Alarm device, alarm method, and program

Abstract

To reduce the possibility of a symptom of cardiac failure aggravation being overlooked.SOLUTION: An alarm device comprises: a storage unit that stores a reference measurement value obtained by measuring the body weight of a patient with cardiac failure at a reference date / time; and a control unit that acquires a first measurement value obtained by measuring the weight of the patient at a first date / time later than the reference date / time and a second measurement value obtained by measuring the body weight of the patient at a second date / time later than the first date / time, determines whether or not a change from the acquired first measurement value to the acquired second measurement value satisfies a first alarm criterion, outputs an alarm when it is determined that the first alarm criterion is satisfied, determines whether or not a change from the reference measurement value stored in the storage unit to the second measurement value satisfies a second alarm criterion, and outputs the alarm when it is determined that the second alarm criterion is satisfied, in spite of the fact that it is not determined that the first alarm criterion is satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an alarm device, an alarm method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a system for determining heart failure status using information regarding user selection of heart failure symptoms such as dyspnea, edema, or weight change, information regarding user selection of abnormal psychological conditions, and information regarding physiological patient status parameters. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2012-502752 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a heart failure patient experiences a sudden weight change, such as a 2 kg weight gain in one week, this may indicate a worsening of heart failure and require treatment or medical attention. Even if the weight change is not sudden, an unusual weight change may also require treatment or medical attention. In other words, when a weight change occurs, the need for treatment or medical attention depends on the type of change. However, conventional systems do not take into account the type of weight change, making it difficult to accurately assess the state of heart failure. As a result, signs of worsening heart failure may be overlooked.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the likelihood that signs of worsening heart failure will be overlooked. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An alarm device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a memory unit that stores reference measurement values ​​obtained by measuring the weight of a patient with heart failure on a reference date and time; a first measurement value obtained by measuring the weight of the patient on a first date and time that is later than the reference date and time; and a second measurement value obtained by measuring the weight of the patient on a second date and time that is later than the first date and time. The alarm device determines whether a change from the first measurement value to the second measurement value satisfies a first alarm criterion, and outputs an alarm if it is determined that the first alarm criterion is satisfied. The alarm device also includes a control unit that determines whether a change from the reference measurement value stored in the memory unit to the second measurement value satisfies a second alarm criterion, and outputs the alarm if it is determined that the second alarm criterion is satisfied, even if it is not determined that the first alarm criterion is satisfied.

[0007] In one embodiment, the control unit determines that the first warning criterion is met if the increase or rate of increase from the first measurement value to the second measurement value is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and determines that the first warning criterion is not met if the increase or rate of increase from the first measurement value to the second measurement value is less than the first threshold.

[0008] In one embodiment, the control unit determines that the second warning criterion is met if the increase or rate of increase from the reference measurement value to the second measurement value is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, and determines that the second warning criterion is not met if the increase or rate of increase from the reference measurement value to the second measurement value is less than the second threshold value.

[0009] In one embodiment, the second date and time is within one week of the first date and time.

[0010] In one embodiment, the reference date and time is the date and time of discharge of the patient from the hospital.

[0011] In one embodiment, when the control unit acquires an updated value of the reference measurement value, the control unit rewrites the reference measurement value stored in the storage unit with the acquired updated value.

[0012] In one embodiment, the control unit compares the second measurement value with the reference measurement value, and when it determines that the second measurement value is smaller than the reference measurement value, it determines an update value for the reference measurement value and rewrites the reference measurement value stored in the memory unit with the determined update value.

[0013] In one embodiment, the control unit further acquires multiple measurement values ​​obtained by measuring the patient's weight on multiple dates and times prior to the first date and time, performs a regression analysis using the acquired multiple measurement values, the first measurement value, and the second measurement value as dependent variables and the elapsed period as an independent variable, determines whether the result of the regression analysis satisfies a third alarm criterion, and if it determines that the third alarm criterion is met, outputs an alarm different from the alarm.

[0014] In one embodiment, the control unit determines that the third warning criterion is met if the regression coefficient obtained as a result of the regression analysis is less than or equal to a third threshold, and determines that the third warning criterion is not met if the regression coefficient exceeds the third threshold.

[0015] In one embodiment, the baseline measurement, the first measurement, and the second measurement are measurements of the patient's body surface area.

[0016] In one embodiment, the reference date and time, the first date and time, and the second date and time are in the same time zone.

[0017] An alarm method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is one in which a computer stores reference measurement values ​​obtained by measuring the weight of a patient with heart failure on a reference date and time, acquires a first measurement value obtained by measuring the weight of the patient on a first date and time that is later than the reference date and time, and a second measurement value obtained by measuring the weight of the patient on a second date and time that is later than the first date and time, determines whether the change from the acquired first measurement value to the acquired second measurement value satisfies a first alarm criterion, and if the computer determines that the first alarm criterion is met, outputs an alarm, and determines whether the change from the stored reference measurement value to the second measurement value satisfies a second alarm criterion, and if the computer determines that the second alarm criterion is met, outputs the alarm even if the computer does not determine that the first alarm criterion is met.

