End-of-Life Care Physician Matching System

Abstract

To provide a nursing doctor matching system that can make a match between a doctor who can properly nurse users of facility service and the facilities to smoothly nurse the users by the doctor.SOLUTION: A nursing matching server 20 has: a previous information transmission part 25 which extracts a plurality of pieces of doctor information 220 meeting predetermined conditions 1 from a doctor information database 22 when a divergence value is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold, and transmits facility-service user information on users of facility service to doctor terminals that the plurality of doctors corresponding to the plurality of pieces of doctor information; and a death information transmission part 26 which extracts a plurality of pieces of doctor information 220 meeting predetermined conditions 2 from the doctor information database 22 when vital information 210 becomes equal to or less than a detection limit value of a vital information detection part, and then transmits death information representing that a user of facility service passed away to the doctor terminals that the plurality of doctors have in predetermined order when nursing acceptance information is transmitted from a doctor terminal that a doctor possesses.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the watching over of residents (such as the elderly) staying in facilities for the elderly and the like, and to a watching doctor matching system for matching appropriate doctors.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, in facilities for the elderly and the like, when a resident (such as the elderly) reaches the end-of-life stage, the facility often cannot cope with the changes in the resident's condition and pain, and there are many cases where the resident dies in the hospital after emergency hospitalization. In such cases, since a large amount of expenses are incurred for the emergency team response and emergency transportation at the time of emergency call, it is expected to become a major problem in the future.

[0003] To address such problems, in some facilities, watching over (facility watching over by doctors) is carried out by doctors who work during weekdays in the daytime.

[0004] In addition, a watching system has been proposed that includes means for detecting the approach of death for the target person, means for acquiring images of the target person, etc., means for acquiring the target sound such as the voice of the target person, means for transmitting death-related information regarding the end-of-life situation to the terminal on the side of the registered watcher, means for transmitting or providing the target person's image acquired by the image acquisition means to the registered watcher side via a network, and means for transmitting or providing the target sound acquired by the target sound acquisition means to the registered watcher side via a network, enabling a close relative (including friends) living in a remote location to be present and watch over the death of a close relative (including a pet). (See Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] However, the aforementioned end-of-life care provided by doctors in facilities could be carried out by doctors working at the facility during weekdays, but there was a problem in that end-of-life care could not be provided on weekends or at night because there were no doctors at the facility. Furthermore, some facilities did not have a full-time doctor on staff, making it impossible to provide end-of-life care on-site. In addition, as mentioned above, when there was no doctor at the facility, emergency services and ambulance transport had to be arranged for the purpose of end-of-life care, resulting in significant medical expenses.

[0007] On the other hand, the end-of-life care system described in Patent Document 1 allows close relatives or others who are in a remote location (not present at the site where the person is) to be present at the time of death of a loved one by transmitting audio and images. However, since doctors need to be present at the site to confirm the death of a resident, there was a problem in that doctors could not use this end-of-life care system.

[0008] In view of the circumstances described above, the present invention aims to provide a physician matching system for end-of-life care that matches a facility with a physician who can appropriately provide end-of-life care for its residents, thereby enabling smooth end-of-life care by physicians. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] As a result of diligent research into the aforementioned problems, the inventors of this invention have discovered the following groundbreaking end-of-life physician matching system.

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention to solve the above problems comprises: a vital sign detection unit that detects vital signs of residents entering a facility at predetermined detection timings; a plurality of physician terminals that display resident information about the residents to physicians; and an end-of-life care matching server connected to the vital sign detection unit and physician terminals via a network, and is an end-of-life care physician matching system that matches a physician capable of providing end-of-life care to a resident when the resident is nearing the end of life, so that a physician can rush to the resident's side as soon as the resident dies, wherein the vital sign information is at least one of the resident's respiratory rate, blood pressure, and body movement status, the vital sign detection unit has a vital sign transmission unit that transmits vital signs to the end-of-life care matching server, the end-of-life care matching server has a resident vital sign information database that stores the resident's vital sign information and resident information of the resident, a physician information database that stores physician information about physicians holding physician terminals, and the resident vital sign information that goes back a predetermined number of times from the previous vital sign information detected at a predetermined detection timing to the vital sign information detected at a predetermined detection timing for the resident The system comprises: an average vital information calculation unit that extracts information from a physician information database and calculates an average vital information value by taking an arithmetic mean of them; a deviation value calculation unit that creates a deviation value calculated based on the average vital information value and the vital information transmitted by the vital information detection unit; a pre-information transmission unit that, when the deviation value is above a predetermined threshold, extracts multiple physician information that satisfies predetermined condition 1 from the physician information database and transmits the resident's information to the physician terminals held by the multiple physicians corresponding to the multiple physician information; and a death information transmission unit that, when the vital information falls below the detection limit value of the vital information detection unit, extracts multiple physician information that satisfies predetermined condition 2 from the physician information database and transmits death information of the resident to the physician terminals held by the multiple physicians in a predetermined order until end-of-life care consent information is transmitted from the physician terminals held by the physicians. The physician terminal is characterized by having a display unit that displays the resident's information and death information transmitted from the end-of-life matching server, and an input unit that inputs end-of-life care consent information for the death information.

