Computer enabled system for patient functionality assessment

Abstract

A computer enabled system employing software operating to the task of determining a functionality and disability assessment of a patient is provided. The system presents questions to patients concerning personal health, functioning, environment, and emotional-spiritual concerns, and based on numerical responses determines a functionality / disability assessment and provides graphic depictions of such which are easily understood by patients.

Description

[0001] COMPUTER ENABLED SYSTEM FOR PATIENT FUNCTIONALITY ASSESSMENT

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent application serial number 63 / 657,067 filed on June 6, 2024.

[0005] The invention herein disclosed relates generally to patient assessment. More particularly, it relates to a system employing software running on a computer accessible over a network which operates to measure the capability of a person or patient to achieve defined activities and thereby discern an personalized assessment of their disability level.

[0006] 2. Prior Art

[0007] Disability is a condition which may be acquired from birth, caused from diseases, accidents or over time, when a person reaches an older age. The cost of any such disability is an unavoidable and un-postponable consequence. Strictly speaking, every person in some way has a variable degree of disability. As a consequence, a disability of any person or patient at some point generates an expense therefrom.

[0008] In modem medicine personal or patient disability is the experience by the evaluated person of any condition which makes it more difficult for the evaluated person or patient to perform certain activities. Such disabilities may be cognitive, developmental, intellectual, mental, physical, sensory, or one or combination of multiple factors. Because of the potential for multiple disabilities and the subjective nature of each and any combinations thereof, a level of disability of any one person or patient becomes hard to access.

[0009] In determining a disability level, conventionally there are two main models which attempt to explain disability, which include a medical model and a social model. The medical model, conventionally, operates to consider a disability as an undesirable medical condition which requires specialized treatment. This medical model tends to focus on discerning the root causes of disabilities, as well as any cures or treatments therefor, such as assistive technology.

[0010] The social model, conventionally, considers disability as a societally-created limitation on individuals who lack the same ability as the majority of the population. Although the medical model and social model are the most common frames for disability, there are a multitude of other models that theorize disability.

[0011] With respect to the above, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the system herein for assessment of patient functionality and associated disability, it is to be understood that the system herein is not limited in its application to the details of employment and to the arrangement of the components or the steps set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The various software-enabled methods and steps of the herein patient functionality assessment invention are capable of other embodiments, and of being practiced and carried out in various ways, all of which will be obvious to those skilled in the art once the information herein is reviewed.

[0012] Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for other other patient functionality and disability determination systems. It is important, therefore, that the embodiments, objects and claims herein, be regarded as including such equivalent construction and methodology insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The disclosed system herein provides for an objective measuring of disability and functionality, not only in a medical determination but also in a social context. The resulting numerical and depicted graphic information provided by the system for individual patients can be used by diverse disciplines, such as economics, sociology, politics, government, education, human resources, and those who require a calculated assessment of the functionality and the perception of well-being of a person or groups of persons.

[0015] The ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health) is a standardized classification framework developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to describe and measure health and disability at both individual and population levels. It categorizes aspects of functioning, disability, and health, including body functions and structures, activities and participation, environmental factors, and personal factors. The ICF is used to access and understand the impact of health conditions on a person's life and to ascertain the effectiveness of interventions. However, such assessments conventionally involved a person or professional who administers questions and makes their assessment of a patient based on the answers provided. This can easily result in a biased diagnosis and outcome due to biases of the professional or person administering the questions and the hesitancy of a patient to answer.

[0016] Standardized Language: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) provides a common language for describing and measuring health and disability and for questions thereon, making it easier to compare findings across different settings and populations.

[0017] Focus on Functioning: The ICF emphasizes the importance of function of the person, rather than solely focusing on disease or disability.

[0018] Understanding Context: The ICF recognizes the influence of both individual and environmental factors on functioning.

[0019] Intervention Planning: The ICF testing can be used to identify areas for a patient where interventions may be needed to improve functioning and participation.

[0020] The system herein employing functionality assessment software running in electronic memory accessible to a computer, the system herein provides an important service for measuring the functionality-disability process of adults and children. Still further, by the employment of software operating to this task, the system helps to eliminate observer-dependent bias of the patient answers or input, which is known to frequently affect such determinations by allowing the patient to self-administer the test.