[0018] A program as one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer that stores reference measurement values ​​obtained by measuring the weight of a patient with heart failure on a reference date and time to perform the following processes: acquire a first measurement value obtained by measuring the weight of the patient on a first date and time that is later than the reference date and time; acquire a second measurement value obtained by measuring the weight of the patient on a second date and time that is later than the first date and time; determine whether the change from the acquired first measurement value to the acquired second measurement value satisfies a first alarm criterion; and output an alarm if it is determined that the first alarm criterion is satisfied; determine whether the change from the stored reference measurement value to the second measurement value satisfies a second alarm criterion; and output the alarm if it is determined that the second alarm criterion is satisfied, even if it is not determined that the first alarm criterion is satisfied. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the possibility that signs of worsening heart failure will be overlooked. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an alarm system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an alarm device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the alarm device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a patient terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a patient terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an alarm device according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0023] The configuration of an alarm system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0024] The alarm system 10 comprises at least one server 11, at least one terminal 12 for a patient with heart failure, and at least one terminal 13 for a doctor. The server 11 communicates with the terminals 12 and 13 via a network 14. The patient terminal 12 may also communicate with the doctor terminal 13 via the network 14.

[0025] The server 11 is installed in a facility such as a data center, etc. The server 11 is, for example, a server computer belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system.

[0026] The terminal 12 is held by the patient. Alternatively, the terminal 12 may be installed in the patient's home. The terminal 12 may be used on behalf of the patient by the patient's family or caregiver, or by a medical professional such as a visiting nurse. The terminal 12 may be, for example, a general-purpose terminal such as a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, or PC, or a dedicated terminal such as a gadget. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer.

[0027] The terminal 13 is installed in a medical facility such as a clinic or a hospital. Alternatively, the terminal 13 may be held by a doctor. The terminal 13 may be used by other medical personnel, such as a nurse, instead of a doctor. The terminal 13 may be, for example, a general-purpose terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, or a PC, or a dedicated terminal such as a gadget.

[0028] Network 14 may include the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network. Network 14 may include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination thereof. A wireless network may be, for example, an ad hoc network, a cellular network, a wireless LAN, a satellite communication network, or a terrestrial microwave network. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.

[0029] An outline of this embodiment will be described.

[0030] The patient terminal 12 stores a reference measurement value V0. The reference measurement value V0 is a value obtained by measuring the weight of a patient with heart failure at a reference date and time D0. The terminal 12 acquires a first measurement value V1 and a second measurement value V2. The first measurement value V1 is a value obtained by measuring the patient's weight at a first date and time D1 that is later than the reference date and time D0. The second measurement value V2 is a value obtained by measuring the patient's weight at a second date and time D2 that is later than the first date and time D1. The terminal 12 determines whether a change from the acquired first measurement value V1 to the acquired second measurement value V2 satisfies a first alarm criterion C1. If the terminal 12 determines that the first alarm criterion C1 is satisfied, it outputs an alarm. The terminal 12 determines whether a change from the stored reference measurement value V0 to the acquired second measurement value V2 satisfies a second alarm criterion C2. If the terminal 12 determines that the second alarm criterion C2 is satisfied, it outputs an alarm even if it does not determine that the first alarm criterion C1 is satisfied.

[0031] According to this embodiment, an alarm can be output not only when a heart failure patient experiences a sudden weight change, but also when a weight change that is not sudden but unusual occurs. In other words, when a weight change occurs, it can be determined whether to notify the user of the need for treatment or medical treatment depending on the type of change. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that signs of worsening heart failure will be overlooked.

[0032] The configuration of the alarm device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. In this embodiment, the patient terminal 12 corresponds to the alarm device 20.

[0033] The alarm device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an input unit 24, and an output unit 25.

[0034] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. An example of the programmable circuit is an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. An example of the dedicated circuit is an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 21 controls each part of the alarm device 20 and executes processing related to the operation of the alarm device 20.

[0035] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory. RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. Flash memory is, for example, an SSD. "SSD" is an abbreviation for solid-state drive. Magnetic memory is, for example, an HDD. "HDD" is an abbreviation for hard disk drive. The storage unit 22 functions, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores data used in the operation of the alarm device 20 and data obtained by the operation of the alarm device 20.

[0036] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication interface. The communication interface is, for example, an interface compatible with a mobile communication standard such as LTE, the 4G standard, or the 5G standard; an interface compatible with short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark); an interface compatible with a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE802.11; or an interface compatible with a wired LAN communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark). "LTE" is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution. "4G" is an abbreviation for 4th generation. "5G" is an abbreviation for 5th generation. "IEEE" is an abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The communication unit 23 communicates with the server 11. The communication unit 23 may also communicate with the doctor's terminal 13. The communication unit 23 receives data used in the operation of the alarm device 20 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the alarm device 20.