[0011] According to this first embodiment, it is possible to match the facility with a physician who is outside the facility but is suitable for end-of-life care. As a result, it becomes possible to provide smooth end-of-life care by a physician at that facility.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the end-of-life physician matching system further comprises an end-of-life care availability information storage unit that stores end-of-life care availability information relating to the date and time when a physician related to physician information can provide end-of-life care, and the death information transmission unit, when the vital information falls below the detection limit value of the vital information detection unit, extracts multiple physician information that satisfies predetermined condition 2 from the physician information database, extracts end-of-life care availability information of multiple physicians from the end-of-life care availability information storage unit, and transmits death information to physician terminals held by multiple physicians that correspond to the date and time when end-of-life care is possible, in a predetermined order, until end-of-life care consent information is transmitted from the physician terminal held by the physician.

[0013] According to this second embodiment, since information on the physician's ability to provide end-of-life care can be taken into consideration, it is possible to match a physician who is outside the facility but is suitable for end-of-life care with another physician who is outside the facility but is more suitable for end-of-life care.

[0014] A third aspect of the present invention is the end-of-life physician matching system according to the first aspect, characterized in that predetermined condition 1 and predetermined condition 2 are the same.

[0015] According to this third approach, it becomes possible to match patients with doctors who are outside the facility and are more suitable for end-of-life care.

[0016] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the end-of-life physician matching system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the resident information includes at least the resident's name, age, address, gender, and medical history.

[0017] According to this fourth aspect, a doctor can easily prepare a death certificate after the resident has passed away.

[0018] In the present invention, the "unit", "database", and "system" do not simply mean physical means, but also include cases where the functions of the "unit", "database", and "system" are realized by software. Further, even if the functions of one "unit", "database", or "system" are realized by two or more physical means or devices, or the functions of two or more "units", "databases", or "systems" are realized by one physical means or device, it is acceptable.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic conceptual diagram of a visiting doctor matching system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic conceptual diagram of a visiting matching server according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an example of the information of an inpatient according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic conceptual diagram of a doctor's terminal according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the visiting doctor matching system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic conceptual diagram of a visiting matching server according to Embodiment 2.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the visiting doctor matching system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. (Embodiment 1)

[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, the visiting doctor matching system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic conceptual diagram of a visiting doctor matching system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0022] As shown in this figure, the end-of-life physician matching system 1 consists of a vital information detection unit 10, and an end-of-life matching server 20 and a physician terminal 30 connected to the vital information detection unit 10 via a network 40. In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, only one vital information detection unit 10, one end-of-life matching server 20, and one physician terminal 30 are shown, but it goes without saying that multiple units may be connected.

[0023] The network 40 is not particularly limited, whether wired or wireless, as long as it can connect the vital information detection unit 10, the end-of-life care matching server 20, and the physician's terminal 30. Examples of the network 40 include the internet and intranets.

[0024] First, let's describe the vital information detection unit 10. The vital information detection unit 10 is not particularly limited as long as it has a vital information transmission unit (not shown) that detects the vital information 210 of residents in facilities such as nursing homes and hospices and transmits that vital information 210 to the end-of-life matching server 20 via the network 40.

[0025] Here, vital information 210 (vital signs) refers to information regarding the resident's blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body movement (turning over in bed). Examples of vital information detection units 10 include a blood pressure monitor, a respiratory detection device that detects information regarding respiratory movement (respiratory rate, etc.), and a body movement detection device that detects information regarding turning over in bed (number of turns, frequency of body movement, etc.).

[0026] Next, the end-of-life care matching server 20 will be described. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the end-of-life care matching server 20. As shown in this figure, the end-of-life care matching server 20 has a resident vital information database 21, a physician information database 22, an average vital information calculation unit 23, a deviation value calculation unit 24, a pre-information transmission unit 25, and a death information transmission unit 26.

[0027] The resident vital information database 21 is not particularly limited as long as it can store the resident's vital information 210 and the resident's personal information 211.