[0021] The system provides this self determination for patients and accomplishes this minimization or elimination of observer bias, through the assignment during patient questioning of a numerical value to a patient’s self-perception of their functionality and their well-being as a reference and objective to be achieved. This patient provided association of a numerical value for each assessed patient, allows for subsequent monitoring of the effect of subsequent measures taken which are aimed at reducing the determined disability.

[0022] In operation, the system herein employs software operating to communicate a questionnaire to each person or patient, which is then answered by each person or patient being evaluated individually. However, in other modes of the system herein the software employed may operate to add and / or employ comparisons of gathered information input by more than one person or patient. This step in the system will provide for a better statistical analysis of the accumulated information from multiple persons or patients regardless of the sample size. This mode of system operation thereby makes it possible to discern the perception of the functionality-disability of a couple, a family, a neighborhood, or even larger groups of people who work or live together under a substantially similar context where such needs to be evaluated.

[0023] The system herein employing software operating to the task, measures the patient or person functionality, not only in the medical context but also in the social context. The system provides the patient user numerical information and graphic information which may be employed by diverse disciplines, such as economics, sociology, politics, government, education, human resources, and those that require knowing the functionality and the perception of well-being of a person or groups.

[0024] In operation, the system employs software operating to the task of exploring four areas of the person being evaluated. Such areas may include personal health, functioning, environment, and emotional-spiritual concerns. The system stores in electronic memory questions on each of the four areas. Each question has a maximum score of four. The patient chooses a numerical score for each question from each of the four areas. The sums of the point score chosen for each of the four areas from patient-input answers to the questions provided by the system, allow a final score functionality and disability score to be calculated for each individual or group being assessed.

[0025] Personal Health

[0026] By personal health questions herein is meant, for example and in no way limiting, questions using standardized language: a) Questions concerning mental functions of memory and perception, questions concerning physiological functions of the body and anatomical parts of the body such as those concerning senses and pain, questions concerning voice and speech such as, “Do you have a problem knowing who you are and where you are?“ b) Questions concerning functions of cardiovascular, hematologic, immune and respiratory systems. c) Questions concerning functions of digestive, metabolic, and endocrine systems such as, “Do you have problems because you are sick due to your heart, blood, or lungs?” d) Questions concerning genitourinary and reproductive functions; questions concerning neuromuscular, skeletal and movement-related functions; and questions concerning skin and related structures functions.

[0027] Functioning

[0028] By functioning questions herein is meant, for example and in no way limiting, questions using standardized language: a) Questions concerning learning and applying knowledge such as “Do you have trouble learning to read, write, or do simple math?” b) Question concerning communication such as “Do you have trouble communicating or expressing your ideas with others?” or “Do you have trouble understanding or hearing what others are saying to you?” c) Questions concerning mobility such as “Do you have trouble doing everything you need or want to do with your arms?” or “Do you have trouble doing everything you need or want to do with your fingers?” d) Questions concerning Self-Care such as “Do you have trouble taking food, preparing it, and eating it by yourself?” or “Do you have trouble bathing, dressing, undressing, combing your hair, brushing your teeth, or grooming yourself?” e) Questions concerning domestic life such as “Do you have problems staying in a house whether it is rented, loaned, or owned?” f) Questions concerning interactions and interpersonal relationships, such as “Do you have problems with your partner, mate, or your family?” g) Questions concerning main areas of life and money such as “Do you have problems getting access to school education?” h) Questions concerning community, social and civic life, such as “If you like to go to the movies, go out to eat, have fun or exercise, do you have trouble doing it?”

[0029] Environment

[0030] By environment or environmental factor questions herein is meant, for example and in no way limiting, questions using standardized language such as: a) Questions concerning products and technology, such as, “Do you have trouble buying or finding the food you need for home at the market?” or, “Are you having trouble to find or buy clothes, cleaning, supplies, entertainment, or other products?” b) Questions concerning Natural environment and pollution such as “Do you have problems with the natural environment of your community (noxious fauna, vegetation, or land)?” c) Questions regarding support and relationships such as “If you need support from your neighbors or your community, do you have trouble getting it?” or “Do you have problems obtaining benefits from government or nonprofit organizations that could help you solve any difficulties (health, education, disability, addictions, abuse)?” d) Questions concerning attitudes such as, “Do you have problems because of discrimination?” or “Do you have problems because of the attitude of neighbors or other people in your community?” e) Questions concerning Services, systems, and policy such as, “Are there public transportation problems in your community?” or “Do you have problems due to the condition or lack of streets, roads, or highways in your community?”