[0037] The input unit 24 includes at least one input interface. The input interface may be, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, a touch screen integrated with a display, or a microphone. The input unit 24 accepts an operation to input data used in the operation of the alarm device 20. The input unit 24 may be connected to the alarm device 20 as an external input device, instead of being provided in the alarm device 20. The connection interface may be an interface compatible with standards such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark). "USB" is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. "HDMI (registered trademark)" is an abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface.

[0038] The output unit 25 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. "LCD" is an abbreviation for liquid crystal display. "EL" is an abbreviation for electroluminescent. The output unit 25 outputs data obtained by the operation of the alarm device 20. The output unit 25 may be connected to the alarm device 20 as an external output device instead of being provided in the alarm device 20. The connection interface may be an interface compatible with standards such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0039] The functions of the alarm device 20 are realized by executing a program according to this embodiment on a processor serving as the control unit 21. That is, the functions of the alarm device 20 are realized by software. The program causes a computer to execute the operations of the alarm device 20, thereby causing the computer to function as the alarm device 20. That is, the computer functions as the alarm device 20 by executing the operations of the alarm device 20 in accordance with the program.

[0040] The program can be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical disks, magneto-optical recording media, and ROMs. The program can be distributed by selling, transferring, or lending portable media such as SD cards, DVDs, or CD-ROMs that store the program. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program can also be distributed by storing it in the storage of a server and transferring it from the server to another computer. The program can also be provided as a program product.

[0041] A computer temporarily stores a program stored on a portable medium or transferred from a server in its main storage device. The computer then reads the program stored in the main storage device using a processor and executes processing in accordance with the read program. The computer may also read the program directly from a portable medium and execute processing in accordance with the program. The computer may also execute processing in accordance with the received program each time a program is transferred from a server to the computer. Processing may also be executed through a so-called ASP-type service that achieves its function simply by issuing an execution command and obtaining the results, without transferring the program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. Programs include information used for processing by a computer that is equivalent to a program. For example, data that does not directly instruct a computer but has properties that define computer processing falls under the category of "equivalent to a program."

[0042] Some or all of the functions of the alarm device 20 may be realized by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 21. In other words, some or all of the functions of the alarm device 20 may be realized by hardware.

[0043] The operation of the alarm device 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. This operation corresponds to the alarm method according to this embodiment.

[0044] A reference measurement value V0 is pre-stored in the memory unit 22. The reference measurement value V0 is a value obtained by measuring the weight of a patient with heart failure at a reference date and time D0. In this embodiment, the reference measurement value V0 is the patient's weight value, but it may also be the patient's body surface area value. The body surface area value at the reference date and time D0 can be calculated using a known method such as the Fujimoto method from the weight value measured at the reference date and time D0 and the height value measured before the reference date and time D0. The height value before the reference date and time D0 may be substituted with a standard height value. The reference date and time D0 may be any date and time, but in this embodiment, it is the date and time of the patient's discharge from the hospital.

[0045] In step S1, the control unit 21 acquires a first measurement value V1 and a second measurement value V2. The first measurement value V1 is a value obtained by measuring the patient's weight at the first date and time D1. In this embodiment, the first measurement value V1 is a value of the patient's weight, but it may also be a value of the patient's body surface area. The control unit 21 can calculate the value of the body surface area at the first date and time D1 using a known method such as the Fujimoto method from the value of the weight measured at the first date and time D1 and the value of the height measured before the first date and time D1. The value of the height before the first date and time D1 may be pre-stored in the memory unit 22. The value of the height before the first date and time D1 may be the same as the value of the height measured before the reference date and time D0. The value of the height before the first date and time D1 may be substituted for a value of standard height. The second measurement value V2 is a value obtained by measuring the patient's weight at the second date and time D2. In this embodiment, the second measurement value V2 is a value of the patient's weight, but it may also be a value of the patient's body surface area. The control unit 21 can calculate the body surface area value at the second date and time D2 using a known method such as the Fujimoto method from the weight value measured at the second date and time D2 and the height value measured before the second date and time D2. The height value before the second date and time D2 may be pre-stored in the memory unit 22. The height value before the second date and time D2 may be the same as the height value measured before the first date and time D1. The height value before the second date and time D2 may be substituted with a standard height value. The first date and time D1 is any date and time after the reference date and time D0. The second date and time D2 may be any date and time after the first date and time D1, but in this embodiment, it is a date and time within one week of the first date and time D1. The processing of step S1 is specifically performed as follows.

[0046] The control unit 21 accepts an operation to input patient data via the input unit 24. The patient data includes a weight value for the current day as a second measurement value V2. The control unit 21 acquires the second measurement value V2 from the patient data. The control unit 21 stores the acquired second measurement value V2 in the memory unit 22. If a weight value for the past week, such as the previous day, is stored in the memory unit 22, the control unit 21 acquires that value from the memory unit 22 as a first measurement value V1. If such a value is not stored in the memory unit 22, the processes of steps S2 and S3 are skipped, and the control unit 21 waits until new patient data is input, such as the next day. Alternatively, if the patient data further includes a weight value for the past week as a first measurement value V1, the control unit 21 may acquire the first measurement value V1 from the patient data. The control unit 21 may store the acquired first measurement value V1 in the memory unit 22.

