Information processing device, information processing method, and computer program

Abstract

This information processing device is provided with a state information acquisition unit and an analysis processing unit. The state information acquisition unit continuously acquires objective state information of a patient suffering from a disease, and subjective state information based on the patient's subjectivity. On the basis of the objective state information and the subjective state information, and using a predetermined information processing technique, the analysis processing unit continuously executes predetermined analysis processing including setting of a policy recommended to be executed by the patient in order to improve the symptom of the disease, and outputs the result of the analysis processing in a manner that can be perceived by the patient.

Description

Information processing device, information processing method, and computer program

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to information processing about diseases.

[0002] Interstitial pneumonia is a general term for chronic, progressive fibrotic lung diseases. Acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia is a pathological condition characterized by a rapid deterioration of the condition within one month, with an extremely poor prognosis, with an in-hospital mortality rate of approximately 50%. Clinical models have been proposed to predict the risk of acute exacerbation in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a type of interstitial pneumonia (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is also a disease that can cause acute exacerbations, leading to a deterioration in patients' quality of life.

[0003] Qi Wu and five others, "A Clinical Model for the Prediction of Acute Examination Risk in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis," BioMed Research International, Hindawi, 2020, pp. 1-6

[0004] Patients with interstitial pneumonia typically undergo regular medical examinations, during which their objective condition is assessed. However, with interstitial pneumonia, the patient's daily objective and subjective state can potentially reveal subsequent changes in their condition. Furthermore, the prognosis of patients with interstitial pneumonia can be significantly affected by measures to improve symptoms, such as the type of daily rehabilitation (hereinafter abbreviated as "rehabilitation"). However, until now, no measures have been presented to patients to improve symptoms based on their daily objective and subjective state, leaving room for improvement in improving the prognosis of interstitial pneumonia. This issue is not limited to interstitial pneumonia, but is common to diseases in general, including COPD and other cardiopulmonary diseases.

[0005] This specification discloses a technique that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized, for example, in the following forms.

[0007] (1) An information processing device disclosed in this specification includes a condition information acquisition unit and an analysis processing unit. The condition information acquisition unit continuously acquires objective condition information of a patient suffering from a disease and subjective condition information based on the patient's subjective opinion. The analysis processing unit continuously executes a predetermined analysis process using a predetermined information processing method based on the objective condition information and the subjective condition information, the analysis process including setting measures recommended for the patient to take to improve symptoms of the disease, and outputs the results of the analysis process in a manner perceptible to the patient.

[0008] This information processing device continuously executes a predetermined analysis process, including setting measures recommended for the patient to take to improve disease symptoms, based on continuously acquired objective and subjective state information of the patient, and outputs the results of the analysis process in a manner that can be perceived by the patient. Therefore, this information processing device allows the patient to perceive measures for symptom improvement that are set according to the patient's daily objective and subjective state, thereby improving the prognosis of the disease.

[0009] (2) In the information processing device, the measures may include a recommended rehabilitation program. With this configuration, the recommended rehabilitation program can be set and presented to the patient based on the patient's daily objective and subjective condition, thereby effectively improving the prognosis of the disease.

[0010] (3) In the information processing device, the measures may include visiting a hospital. With this configuration, the patient can be recommended to visit a hospital as needed depending on the patient's daily objective and subjective condition, thereby effectively improving the prognosis of the disease.

[0011] (4) In the information processing device, the objective condition information may include an initial analysis result that is executed by another information processing device based on medical information from the hospital and that is composed of at least one of a diagnosis estimation result, a progress prediction result, and a treatment prediction result. With this configuration, measures for symptom improvement can be set based on the objective condition information that includes the initial analysis result that is considered to be relatively accurate, and more effective measures can be set, thereby effectively improving the prognosis of the disease.

[0012] (5) In the information processing device, the objective condition information may include biological information of the patient measured using a measuring device on the patient side. With this configuration, it is possible to efficiently acquire the objective condition information of the patient on a daily basis.

[0013] (6) In the information processing device, the subjective state information may include information indicating the patient's response to a questionnaire about QoL. With this configuration, the patient's daily subjective state information can be efficiently acquired.