[0031] Emotional and Spiritual Concerns

[0032] By questions concerning emotional and spiritual concerns herein is meant, for example and in no way limiting, questions using standardized language: a) Questions concerning the person or patient such as “Do you have trouble feeling happy with yourself?” or “Do you have problems of sadness or discouragement for no reason?” b) Questions related to the partner or family of the patient such as “Do you have trouble being happy with your partner?” or “Do you have problems because of violence with your partner?” c) Questions related to Related to work, school, community, or government such as, “Do you have mood problems due to situations with people at school, work or in your community?” or “Do you have trouble being happy at school, at work, or in your community?” d) Questions relating to the spiritual or religion such as “Do you have mood problems because of your religious beliefs?”

[0033] Also provided to the patient or user is, preferably, a graphic depiction showing a current functionality of the patient as opposed to a current disability of same patient. The graphic depiction can also be provided to allow a visual depiction to the user or patient of the most affected areas of their physical and emotional well being in a single vew.

[0034] In operation, the final score calculated by the system may be expressed in both a numerical score and / or percentage terms which represent the perception of global functionality which the examined individual has in their context. The scoring system and graphic depictions showing the score related to disability and functionality allows the patient or user to be informed not only of their own self-perception of well-being, but also in which of these areas the patient was examined the greatest weight of the deficiency falls to achieve greater functionality and well-being.

[0035] Further, the final numerical value consists of the score of these four areas, in the same way, the graphics allow the system to identify and depict for the user in a single view which of these four areas is more compromised in the individual (or in social groups) and what or which limits the functionality and development.

[0036] In operation questioning software operating to the task of communicating pre-selected situational questions to users or patients, will communicate specific questions to each user in a questioning session, from an electronically stored library of questions. Currently, the library of stored situational questions includes a version for adults that consists of 135 situational questions and a version adapted for children and adolescents of 105 questions that can be answered comfortably by minors from 8 to 17 years, although it can be answered on behalf of children 7 years and younger.

[0037] The situational questions are structured from the perspective of the possible existence of a problem, either related to health, physical, emotional, or functional conditions of the individual, as well as the existence of an environmental context factor where the person develops. By situational structuring is meant that the questions lead with terms such as “do you” or “are you” or “have you” and are generally raised with the structure of Do you have a problem with health, physical, emotional, or functional conditions of the individual, as well as the existence of an environmental context factors.

[0038] For example only and in no way limiting, such questions may include situational phrases such as, Do you have a problem..; Do you have problems because of..; Are you having a problem due to..; Do you have issues related to; and Do you have trouble. The user must answer with a numerical value of their personal decision on their level of the problem presented using numerical values from 0 to 4. The questioning software will capture and electronically store each of the input answers from the user which is associated to each question as noted below.

[0039] The system may employ separate questioning software for both adults 18 years or older, minors from 8-17 years of age, and children who are 7 years or younger. The questions presented to adults will be structured with language determined understandable for that maturity level and the questions for users not of adult age are structured for ease of understanding by those younger users.

[0040] The system in operation for all users, is composed and presented to seek numerical answers directly from the patient perspective of the possible existence of a problem. Such a problem may be related to health, physical, emotional, or functional conditions of the individual responding, as well as any existence of an environmental context factor where the person develops.

[0041] To that end, the system employing software operating to the task of presenting the questions and capturing answers to each such question will endeavor to explore the four areas in calculating a functionality assessment. These include questions currently in four areas concerning physical health condition, questions about functioning, environmental-attitudinal factors, and questions relating to emotional-spiritual aspects.

[0042] The responses are divided into five qualifier values each running from 0-4 in order of numerical value or other maximum values if employed. Each question presented to the user must be answered with only one of these numerical values. The qualifier or value chosen by the person or patient user depends on the assessment which the person being evaluated has regarding what they consider best reflects their current reality, based on their perception of the existence of a problem or situation which impacts their functionality.

[0043] For example and in no way limiting, the user will define, by the chosen numerical qualifier, whether their perceived problem is a health (physical or mental) condition, a problem carrying out an activity, problems participating in a task or a role, problems in accessing a service. Additional considerations will include whether it is a health (physical or mental) condition, which affects their ability to carry out an activity, to participate in a task or a role, or to access a service.

