Information processing method, information processing program, and information processing apparatus

Abstract

This information processing method includes a step for evaluating the usefulness of care technology on the basis of hindrance information, and particularly preferably further includes a step for generating and outputting support information on the basis of the usefulness.

Description

Technical Field

[0002] ,

[0003]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing method, an information processing program, an information processing device, and a care tech introduction support system that can generate support information for introducing care tech, which is a technology related to care, into care facilities.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an evaluation system for establishing an evaluation of welfare services after the introduction of a welfare support system that supports welfare services has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] An information processing program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes an information processing device used to consider the introduction of nursing care technology to a target facility to perform the step of evaluating the usefulness of the nursing care technology at the target facility based on information on inhibiting factors related to the nursing care technology.

[0008] An information processing device according to one embodiment of this disclosure is used to consider the introduction of nursing care technology to a target facility. The information processing device evaluates the usefulness of the nursing care technology at the target facility based on information on inhibiting factors related to the nursing care technology.

[0009] A care tech introduction support system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises the information processing device, an input device for receiving input of information on inhibiting factors related to care tech, a database for storing the information input to the input device, and an output device for outputting the usefulness of the care tech. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to an information processing method, information processing program, information processing device, and nursing care technology introduction support system according to one embodiment of this disclosure, the introduction of nursing care technology is supported. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a caregiving technology implementation support system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows an example of the flow of information input, processing, and output in a caregiving technology implementation support system. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows an example of the procedure for an information processing method according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] In order to improve the quality of care or reduce the burden of care in care facilities and other care settings, care technology, or "care tech," may be introduced to care facilities. Care technology may include technologies such as robots, sensors, or systems aimed at improving the quality of care, reducing the workload in care settings, or increasing productivity. Products that implement care technology include hardware such as devices or equipment used in care, or software that processes information used in care.

[0013] Various factors must be considered when introducing care technology to care facilities. For example, introducing care technology incurs costs. Therefore, cost-effectiveness should be included in the considerations. Also, the introduction of care technology may change the work content or roles of care workers. Therefore, changes in the work content or roles of care workers should be included in the considerations. Furthermore, the reactions or feelings of care workers to the introduction of care technology should also be included in the considerations.

[0014] Here, it is difficult to obtain information on various considerations by assuming the introduction of care technology when care technology has not actually been introduced into the care setting. For example, if the pre-introduction evaluation for introducing care technology is insufficient, the expected effects may not be obtained. The introduction of care technology may, conversely, increase the workload or create safety issues. Also, the introduced care technology may not be used effectively. It is effective to consider introducing care technology after evaluating its usefulness. Usefulness may include obtaining the expected effects or solving problems. Usefulness may also include improving the quality of care or reducing the burden of care. Usefulness may be a quantitatively evaluated value, for example, expressed as a numerical value on a scale of 0 to 5. Usefulness may also be expressed as, for example, the number of people to whom the care technology can be applied.

[0015] Based on the above, it is beneficial to support the introduction of care technology into care facilities and other care settings by outlining the items to be checked, or the procedures for performing those checks, assuming the introduction of care technology. In other words, when introducing care technology, it is necessary to make it easy to understand what to check and what procedures to follow in order to enhance the usefulness of care technology.

[0016] The following describes an information processing method that includes a step of evaluating the usefulness of care technology based on information about inhibiting factors related to care technology, with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, as a particularly preferred embodiment, an information processing method that includes the step of evaluating the usefulness of care technology and the step of generating information to support the introduction of care technology will be described. In addition, a care technology introduction support system 1 (see Figure 1) capable of implementing these information processing methods will be described.

[0017] (Example configuration of Care Technology Implementation Support System 1) As shown in Figure 1, a care tech implementation support system 1 according to one embodiment comprises an input device 10, an information processing device 20, an output device 30, and a database 40. In the care tech implementation support system 1, the information processing device 20 receives input from the input device 10, such as information related to care tech or information about care facilities considering the introduction of care tech, generates information to support the introduction of care tech, and outputs it from the output device 30. The information to support the introduction of care tech is also called support information.

[0018] The information input from the input device 10 may include information regarding factors inhibiting care technology. The information regarding factors inhibiting care technology is also referred to as inhibition factor information. The inhibition factor information may include, for example, information regarding factors inhibiting the introduction of care technology into the care site. The inhibition factor information may include, for example, information regarding factors inhibiting the introduction of care technology after the introduction of care technology into the care site. The information input from the input device 10 may include information for providing feedback on the implementation results of introducing care technology. The information for providing feedback on the implementation results of introducing care technology is also referred to as feedback information. The feedback information may include implementation results at other sites different from the care site considering the introduction of care technology. The feedback information may also include the implementation results of care technology previously introduced at the care site considering the introduction of care technology. The implementation results of introducing care technology may include costs or man-hours when installing care technology. The implementation results of introducing care technology may also include the operating rate or frequency of use when introducing and operating care technology. The information input from the input device 10 is not limited to these examples.

[0019] The support information output from the output device 30 may include information regarding the benefits obtained by care staff through the introduction of care technology, and may include, for example, information regarding the improvement of the work efficiency of care staff. The support information may include information regarding the benefits obtained by care recipients, who are the people receiving care, through the introduction of care technology, and may include, for example, information regarding the reduction of the waiting time of care recipients. The support information may include information regarding the reduction of the frequency of accidents occurring at the care site or the frequency of troubles that may lead to accidents. The benefits obtained by the introduction of care technology may be represented as numerical values such as scores or amounts.

[0020] The support information may include information regarding the scope of utilization or the operating rate of the care technology to be introduced. The support information may also include information regarding matters to be addressed at the care site so as to increase the benefits when introducing care technology.