[0014] (7) In the information processing device, the analysis processing may further include at least one of diagnosis estimation, progress prediction, and treatment prediction, and the analysis processing unit may create a report summarizing the results of the analysis processing and output the report to the hospital. With this configuration, a report summarizing the results of the analysis processing according to the patient's daily objective and subjective conditions can be presented to the hospital, thereby optimizing the patient's treatment at the hospital.

[0015] (8) In the information processing device, the disease may be a cardiopulmonary disease. Cardiopulmonary diseases often cause symptoms to worsen suddenly without warning. With this configuration, for cardiopulmonary diseases with such characteristics, it is possible to make the patient aware of measures for improving symptoms that are set according to the patient's daily objective and subjective state, thereby improving the prognosis of the disease.

[0016] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in various forms, such as an information processing device, an information processing method, a computer program that realizes those methods, a non-transitory recording medium on which that computer program is recorded, etc.

[0017] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the general configuration of a medical support system 10 according to this embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of a patient terminal device 100; FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing medical support processing; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a questionnaire about QoL; and FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of recommended rehabilitation RR.

[0018] A. Embodiments: A-1. Configuration of Medical Support System 10: Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram that shows a schematic configuration of a medical support system 10 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, interstitial pneumonia is used as a specific example of a disease, and a medical support system 10 for providing medical support services related to interstitial pneumonia will be described. Interstitial pneumonia is an example of a cardiopulmonary disease.

[0019] The medical support system 10 includes a patient terminal device 100, a server device 20, a wearable device 30, and a pulmonary function measuring device 40. The devices constituting the medical support system 10 are connected to each other via a communication network so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0020] The server device 20 is a device used for diagnosis, etc., at a hospital HO, for example. The server device 20 may be installed within the hospital HO or may be located elsewhere. For example, the server device 20 performs diagnostic estimation, progress prediction, treatment prediction, etc. using a trained model created by predetermined machine learning based on medical information at the hospital HO, and outputs these analysis results (hereinafter referred to as "initial analysis results"). The diagnostic estimation estimates the current disease state, the progress prediction predicts the future progression of the disease state, and the treatment prediction predicts the effect of treatment (the degree of improvement in prognosis). The initial analysis result is an example of objective condition information indicating the objective condition of the patient PA. The server device 20 is also an example of another information processing device.

[0021] The wearable device 30 is attached to a predetermined position on the body of the patient PA (for example, a finger or a wrist) and continuously measures the biological information of the patient PA. The wearable device 30 is, for example, a pulse oximeter, and measures the heart rate and transcutaneous arterial oxygen saturation (SpO ２ ) The wearable device 30 may measure other biological information such as body temperature, sleep time, and calories burned. The biological information measured by the wearable device 30 is an example of objective condition information that indicates the objective condition of the patient PA. The wearable device 30 is also an example of a patient-side measuring device.

[0022] The pulmonary function measuring device 40 is used by the patient PA and measures the patient PA's biological information. The pulmonary function measuring device 40 is, for example, configured as a spirometer and measures FVC (forced vital capacity) and FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in one second). The pulmonary function measuring device 40 may also measure other biological information. The biological information measured by the pulmonary function measuring device 40 is an example of objective condition information that indicates the objective condition of the patient PA. The pulmonary function measuring device 40 is also an example of a patient-side measuring device.

[0023] The patient terminal device 100 is a terminal device used by a patient PA suffering from interstitial pneumonia. The patient terminal device 100 is, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a PC (personal computer), or the like.

[0024] 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the patient terminal device 100. The patient terminal device 100 includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, a display unit 130, an operation input unit 140, and an interface unit 150. These units are connected to each other via a bus 190 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The patient terminal device 100 is an example of an information processing device.

[0025] The display unit 130 of the patient terminal device 100 is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays various images and information. The operation input unit 140 is configured, for example, by a keyboard, mouse, buttons, microphone, etc., and accepts operations and instructions from the user. The display unit 130 may also function as the operation input unit 140 by including a touch panel. The interface unit 150 is configured, for example, by a communication interface, and communicates with other devices via wired or wireless connection in accordance with a predetermined communication standard.

