Patient reunification system and method of using same

Abstract

A patient reunification system and method of use is described herein. The patient reunification system comprising an intake sensor for receiving input patient characteristics and a tracker for communicating in real time to the intake sensor, the tracker for receiving input patient characteristics, the tracker further comprising a global positioning sensor, the tracker being attachable to a patient having the patient characteristics.

Description

PATIENT REUNIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING SAMECROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The following application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 695,568 filed September 17, 2024 entitled PATIENT TRACKING SYSTEM FOR MASS CASUALTY EVENT AND METHOD OF USING SAME. The above-identified application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a patient reunification system and method of using same, and more particularly to a reunification system that reconnects patient’s that lack mental capacity, due to age or infirmity, to identify themselves with relatives during mass casualty and / or disruptive event and method of using same.BACKGROUND

[0003] Patient tracking and family reunification are essential during a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) and / or other disruptive events. A Hospital’s Incident Command System needs an accurate count of the number of patients and their locations for resource distribution, regional notification, and reporting to government officials. Individual patient care is a top priority, but patient tracking and identification are also crucial aspects of an MCI response to decrease the risk of medical errors, delays in care, and distress for patients and families.

[0004] Pediatric and impaired patients present a unique challenge during an MCI and / or other disruptive event, as they are at increased risk of arriving unidentified to a hospital. Frequently, children may be separated from their adult family members, who may also be injured,Page 1 of 20NCH-032867.F WO ORDand arrive without any identifying documents (such as a driver’s license). Due to developmental stage or fear, pediatric patients may struggle to provide their name or other identifying information. Unidentified patients are typically entered into an electronic medical record (EMR) using the generic John or Jane Doe naming convention, making family reunification difficult. In some settings, the EMR may not be fully functional, eliminating its utility in electronically tracking patients through the hospital system.SUMMARY

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure comprises a patient reunification system, the patient reunification system comprising a processing device having a processor configured to perform a predefined set of operations in response to receiving a corresponding input from at least one of a tracking device or a secondary device, the processing device comprising memory, wherein the tracking device transmits location information. The patient reunification system further includes the processor instructs patient characteristics of a reunification patient to be entered into memory, the processor assigns a number to the tracking device, the processor links the number to the patient characteristics, and responsive to a triggering event, the processor provides access to the location information for the tracking device and the patient characteristics.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure comprises a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions executable by an associated processor to perform a method for implementing reunification system. The method comprising receiving patient characteristics of a reunification patient, sending instructions to link a tracking number of a tracking device to the patient characteristics, storing the tracking number linked to the patient characteristics in memory, intaking family information of potential family of the reunification patient, and responsive to thePage 2 of 20NCH-032867.F WO ORDfamily information matching the patient characteristics, presenting a family patient match on a secondary device.

[0007] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of reunifying renunciation patient with family after a triggering event. The method comprising identifying the reunification patient, assigning the reunification patient a tracking device having a tracking number, the tracking device for providing location information regarding the location of the tracking device, and removably attaching the tracking device to the reunification patient. The method further includes assigning patient characteristics to the reunification patient and linking the reunification patient and the tracking device in a reunification system, intaking family information from persons missing the reunification patient, matching patient characteristics to family information to generate a family-patient match, and upon generation of the family-patient match, providing the location information of the tracking device assigned to the matched reunification patient.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates upon consideration of the following description of the disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals, unless otherwise described refer to like parts throughout the drawings and in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a reunification system, in accordance with one example embodiment of this disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a method of providing a reunification system in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;Page 3 of 20NCH-032867.F WO ORD

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a method of utilizing a reunification system in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a method of intaking patients while utilizing a reunification system in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a method of utilizing a reunification system in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Referring now to the figures generally wherein like numbered features shown therein refer to like elements throughout unless otherwise noted. The present disclosure generally relates to a patient reunification system and method of using same, and more particularly to a reunification system that reconnects patient’s that lack mental capacity, due to age or infirmity, to identify themselves with relatives during mass casualty and / or disruptive event and method of using same.Page 4 of 20NCH-032867.F WO ORD

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a patient reunification system 100, in accordance with one of the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. The patient reunification system 100 includes a processing device 112, which includes a computing device 115 (e.g. a database server, a file server, an application server, a computer, or the like) with computing capability and / or a processor 114. The processor 114 comprises central processing units (CPU), such as a programmable general purpose or special purpose microprocessor, and / or other similar device or a combination thereof.