[0021] <Information processing device 20> As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 20 includes a support information generation unit 22 and a storage unit 24. The support information generation unit 22 generates support information based on the information input from the input device 10. The support information generation unit 22 may generate support information based on inhibition factor information. The support information generation unit 22 may generate support information based on feedback information. The support information generation unit 22 may generate support information based on both inhibition factor information and feedback information. The support information generation unit 22 may generate support information based on information combining various other types of information.

[0022] The support information generation unit 22 may be configured to include one or more processors. The processor may include, but is not limited to, a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. The support information generation unit 22 may be configured to include one or more dedicated circuits. The dedicated circuit may include, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The support information generation unit 22 may be configured to include a dedicated circuit instead of a processor, or may be configured to include a dedicated circuit together with a processor.

[0023] The storage unit 24 may store a system program or an application program executed by the support information generation unit 22. The storage unit 24 may be configured to include, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, or an optical memory. The storage unit 24 may be configured to include an electromagnetic storage medium such as a magnetic disk. The storage unit 24 may be configured to include a non-temporary computer-readable medium. The storage unit 24 may function, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 24 may function as a work memory of the support information generation unit 22. The storage unit 24 may be configured integrally with the support information generation unit 22, or may be configured separately from the support information generation unit 22.

[0024] The information processing device 20 may include a communication module configured to communicate with other devices such as an input device 10, an output device 30, or a database 40. The communication module may be configured to communicate with other devices via a network, or it may be configured to communicate with other devices via P2P (Peer to Peer) without a network. The communication module may be configured to communicate with other devices via wired or wireless connections. The communication module may support mobile communication standards such as 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation). The communication module may support communication standards such as LAN (Local Area Network). The communication module may support wired or wireless communication standards. The communication module is not limited to these and may support various communication standards.

[0025] The information processing device 20 may include at least one server. The information processing device 20 may be implemented as a computer such as a desktop PC, notebook PC, or tablet PC. The information processing device 20 may be implemented as a smartphone or tablet. The information processing device 20 is not limited to these examples and may include various devices.

[0026] <Input device 10 and output device 30> The input device 10 accepts information input. The input device 10 may include, for example, a pointing device such as a touch sensor or a mouse. The input device 10 may include physical keys. The input device 10 may include an audio input device such as a microphone. The input device 10 may include a display device that displays the content of the input. The input device 10 may be configured as a touch display in which the display device and the touch panel are integrated.

[0027] The output device 30 outputs information generated by the information processing device 20. The output device 30 may be configured to include various displays, such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) or inorganic EL display, or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display, so that the information can be displayed as characters, symbols, or images. The output device 30 may also include, for example, a speaker, headphones, or earphones, so that the information can be output as sound.

[0028] The input device 10 or output device 30 may be implemented as, for example, a computer such as a notebook PC (Personal Computer) or tablet PC, or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet. The input device 10 or output device 30 is not limited to these examples and may include various devices. The input device 10 and output device 30 may be configured as separate devices or as an integrated device.

[0029] <Database 40> Database 40 stores information input to the input device 10, or information output by the information processing device 20, etc. Database 40 may be configured to include at least one server or storage device. Database 40 may be configured to include, for example, semiconductor memory, magnetic memory, or optical memory. Database 40 may be configured to include an electromagnetic storage medium such as a magnetic disk. Database 40 may be configured to include a communication module configured to communicate with other devices such as the information processing device 20. Database 40 may be divided into individual databases 41 to 44 (see Figure 2), as described later. Databases 41 to 44 may be configured as areas within database 40. Each of databases 41 to 44 may be configured as a standalone storage device.

[0030] The caregiving technology implementation support system 1, or the information processing device 20 or database 40 described above, may be implemented using cloud services or in an on-premise environment.

[0031] (Example of an operation that generates support information) The following describes how the information processing device 20 generates support information, based on the information flow in the care tech implementation support system 1 illustrated in Figure 2.

[0032] <Inputting information into input device 10> In the Care Tech Implementation Support System 1, the information processing device 20 generates support information based on information input from a person in charge of considering the introduction of care tech to a care facility, etc. The person in charge of considering the introduction of care tech is also referred to as User 5. User 5 may also include a person in charge of using care tech at a facility that has already implemented care tech.

[0033] In the Care Tech Implementation Support System 1, the information processing device 20 generates support information based on information input from the provider of the product that implements Care Tech. The provider of the product that implements Care Tech is a business that manufactures or sells the product, or a sales agent for the product, and is also referred to as the provider 6. The facility that is considering the introduction of Care Tech is also referred to as the target facility.

[0034] The input device 10 receives input of information that the information processing device 20 uses to generate support information. The information that the information processing device 20 uses to generate support information is also called input information.

[0035] <<Process management>> The input information may include process control information 51. The process control information 51 is input by the user 5. The process control information 51 may include information that instructs the support information generation unit 22 of the information processing device 20 to generate support information. The support information generation unit 22 generates support information such as information for pre-considering the introduction of nursing care technology, or information for follow-up after the introduction of nursing care technology.

[0036] The process management information 51 may include instructions to the support information generation unit 22 to generate information for pre-considering the introduction of nursing care technology. The process management information 51 may include information in which user 5 selects a consideration process when instructing the generation of support information. The consideration process may include consideration based on the challenges of the target facility. When the support information generation unit 22 considers the challenges of the target facility, it may extract nursing care technology products suitable for solving the challenges as candidates for introduction and generate information about the extracted candidate products as support information. The consideration process may include consideration based on the type or specifications of nursing care technology being considered for introduction to the target facility. The support information generation unit 22 may extract nursing care technology products that are suitable for the type or specifications of nursing care technology being considered for introduction as candidates for introduction and generate information about the extracted candidate products as support information.