[0028] Here, resident information 211 is not particularly limited as long as it includes information about the facility where the resident is residing (facility name or facility address), but it is preferable that it also includes information such as the resident's name, age, address, gender, medical history, family structure, contact telephone number for family members, etc., and the telephone number of the facility where the resident is residing. If resident information 211 includes the resident's name, age, gender, family structure, contact telephone number for family members, etc., a doctor can easily prepare a death certificate after the resident has passed away. Examples of resident information 211 include the information shown in Figure 3.

[0029] For example, the resident vital information database 21 could be a commercially available relational database software.

[0030] The physician information database 22 is not particularly limited as long as it can store information about physicians registered in the end-of-life physician matching system 1. Here, physician information 220 refers to information such as the physician's name, residential address, workplace, telephone number, email address, distance from each facility to the residence, and distance from each facility to the workplace (medical facility, etc.). Examples of physician information databases 22 include commercially available relational database software.

[0031] The average vital information calculation unit 23 is not particularly limited as long as it can extract vital information 210 detected at a predetermined detection timing for the resident from the resident vital information database up to a predetermined number of previous detection timings, and calculate the average vital information value by arithmetic mean of these values.

[0032] Here, the predetermined number of times is not particularly limited and may be 2, 10, 20, etc., or it may be the total number of times from the vital information 210 at the first detection timing after the resident entered the facility to the vital information 210 at the previous detection timing.

[0033] The deviation value calculation unit 24 is not particularly limited as long as it can calculate a deviation value from the average vital information and the vital information 210 transmitted by the vital information detection unit. The deviation value can be set as appropriate. Examples of deviation values ​​include a value calculated using the formula [(average vital information - detected vital information) / average vital information]. Examples of the deviation value calculation unit 24 include a program that calculates the deviation value based on the average vital information and the vital information 210 transmitted by the vital information detection unit 10.

[0034] The pre-information transmission unit 25 is not particularly limited as long as it can extract multiple physician information 220 that satisfy a predetermined condition 1 from the physician information database 22 when the deviation value calculated by the deviation value calculation unit 24 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and transmit the resident information 211 of each resident to the physician terminal 30 held by each of those physicians based on the multiple physician information 220. Examples of the pre-information transmission unit 25 include programs having such functions.

[0035] Here, the predetermined threshold is a numerical value set according to the vital information 210, and its value is not particularly limited. For example, if the vital information 210 is respiratory rate, blood pressure, and number of turns in bed, and the deviation value is calculated using the above formula, the predetermined threshold is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 0.9, and particularly preferably in the range of 0.15 to 0.25. If the predetermined threshold is less than 0.1, there is a possibility of detecting the resident's normal state (a state that is not dangerous).

[0036] Furthermore, the specified condition 1 can be set as appropriate. Examples of specified condition 1 include "residing within 15 kilometers of the facility" and "the distance from the facility to the workplace (medical facility, etc.) is within 15 kilometers." If the physician information 220 does not include information on the distance from the facility to the residence, the distance from the facility to the residence may be calculated from the residence information included in the physician information 220 and the facility address information included in the resident information 211.

[0037] The death information transmission unit 26 is not particularly limited as long as it can extract multiple physician information 220 that satisfy predetermined conditions 2 from the physician information database 22 when the vital information 210 falls below the detection limit value of the vital information detection unit 10, and transmit death information regarding the death of a resident to the physician terminals 30 held by those physicians in a predetermined order until the physician's terminal 30 holds end-of-life care consent information is transmitted from the physician's terminal 30 held by the physician.

[0038] Here, the detection limit value of the vital information detection unit 10 refers to a value that cannot be detected by that vital information detection unit 10, and is a value predetermined for each vital information detection unit 10. This detection limit value can be obtained from the specifications of the vital information detection unit 10 or from the manufacturer.

[0039] Furthermore, the specified condition 2 can be set as appropriate. Examples of specified condition 2 include "residence within 10 kilometers of the facility" and "distance from the facility to the workplace (medical facility, etc.) is within 15 kilometers." In the case of such conditions, if the physician information 220 does not include information on the distance from the facility to the residence, the distance from the facility to the residence may be calculated from the residence information included in the physician information 220 and the facility address information included in the resident information 211, similar to the specified condition 1.

[0040] Furthermore, the predetermined order is not limited in content or how it is determined, as long as it is the order in which the death information transmission unit 26 transmits death information to the physicians. For example, the predetermined order could be predetermined for all physician information 220 stored in the physician information database 22, and among the physicians who meet the predetermined condition 2, the physicians with the earliest order in this sequence would transmit the end-of-life care consent information. In the case of such a predetermined order, if the death information has been notified to the last physician in the sequence, this sequence can be repeated. The predetermined order could also be such that the physicians living at an address close to the facility transmit the end-of-life care consent information first, or such that the physicians working at a workplace (medical facility, etc.) close to the facility transmit the end-of-life care consent information first, or a combination of these.