[0026] The storage unit 120 of the patient terminal device 100 is configured, for example, with a ROM, RAM, hard disk drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), etc., and is used to store various programs and data, and as a work area when executing various programs, and as a temporary storage area for data. For example, the storage unit 120 stores a medical support program CP, which is a computer program for executing various processes described below. The medical support program CP is provided in a state stored on a computer-readable recording medium (not shown), such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or USB memory, or is provided in a state that can be obtained from an external device (e.g., a cloud server or another terminal device) via the interface unit 150, and is stored in the storage unit 120 in a state that is operable on the patient terminal device 100.

[0027] Additionally, initial analysis result data D1, measurement result data D2, e-QoL data D3, and a trained model Mo are stored in advance or during various processes described below in the storage unit 120 of the patient terminal device 100. These data and models will be explained in conjunction with the various processes described below.

[0028] The control unit 110 of the patient terminal device 100 is configured, for example, with a CPU or the like, and controls the operation of the patient terminal device 100 by executing a computer program read from the storage unit 120. For example, the control unit 110 functions as a medical support unit 111 that executes various processes described below by reading a medical support program CP from the storage unit 120 and executing it. The medical support unit 111 includes a condition information acquisition unit 112 and an analysis processing unit 114. The condition information acquisition unit 112 includes an objective condition information acquisition unit 112A and a subjective condition information acquisition unit 112B. The analysis processing unit 114 includes a diagnosis estimation unit 114A, a progress prediction unit 114B, a treatment prediction unit 114C, a strategy setting unit 114D, and a report creation unit 114E. The functions of each of these units will be described in conjunction with the explanations of various processes described below.

[0029] A-2. Medical Support Processing: Next, the medical support processing executed by the patient terminal device 100 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the medical support processing. The medical support processing is processing for providing support to improve the symptoms of a patient PA suffering from interstitial pneumonia. The medical support processing is started, for example, in response to the patient PA operating the operation input unit 140 of the patient terminal device 100 to input a start instruction.

[0030] First, the objective condition information acquisition unit 112A ( FIG. 2 ) of the condition information acquisition unit 112 of the patient terminal device 100 acquires an initial analysis result (S110). As described above, the initial analysis result is the result of an analysis performed in the server device 20 based on the medical information of the hospital HO. The initial analysis result includes, for example, at least one of a diagnostic estimation result, a progress prediction result, and a treatment prediction result. The objective condition information acquisition unit 112A may acquire the initial analysis result by actively accessing the server device 20, or may acquire the initial analysis result by receiving an initial analysis result that the server device 20 has voluntarily transmitted to the patient terminal device 100. Initial analysis result data D1 indicating the acquired initial analysis result is stored in the storage unit 120.

[0031] Furthermore, the objective state information acquisition unit 112A of the state information acquisition unit 112 of the patient terminal device 100 acquires biological information of the patient PA measured on the patient PA's side using the wearable device 30 and / or the pulmonary function measuring device 40 (S120). The objective state information acquisition unit 112A may acquire the biological information by actively accessing the wearable device 30 and / or the pulmonary function measuring device 40, or may acquire the biological information by receiving biological information that the wearable device 30 and / or the pulmonary function measuring device 40 voluntarily transmits to the patient terminal device 100. The acquisition of the biological information is performed continuously (e.g., once a day). Measurement result data D2 indicating the measurement results of the acquired biological information is stored in the storage unit 120.