[0018] The processing device 112 would generate outputs 113 based upon inputs 111 received from a tracking device 150, cloud storage, a local input from a user, etc. One example of the tracking device 150 is an Apple Airtag®, sold at Apple.com. The processing device 112 may be a part of the tracking device 150 or separate from it. It would be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that the processing device 112 would include a data storage device 117 in various forms of non-transitory, volatile, and non-volatile memories, which would store buffered or permanent data as well as compiled programming codes used to execute functions of the processing device 112. In another example embodiment, the data storage device 117 can be external to and accessible by the processing device 112, the data storage device 117 may comprise an external hard drive, cloud storage, and / or other external recording devices 119. In one example embodiment, the tracking device 150 is coupled to or includes a transceiver 152, and / or a global positioning system (GPS) 154. In one example embodiment, the transceiver 152 uses near field communication (NFC) to communicate with the processing device 112. In one example embodiment, the transceiver 152 emits a short-wave radio frequency (e.g., Bluetooth) at regular or irregular intervals. In another example embodiment, the transceiver 202 transmits location data, such a GPS or WIFI signal data, to the processing device 112.Page 5 of 20NCH-032867.F WO ORD

[0019] In one example embodiment, the processing device 112 comprises one of a remote or local computer system 121. The computer system includes desktop, laptop, tablet hand-held personal computing device, LAN, WAN, WWW, and the like, running on any number of known operating systems and are accessible for communication with remote data storage, such as a cloud, host operating computer, via a world-wide-web or Internet.

[0020] In another example embodiment, the processing device 112 comprises a processor, a microprocessor, a data storage, computer system memory that includes randomaccess-memory (“RAM”), read-only-memory (“ROM”) and / or an input / output interface. The processing device 112 executes instructions by non-transitory computer readable medium either internal or external through the processor that communicates to the processor via input interface and / or electrical communications, such as from the interactive reading tracking device 200. In yet another example embodiment, the processing device 112 communicates with the Internet, a network such as a LAN, WAN, and / or a cloud, input / output devices such as flash drives, remote devices such as a smart phone or tablet, and displays. In yet another example embodiment, the processing device 112 includes one or more databases, cloud storage, or the like that track interaction with the tracking device 150.

[0021] A secondary device 160 (e.g., a tablet, desktop or laptop computer, smart phone, or the like) includes a display 162, the display having an integrated or separate element for receiving tactile input (e.g., a touch screen, a capacitive sense screen, keypad and / or the like).

[0022] In FIG. 2, a method 200 of providing elements of a patient reunification system 100 is illustrated. At 202, the patient tracking device 150 is provided at an intake location of a hospital or similar location. The tracking device 150 having a location function. At 204, a wristband for coupling the tracking device 150 to a patient is provided. It would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, that other types of attachment mechanisms, includingPage 6 of 20NCH-032867.F WO ORDtensions clips, pins, buttons, necklace, or similar items are contemplated. At 206, the secondary device 160 is provided, the secondary device in selective communication with the tracking device 150. At 208, the secondary device 160 is linkable to the reunification system 100. In one example embodiment, the reunification system 100 is Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant.

[0023] Illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 3, a method 300 of using a patient tracking system 100 is illustrated. At 302, the tracking device 150 is assigned patient characteristics. The patient characteristics include, but are not limited to, a patient's full name; parent / guardian name(s), nicknames for child and parent(s) / guardian(s), date of birth (or approximate age if unable to obtain), weight, height, race / ethnicity, cultural, linguistic (languages spoken), and other special needs (e.g., allergies, medical conditions, medications, etc.), hair color and / or length of hair, eye color, gender, distinguishing marks on the body (may include tattoos, scars, and missing teeth), clothing worn at initial arrival, along with significant belongings (e.g., stuffed animal), clinical information (e.g., intubated, broken limb, multisystem trauma, etc.) location and mechanism of arrival / presentation to the system, assigned room number, photo (if system is capable), and / or association with disaster event (to aid in reporting all patients associated with incident). At 304, communication between the tracking device 150 and the secondary device 160 is enabled. In one example embodiment, the communication between the tracking device 150 and the secondary device 160 is enabled responsive to a triggering event, such as an MCI or other disruptive event. At 306, the tracking device 150, having the patient characteristics linked thereto, is coupled to the patient having the patient characteristics to allow for room level location identification.