[0041] Furthermore, end-of-life care consent information is not limited to any information that indicates an intention to provide end-of-life care for the resident. As will be explained later, end-of-life care consent information will be entered by a physician who intends to provide end-of-life care for the resident.

[0042] Furthermore, death information is not particularly limited as long as it includes information about the facility where the resident is located (the facility where the body is kept) (facility name or facility address), but it is preferable that it includes information such as the resident's condition (e.g., respiratory arrest or loss of consciousness), the resident's name, age, gender, family structure, contact telephone number for family members, and the telephone number of the facility where the resident is located. Including the resident's name, age, gender, family structure, and contact telephone number for family members in the death information makes it easier for doctors to prepare the death certificate after the resident has passed away.

[0043] The end-of-life care matching server 20 is not particularly limited as long as it has the functions described above, and a commercially available personal computer or the like can be used.

[0044] Next, the physician's terminal 30 will be described. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the physician's terminal 30 according to this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the physician's terminal 30 has a display unit 31 and an input unit 32.

[0045] The display unit 31 is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of displaying resident information 211 and death information. Examples of the display unit 31 include liquid crystal panels and organic EL panels.

[0046] The input unit 32 is not particularly limited as long as it can input end-of-life care consent information. Examples of the input unit 32 include a touch panel, keyboard, microphone, etc.

[0047] Examples of medical devices 30 include smartphones and tablet personal computers (tablet devices).

[0048] Next, the operation of the end-of-life care physician matching system according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the end-of-life care physician matching system 1.

[0049] First, when the end-of-life care physician matching system 1 is started (S1), the vital information detection unit 10 detects vital information 210 at a predetermined timing (S2) and transmits it to the end-of-life care matching server 20 via the network 40.

[0050] Upon receiving vital information 210, the end-of-life matching server 20 compares the vital information 210 with the detection limit of the vital information detection unit 10 using the death information transmission unit 26 (S3). If the vital information 210 is greater than the detection limit of the vital information detection unit 10, the average vital information calculation unit 23 calculates the average vital information value (S4), and the deviation value calculation unit 24 calculates the deviation value (S5).

[0051] If the calculated deviation value is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the detection of vital information 210 continues. On the other hand, if the calculated deviation value is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the pre-information transmission unit 25 transmits resident information 211 to the physician terminal 30 held by each physician in a predetermined order (S7). This operation continues until end-of-life care consent information is received (S8), and once end-of-life care consent information is received, the detection of vital information 210 continues.

[0052] Subsequently, if the vital information 210 detected by the vital information detection unit 10 falls below the detection limit, the death information transmission unit 26 transmits the death information to the physician's terminal 30 held by the physician who entered the end-of-life care consent information (S9) and displays it on the display unit, and the series of operations ends (S10).

[0053] As described above, by configuring the end-of-life physician matching system 1 according to this embodiment, it is possible to match a physician who is outside the facility but is suitable for end-of-life care. Furthermore, since a physician can provide end-of-life care for the resident at the facility, it is possible to prevent unnecessary emergency medical services (cardiac massage, intubation, etc.) and emergency transport. As a result, medical expenses can be reduced. Moreover, since a physician can provide end-of-life care for the resident at the facility, the resident's family can provide peaceful end-of-life care without the resident receiving unnecessary treatment or resuscitation (cardiac massage, etc.). (Embodiment 2)

[0054] In Embodiment 1, the death information transmission unit extracts a plurality of physician information 220 that satisfy predetermined conditions 2 from the physician information database when the vital information falls below the detection limit value of the vital information detection unit, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0055] For example, as shown in Figure 6, the end-of-life care matching server 20A may be configured to further include an end-of-life care information storage unit 27. Note that, aside from the end-of-life care information storage unit 27 and the death information transmission unit 26A, the end-of-life care matching server is the same as that of Embodiment 1.

[0056] The end-of-life care availability information storage unit 27 is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of storing end-of-life care availability information. Here, end-of-life care availability information refers to information regarding the dates and times when a physician related to the physician information 220 stored in the physician information database is available to provide end-of-life care. Examples of end-of-life care availability information include days of the week other than Monday through Friday, Wednesday and Thursday, on-call days at work, dates and times when end-of-life care is unavailable due to on-call schedules, and other dates and times when end-of-life care is unavailable due to personal reasons. The end-of-life care availability information storage unit 27 can be commercially available relational database software or general storage media.