[0032] Furthermore, the subjective state information acquisition unit 112B of the state information acquisition unit 112 of the patient terminal device 100 acquires QoL information indicating the patient PA's responses to a QoL (Quality of Life) questionnaire (S130). Specifically, the subjective state information acquisition unit 112B displays a QoL questionnaire for the patient PA on the display unit 130 and acquires information indicating the patient PA's responses input via the operation input unit 140. The acquisition of QoL information is performed continuously (e.g., once a day). Note that in this specification, such a method of electronically acquiring QoL information and electronically acquired QoL information are also referred to as e-QoL. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a QoL questionnaire. The QoL questionnaire involves subjective evaluation on a six-point scale regarding, for example, whether or not the subject has a cough, whether or not they feel phlegm is blocked, whether or not they feel short of breath, whether or not they get out of breath when climbing slopes or stairs, whether or not their normal activities at home are restricted, whether or not they are unable to go out because they are worried about the state of their lungs, whether or not they are unable to sleep because they are worried about the state of their lungs, whether or not they feel energetic, etc. The e-QoL data D3 indicating the obtained QoL questionnaire results is stored in the storage unit 120.

[0033] Next, based on the information acquired in S110 to S130, the analysis processing unit 114 ( FIG. 2 ) of the patient terminal device 100 executes a predetermined analysis process and generates analysis result information indicating the results of the analysis process (S140). The analysis process is executed continuously (e.g., once a day). The analysis process is executed using a trained model Mo created by predetermined machine learning. In this embodiment, the analysis process includes a diagnosis estimation, a progress prediction, a treatment prediction, and setting of measures recommended for the patient PA to implement to improve the symptoms of the disease. That is, the diagnosis estimation unit 114A of the analysis processing unit 114 executes a diagnosis estimation, the progress prediction unit 114B executes a progress prediction, and the treatment prediction unit 114C executes a treatment prediction.

[0034] Furthermore, the strategy setting unit 114D of the analysis processing unit 114 sets the above-mentioned strategies. The strategies created by the strategy setting unit 114D include, for example, a recommended rehabilitation RR. In this specification, "rehabilitation" refers to various measures taken to lead an appropriate lifestyle, such as exercise, diet, and lifestyle review, and is intended to improve or alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, maintain and improve motor function, and extend life expectancy. Examples of such measures include respiratory rehabilitation and cardiac rehabilitation. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a recommended rehabilitation RR. The recommended rehabilitation RR is a rehabilitation menu (events, intensity, etc.) recommended for execution depending on the condition of each individual patient PA. A target activity amount may be set as the recommended rehabilitation RR. Recommended rehabilitation information indicating the recommended rehabilitation RR is included in the above-mentioned analysis result information.

[0035] In addition, the measures created by the measure setting unit 114D may include receiving a visit to a hospital. For example, in a case where, in consideration of the condition of the patient PA, improvement in the symptoms of the disease is not expected or worsening of the symptoms is predicted, the measure setting unit 114D may set a measure of visiting a hospital as a measure recommended for the patient PA to implement in order to improve the symptoms of the disease.

[0036] The analysis processing unit 114 outputs the results of the analysis processing in a manner that can be perceived by the patient PA based on the above-mentioned analysis result information (S150). For example, as illustrated in Fig. 5, the strategy setting unit 114D of the analysis processing unit 114 displays the recommended rehabilitation RR as text or images (still images or video) on the display unit 130 based on the above-mentioned recommended rehabilitation information. This allows the patient PA to recognize the rehabilitation menu that is recommended to be performed.

[0037] Furthermore, for example, the strategy setting unit 114D of the analysis processing unit 114 may display a message recommending a visit to a hospital on the display unit 130. This can encourage the patient PA to visit a hospital. The analysis processing unit 114 may also output other analysis results. For example, the analysis processing unit 114 may display the results of a progress prediction on the display unit 130. This allows the patient PA to understand the predicted progress of the disease condition.

[0038] The report creation unit 114E of the analysis processing unit 114 creates a report RE summarizing the results of the analysis processing based on the above-mentioned analysis result information and outputs the report RE to the hospital HO (S160). This allows doctors and other personnel at the hospital HO to understand the patient PA's daily objective and subjective condition, as well as the results of diagnostic estimation, progress prediction, and treatment prediction based on that condition, which can be useful in treating the patient PA. Of the analysis results, the results of diagnostic estimation and treatment prediction may be output only to the hospital HO, rather than to the patient PA. At least a portion of the processes from S120 to S160 may be repeatedly executed. By repeatedly executing the processes in this manner, the accuracy of the analysis processing using the trained model Mo is improved, thereby improving the usefulness of the patient terminal device 100.