[0047] Instead of being manually entered, the patient data may be received from a measuring device such as a weighing scale. That is, the control unit 21 may receive the patient data from the measuring device via the communication unit 23.

[0048] The first date and time D1 may be the date and time when the weight value measured within one week prior to the second date and time D2 was the minimum. For example, if daily weight values ​​within the past week are stored in the storage unit 22, the control unit 21 may acquire the minimum value of those values ​​from the storage unit 22 as the first measured value V1. Alternatively, if the patient data further includes daily weight values ​​within the past week as the first measured value V1, the control unit 21 may acquire the minimum value of the values ​​included in the patient data as the first measured value V1.

[0049] In step S2, control unit 21 calculates the change from the first measurement value V1 acquired in step S1 to the second measurement value V2 acquired in step S1, and the change from the reference measurement value V0 stored in memory unit 22 to the second measurement value V2 acquired in step S1. Specifically, the processing of step S2 is performed in the following procedure.

[0050] Control unit 21 calculates the amount of weight gain within one week by subtracting the weight value within the past week obtained in step S1 from the weight value for the current day obtained in step S1. That is, control unit 21 calculates the amount of gain from the first measured value V1 to the second measured value V2. Alternatively, control unit 21 may calculate the rate of weight gain within one week by dividing the calculated amount of weight gain within one week by the weight value within the past week obtained in step S1. That is, control unit 21 may calculate the rate of gain from the first measured value V1 to the second measured value V2.

[0051] The control unit 21 calculates the amount of weight gain after discharge by subtracting the weight value on the day of discharge stored in the memory unit 22 from the weight value on that day acquired in step S1. That is, the control unit 21 calculates the amount of gain from the reference measurement value V0 to the second measurement value V2. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may calculate the rate of gain in weight after discharge by dividing the calculated amount of gain in weight after discharge by the weight value on the day of discharge stored in the memory unit 22. That is, the control unit 21 may calculate the rate of gain in weight from the reference measurement value V0 to the second measurement value V2.

[0052] In step S3, the control unit 21 determines whether the change from the first measurement value V1 to the second measurement value V2 calculated in step S2 satisfies the first alarm criterion C1. If the control unit 21 determines that the first alarm criterion C1 is satisfied, it outputs a first alarm A1. The control unit 21 determines whether the change from the reference measurement value V0 to the second measurement value V2 calculated in step S2 satisfies the second alarm criterion C2. If the control unit 21 determines that the second alarm criterion C2 is satisfied, it outputs a second alarm A2. The first alarm A1 and the second alarm A2 are the same in that they are alarms regarding signs of worsening heart failure, but their GUI expressions may be different. "GUI" is an abbreviation for graphical user interface. If the first alarm A1 and the second alarm A2 use the same expression, for example, if the first alarm A1 is expressed using the phrase "action required" or "examination required," the second alarm A2 may also be expressed using the phrase "action required" or "examination required." When the first alarm A1 is expressed in a different way from the second alarm A2, specifically, when an expression with a higher degree of urgency than the second alarm A2 is used, for example, if the first alarm A1 is expressed in a phrase such as "action required" or "examination required," the second alarm A2 is expressed in a phrase such as "caution." If the control unit 21 determines that both the first alarm criterion C1 and the second alarm criterion C2 are satisfied, it may output only the first alarm A1 without outputting the second alarm A2.

[0053] In this embodiment, the control unit 21 further acquires multiple measurement values ​​Vs. The multiple measurement values ​​Vs are values ​​obtained by measuring the patient's weight at multiple dates and times Ds. In this embodiment, the multiple measurement values ​​Vs are values ​​of the patient's weight, but they may also be values ​​of the patient's body surface area. The control unit 21 can calculate the body surface area value for each of the multiple dates and times Ds using a known method such as the Fujimoto method from the weight value measured at each date and time and the height value measured before each date and time Ds. The height value before each date and time may be pre-stored in the memory unit 22. The height value before each date and time may be the same as the height value measured before the reference date and time D0. The height value before each date and time may be substituted with a standard height value. The multiple dates and times Ds may be any two or more dates and times prior to the first date and time D1, but in this embodiment, they are two or more dates and times within several months prior to the first date and time D1. The control unit 21 performs a regression analysis using the acquired multiple measurement values ​​Vs, the first measurement value V1, and the second measurement value V2 as dependent variables and the elapsed time as an independent variable. The control unit 21 determines whether the result of the regression analysis satisfies a third alarm criterion C3. If the control unit 21 determines that the third alarm criterion C3 is satisfied, it outputs a third alarm A3, which is different from the first alarm A1 and the second alarm A2. The third alarm A3 differs from the first alarm A1 and the second alarm A2, which are alarms regarding signs of worsening heart failure, in that the third alarm A3 is an alarm regarding frailty, but may be expressed in the GUI in the same way as the first alarm A1 and the second alarm A2. For example, if the first alarm A1 is expressed using the phrase "action required" or "examination required" and the second alarm A2 is expressed using the phrase "action required," "examination required," or "caution," the third alarm A3 may also be expressed using the phrase "action required," "examination required," or "caution."