[0037] The process management information 51 may include instructions to generate support information such as precedents for the introduction of care technology to solve the challenges of the target facility. The process management information 51 may include instructions to generate support information such as precedents for the introduction of care technology that is compatible with the type or specifications of care technology that user 5 is considering introducing.

[0038] The process management information 51 may include instructions to the support information generation unit 22 to generate information for follow-up after the introduction of nursing care technology.

[0039] The process control information 51 may include information instructing the support information generation unit 22 to notify the support information generation unit 22 of update information. The update information corresponds to information indicating that at least a part of the information input from the input device 10 has been updated, or to the updated information itself. When the support information generation unit 22 receives information instructing the notification of update information, it may determine, for example, whether the information stored in the database 40 has been updated and generate the update information. The process control information 51 may also include information in which the user 5 selects the frequency of update information notifications.

[0040] The process management information 51 may include information instructing the support information generation unit 22 to send a reminder notification. The reminder may include information prompting user 5, who is an employee of a facility that has actually implemented the care tech system, to input information regarding the implementation of the care tech system from the input device 10. The reminder may include information prompting user 5, provider 6, or other third parties to input various types of information from the input device 10. The process management information 51 may also include information allowing user 5 to select the frequency of reminder notifications.

[0041] The input device 10 outputs the input process control information 51 to the support information generation unit 22. The support information generation unit 22 generates support information or notifies update information or reminders based on the process control information 51.

[0042] <<Basic information>> The input information may include user basic information 52 or provider basic information 53. User basic information 52 is entered by user 5. Provider basic information 53 is entered by provider 6. User basic information 52 may include user registration information such as user 5's name, or basic information of the target facility, etc. Provider basic information 53 may include contact person registration information such as the name of provider 6's contact person, or basic information of provider 6 as a corporation, etc.

[0043] Basic information about the target facility may include, for example, the name of the facility or an exterior photograph. Basic information about the target facility may include, for example, the type of facility, such as a special nursing home or a health care facility for the elderly. Basic information about the target facility may include, for example, the type of facility, such as conventional or unit type. Basic information about the target facility may include the number of beds. Basic information about the target facility may include information regarding the level of care required by care users at the facility. Basic information about the target facility may include the number of floors in the target facility, or the number of rooms or units on each floor of the target facility. Basic information about the target facility may include the number of toilets or baths installed in the target facility, the arrangement of toilets or baths in the target facility, the structure of toilets or baths, or the number or arrangement of stations in the target facility. Basic information about the target facility may include the structure of corridors, passages or stairs in the target facility, the size of corridors, passages or stairs, or the size of doors. Basic information about the target facility may include the classification under long-term care insurance. Basic information about the target facility may include whether or not there is an elevator. Basic information about the target facility may include the arrangement or number of antennas for wireless communication, or the strength of wireless communication radio waves at various points within the target facility. The basic information of the target facility may include the location or number of power outlets.

[0044] User basic information 52 or provider basic information 53 is stored in the database 41. The database 41 may output the user basic information 52 or provider basic information 53 directly to the support information generation unit 22. The database 41 may output the information from the user basic information 52 or provider basic information 53 that is permitted by the processing block of the data management 60 to an permitted output destination. In other words, the processing block of the data management 60 determines which information from the user basic information 52 or provider basic information 53 may be made public to whom. The processing block of the data management 60 may be included in the functions of the input device 10 or the functions of the information processing device 20.

[0045] <<Communication Information 54>> The input information may include communication information 54. The communication information 54 may be entered by user 5 or provider 6, or by a third party other than user 5 and provider 6. At least a portion of the communication information 54 may be included in the feedback information.

[0046] Communication information 54 may include information obtained through oral communication from care staff, care users, or other related parties regarding the target facility. Information obtained through oral communication is also referred to as word-of-mouth information.

[0047] Customer reviews may include information about caregiving tech obtained from staff working at facilities that have actually implemented caregiving tech products. Information about caregiving tech may include the feelings of staff who have actually used caregiving tech products. Information about caregiving tech may include, for example, differences between specifications and the actual product as perceived by staff, or information about the usability of the actual product. Information about caregiving tech may include know-how for using caregiving tech products, or information about necessary consumables or maintenance.

[0048] The word-of-mouth information may include information about consultations or problems faced by staff working at the target facility. For example, the word-of-mouth information may include information about matters that are reducing work efficiency at the target facility. For example, the word-of-mouth information may include information about tasks at the target facility that require a lot of time or a lot of staff.

[0049] Customer reviews may include feedback from staff using the care tech product, or feedback from care recipients receiving care using the care tech product, if the product is introduced at the target facility.

[0050] Communication information 54 may include news such as press releases issued by provider 6. The news may include information on new products related to caregiving technology, or information on product updates.

[0051] Communication information 54 may include the results of interviews or surveys conducted with staff at other facilities where the care tech product has been introduced, regarding the usage status of the care tech product, or the advantages or disadvantages of introducing the product.

[0052] Communication information 54 is not limited to word-of-mouth information or news, but may include various other types of information. Communication information 54 is stored in database 42. Database 42 outputs communication information 54 to support information generation unit 22.