[0039] A-3. Advantages of this embodiment: As described above, the patient terminal device 100 of this embodiment includes a state information acquisition unit 112 and an analysis processing unit 114. The state information acquisition unit 112 continuously acquires objective state information of a patient PA suffering from a disease and subjective state information based on the patient PA's subjective opinion. The analysis processing unit 114 uses a predetermined information processing method based on the objective state information and the subjective state information to continuously execute a predetermined analysis process including setting measures that are recommended for the patient PA to implement in order to improve the symptoms of the disease, and outputs the results of the analysis process in a manner that can be perceived by the patient PA.

[0040] In this way, the patient terminal device 100 of this embodiment continuously executes a predetermined analysis process, including setting measures recommended for the patient PA to implement in order to improve the symptoms of the disease, based on the objective state information and subjective state information of the patient PA that are continuously acquired, and outputs the results of the analysis process in a manner that can be perceived by the patient PA. Therefore, the patient terminal device 100 of this embodiment can allow the patient PA to perceive measures for symptom improvement that are set according to the patient PA's daily objective and subjective states, thereby improving the prognosis of the disease.

[0041] Furthermore, in the patient terminal device 100 of this embodiment, the measures set by the analysis process include recommended rehabilitation. Therefore, the patient terminal device 100 of this embodiment can set and present recommended rehabilitation to the patient PA in accordance with the patient PA's daily objective and subjective conditions, thereby effectively improving the prognosis of the disease.

[0042] Furthermore, in the patient terminal device 100 of this embodiment, the measures set by the analysis process include visiting a hospital, so that the patient terminal device 100 of this embodiment can recommend the patient PA to visit a hospital as necessary depending on the patient PA's daily objective and subjective conditions, thereby effectively improving the prognosis of the disease.

[0043] Furthermore, in the patient terminal device 100 of this embodiment, the objective condition information includes an initial analysis result that is configured from at least one of a diagnostic estimation result, a progress prediction result, and a treatment prediction result, which are executed by another information processing device based on the medical information at the hospital HO. Therefore, according to the patient terminal device 100 of this embodiment, measures for symptom improvement can be set based on the objective condition information that includes the initial analysis result that is considered to be relatively accurate, and more effective measures can be set, thereby effectively improving the prognosis of the disease.

[0044] Furthermore, in the patient terminal device 100 of this embodiment, the objective condition information includes biological information of the patient PA measured by a measurement device (e.g., the wearable device 30 and / or the pulmonary function measuring device 40) on the patient PA side. Therefore, the patient terminal device 100 of this embodiment can efficiently acquire the daily objective condition information of the patient PA.

[0045] Furthermore, in the patient terminal device 100 of this embodiment, the subjective state information includes information indicating the patient PA's response to a questionnaire about QoL. Therefore, the patient terminal device 100 of this embodiment can efficiently acquire the patient PA's daily subjective state information.

[0046] Furthermore, in the patient terminal device 100 of this embodiment, the analysis processing executed by the analysis processing unit 114 further includes at least one of diagnosis estimation, progress prediction, and treatment prediction, and the analysis processing unit 114 creates a report RE summarizing the results of the analysis processing and outputs the report RE to the hospital HO. Therefore, according to the patient terminal device 100 of this embodiment, it is possible to present to the hospital HO a report RE summarizing the results of the analysis processing according to the daily objective and subjective conditions of the patient PA, thereby realizing optimization of the treatment of the patient PA at the hospital HO.

[0047] Furthermore, the patient terminal device 100 of this embodiment targets diseases related to cardiopulmonary diseases. Cardiopulmonary diseases often worsen rapidly without warning. Therefore, the patient terminal device 100 of this embodiment can allow the patient PA to perceive measures for symptom improvement that are set according to the patient PA's daily objective and subjective state for cardiopulmonary diseases with such characteristics, thereby improving the prognosis of the disease.

[0048] B. Modifications: The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the following modifications are also possible.