[0044] The user will be instructed to pick one particular numerical value from the group based on, for example, as follows:

[0045] 0. - When the person perceives that he has no problem in the situation presented or the problem represents less than 5% for its reality. (I HAVE NO PROBLEM.)

[0046] 1. - When the situation represents between 5% and 24% of the problem for his reality. (I HAVE A LITTLE PROBLEM.)

[0047] 2. - When the situation represents between 25% and 49% of the problem for his reality. (I HAVE A MODERATE PROBLEM.)

[0048] 3. - When the situation raised represents between 50% and 95% of the problem for his reality. (I HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM.)

[0049] 4. - When the situation raised represents more than 95% of a problem, practically a complete problem of health, functionality or access to a solution or service. (I HAVE A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM.)

[0050] Subsequent to the input of numerical value answers to the presented questions from the system, the system using scoring software adapted to apply the input numerical values from each user may generate results in two ways.

[0051] A first mode of result output will be an overall numerical value of functionality and disability, and a second output result will be in graphic depictions of these numerical outputs.

[0052] In a current preferred mode of operation for scoring, the software operating to score and calculate the input answers of the patients will sum the numerical score for each patient answer input by the patient for each section of questions to a patient total answer sum score for each section which is the total of the input answer numbers of all presented questions. This patient total answer sum score for the section, will be divided by the maximum possible point score for the section, which is the number of questions multiplied by four or another maximum, which will result in a numerical score for that section.

[0053] For example, where a question and answer session on the physical health section of the patient has forty questions, and each question has a maximum answer score of four, the maximum possible section point score of the section will be 160. Where the sum of the scores for input answers by the user results in a total aggregate patient answer sum score for the section of 70, dividing that total answer sum score by the maximum possible point score yields a percentage score of 44 for that section. The same process is employed by the scoring software for the other three sections, those being the functioning section, the environmental-attitudinal factors section, and the section having questions relating to emotional-spiritual aspects.

[0054] To calculate and provide a disability / functionality score, the system employing software operating to the task of generating both a numerical value and graphic depiction of the disability / functionality score, will calculate a patient score by adding all four respective question section sum scores from all four sections.

[0055] This total patient score will then be divided by a total possible point score which is the sum of all four maximum possible point scores of all presented questions where each question has a maximum of four points. It should be noted that the system may be employed with a higher maximum point score for each question, and such is anticipated. Alternatively, the total possible point score may be calculated by determining the total aggregate number questions asked the patient in all four sections and multiplying by four or a higher number or lower number for the maximum score for each question, if used.

[0056] Dividing the total patient score by the total possible point score sum will yield a final percentage numerical score of disability and, by deduction of the disability score from a possible 100, the final functionality score.

[0057] Also a graphic depiction thereof may be generated showing the final scores for functionality and disability.

[0058] For example only, where three of the sections have a maximum possible point score of 140, and the fourth section has a maximum possible point score of 136, the total possible point score would be 556.

[0059] Where the total patient score which is the total of their scores in all four sections of questions is 473, this figure is divided by the point score sum of 556 to calculate the final disability / functionality score which in this case would be 85.07% disability outcome score, and a 14.93% functionality outcome score.

[0060] To simplify the results to the patient for easy understanding, the graphic depiction of this outcome score will display the disability outcome score in a portion of a bar graph or Venn diagram, or linear graph as well as the functionality outcome score. This graphic depiction

[0061] This graphic depiction has another function in the system in that it allows the user to touch or mouse click upon the area of the depiction occupied the functionality outcome score and software operating to the task will cause the display screen to depict the underlying total aggregate answer scores for each of the sections to which the patient provided answers to allow the patient to view them.

[0062] In all modes of the system and steps herein noted, the system provider or subscribers authorized to employ the system may employ network accessible servers or individual computers having accessible electronic memory for storage and retrieval of electronic database information necessary for each respective patient or person assessment. Software, running in electronic memory on computers, servers or other computing devices will operate to perform any step or task or calculation herein based on the information input by a patient or evaluating professional. Thereafter, software operating to the task of patient functionality assessment will function with the input variables to determine a disability level and / or functionality level of the person or patient being reviewed.