[0054] Specifically, the process of step S3 is executed in the following four steps.

[0055] In a first step, the control unit 21 compares the amount of weight gain within one week calculated in step S2 with a first threshold T1, which is set to, for example, 2 kg, to determine whether the first warning criterion C1 is satisfied. That is, the control unit 21 determines that the first warning criterion C1 is satisfied if the amount of increase from the first measurement value V1 to the second measurement value V2 is equal to or greater than the first threshold T1. The control unit 21 determines that the first warning criterion C1 is not satisfied if the amount of increase from the first measurement value V1 to the second measurement value V2 is less than the first threshold T1. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may compare the rate of weight gain within one week calculated in step S2 with a first threshold T1a, which is set to, for example, 4%, to determine whether the first warning criterion C1 is satisfied. That is, the control unit 21 may determine that the first warning criterion C1 is satisfied if the rate of increase from the first measurement value V1 to the second measurement value V2 is equal to or greater than the first threshold T1a. The control unit 21 may determine that the first warning criterion C1 is not met when the rate of increase from the first measurement value V1 to the second measurement value V2 is less than the first threshold value T1a.

[0056] In a second step, the control unit 21 compares the post-discharge weight gain calculated in step S2 with a second threshold T2, which is set to, for example, 3 kg and is greater than the first threshold T1, to determine whether the second warning criterion C2 is satisfied. That is, the control unit 21 determines that the second warning criterion C2 is satisfied if the increase from the reference measurement value V0 to the second measurement value V2 is equal to or greater than the second threshold T2. The control unit 21 determines that the second warning criterion C2 is not satisfied if the increase from the reference measurement value V0 to the second measurement value V2 is less than the second threshold T2. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may compare the post-discharge weight gain rate calculated in step S2 with a second threshold T2a, which is set to, for example, 6%, and is greater than the first threshold T1a, to determine whether the second warning criterion C2 is satisfied. That is, the control unit 21 may determine that the second warning criterion C2 is satisfied if the increase rate from the reference measurement value V0 to the second measurement value V2 is equal to or greater than the second threshold T2a. The control unit 21 may determine that the second warning criterion C2 is not met when the rate of increase from the reference measurement value V0 to the second measurement value V2 is less than the second threshold value T2a.

[0057] In step 3, if daily weight values ​​for the past few months, such as the past six months, are stored in memory unit 22 in addition to the value acquired in step S1, controller 21 acquires those values ​​as multiple measured values ​​Vs from memory unit 22. If such values ​​are not stored in memory unit 22, step 3 is skipped. Alternatively, if the patient data input in step S1 further includes multiple measured values ​​Vs for daily weight values ​​for the past few months, controller 21 may acquire multiple measured values ​​Vs from the patient data. Controller 21 may store the acquired multiple measured values ​​Vs in memory unit 22. Controller 21 performs regression analysis using the acquired daily weight values ​​for the past few months, the weight values ​​within the past week acquired in step S1, and the weight value for the current day acquired in step S1 as dependent variables and the number of days elapsed as an independent variable. Controller 21 compares the regression coefficient obtained as a result of the regression analysis with a third threshold T3 set to, for example, −0.01, to determine whether the third warning criterion C3 is met. That is, when the obtained regression coefficient is equal to or less than the third threshold value T3, the control unit 21 determines that the third warning criterion C3 is met. When the obtained regression coefficient exceeds the third threshold value T3, the control unit 21 determines that the third warning criterion C3 is not met. As a modified example, instead of determining whether the third warning criterion C3 is met by regression analysis, the control unit 21 may calculate a difference value from the reference weight and determine that the third warning criterion C3 is met when the difference value is below the threshold value.

[0058] In step 4, the control unit 21 displays a screen 30 as shown in FIG. 4 on the display serving as the output unit 25. In addition to the patient's name and age, the screen 30 displays a message 31 for users such as the patient. The screen 30 also displays a graph 32 obtained by plotting the daily weight values ​​for the past few months acquired in step 3, the weight values ​​within the past week acquired in step S1, and the weight values ​​for the current day acquired in step S1 against each date and time. The screen 30 also displays an analysis result 33 including the weight value for the current day acquired in step S1, the weight gain within the past week calculated in step S2, and the weight gain after discharge calculated in step S2. In the example of FIG. 4, the analysis result 33 further includes the weight gain rate and the body surface area gain and gain that may be calculated in step S2, as well as the weight gain rate and the body surface area gain and gain that may be calculated in step S2 after discharge.