[0053] <<User Information 55>> The input information may include user information 55. User information 55 is entered by user 5. User information 55 may be entered when considering the introduction of care tech to the target facility. User information 55 may include information about the problems that user 5 wants to solve by introducing care tech to the target facility, or information about products that user 5 is considering introducing. User information 55 may include information about staff who will use the care tech or care users who will receive care using the care tech if the care tech product is introduced. Staff information may include years of experience, qualifications held, or educational status of the staff. Care user information may include the level of care required. User information 55 may include information about the target facility to which the care tech product will be introduced. Information about the target facility may overlap with at least some of the basic information of the target facility entered as user basic information 52. Information about the target facility may include information that differs from the basic information of the target facility. Information about the target facility may be entered as user information 55 if it was not entered as user basic information 52.

[0054] When the input device 10 receives user information 55 indicating a problem that user 5 wants to solve, it may output items that should be checked in advance according to that problem to user 5 and accept input of the check results from user 5. In other words, user information 55 may include the check results of the check items corresponding to the problem that user 5 is thinking of.

[0055] The verification items may include items that should be checked in advance for each type of product, in order to avoid situations where the product is introduced but not used. Specifically, the verification items may include various factors such as objective factors, target user factors, work factors, equipment factors, safety factors, environmental factors, staff factors, or training factors.

[0056] Objective factors are obstacles related to the purpose of introducing caregiving tech products. Objective factors are items that should be confirmed in advance to prevent the product from being wasted due to being unused after actual implementation because the purpose of introducing caregiving tech products is unclear. Objective factors may include, for example, problems that can be solved or effects that can be obtained by introducing caregiving tech products. Objective factors may include indicators for evaluating the effects that can be obtained. Objective factors may include the likelihood of achieving the objective by introducing caregiving tech products and the basis for achieving that objective.

[0057] Target factors are obstacles related to the intended target audience of the care tech, such as staff who will use the care tech product or care recipients who will receive care using the product. Target factors may include, for example, constraints related to the past, present, or future number of intended users of the care tech.

[0058] Operational factors are obstacles to the introduction of caregiving technology in the context of caregiving operations. These operational factors may include, for example, constraints related to work procedures at the target facility.

[0059] Equipment factors are obstacles to the functionality of the caregiving tech product that is intended for implementation. Equipment factors may include constraints such as the ease of use or usability of the equipment.

[0060] Safety factors are obstacles to the safety of the caregiving tech product being introduced. Safety factors may include, for example, constraints related to obtaining safety certifications for the equipment, or constraints related to the safe use of the equipment.

[0061] Environmental factors are obstacles related to the usage environment of the caregiving tech product intended for implementation. Environmental factors are items that should be checked in advance to prevent the product from being wasted due to environmental factors at the location where the caregiving tech product will be used. Environmental factors may include, for example, constraints at the location where the caregiving tech product will be used. Constraints may include information such as the width of passageways or doors, the size of rooms, or the height of floor level differences. Constraints may include information such as the availability of power or the possibility of communication. Constraints may include information such as the location where the caregiving tech product will be installed or stored. Constraints may include information on the feasibility of construction work when installing the caregiving tech product. Environmental factors may include whether the caregiving tech product can be used considering the constraints.

[0062] Staff factors are obstacles related to staff at the target facility where the introduction of care technology is envisioned. Staff factors are items that should be checked in advance to prevent the product from going unused and becoming wasteful, as they relate to staff who will be using the care technology product to perform caregiving tasks. Staff factors may include, for example, whether staff can easily operate the care technology product. Staff factors may include whether staff will accept the introduction of the care technology product. Staff factors may include whether measures can be considered to encourage staff to accept the care technology product.

[0063] Educational factors are obstacles related to the education or training required to use the caregiving tech product intended for implementation. Educational factors are items that should be checked in advance to prevent the product from going unused and becoming a waste due to factors related to the education or training of staff. Educational factors may include whether time can be allocated for training or education on how to operate the caregiving tech product. Educational factors may include whether the funds can be allocated for training or education on how to operate the caregiving tech product. Educational factors may include whether a system can be established to provide training or education on how to operate the caregiving tech product.

[0064] User information 55 may be entered after the care tech system has been introduced to the target facility. Information entered after the care tech system has been introduced to the target facility may be included in the feedback information. User information 55 may include information regarding the utilization status of the care tech products introduced to the target facility. Information regarding the utilization status may include the staff or care recipients who use the care tech products, the situations in which the care tech products are used, or the utilization rate or frequency of use of the care tech products. Information regarding the utilization status may also include the storage location of the care tech products, or know-how on using the care tech products.

[0065] Information regarding usage may include information regarding the value of the care tech product as perceived by the staff of the target facility. Information regarding the value of the care tech product may include, for example, the value provided by using the product in care. The value provided may include the ability to reduce the physical burden on staff or care recipients. The value provided may include the ability to reduce the mental burden on staff or care recipients. The value provided may include the ability to shorten the time required for care tasks or to omit tasks included in care. The value provided may include the ability to increase the frequency of care tasks. The value provided may include the ability to perform new tasks by using the care tech product. The value provided may include supplementing staff work or reinforcing equipment used in care. The value provided may include holding or directing care recipients.

[0066] Information regarding utilization may include influences on factors of life functioning, such as activities, participation, or physical or mental functions or body structures, based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

[0067] User information 55 may include information regarding accidents or troubles that may lead to accidents as a result of using the Care Tech product.

[0068] User information 55 may include information about changes before and after using the care tech product. Information about changes may include, for example, changes in the time required for the work or the number of staff, or changes in the feelings of staff or care recipients. Information about changes may also include changes in the frequency of accidents or troubles that could lead to accidents in the care setting.

[0069] The user information 55 is not limited to these examples and may include various other types of information. The user information 55 is stored in the database 43. The database 43 outputs the user information 55 to the support information generation unit 22.

