit; a determination unit that determines, based on information about a fixation device stored in the storage unit, whether a fixation device prepared as a fixation device to be used in the radiation therapy to be performed matches the patient corresponding to the authentication information identified by the identification unit; Equipped with The control unit causes the display unit to display the determination result of the determination unit. A medical support system characterized by:

2. The determination unit determines whether the prepared fixation device matches the patient corresponding to the authentication information identified by the identification unit, based on information about the fixation device stored in the memory unit and information corresponding to the prepared fixation device.

2. The medical support system according to claim 1.

3. the control unit causes the radiotherapy device to perform the radiotherapy when the prepared fixing tool matches the patient corresponding to the authentication information identified by the identification unit.

3. The medical support system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the control unit displays a warning on the display unit when the prepared fixing tool does not match the patient corresponding to the authentication information identified by the identification unit.

4. The medical support system according to claim 1, wherein:

5. the acquiring unit acquires, from the mobile terminal, patient information including a facial image of the patient captured by the camera provided in the mobile terminal; The display unit of the mobile terminal displays the patient information transmitted by the mobile terminal to the acquisition unit.

5. The medical support system according to claim 1, wherein:

6. the acquiring unit acquires, from the mobile terminal, patient information including a facial image of the patient captured by the camera provided in the mobile terminal; The display unit of the mobile terminal displays the identification result by the identification unit.

6. The medical support system according to claim 1, wherein:

7. the acquiring unit acquires, from the mobile terminal, patient information including a facial image of the patient captured by the camera provided in the mobile terminal; The display unit of the mobile terminal displays the determination result by the determination unit.

7. The medical support system according to claim 1, wherein:

8. The storage unit further stores schedule information regarding the radiation therapy plan, the determination unit acquires information on a next treatment target based on the schedule information, and determines whether the patient corresponding to the authentication information identified by the identification unit is the next treatment target.

8. The medical support system according to claim 1, wherein:

9. The control unit displays a warning on the display unit when the patient corresponding to the authentication information identified by the identification unit is not the next treatment target.

9. The medical support system according to claim 8.

10. The control unit, when there is no response to the warning displayed on the display unit, forcibly causes the radiotherapy device to perform the radiotherapy.

10. The medical support system according to claim 9.

11. The control unit obtains the latest schedule information regarding the planned radiation therapy when the patient corresponding to the authentication information identified by the identification unit is not the next treatment target.

9. The medical support system according to claim 8.

12. When the patient corresponding to the authentication information identified by the identification unit is the next patient to be treated, the control unit selects setting conditions including a treatment protocol and a treatment target area based on the treatment information of the patient, sets the selected setting conditions in the radiation therapy device, and starts the radiation therapy.

9. The medical support system according to claim 8.

13. When the patient corresponding to the authentication information identified by the identification unit is the next treatment target, the control unit displays a treatment beam selection screen on the display unit for selecting a treatment beam for the patient.

9. The medical support system according to claim 8.

14. an acquisition function for acquiring patient information including a facial image of the patient taken by a camera; a specifying function for specifying authentication information including a facial image corresponding to the facial image acquired by the acquiring function from among a plurality of pieces of authentication information stored in a storage unit that stores authentication information including a facial image of a patient who is a target of radiation therapy and information related to the authentication information and related to a fixing device to be used when the radiation therapy is performed; a control function for displaying on a display unit a face image and a name of a patient corresponding to the authentication information identified by the identification function; a determination function that determines whether a fixation device prepared as a fixation device to be used in the radiation therapy to be performed matches the patient corresponding to the authentication information identified by the identification function, based on information about the fixation device stored in the storage unit; on the computer, The control function causes the display unit to display the determination result of the determination function.

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