[0059] If the control unit 21 determines in the first procedure that the first alarm criterion C1 is met, it includes the phrase "action required" in the message 31 as the first alarm A1. Instead of or together with the phrase "action required," the control unit 21 may include sentences such as "call an ambulance" or "see a doctor as soon as possible" in the message 31 as the first alarm A1. If the difference between the first threshold T1 and the amount of weight gain within one week calculated in step S2, i.e., the amount of weight gain from the first measurement value V1 to the second measurement value V2, is less than a certain value such as 0.1 kg, the control unit 21 may include the phrase "examination required" in the message 31 as the first alarm A1 instead of "action required." Alternatively, if the difference between the first threshold T1a and the weight gain rate within one week calculated in step S2, i.e., the rate of increase from the first measurement value V1 to the second measurement value V2, is less than a certain value such as 0.2%, the control unit 21 may include the phrase "medical examination required" instead of "action required" in the message 31 as the first alarm A1. The control unit 21 may include a sentence such as "We recommend that you see a doctor at a hospital" in the message 31 as the first alarm A1 instead of or together with the phrase "medical examination required." The control unit 21 may further include a sentence indicating that the first alarm criterion C1 is met, such as "The change in weight since the previous measurement has exceeded the threshold" in the message 31.

[0060] When the same wording as the second alarm A2 is used for the first alarm A1, if the control unit 21 determines in the second procedure that the second alarm criterion C2 is met, the control unit 21 includes the phrase "action required" in the message 31 as the second alarm A2. Instead of or together with the phrase "action required," the control unit 21 may include a sentence such as "call an ambulance" or "see a doctor as soon as possible" in the message 31 as the second alarm A2. When the difference between the second threshold T2 and the post-discharge weight gain calculated in step S2, i.e., the gain from the reference measurement value V0 to the second measurement value V2, is less than a certain value such as 0.1 kg, the control unit 21 may include the phrase "examination required" in the message 31 as the second alarm A2 instead of "action required." Alternatively, if the difference between the second threshold T2a and the post-discharge weight gain rate calculated in step S2, i.e., the rate of increase from the reference measurement value V0 to the second measurement value V2, is less than a certain value such as 0.2%, the control unit 21 may include the phrase "medical examination required" instead of "action required" in the message 31 as the second alert A2. The control unit 21 may include a sentence such as "We recommend you see a doctor at a hospital" in the message 31 as the second alert A2 instead of or together with the phrase "medical examination required." The control unit 21 may further include a sentence indicating that the second alert criterion C2 is met, such as "The change in weight since the reference date exceeds the threshold" in the message 31.

[0061] When the first alarm A1 uses a wording that indicates a higher level of urgency than the second alarm A2, if the control unit 21 determines in the second procedure that the second alarm criterion C2 is met, it includes the phrase "Caution" as the second alarm A2 in the message 31. Instead of or together with the phrase "Caution", the control unit 21 may include a sentence such as "We recommend that you see a doctor within one week" or "If you feel unwell, please see a doctor" as the second alarm A2 in the message 31.

[0062] If the control unit 21 determines in the first procedure that the first warning criterion C1 is not met and determines in the second procedure that the second warning criterion C2 is not met, the control unit 21 includes in the message 31 a sentence indicating that neither the first warning criterion C1 nor the second warning criterion C2 is met, such as "No significant change in weight is observed." If the difference between the first threshold T1 and the increase in the amount of weight from the first measurement value V1 to the second measurement value V2 is equal to or greater than an obviously abnormal value, such as 5 kg, the control unit 21 may include in the message 31 a sentence indicating a manual input error, such as "Please check the weight you entered again." Alternatively, if the difference between the first threshold T1a and the rate of increase from the first measurement value V1 to the second measurement value V2 is equal to or greater than an obviously abnormal value, such as 10%, the control unit 21 may include in the message 31 a sentence indicating a manual input error, such as "Please check the weight you entered again."

[0063] If the control unit 21 determines that the third alarm criterion C3 is met in the third step, it includes a sentence such as "We recommend a diagnosis of frailty," "Please consult a doctor," or "Have you reduced your food intake?" in the message 31 as the third alarm A3. Instead of or in addition to the sentence, the control unit 21 may include a phrase such as "Action required," "Consultation required," or "Caution" in the message 31 as the third alarm A3. If a patient loses weight as a result of becoming frail due to factors such as muscle loss, it is desirable to temporarily change the reference measurement value V0 to a lower value until the patient's muscle mass returns to its original value and the frailty is resolved. Therefore, the control unit 21 may further include a sentence in the message 31 prompting the user to input update data, such as "We recommend changing the reference weight." The update data includes an updated value of the reference measurement value V0. When the control unit 21 receives an operation to input update data via the input unit 24, it acquires an updated value of the reference measurement value V0 from the update data. The control unit 21 rewrites the reference measurement value V0 stored in the memory unit 22 with the acquired updated value. The operation of inputting updated data may be performed with the permission of a physician.