[0024] Illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 4, a method 400 of using a patient tracking system 100 is illustrated. At 402, a patient undergoing intake is identified as aPage 7 of 20NCH-032867.F WO ORDreunification patient. In this example embodiment, the reunification patient is one of a separated child, an unaccompanied minors, and / or an unidentified patient. In this example embodiment, the separated child is a child or children who have separated from all parents or from their previous legal or customary primary caregiver, but not necessarily from other relatives, these may, therefore, include children accompanied by other adult family members. In this example embodiment, the unaccompanied minor is a child or children who have been separated from both parents, legal guardians, and other relatives and are not being cared for by an adult who, by law or custom, is responsible for doing so (18 or under). In this example embodiment, the unidentified patient is a patient presenting to the intake or other care area with no identification or means of communicating their identification.

[0025] In one example embodiment, responsive to a triggering event being identified, patients are identified as reunification patients. In one example embodiment, the triggering event is a sudden, unforeseen event that results in a significant number of casualties requiring admission and treatment in the hospital but does not cause a threat to the hospital itself or to its staff; a hazmat, biological, or radiation incident external to the hospital which may cause injury, damage, or disruption to its employees and / or operations. In another example embodiment, the triggering event is a mass casualty incident (MCI). The MCI is any incident in which emergency medical services resources, such as personnel and equipment, are overwhelmed by the number and severity of casualties. MCI can be either natural, man-made, or both.

[0026] At 404, the tracking device 150 is assigned a tracker number. At 406, the tracking device 150 is linked to the patient characteristics. At 408, a room assignment (e.g., room number, treatment area, such as x-ray, radiology, specialty, such as cardio, neurology, pediatrics, emergency, etc.) is assigned to the reunification patient. At 410, the patient tracker number is linked to the patient characteristics and corresponding room assignment on the memory of the processing device 112. At 412, responsive to changes to patient’s characteristics, (e.g., newPage 8 of 20NCH-032867.F WO ORDcondition noted, a birthdate obtained, a name obtained, etc.) and / or a change to the room assignment, the patient’s room assignment and / or characteristics are updated. At 410, the changed patient characteristic and / or room assignment is saved on the memory.

[0027] Illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 5, a method 500 of using a patient reunification system 100 is illustrated. At 502, responsive to the triggering event, access is granted to the reunification system 100. In another example embodiment, access to the reunification system 100 is available regardless of the triggering event. In yet another example embodiment, access to the reunification system 100 is HIPAA compliant. In yet another example embodiment, the patient reunification system 100 is activated solely based on the triggering event, such that tracking of patients cannot occur absent the triggering event. At 504, family information is received. In this example embodiment, family information is information from a family member or guardian of the reunification patient. In this example embodiment, the family information is provided by a custodial parent and / or a legal guardian. In this example embodiment, the custodial parent is the primary caregiver / parent with whom a child (e.g., that is the reunification patient) resides with full time or who holds physical custody of the child by a court of law. In this example embodiment, the legal guardian is a person or entity who has been granted the legal authority (and the corresponding duty) to care for the personal and property interests of another person, that person being the reunification patient. In this example embodiment, the family information includes any and all information known by the custodial parent or legal guardian, including but are not limited to, the patient's full name; parent / guardian name(s), nicknames for child and parent(s) / guardian(s), date of birth, weight, height, race / ethnicity, cultural, linguistic (languages spoken), and other special needs (e.g., allergies, medical conditions, medications, etc.), hair color and / or length of hair, eye color, gender, distinguishing marks on the body (may include tattoos, scars, and missing teeth), last known clothing, significant belongings (e.g., stuffed animal), clinical information (e.g.,Page 9 of 20NCH-032867.F WO ORDintubated, broken limb, multisystem trauma, etc.), last known location, photo, and / or association with disaster event.