[0063] As to electronic memory or computer readable media for the system herein, any combination of one or more computer-usable or computer-readable media, be it transitory or non- transitory, may be employed for operation of the software and assessment system herein. Such, for example and in no way limiting, can include computer-readable media and may include one or more of a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory device, a read-only memory device, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory) device, a portable compact disc read-only memory device, an optical storage device, and other electronic memory magnetic storage devices. Software or computer program code for carrying out the individual and sequential operations and patient functionality assessments of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages.

[0064] The steps or method of operation and / or execution of the various modes and tasks of the system herein may be illustrated as blocks or steps in the drawings which may represent one or more sequences in the operation of the steps and assessments in the system herein. These operations or steps can be implemented in hardware, software operating to process input data to accomplish the task or step, or a combination thereof.

[0065] With regard to software operating to a task or steps or assessments indicated in the system herein, such represents computer-executable instructions stored upon one or more transitory or non-transitory computer-readable storage media, which, when executed by one or a plurality of processors, will operate to perform the recited task, assessment, operation, comparison, or other designated step. Computer-executable instructions, in general, include routines, programs, algorithms, data structures, and the like which are configured to perform particular functions or to implement particular abstract data types or steps noted.

[0066] With respect to the above description, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the system and method herein disclosed, it is to be understood that the software enabled invention is not limited in its application to the details of operation nor the arrangement of the components or the steps set forth in the following description or illustrations in the drawings. The various methods of implementation and operation of the system and method herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways which will be obvious to those skilled in the art once they review this disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0067] Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing of other methods and systems for patient functionality and disability assessment. Therefore, that the objects and claims herein should be regarded as including such equivalent construction, steps, and methodology insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0068] It is an object of this invention to provide a computer-implemented method employing software operating to the task of presenting age appropriate questions to users or patients and employing input answers to calculate a disability and a functionality assessment for each respective user or patient.

[0069] It is a further object of this invention to provide such an assessment system wherein the output showing a disability assessment may be in the form of numerical disability or a graphic depiction showing the calculated functionality assessment which is easily understood by a patient.

[0070] It is a further object of this invention to eliminate the high chance of bias in functionality and disbility assessments.

[0071] These, together with other objects and advantages, which will become subsequently apparent, reside in the details of the patient functionality assessment system herein as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

[0072] Further objectives of this invention will be ascertained by those skilled in the art as brought out in the following part of the specification wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon.

[0073] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES

[0074] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate some but not the only or exclusive examples of embodiments and / or steps of the patient functionality assessment system herein. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative of preferred modes of the system rather than limiting.

[0075] In the drawings:

[0076] Fig. 1 depicts a linear graph showing a depiction of a line depiction of a final disability / functionality score of a patient which is derived by the system herein employing software operating to the tasks and calculations herein.

[0077] Fig. 2 depicts a flow chart showing the steps of the system herein for determination of a disability / functionality score which is employable by a patient or user.

[0078] Fig. 3 depicts a flow chart for the system to determine a patient disability score and a patient functionality score using software operating to use the figures determined in figure 1.

[0079] Fig 4 depicts a step in the system employing software operating to the task of determining individual section scores which may be depicted in graphic depictions of figures 5-8.

[0080] Fig 5. shows a system generated depiction in a square chart or quadrant graph wherein in each of four quadrants show the respective total aggregate patient answer score for that section of the test which is depicted using the scores of figure 4 and shown in rectangle by size in relation to the scores.

[0081] Fig. 6 shows a graphic depiction square chart or quadrant graph provided by the system once the user has selected the selection of the health (bs) area of the quadrants of figure 5 which will generate a screen depiction of figure 4 showing elements thereof.

[0082] Fig.7 shows the depiction of the system provided video display of patient scoring from the health area section of the testing in a bar graph.

[0083] Fig.8 shows an example of a system provided graphic of a quadrant depiction of the four sections of testing which is a user interface which allows a user selection of the (es) or emotional- spiritual area of the four quadrants of figure 2.

[0084] Fig. 9 shows a depiction of the video display provided by the system of the scoring from the emotional-spiritual section of the testing correlating to the selected section (es) of figure 8.