[0064] Instead of being manually entered, the update data may be received from the server 11 or the doctor's terminal 13. That is, the control unit 21 may receive the update data from the server 11 or the doctor's terminal 13 via the communication unit 23. Alternatively, the update of the reference measurement value V0 itself may be performed automatically. Specifically, the control unit 21 may compare the second measurement value V2 with the reference measurement value V0, and if it determines that the second measurement value V2 is smaller than the reference measurement value V0, it may determine an update value for the reference measurement value V0 and rewrite the reference measurement value V0 stored in the memory unit 22 with the determined update value. For example, the control unit 21 may determine the weight value for the day acquired in step S1 as the update value for the reference measurement value V0. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may determine a statistical value calculated from the median, average, or standard deviation of the weight for the previous month as the update value for the reference measurement value V0. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may determine the minimum value of the weight values ​​measured during a certain period, including the entire measurement period, as the update value for the reference measurement value V0. By automatically updating the reference measurement value V0 when weight loss occurs due to a decrease in muscle mass, it becomes easier to prevent weight gain due to an increase in body water from being overlooked.

[0065] The control unit 21 may adjust the content of the message 31 depending on whether the user is a patient, a patient's family member or caregiver, or a medical professional such as a visiting nurse.

[0066] As a modification of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 , a message 31, a graph 32, and an analysis result 33 may be displayed on the screen 30 only for weight measurements taken during a selected time period (morning, noon, or night). That is, the reference date and time D0, the first date and time D1, and the second date and time D2 may be the same time period. All days, weekdays, and holidays may be selectable. A day of the week may be selectable. A specific day, week, month, or year, or an entire period may be selectable. A weight measurement timing related to the patient's behavior, such as after waking up, before breakfast, after breakfast, before lunch, after lunch, before dinner, after dinner, or before bedtime, may be selectable. The patient's behavior may be linked to sleep status information from a watch-type, ring-type, or other wearable device, dietary status information from a continuous glucose meter, or behavioral information acquired from an IoT device such as a home camera. "IoT" is an abbreviation for Internet of Things.

[0067] In this embodiment, each threshold value, such as the first threshold value T1, the second threshold value T2, and the third threshold value T3, is preset as a fixed value, but as a modification of this embodiment, each threshold value may be variable. For example, the first threshold value T1 may be set based on the distribution of the patient's weight by date and time. The control unit 21 may calculate a standard deviation based on the distribution over approximately one month, and set the value obtained by multiplying the calculated standard deviation by three as the first threshold value T1.

[0068] The control unit 21 may transmit the determination result of the first procedure, the second procedure, or the third procedure, the analysis result 33, or any combination thereof, as diagnostic data to the server 11 via the communication unit 23. When the server 11 receives the diagnostic data, the server 11 may record the received diagnostic data in a storage within the server 11 or in an external storage to which the server 11 can connect. In response to a request from the doctor's terminal 13, the server 11 may transmit the diagnostic data recorded in the storage to the terminal 13. When the terminal 13 receives the diagnostic data, the terminal 13 may display the received diagnostic data on a display. For example, the terminal 13 may display a screen similar to the example of FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 on the display.

[0069] The processes from step S1 to step S3 are repeatedly executed.

[0070] According to this embodiment, for example, data on weight changes of a heart failure patient at home can be acquired and recorded. By presenting information obtained by analyzing the data in a manner that is easy to understand even for people without specialized knowledge, it becomes possible to quickly and accurately estimate the state of heart failure. By providing the information to doctors, doctors no longer need to check the data in detail during examinations, and can accurately determine the patient's condition in a short amount of time, thereby improving the efficiency of medical care.

[0071] As a modification of this embodiment, in step S1, the server 11 may acquire the first measurement value V1 and the second measurement value V2 instead of the patient terminal 12. Specifically, the terminal 12 may transmit input patient data to the server 11, and the server 11 may acquire the second measurement value V2 from the patient data. If the patient data further includes the first measurement value V1, the server 11 may acquire the first measurement value V1 from the patient data. In this modification, the server 11 executes the processes of steps S2 and S3. In step S3, the server 11 transmits a message 31, a graph 32, and an analysis result 33 to the terminal 12. Upon receiving the message 31, the graph 32, and the analysis result 33, the terminal 12 displays the screen 30 shown in FIG. 4 or 5 on its display.

[0072] The configuration of the warning device 20 according to this modification will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In this modification, the server 11 corresponds to the warning device 20 instead of the terminal 12 for the patient.

[0073] The alarm device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. Details of the control unit 21, the storage unit 22, and the communication unit 23 are the same as those shown in Fig. 2 except that the communication unit 23 communicates with the patient terminal 12 and the doctor terminal 13, and therefore will not be described here.

[0074] The operation of the alarm device 20 according to this modification will be described in terms of differences from the operation shown in FIG.

[0075] The processing of step S1 is the same as that shown in FIG. 3 except that the patient terminal 12 accepts an operation to input patient data, and therefore the control unit 21 receives the patient data from the terminal 12 via the communication unit 23. The processing of step S2 is the same as that shown in FIG. 3. The processing of step S3 is the same as that shown in FIG. 3 except that the terminal 12 accepts an operation to input update data, and therefore the control unit 21 receives the update data from the terminal 12 via the communication unit 23, and that the terminal 12 displays the screen 30, and therefore the control unit 21 transmits a message 31, a graph 32, and an analysis result 33 to the terminal 12 via the communication unit 23.