[0070] <<Product Information 56>> The input information may include product information 56. Product information 56 is entered by provider 6. At least a portion of product information 56 may be entered by user 5.

[0071] Product Information 56 may include basic information about the Kaigo Tech product. Basic information may include the specifications of the Kaigo Tech product. Basic information may include a photograph or illustration of the Kaigo Tech product's appearance, the product name, the product's TAIS (Technical Aids Information System) code, or key areas of focus. Basic information may include the external dimensions of the product. Basic information may include the staff who will use the product for caregiving tasks, the care recipients who will use the product, or the situations in which the product will be used. Basic information may include staff or care recipients who may restrict the use of the product, or locations where the use of the product may be restricted. Basic information may include the information contained in the Kaigo Tech product's instruction manual. Basic information may include the costs required to introduce the Kaigo Tech product, or running costs such as the cost of consumables required after introducing the Kaigo Tech product.

[0072] Product information 56 may include information regarding the safety of the Care Tech product. Safety information may include information regarding product certification. Safety information may include information regarding residual risks of the product. Safety information may include information regarding accidents or troubles that may occur during care work using the product.

[0073] Product information 56 may include information regarding the preparations necessary to implement the Care Tech product. This preparation information may include information regarding product installation or construction. This preparation information may also include information regarding training for staff who will be using the product.

[0074] Product information 56 may include research examples of the benefits of using the product in care settings. Product information 56 may include evidence information on the effects obtained from using the product in care settings. Product information 56 may include information on grant programs available for introducing the product.

[0075] Product information 56 may include various other types of information, not limited to these examples. Product information 56 is stored in the database 44. The database 44 outputs product information 56 to the support information generation unit 22.

[0076] <<Summary regarding input device 10>> The information entered into the input device 10 is not limited to the examples described above and may include various other types of information. The information entered into the input device 10 may include the number of people receiving care using the care tech product intended for implementation. The information entered into the input device 10 may include the proportion of care work using the care tech product intended for implementation to the total work at the target facility. The information entered into the input device 10 may include the behavior of the people receiving care, including the amount of speech or time spent out of bed. The information entered into the input device 10 may include the number of incidents such as accidents or troubles that could lead to accidents related to care work using the care tech product intended for implementation. The information entered into the input device 10 may include the time spent on tasks using the care tech product intended for implementation. The information entered into the input device 10 may include the number of staff members who complain of physical ailments such as back pain while working on care tasks using the care tech product intended for implementation. The information entered into the input device 10 may include the activity level of staff members who are engaged in care tasks using the care tech product intended for implementation. The information entered into the input device 10 may include the turnover rate of staff engaged in caregiving work using the caregiving tech product intended for implementation. The information entered into the input device 10 may include the period required to train staff engaged in caregiving work using the caregiving tech product so that they can use the product. The information entered into the input device 10 may include the status of safety standard certifications obtained for the caregiving tech product intended for implementation.

[0077] The information entered into the input device 10 may include the usage environment of the care tech product intended for implementation. The usage environment may include information about the target facility, information about the equipment installed in the target facility, or information about the staff engaged in care at the target facility. The usage environment may also include the target facility's operational policies, care plans, or goals. The information entered into the input device 10 may include information about the performance of the care tech product intended for implementation. The information entered into the input device 10 may include information about the attributes of the care tech product intended for implementation. The product attributes may include perceptual attributes or purchase frequency.

[0078] <Example of processing operation of the support information generation unit 22> The support information generation unit 22 generates support information based on the information input by the input device 10 and outputs the support information from the output device 30 so that the user 5 can recognize the support information.

[0079] For example, the support information generation unit 22 may evaluate the usefulness of care technology at the target facility based on information about factors hindering care technology at the target facility and output the usefulness. The support information generation unit 22 may generate support information for introducing the care technology at the target facility based on the evaluation results of the usefulness of the care technology and output the support information.

[0080] <<Example of a support information generation algorithm>> The support information generation unit 22 may generate support information using a model configured to output support information when it receives information input by the input device 10.

[0081] The support information generation unit 22 may generate support information to help overcome obstacles and introduce the care tech product to the target facility, even if there are obstacles when introducing the care tech product to the facility. For example, user 5 can pre-extract items that are obstacles. The support information generation unit 22 may use a model that accepts input information corresponding to the obstacles extracted by user 5 and outputs support information useful for overcoming the obstacles.

[0082] The model may be generated by performing learning using the information input by the input device 10 as training data. The model may also be generated by performing supervised learning using information combining the information input by the input device 10 and information on the product's implementation track record as training data. The model generated by learning is also called a trained model. The training data or training data may include items that are obstacles to the introduction of the care tech product. The training data or training data may include feedback information such as examples of the care tech product being introduced in other facilities.

[0083] The model may be a model that formalizes the relationship between the information input by the input device 10 and the information regarding the product's implementation record, for example, by an analytical method such as multiple regression analysis.

[0084] The support information generation unit 22 may generate and use a model itself, or it may acquire and use a model from an external device. If the support information generation unit 22 generates a model itself, it may update the model based on newly acquired feedback information. Even if the support information generation unit 22 acquires a model from an external device, it may update the model based on newly acquired feedback information.

[0085] <<Example of support information>> The support information generation unit 22 may generate, as support information, candidate products suitable for the target facility where user 5 is considering introducing nursing care technology. When multiple products are listed as candidates, the support information generation unit 22 may generate indicators such as scores that serve as criteria for comparing each candidate.

[0086] The support information generation unit 22 may, for example, calculate a product recommendation score for each candidate. The product recommendation score is calculated with a higher value the more suitable the product is for the target facility. The recommendation score may be calculated based on the magnitude of the effect that can be obtained if the product is introduced to the target facility. The recommendation score may also be calculated based on cost-effectiveness. The recommendation score may be expressed on a level from 0 to 5, for example.