[0057] In addition, in this embodiment, when the vital information falls below the detection limit of the vital information detection unit, the death information transmission unit 26A extracts multiple physician information 220 that satisfy predetermined conditions 2 from the physician information database, extracts end-of-life care availability information for those multiple physicians from the end-of-life care availability information storage unit, and transmits death information to the physician terminals held by multiple physicians in a predetermined order, corresponding to the date and time when end-of-life care is available, until the physician's consent information is transmitted from the physician's terminal held by the physician.

[0058] Examples of the death information transmission unit 26A include a program that, similar to Embodiment 1, extracts a plurality of physician information 220 that satisfy predetermined conditions 2 from the physician information database 22, and then transmits death information to physician terminals held by a plurality of physicians who can be confirmed to be able to provide end-of-life care based on the physician's availability information (e.g., Monday to Friday) associated with the physician information 220.

[0059] By configuring the end-of-life physician matching system in this way, it is possible to take into account information about physicians' ability to provide end-of-life care, thereby matching physicians who are outside the facility but are suitable for end-of-life care with physicians who are outside the facility but are better suited for end-of-life care. (Other embodiments)

[0060] In Embodiment 1, predetermined condition 1 and predetermined condition 2 were different conditions, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Predetermined condition 1 and predetermined condition 2 may be the same. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 1. End-of-Life Care Physician Matching System 10. Vital Information Detection Unit 20, 20A End-of-Life Care Matching Server 21. Resident Vital Signs Database 210 Vital Information 211 Resident Information 22. Physician Information Database 220 Doctor Information 23. Average vital information calculation unit 24. Deviation Value Calculation Unit 25 Pre-information transmission section 26, 26A Death Information Transmission Unit 27 End-of-life care information storage section 30 Medical terminals 31 Display section 32 Input section 40 Networks

Claims

1. A vital signs detection unit detects the vital signs of residents entering the facility at predetermined detection timings, Multiple medical terminals for doctors to display resident information about the aforementioned residents, The system comprises a vital information detection unit and an end-of-life care matching server connected to the physician's terminal via a network, A system for matching a resident with a doctor who is capable of providing end-of-life care when the resident is nearing the end of their life, so that the doctor can rush to the resident's side as soon as possible upon the resident's death. The vital information includes at least one of the resident's respiratory rate, blood pressure, and body movement status. The vital information detection unit includes a vital information transmission unit that transmits the vital information to the end-of-life matching server. The aforementioned end-of-life care matching server is A resident vital information database that stores the vital information of the resident and the resident information of the resident, A physician information database that stores physician information relating to the physician who possesses the physician terminal, An average vital information calculation unit extracts vital information from the resident vital information database from the previous vital information detected at the predetermined detection timing for the resident up to a predetermined number of previous detection timings, and calculates an average vital information value by arithmetic mean of these values. A deviation value calculation unit that creates a deviation value calculated based on the average value of the vital information and the vital information transmitted by the vital information detection unit, A pre-information transmission unit that, when the deviation value is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, extracts a plurality of physician information that satisfies a predetermined condition 1 from the physician information database, and transmits the resident information of the resident to the physician terminals held by the plurality of physicians corresponding to the plurality of physician information, The facility includes a death information transmission unit that, when the vital information falls below the detection limit of the vital information detection unit, extracts multiple physician information that satisfies predetermined condition 2 from the physician information database, and transmits death information of the resident to the physician terminals held by the multiple physicians in a predetermined order until the physician consent information is transmitted from the physician terminal held by the physician, The aforementioned physician's terminal is A display unit that displays the resident information and death information of the resident transmitted from the end-of-life care matching server, The device has an input unit for inputting the end-of-life care consent information in relation to the death information. A physician matching system for end-of-life care, characterized by the following features.

2. The system further includes an end-of-life care availability information storage unit that stores end-of-life care availability information regarding the date and time when a physician related to the physician information can provide end-of-life care. When the vital information falls below the detection limit of the vital information detection unit, the death information transmission unit extracts the multiple physician information that satisfies predetermined condition 2 from the physician information database, extracts the end-of-life care availability information of the multiple physicians from the end-of-life care availability information storage unit, and transmits death information of the resident to the physician terminals held by the multiple physicians, in a predetermined order, corresponding to the end-of-life care availability date and time, until the end-of-life care consent information is transmitted from the physician terminals held by the physicians. The end-of-life care physician matching system according to feature 1.

3. The end-of-life care physician matching system according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined condition 1 and the predetermined condition 2 are the same.

4. The end-of-life care physician matching system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the resident information includes at least the resident's name, age, address, gender, and medical history.

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