[0076] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, multiple blocks shown in the block diagrams may be integrated, or a single block may be divided. Instead of executing multiple steps shown in the flowcharts in chronological order as described, steps may be executed in parallel or in a different order depending on the processing capabilities of the device executing each step, or as needed. Other modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 10. Alarm System 11 Server 12, 13 Terminals 14 Network 20 Alarm device 21 Control Unit 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 24 Input section 25 Output section 30 screens 31 Messages 32 graphs 33 Analysis results

Claims

1. a storage unit that stores a reference measurement value obtained by measuring the weight of a patient with heart failure at a reference date and time; a control unit that acquires a first measurement value obtained by measuring the weight of the patient on a first date and time that is later than the reference date and time, and a second measurement value obtained by measuring the weight of the patient on a second date and time that is later than the first date and time, determines whether a change from the acquired first measurement value to the acquired second measurement value satisfies a first alarm criterion, and outputs an alarm if it is determined that the first alarm criterion is satisfied, and determines whether a change from a reference measurement value stored in the storage unit to the second measurement value satisfies a second alarm criterion, and outputs the alarm if it is determined that the second alarm criterion is satisfied, even if it is not determined that the first alarm criterion is satisfied; An alarm device comprising:

2. 2. The alarm device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines that the first alarm criterion is met when the increase or rate of increase from the first measurement value to the second measurement value is equal to or greater than a first threshold, and determines that the first alarm criterion is not met when the increase or rate of increase from the first measurement value to the second measurement value is less than the first threshold.

3. 3. The alarm device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit determines that the second alarm criterion is met when the increase or rate of increase from the reference measurement value to the second measurement value is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, and determines that the second alarm criterion is not met when the increase or rate of increase from the reference measurement value to the second measurement value is less than the second threshold value.

4. The alarm device according to claim 1 , wherein the second date and time is a date and time within one week from the first date and time.

5. The alarm device according to claim 1 , wherein the reference date and time is the date and time of discharge of the patient from hospital.

6. When the control unit acquires an updated value of the reference measurement value, the control unit rewrites the reference measurement value stored in the storage unit with the acquired updated value. The alarm device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The control unit compares the second measurement value with the reference measurement value, and if it determines that the second measurement value is smaller than the reference measurement value, determines an update value for the reference measurement value and rewrites the reference measurement value stored in the storage unit with the determined update value. The alarm device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. 5. The alarm device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit further acquires a plurality of measurement values ​​obtained by measuring the patient's weight on a plurality of dates and times prior to the first date and time, performs a regression analysis using the acquired plurality of measurement values, the first measurement value, and the second measurement value as dependent variables and an elapsed period as an independent variable, determines whether a result of the regression analysis satisfies a third alarm criterion, and if it determines that the third alarm criterion is satisfied, outputs an alarm different from the alarm.

9. 9. The warning device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit determines that the third warning criterion is met when the regression coefficient obtained as a result of the regression analysis is equal to or less than a third threshold, and determines that the third warning criterion is not met when the regression coefficient exceeds the third threshold.

10. The alarm device according to claim 1 , wherein the reference measurement value, the first measurement value, and the second measurement value are values ​​of the patient's body surface area.

11. The alarm device according to claim 1 , wherein the reference date and time, the first date and time, and the second date and time are in the same time zone.

12. A computer that stores reference measurement values ​​obtained by measuring the weight of a patient with heart failure on a reference date and time acquires a first measurement value obtained by measuring the weight of the patient on a first date and time that is later than the reference date and time, and a second measurement value obtained by measuring the weight of the patient on a second date and time that is later than the first date and time, the computer determining whether a change from the first acquired measurement to the second acquired measurement satisfies a first alarm criterion; When the computer determines that the first warning criterion is met, it outputs a warning; the computer determining whether a change in the second measurement from a stored reference measurement satisfies a second alarm criterion; The warning method, wherein when the computer determines that the second warning criterion is met, the computer outputs the warning even if it does not determine that the first warning criterion is met.

13. a computer that stores baseline measurements obtained by measuring the weight of a patient with heart failure at a baseline date and time; a process of acquiring a first measurement value obtained by measuring the weight of the patient on a first date and time that is later than the reference date and time, and a second measurement value obtained by measuring the weight of the patient on a second date and time that is later than the first date and time; determining whether a change from the acquired first measurement to the acquired second measurement satisfies a first alarm criterion; a process of outputting an alarm when it is determined that the first alarm criterion is satisfied; determining whether a change in the second measurement from a stored reference measurement satisfies a second alarm criterion; When it is determined that the second warning criterion is satisfied, the warning is output even if it is not determined that the first warning criterion is satisfied. A program that executes the following.

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