[0087] The support information generation unit 22 may, for example, calculate a score for each candidate based on the scope of product use. The support information generation unit 22 may calculate a larger score the wider the scope of product use. The support information generation unit 22 may, for example, calculate a score for each candidate based on the effects that product users can obtain. The support information generation unit 22 may calculate a larger score the greater the effects that product users can obtain. The support information generation unit 22 may, for example, calculate a score for each candidate based on the effects that staff at the target facility that has introduced the product can obtain. The support information generation unit 22 may calculate a larger score the greater the effects that staff can obtain. The support information generation unit 22 may, for example, calculate a score for each candidate based on the effects that the organization at the target facility that has introduced the product can obtain. The support information generation unit 22 may calculate a larger score the greater the effects that the organization can obtain. The support information generation unit 22 may, for example, calculate a score for each candidate based on the frequency of product use or utilization rate. The support information generation unit 22 may calculate a higher score the higher the frequency of product use or the higher the operating rate.

[0088] The support information generation unit 22 may calculate a recommendation score as an index that combines the scores based on the various factors described above. The support information generation unit 22 may also express the scores based on the various factors described above on a level from 0 to 5.

[0089] Even if the product recommendation score, or a score based on various factors, is too low to decide on product implementation, it may be improved by changing the conditions under which the product is accepted at the target facility. Conditions under which the product is accepted at the target facility include the condition of the equipment at the target facility, the condition of the staff at the target facility, etc. The support information generation unit 22 may generate support information that the user 5 should confirm regarding the conditions under which the product is accepted at the target facility.

[0090] The support information generation unit 22 may generate support information such as, for example, the product's recommendation rating or score, along with information regarding equipment upgrades necessary to increase the recommendation rating or score. The support information generation unit 22 may also generate support information such as, for example, the product's recommendation rating or score, along with information regarding employee training or increased staffing levels necessary to increase the recommendation rating or score. The support information generation unit 22 is not limited to the examples described above, and may also generate support information such as information regarding verification items that are effective in increasing the recommendation rating or score. In other words, the support information generation unit 22 may generate information that explains the conditional benefits obtained when introducing the product.

[0091] The support information generation unit 22 may generate information as support information regarding precedents for the introduction of care tech products. The support information generation unit 22 may also generate information as support information to assist in planning for implementing care using care tech products when they are introduced.

[0092] The support information generation unit 22 may generate, as support information, templates for explanatory materials necessary for deciding to introduce the care tech product to the target facility, charts or text that can be included in the explanatory materials, or the explanatory materials themselves. The explanatory materials may include the benefits that can be obtained by introducing the care tech product to the target facility, or the plan for introducing the care tech product to the target facility.

[0093] The support information generation unit 22 may generate, as support information, templates for application documents necessary to receive subsidies when introducing care tech products to target facilities, diagrams or text that can be included in the application documents, or the application documents themselves.

[0094] As described above, when user 5 inputs the issues they want to solve by introducing nursing care technology, confirmation items corresponding to those issues may arise. In other words, confirmation items are items that need to be confirmed or items that are beneficial to confirm when introducing nursing care technology to the target facility. If there are confirmation items corresponding to the information input by user 5, the support information generation unit 22 may output the confirmation items as support information to prompt user 5 to confirm those items. The support information generation unit 22 may output the confirmation items from the output device 30 or display the confirmation items on the input device 10.

[0095] User 5 may input the results of the confirmations based on the confirmation items into the input device 10. If the confirmation items are displayed on the input device 10, User 5 can recognize the confirmation items on the input device 10 and input the confirmation results. The input device 10 may accept the input of the results of the confirmations made by User 5 based on the confirmation items and output the confirmation results as user information 55 to the support information generation unit 22. The support information generation unit 22 may further evaluate the usefulness of the care tech based on the confirmation results and generate support information. The support information generation unit 22 may also extract effective confirmation items to enhance the usefulness of the care tech and output them as support information.

[0096] The support information generation unit 22 may generate the confirmation items in the form of questions for the user 5. The input device 10 may receive the user 5's answers to the questions and output them to the support information generation unit 22 as user information 55. Generating the confirmation items in the form of questions makes it easier for the user 5 to understand what needs to be confirmed.

[0097] The input device 10 may accept input from user 5 as a yes or no answer to a question. The input device 10 may accept input of a word or sentence as a answer to a question. The input device 10 may accept input of a numerical value as a answer to a question. For example, in response to a question about the impact of door width on a product, the input device 10 may accept input from user 5 as a yes or no answer to whether there is an impact, or as a numerical value for the door width.

[0098] When the support information generation unit 22 generates confirmation items in the form of questions, it may generate multiple questions that have a parallel relationship. For example, multiple questions with a parallel relationship may be configured to evaluate that the care tech product cannot be introduced if the user 5's answer to at least one of the multiple questions is no. Multiple questions with a parallel relationship may also be configured to evaluate that the care tech product cannot be introduced if the user 5's answer to at least one of the multiple questions does not meet the conditions necessary for introducing the care tech product.

[0099] The support information generation unit 22 may generate questions that have a hierarchical relationship. The hierarchical relationship of the questions may include, for example, a relationship in which the next question generated differs based on the answer to a certain question. If the support information generation unit 22 evaluates that the care tech product cannot be introduced based on the answer to a certain question, it may request answers in the next question regarding the items to be confirmed for the target facility in order to evaluate whether the care tech product can be introduced. In other words, the support information generation unit 22 may generate information that gives the user 5 insights to confirm whether the care tech product can be introduced at the target facility.