[0049] The configuration of the medical support system 10 in the above embodiment is merely an example and can be modified in various ways. For example, in the above embodiment, the medical support system 10 includes the server device 20, the wearable device 30, and the pulmonary function measuring device 40. However, the medical support system 10 may not include at least one of these, or may include devices other than these.

[0050] The contents of the medical support process in the above embodiment are merely examples and can be modified in various ways. For example, the objective state information and subjective state information used in the above embodiment are merely examples, and other information may be used.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the subjective state information of the patient PA is acquired using the questionnaire exemplified in FIG. 4, but the manner in which the subjective state information is acquired can be changed arbitrarily.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the recommended rehabilitation RR is displayed in the manner exemplified in Fig. 5, but the display manner of the recommended rehabilitation RR can be changed as desired. Furthermore, the output manner of the recommended rehabilitation RR is not limited to image display, and may be other manners such as audio output.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the analysis process is performed using a trained model Mo created by a predetermined machine learning method, but the analysis process may also be performed using other information processing methods.

[0054] In the above embodiment, a patient terminal device 100 is used as an example of an information processing device, but the information processing device to which the technology disclosed in this specification can be applied is not limited to the patient terminal device 100 and may be, for example, a device installed in a hospital HO.

[0055] In the above embodiment, information processing for supporting the treatment of a patient PA suffering from interstitial pneumonia is exemplified, but the technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to interstitial pneumonia and is similarly applicable to information processing for supporting the treatment of a patient PA suffering from general diseases including COPD and other cardiopulmonary diseases.

[0056] In the above-described embodiment, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced by software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced by hardware.

[0057] 10: Medical support system 20: Server device 30: Wearable device 40: Pulmonary function measuring device 100: Patient terminal device 110: Control unit 111: Medical support unit 112: State information acquisition unit 112A: Objective state information acquisition unit 112B: Subjective state information acquisition unit 114: Analysis processing unit 114A: Diagnosis estimation unit 114B: Progress prediction unit 114C: Treatment prediction unit 114D: Strategy setting unit 114E: Report creation unit 120: Memory unit 130: Display unit 140: Operation input unit 150: Interface unit 190: Bus

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: a condition information acquisition unit that continuously acquires objective condition information of a patient suffering from a disease and subjective condition information based on the patient's subjective opinion; and an analysis processing unit that continuously executes a predetermined analysis process using a predetermined information processing method based on the objective condition information and the subjective condition information, including setting measures that are recommended for the patient to take to improve the symptoms of the disease, and outputs the results of the analysis process in a manner that can be perceived by the patient.

2. An information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the measures include recommended rehabilitation.

3. An information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the measures include visiting a hospital.

4. An information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the objective condition information includes an initial analysis result consisting of at least one of a diagnostic estimation result, a progress prediction result, and a treatment prediction result, which is executed by another information processing device based on medical information in a hospital.

5. An information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the objective condition information includes biological information of the patient measured using a measuring device at the patient's side.

6. An information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the subjective state information includes information indicating the patient's response to a questionnaire about QoL.

7. An information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the analysis processing further includes at least one of diagnosis estimation, progress prediction, and treatment prediction, and the analysis processing unit creates a report summarizing the results of the analysis processing and outputs the report to a hospital.

8. An information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the disease is a cardiopulmonary disease.

9. An information processing method comprising the steps of: continuously acquiring objective state information of a patient suffering from a disease and subjective state information based on the patient's subjective opinion; and continuously executing a predetermined analysis process using a predetermined information processing technique based on the objective state information and the subjective state information, the analysis process including setting measures recommended for the patient to take in order to improve the symptoms of the disease, and outputting the results of the analysis process in a manner perceptible by the patient.

10. A computer program that causes a computer to execute the following processes: continuously acquiring objective condition information of a patient suffering from a disease and subjective condition information based on the patient's subjective opinion; and continuously executing a predetermined analysis process using a predetermined information processing method based on the objective condition information and the subjective condition information, the analysis process including setting measures that are recommended for the patient to take to improve the symptoms of the disease, and outputting the results of the analysis process in a manner that can be perceived by the patient.