[0085] Fig. 10 depicts a graphic display provided by the system in a square chart or quadrant style graph which is a graphic user interface enabling a selection of the (ea) emotional attitudinal quadrant from the graphic depiction of figure 5.

[0086] Fig. 11 shows the displayed depiction of the testing scoring from the emotional attitudinal section of testing questions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0087] Referring now to the method and system 10 herein shown in simple format by the depictions of figures 1-11, as noted above, of software operating in electronic memory on a computer or server or networked computers operates to perform each task and calculation and graphic depiction in the system herein.

[0088] Shown in figure 1 is a graphic depiction on a display of a linear graph showing a simplified depiction of a final disability / functionality score of a patient based on the patient input to the questions presented from the library of questions presented and software operating to generate this outcome, as in figures 2-4. As noted, the ability of the patient to self-administer the process alleviates any bias any proctor or test administer may have and any answer bias the patient may have to disclosing answers to a person.

[0089] As noted above, software, operating to administer questions in four areas and calculate a total patient score, accomplishes such by determining a total of answer scores between 0-4 which are input by a patient to questions in each of four areas which are added for a patient score, and determining a total possible point score based on four points for each asked for all questions asked. This total patient score is divided by the total point score and yields a final percentage numerical score of the disability which is shown in figure 1 as 65%. The final functionality score of 35% is derived by deducting the 65% disability score from a possible 100%.

[0090] This system 10 operation, enabled by software operating to the tasks and calculations noted, is shown in a graphic depiction in figures 2-4 wherein a flow chart of the system 10 is shown.

[0091] Steps in the system 10 herein are depicted in figure 2 which continues on to figure 3-4 for different operations.

[0092] As shown in a first step 12, the system operator will gather and store in electronic memory, 10 a library of situational questions to ask patients in four sections. These sections or areas include questions concerning personal health, functioning, environment, and emotional-spiritual concerns. The questions, as noted above, are self administered to alleviate bias. The questions may employ standardized World Health Organization, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) language, thereby allowing for wider employment for patients in different countries.

[0093] While not shown on the chart, in an optional step, the system may ask for the age of the patient, and where the patient is an adult the questions presented to adults will be structured with standardized language determined understandable for that maturity level and the questions for patients not of adult age are structured for ease of understanding by those younger users.

[0094] In a next step the system 10 will ask the patient questions concerning each of the four sections wherein on a video display or in some cases orally, the patient is asked in a first section of questions, patient personal health questions 14, in a second section of questions, patient functioning questions 16, in a third section of questions, patient environment questions 18, and in a fourth section of questioning, patent emotional / spiritual questions 20. The content of these questions is noted above.

[0095] As noted for each question asked, in each section of questions, the patient will input an answer in a numerical score from 0-4. Each question therefor has a maximum value which currently is four but could be higher and such is anticipated in the scope of this application.

[0096] In a next step in the system 10 the sum of the scores input by the patient, for each respective section of questions, is totaled to a sum score for that section. This yields a patient health score 22, a patient functioning score 24, a patient environment score 26, and a patient emotional / spiritual score 28. This may occur once the patient has completed the questions for all four sections of questions, or sequentially after the answers to each section have been input.

[0097] In a next step in the system 10, the maximum point score for all the questions asked the patient is determined. This may be determined by multiplying the total aggregate number of questions asked in all four sections, by the maximum points allotted which is currently four. Alternatively the number of health questions is multiplied by four for a health maximum point score, the number of functioning questions asked is multiplied by four for a functioning maximum score 32, the number of environment questions asked is multiplied by four for a functioning maximum score 34, and the number of emotional and spiritual questions asked is multiplied by four 36 to determine an emotional / spiritual maximum score. The four maximum scores may be added to determine the maximum point score for the patient. The results of the steps of the chart of figure 2 may be employed in a next step, as shown in the flow chart of figure 3, to determine the patient disability score 38 and the patient functionality score 40.

[0098] To that end in a next step by software operating to the task of determining a total patient score 42 by summing the patient health score 22 and the patient functioning score 24, and the patient environment score 26 and the patient emotional / spiritual score 28.

[0099] In a next step in the system 10 a total possible point score is determined 44. Because the total number of questions in the four sections which are asked of the patient may vary, this total possible point score is accomplished by determining the sum of the health maximum score 30 and the functioning maximum score 32 and the environment maximum score 34 and the emotional spiritual maximum score 36. For calculation of sectional data for the patient, such as on figure 7, the determination of these sectional maximum scores and totaling thereof may be preferable. Alternatively, the total possible point score 44 may be calculated by determining the total aggregate number of questions asked of the patient for all four sections and multiplying by the maximum point value of the questions which is currently four.