[0028] At 506, the family information is stored in memory. At 508, the family information is compared to patient characteristics to generate family-patient matches. In one example embodiment, family-patient matches are generated when two or more patient characteristics match to two or more family information components. In one example embodiment, names and birthdates matching in the family patient-match generates a higher match score than weight and height matches. At 512, the family patient matches with the highest match score are presented on the secondary device 160.

[0029] At 514, responsive to identification of a match of the family information and patient characteristics, the tracking device 150 is activated. In one example embodiment, the tracking device 150 is active and responsive to identification of a match of the family information and patient characteristics, access to the location data of the tracking device is granted.

[0030] In one example embodiment, the family-patient match is deemed an identification responsive to a confidence score exceeding a first confidence threshold. In another example embodiment, the family-patient match is deemed an identification responsive to at least one patient characteristics matching to one family information components. In one example, matching is iterative, wherein the threshold is lowered until a potential match is identified. In another example, matching is deemed complete wherein a preset threshold of at least one or two patient characteristics match to one or two family information components. At 516, the processing device 112 receives the location data from the tracking device 150. In another example embodiment, the processing device 112 is enabled to receive and / or to share the location data from the tracking device 150. In one example embodiment, the location data is supplemented with the room assignment. At 518, the family is directed to the location indicated by the location data. At 520,Page 10 of 20NCH-032867.F WO ORDresponsive to the patient matching to the family (e.g., the patient and / or the family visually confirm the identity of the other), the patient information is removed from the patient reunification system 100, the tracking device 150 and wristband are removed from the matched patient.

[0031] In one example embodiment, to test the method of FIGS. 2-5, an intake user was assigned and identified five (5) reunification patients and performed steps 404-410 on five (5) mock patients having assigned patient characteristics. Five (5) tracking devices 150, assigned the five (5) hypothetical reunification patients were placed in five (5) separate locations. A family reunification user, who knew nothing about the mock patients, was assigned five (5) families, having five (5) different packets of the family information matching the five mock patients, and performed steps 502-520 to locate the five (5) mock patients. Four (4) out of the five (5) tracking devices were found within 25 minutes. A fifth tracking device 150 ofthe five (5) tracking devices 150 was placed in a less accessible location behind several walls and doors which limited the reach of a proximity the near field communication of the tracking device. During the location process, it was determined that the fifth tracking device 150 happened to be located at the same (x,y) location indicated but was a floor above or below. In the example test, the fifth tracking device 150, which was placed in a location that did not match the expected location for where the mock patient tied to the tracking device 150 would have been, took the longest to find. Reinforcing the importance of utilizing patient characteristics when determining which floors to search for a reunification patient.

[0032] Advantageously, the patient tracking system allows for significantly improved clinical team’s reunification efforts and the patient and family experience following a triggering events.

[0033] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changesPage 11 of 20NCH-032867.F WO ORDcan be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings.

[0034] The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The disclosure is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

[0035] Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises ...a”, “has ...a”, “includes ...a”, “contains . ..a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In one nonlimiting embodiment the terms are defined to be within for example 100%, in another possiblePage 12 of 20NCH-032867.F WO ORDembodiment within 5%, in another possible embodiment within 1%, and in another possible embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected or in contact either temporarily or permanently, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0036] To the extent that the materials for any of the foregoing embodiments or components thereof are not specified, it is to be appreciated that suitable materials would be known by one of ordinary skill in the art for the intended purposes.

[0037] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.Page 13 of 20NCH-032867.F WO ORD

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A patient reunification system, the patient reunification system comprising: a processing device having a processor configured to perform a predefined set of operations in response to receiving a corresponding input from at least one of a tracking device or a secondary device, the processing device comprising memory, wherein the tracking device transmits location information; the processor instructs patient characteristics of a reunification patient to be entered into memory; the processor assigns a number to the tracking device; the processor links the number to the patient characteristics; responsive to a triggering event, the processor provides access to the location information for the tracking device and the patient characteristics.

2. The system of claim 1, further wherein the processor receives family information that is believed to be linked to the reunification patient, and the processor stores the family information in memory.

3. The system of claim 2, further wherein the processor compares the family information to the patient characteristics, and responsive to a match, generates a family-patient match.Page 14 of 20NCH-032867.F WO ORD4. The system of claim 2, further wherein the processor compares the family information to the patient characteristics, and ranks one or more family-patient matches based upon similarity of the family information and the patient characteristics.