[0100] The support information generation unit 22 may generate support information in parallel without waiting for the input of the confirmation result. Alternatively, the support information generation unit 22 may wait for the input of the confirmation result and generate support information based on the confirmation result as well.

[0101] <<Output of follow-up information>> As described above, the support information generation unit 22 generates support information before introducing the care tech product. The support information generation unit 22 may also generate follow-up information after the care tech product has been introduced to the target facility. The follow-up information may be included in the support information or may be kept separate from the support information.

[0102] Follow-up information may include updates regarding the product installed at the target facility. Update information may include, for example, case studies of when the product was installed at other facilities after it was initially installed at the target facility. Update information may include information regarding updates to the product installed at the target facility. Update information may also include information regarding accidents or potential accident-related problems that occurred during work using the product installed at the target facility.

[0103] Follow-up information may include reminder information. Reminder information may include information prompting input such as information on the usage status of the products introduced at the target facility. Reminder information may include information prompting input of various types of information, such as word-of-mouth information.

[0104] <Example flowchart> The support information generation unit 22 of the information processing device 20 may execute an information processing method including the steps of the flowchart illustrated in Figure 3. The information processing method may be implemented as an information processing program to be executed by the processor constituting the support information generation unit 22. The information processing program may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium.

[0105] The support information generation unit 22 receives information input from the input device 10 (step S1). The information input from the input device 10 may include information about inhibiting factors. The support information generation unit 22 determines whether there are any items to confirm for the user 5 (step S2).

[0106] If there are items to be confirmed (step S2: YES), the support information generation unit 22 outputs the confirmation items to the input device 10 (step S3). The input device 10 displays the confirmation items on a display device, for example, and accepts the confirmation results from user 5. The support information generation unit 22 returns to the procedure of step S1 and accepts the confirmation results from the input device 10.

[0107] If there are no items to confirm (Step S2: NO), the support information generation unit 22 generates support information based on the information input from the input device 10 (Step S4). The support information generation unit 22 may evaluate the usefulness of the care tech and generate support information for introducing the care tech based on the evaluation results of its usefulness. The support information generation unit 22 outputs the generated support information from the output device 30 (Step S5).

[0108] The support information generation unit 22 determines whether there is updated information (step S6). For example, the support information generation unit 22 may determine that there is updated information if it newly acquires update information for a care tech product that is intended for implementation. The support information generation unit 22 may also determine that there is updated information if it newly acquires feedback information, such as word-of-mouth information, regarding a care tech product that has actually been implemented.

[0109] If there is updated information (step S6: YES), the support information generation unit 22 returns to step S1 and accepts the updated information from the input device 10. If there is no updated information (step S6: NO), the support information generation unit 22 terminates the execution of the flowchart in Figure 3.

[0110] (summary) As described above, in the care tech introduction support system 1 according to this embodiment, the support information generation unit 22 of the information processing device 20 can evaluate the usefulness of introducing care tech to a target facility based on information on factors hindering care tech at the target facility. Based on the evaluation results of the usefulness of care tech, the support information generation unit 22 can generate information that helps ensure or enhance the usefulness of care tech as information to support the introduction of care tech. Persons in charge of considering the introduction of care tech will find it easier to introduce care tech based on the support information.

[0111] (Other embodiments) Other embodiments of the Care Tech Implementation Support System 1 are described below.

[0112] <Generating support information based on feedback data> As described above, the support information generation unit 22 of the information processing device 20 may evaluate the usefulness of care technology at the target facility based on information on factors hindering care technology at the target facility and generate support information. The support information generation unit 22 may evaluate the usefulness of care technology based on feedback information and generate support information. The support information generation unit 22 may evaluate the usefulness of care technology based on both information on factors hindering care technology and feedback information and generate support information. The support information generation unit 22 may evaluate the usefulness of care technology based only on feedback information and generate support information.

[0113] <Other examples of information entry> As described above, the support information generation unit 22 of the information processing device 20 may generate confirmation items in the form of questions for the user 5. The input device 10 may accept text input from the user 5 as an answer. In this way, the user 5 can input information to the support information generation unit 22 as if chatting.

[0114] The support information generation unit 22 may output questions to the user 5 as voice information. The input device 10 may accept the user 5's utterances as input for the answers. In this way, the user 5 can input information to the support information generation unit 22 as if having a conversation.

[0115] The support information generation unit 22 may generate questions that combine objects, places, times, people, or values ​​as input axes. In order to realize interactive communication, including chat or conversation with the user 5, the support information generation unit 22 may include a conditional branching mechanism, such as a state transition diagram, that determines the next question to ask the user 5 to answer based on the user 5's response to the previous question.

[0116] User 5 may not be able to input all the information gathered from interviews or surveys conducted with staff or care users at facilities that have introduced the care tech product into the input device 10. The support information generation unit 22 may generate support information, which is a large amount of unentered information, by asking questions that will guide the user to input information that is useful for considering the introduction of the care tech product.

[0117] The input device 10 may accept input of information that is not distinguished as inhibiting factor information or feedback information. The input device 10 may store the information in the database 40 or output it to the support information generation unit 22 without distinguishing it. The support information generation unit 22 may distinguish the information obtained from the input device 10 or the database 40 as inhibiting factor information or feedback information and generate support information based on each type of information.

[0118] <Other examples of information output as support information> The support information generation unit 22 may output as support information information selected by the user 5 from the information input to the input device 10 as information necessary for the user 5 to consider introducing the care tech product. For example, the support information generation unit 22 may output as support information the location of important information from the vast amount of information about the product, or the content of the important information itself, which is necessary for determining whether the product is suitable for the target facility. The support information generation unit 22 may also output as support information information which is a summary of the product information or a simplified explanation.