[0100] In a next step the patient disability score is determined 38 by dividing the total patient score 42 by the total possible points score 44. The quotient of this calculation yields a numerical 38 patient disability score 38.

[0101] In a next step, the determined patient disability score 38 is deducted from 100 and the result yields the patient functionality score 40.

[0102] In another step in the system 10 the quadrant values for each of all four sections, patient health (bs), functioning (da), emotional spiritual (es), and environmental (ea) may be determined for each of the four sections of the questioning by the system. These are determined by dividing the patients score for each of the four sections 22, 24, 26 and 28 and dividing each by the total possible point score 44. Such quadrant depictions of a patient user are shown in figures 5, 6, 8, and 10.

[0103] To determine the graphic value and quadrant of the patient health (bs) 46, software operating to the task will divide the patient health score 22 by the total possible point score 44. To determine the functioning quadrant value 47 and depiction software operating to the task will divide the patient functioning score 24 by the total possible point score 44. To determine the environmental (ea) quadrant value 48 and depiction software operating to the task will divide the patient environment score 26 by the total possible point score 44. Finally to determine the emotional spiritual quadrant value 49 and depictions software operating to the task will divide the patient emotional / spiritual score 28 by the maximum possible point score 44.

[0104] As noted herein, it is the graphic depiction generated by software operating to such that provides a significant function of the system herein. By providing such depictions the user may either touch or select an area of the graphic depictions for further information. Upon doing so, the user is presented with more underlying information concerning the underlying scoring on the respective question sections which operate to score and generate the graphic and numerical outcomes herein.

[0105] In figure 5 is shown an example of a system generated graphic depiction wherein in each of four quadrants the respective quadrant score each section of the four for which that test is depicted as noted above in the quadrant calculations. The size of each quadrant is representative of the overall effect of that section of the testing represented by that quadrant upon the total section score used to generate the depiction of figure 1.

[0106] Shown in figure 6, is the software generated depictions of the user selection of the health area (bs) of four quadrants as in figure 5. As shown in figure 6 the user may use a curser 52 to click on or otherwise request more information on a respective quadrant by clicking on the graphic areas 54. Upon the selection of this health area (bs), using software operating to the task of receiving the selection will correlate it to the questions for that section, the system will generate a bar graph screen depiction of figure 7. This bar graph visually informs the user of the weight of the varies health area test questioning in the make of the final aggregate answer score regarding health.

[0107] The operation to allow the user to dig down and review the underlying areas of each of the four testing sections is also shown in figure 8-9. As shown in figure 8, the user is choosing to inquire about the emotional spiritual area (es) of the outcome. Software operating to receive the chosen input for more information on the emotional spiritual area (es) will then operate to generate depict the bar graph of figure 9 from the data of the system operation in figures 2-4. The depicted bar graph provides a weighting of the scoring from this (es) section of testing which resulted in the patient emotional / spiritual score for that section which was employed to find the emotional / spiritual section score resulting in the graphic depiction of figure 1.

[0108] Showing if figures 10-11 are another depiction of the video display graphic for the patient to view and allowing a user choice for underlying data, for each of the four areas for which the patient provided answers which system 10 herein provides. As shown in figure 10, upon touching or placing the cursor in a particular quadrant (ea) of the depictions such as in Fig. 10, and hitting a keyboard input or depressing a mouse button, the input acts to request for more information concerning that section (ea) which is the emotional attitudinal area of the questioning resulting in the final scoring depicted in figure 1.

[0109] Software operating to sense the user input and resulting selection of a section selection, shown as (ea) but for any section, will then cause the system to employ software operating to communicate to a video display and depict the bar graph showing the scoring from the underlying testing which resulted in the aggregate answer scoring of the emotional attitudinal area of the testing. As with the other sections and selections the user is given an easy to understand bar graphic depiction and interface concerning the outcomes to their input answers to questioning.