5. The system of claim 5, further wherein the ranking one or more family-patient matches is iterative, wherein a threshold of similarity between the family information and the patient characteristics is lowered until at least one family-patient match is identified.

6. The system of claim 5, further wherein the ranking one or more family-patient matches is based on a number of matches between the family information and the patient characteristics, wherein more matches results in a higher ranking.

7. The system of claim 5, further wherein the processor instructs that the ranked familypatient matches be presented on a secondary device.

8. The system of claim 5, further wherein responsive to receiving a selection of the family-patient match, the processor provides the location information from the tracking device.

9. The system of claim 8, further wherein responsive to the reunification patient being present at a location indicated by the location information, the processor removes the reunification patient from the memory and deactivates the tracking device.Page 15 of 20NCH-032867.F WO ORD10. The system of claim 2, further wherein the patient characteristics comprise date of birth or approximate age of reunification patient, clinical information related to condition of reunification patient, and room assignment of reunification patient.

11. The system of claim 2, further wherein the patient characteristics comprise at least one of date of birth, approximate age, weight, height, race, ethnicity, cultural, linguistic, hair color, length of hair, eye color, gender, distinguishing marks on the body, clothing worn at initial arrival, along with significant belongings, clinical information, location and mechanism of arrival and presentation to the system, assigned room number, photo, and / or association with disaster event.

12. The system of claim 2, further wherein family information comprise date of birth of reunification patient, name of reunification patient, and last known location of the reunification patient.

13. The system of claim 2, further wherein family information comprises at least one of the reunification patient's full name, family name, nicknames for reunification patient, date of birth of reunification patient, weight of reunification patient, height of reunification patient, race of reunification patient, ethnicity of reunification patient, culture of reunification patient, languages spoken by reunification patient, other special needs of reunification patient, hair color and / or length of hair of reunification patient, eye color of reunification patient, gender of reunification patient, distinguishing marks on the body of reunification patient, last known clothing of reunification patient, significant belongings of reunification patient, last knownPage 16 of 20NCH-032867.F WO ORDlocation of reunification patient, photo of reunification patient, or association with disaster event of reunification patient.

14. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions executable by an associated processor to perform a method for implementing reunification system, the method comprising: receiving patient characteristics of a reunification patient; sending instructions to link a tracking number of a tracking device to the patient characteristics; storing the tracking number linked to the patient characteristics in memory; intaking family information of potential family of the reunification patient; and responsive to the family information matching the patient characteristics, presenting a family patient match on a secondary device.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising wherein responsive to receiving a selection of the family-patient match, providing the location information from the tracking device.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising wherein responsive to the reunification patient being present at a location indicated by the location information, removing the reunification patient from the memory and deactivates the tracking device.Page 17 of 20NCH-032867.F WO ORD17. The method of claim 15, further comprising wherein the patient characteristics comprise date of birth or approximate age of reunification patient, clinical information related to condition of reunification patient, and room assignment of reunification patient.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising wherein the family information comprise date of birth of reunification patient, name of reunification patient, and last known location of the reunification patient.

18. A method of reunifying renunciation patient with family after a triggering event, the method comprising: identifying the reunification patient; assigning the reunification patient a tracking device having a tracking number, the tracking device for providing location information regarding the location of the tracking device; removably attaching the tracking device to the reunification patient; assigning patient characteristics to the reunification patient and linking the reunification patient and the tracking device in a reunification system; intaking family information from persons missing the reunification patient; matching patient characteristics to family information to generate a family-patient match; and upon generation of the family-patient match, providing the location information of the tracking device assigned to the matched reunification patient.Page 18 of 20NCH-032867.F WO ORD19. The method of claim 18, responsive to the reunification patient being present at a location indicated by the location information, removing the reunification patient from the reunification system and deactivates the tracking device.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the patient characteristics comprise date of birth or approximate age of reunification patient, clinical information related to condition of reunification patient, and room assignment of reunification patient and wherein the family information comprise date of birth of reunification patient, name of reunification patient, and last known location of the reunification patient.Page 19 of 20NCH-032867.F WO ORD

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