[0119] The support information generation unit 22 may generate support information that suggests an appropriate number of units of the product to be installed, in addition to evaluation indicators such as product recommendation ratings or scores. The support information generation unit 22 may also assume different numbers of units of the product to be installed and generate product evaluation indicators for each number of units installed.

[0120] The support information generation unit 22 may generate support information that includes information regarding the conditions of staff members who will use the installed product. These conditions may include, for example, the number of years of experience in caregiving. The support information generation unit 22 may also generate support information that includes information regarding the conditions of care recipients who will receive care using the installed product. These conditions may include, for example, the care recipient's level of care needs. The support information generation unit 22 may also generate support information that limits the locations where the installed product can be used.

[0121] While embodiments relating to this disclosure have been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications or alterations based on this disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications or alterations are included within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component or step can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and multiple components or steps can be combined into one or divided. While embodiments relating to this disclosure have been described primarily in terms of apparatus, embodiments relating to this disclosure can also be realized as methods including steps performed by each component of the apparatus. Embodiments relating to this disclosure can also be realized as methods, programs, or storage media recording programs executed by a processor in the apparatus. These should also be understood to be included within the scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1. Support System for Introducing Caregiving Technology 5 users 6 Providers 10 Input devices 20 Information processing device (22: support information generation unit, 24: storage unit) 30 Output device 40, 41-44 Database 51 Process control information 52 User Basic Information 53. Basic Information about Providers 54 Communication Information 55 User Information 56 Product Information 60 Data Management

Claims

1. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, which is equipped with a processor and a memory unit and connected to an input device and an output device, is used to consider the introduction of care technology to a target facility before its implementation. The processor obtains information from the input device regarding inhibiting factors that may arise when introducing the care technology to the target facility. The processor stores the inhibiting factor information in the storage unit, The processor inputs the information on inhibiting factors related to the care tech stored in the memory unit into a trained model generated by learning using inhibiting factor information regarding inhibiting factors of the care tech in facilities other than the target facility and feedback information regarding the implementation record of the care tech as training data, thereby generating a score that serves as a criterion for comparing the care tech as support information that supports the introduction of the care tech in the target facility. The processor provides the score to the output device. Information processing methods, including those mentioned above.

2. The inhibiting factor information includes confirmation items for each of the multiple factors that inhibit the introduction of the care tech, The processor acquires the inhibiting factor information stored in the memory unit, outputs the confirmation items included in the inhibiting factor information to the output device in the form of questions to the user, and receives the user's answers to the confirmation items output in the form of questions to the user at the input device. The processor generates the score by inputting the user's response into the trained model. The information processing method according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The information processing method according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of factors include objective factors, target factors, work factors, equipment factors, safety factors, environmental factors, staff factors, or educational factors.

4. The information processing method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the processor extracts the confirmation items that are effective in enhancing the usefulness of the care tech and outputs them to the output device as support information.

5. An information processing program to be executed by an information processing device equipped with a processor and memory unit, and connected to an input device and an output device, used to consider the introduction of care technology to a target facility before its implementation, The steps include: obtaining information on inhibiting factors that may arise when introducing the aforementioned care technology to the target facility from the input device; The steps include storing the inhibiting factor information in the storage unit, The steps include: inputting the information on inhibiting factors related to the care tech stored in the memory unit into a trained model generated by learning using information on inhibiting factors related to the care tech in other facilities different from the target facility and feedback information on the implementation record of the care tech as training data, thereby generating a score that serves as a standard for comparing the care tech as support information that supports the introduction of the care tech in the target facility, and inputting the information on inhibiting factors related to the care tech stored in the memory unit into a trained model that is generated by learning using information on inhibiting factors related to the care tech in other facilities different from the target facility and feedback information on the implementation record of the care tech as training data, thereby generating a score that serves as a standard for comparing the care tech as support information that supports the introduction of the care tech in the target facility, The steps of outputting the score to the output device and An information processing program that causes the aforementioned processor to execute.

6. The inhibiting factor information includes confirmation items for each of the multiple factors that inhibit the introduction of the care tech, The steps include: acquiring the inhibiting factor information stored in the storage unit; outputting the confirmation items included in the inhibiting factor information to the output device in the form of questions for the user; and receiving the user's answers to the confirmation items output in the form of questions for the user at the input device; The steps include: generating the score by inputting the user's response into the trained model; The information processing program according to claim 5, further causing the processor to execute the following.

7. An information processing device, comprising a processor and a memory unit, and connected to an input device and an output device, used to consider the introduction of care technology to a target facility before its implementation, The aforementioned processor, Information on inhibiting factors that arise when introducing the aforementioned care technology to the target facility is obtained from the input device. The inhibiting factor information is stored in the storage unit, The information on inhibiting factors related to the care tech stored in the memory unit is input into a trained model generated by learning using inhibiting factor information regarding inhibiting factors of the care tech in facilities other than the target facility and feedback information regarding the implementation results of the care tech as training data. This generates a score that serves as a standard for comparing the care tech as support information, which is information that supports the introduction of the care tech in the target facility. The score is output to the output device. Information processing device.

8. The inhibiting factor information includes confirmation items for each of the multiple factors that inhibit the introduction of the care tech, The aforementioned processor, The inhibiting factor information stored in the storage unit is acquired, the confirmation items included in the inhibiting factor information are output to the output device in the form of questions to the user, and the user's answers to the confirmation items output in the form of questions to the user are received by the input device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, which generates the score by inputting the user's response into the trained model.

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