[0110] While not shown, the same operation will occur where the user selects quadrant (da) in the lower left quadrant, software operating to receive that input will generate a bar graph depiction of the weighting of areas of the underlying questioning for that section of testing. As with the other depicted quadrant choices which allow the user to choose and request more detailed section information, the depicted graphs in a bar pattern show the scored aspects in the underlying questionnaire and allow the user to easily observe which of the aspects are alerts to identify possible problems to solve.

[0111] While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of the patient functionality / disability assessment system have been shown and described herein, with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some features or steps of the disclosed system may be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. It should also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Consequently, all such modifications and variations and substitutions are included within the scope of the invention herein disclosed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system for determining a functionality and disability assessment of a patient comprising: a processor, and a non-transitory, computer readable medium communicably coupled to the processor and storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising: crafting a library of situational questions in four sections, including personal health, functioning, environment, and emotional-spiritual concerns, and storing said situational questions in electronic memory; presenting personal health questions in a first group from said library to a patient and requesting a numerical response between 0 and 4 thereto; capturing said numerical response for each said personal health question between 0 and 4; presenting functioning questions in a second group from said library to a patient and requesting a numerical response between 0 and 4 thereto; capturing said numerical response for each said functioning question between 0 and 4; presenting environment questions in a third group from said library to a patient and requesting a numerical response between 0 and 4 thereto; capturing said numerical response for each said environment question between 0 and 4; presenting emotional-spiritual concern questions in a fourth group from said library to a patient and requesting a numerical response between 0 and 4 thereto; capturing said numerical response for each said emotional-spiritual concern question between 0 and 4; summing a total said numerical responses for all said personal health questions to determine a patient health score; summing a total of said numerical responses for all said functioning questions to determine a patient functioning score; summing a total of said numerical responses for all said environment questions to determine a patient environment score; summing a total of said numerical responses for all said emotional-spiritual concern questions to determine a patient emotional-spiritual concern score; adding a total of said patient health score, said patient functioning score, said patient environment score, and said patient emotional-spiritual concern score to determine a total patient score;determining a total possible point score by multiplying an aggregate total number of questions presented to said patient in said first group, said second group, said third group, and said fourth group, by four; determining a patient disability score by dividing said total patient score by said total possible score; and determining a patient functionality score by subtracting said patient disability score from 100.

2. The system for determining a functionality and disability assessment of a patient of claim 1 additionally comprising: employing said patient disability score and said patient functionality score to depict disability / functionality graph.

3. The system for determining a functionality and disability assessment of a patient of claim 2 additionally comprising: depicting said disability / functionality graph in a rectangle, said rectangle having a first triangular section in a first color representing disability positioned above a second triangular section in a second color representing functionality; and depicting a scale running between 0-100 along a bottom edge of said rectangle adjacent one edge of said second triangular section; and depicting a vertical line running vertically from a numerical position on said scale equaling said patient disability score whereby said patient is provided with an easily discerned graphic depiction showing areas on opposite sides of said line representing disability and functionality.

4. The system for determining a functionality and disability assessment of a patient of claim 1 additionally comprising: dividing said patient health score by said total possible point score to determine a health section score; dividing said patient functioning score by said total possible point score to determine a functioning section score; dividing said patient environment score by said total possible point score to determine an environment section score; dividing said patient emotional-spiritual concern score by said total possible point score todetermine an emotional-spiritual concern score; and depicting a square chart graph with four quadrants; positioning a first graphic depiction of said health section score in a first of said four quadrants; positioning a second graphic depiction of said functioning section score in a second of said four quadrants; positioning a graphic depiction of said environment section score in a third of said four quadrants; and positioning a graphic depiction of said emotional-spiritual concern section score in a fourth of said four quadrants.

5. The system for determining a functionality and disability assessment of a patient of claim 4 additionally comprising: depicting said square chart graph as a graphic user interface where: a user may employ a cursor and mouse to make choices; a choice of said first graphic depiction by said patient will cause a first display of a break down of health factor areas derived from said numerical responses to said personal health questions; a choice of said second graphic depiction by said patient will cause a second display of a break down of functioning areas derived from said numerical responses to said functioning questions; a choice of said third graphic depiction by said patient will cause a third display of a break down of environment areas derived from said numerical responses to said environment questions; and a choice of said fourth graphic depiction by said patient will cause a fourth display of a break down of emotional and spiritual areas from said numerical responses to said emotional-spiritual concern questions.

Images