Information processing device and control method therefor, medical system, and program

Abstract

This information processing device comprises a control unit that: when input information relating to vital signs of a subject satisfies any of a plurality of predetermined alert conditions, causes a storage unit to store an alert having an alert level and an alert state corresponding to the input information in association with the subject; when the alert level of the alert associated with the subject is a first level, changes the alert state associated with the subject in response to the input information of the subject ceasing to satisfy the alert conditions; and when the alert level of the alert associated with the subject is a second level, changes the alert state of the alert associated with the subject in response to an operation by a medical worker.

Description

Information Processing Apparatus, Control Method Thereof, Medical System, and Program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, a medical system, and a program.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technique related to permitting only a user having authority to confirm medical information in a medical information management system.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-149226

[0004] However, the conventional configuration has room for improvement in appropriately managing the patient's condition according to the symptoms.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to enable more appropriate management of the patient's condition according to the symptoms.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, an information processing apparatus: (1) when input information regarding vital signs of a target person satisfies any one of a plurality of preset alert conditions, stores an alert having an alert level and an alert state corresponding to the input information in a storage unit in association with the target person, and when the alert level of the alert associated with the target person is a first level, changes the alert state associated with the target person in response to the input information of the target person no longer satisfying the alert condition, and when the alert level of the alert associated with the target person is a second level, changes the alert state of the alert associated with the target person in response to an operation by a medical staff.

[0007] (2) In the information processing apparatus of (1), the control unit may store, in the storage unit in association with the target person, any one of the states of unresponded, in progress, and alert解除 as the alert state of the alert associated with the target person.

[0008] (3) In the information processing device of (2), the control unit may, in response to an operation by the medical professional, control the alert state of the alert associated with the medical professional, so as not to change from "not to" to "removed" but to "receiving".

[0009] (4) In the information processing device of (2) or (3), the control unit may, when the alert level of the alert associated with the subject is the second level, and the alert state of the alert associated with the subject is in the state of response, control the alert state of the alert associated with the subject to change from the state of response to the medical professional to the state of not responding or the state of alert cancellation in response to an operation by the medical professional.

[0010] (5) In any of the information processing devices described in (1) to (4), the control unit may change the alert state of the alert associated with the subject when the alert level of the alert associated with the subject is the second level, in response to an operation including comment input being performed by the medical professional.

[0011] (6) An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (5), further comprising a communication unit for communicating with a medical professional terminal that can be operated by the medical professional, wherein the control unit may change the alert state of the alert associated with the subject when the alert level of the alert associated with the subject is the second level, in response to an operation on the medical professional terminal by the medical professional.

[0012] (7) An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (5), further comprising a communication unit for communicating with a target terminal that can be operated by the target person or a user acting on behalf of the target person, wherein the control unit acquires the input information of the target person input into the target terminal from the target terminal via the communication unit, and if the acquired input information satisfies any of the plurality of alert conditions, stores the alert having the alert level and alert state corresponding to the acquired input information in the storage unit in association with the target person, and if the alert level of the alert associated with the target person is the first level, the alert state of the alert associated with the target person may be changed in accordance with the fact that the acquired input information of the target person no longer satisfies the alert conditions.

[0013] (8) In the information processing device of (7), if an unresolved alert is stored in the storage unit in association with the target person, the control unit may display an image on the screen for receiving user operations on the target person's terminal that corresponds to at least one of the alert level and the alert status of the alert associated with the target person.

[0014] In the information processing device of (9), (7), or (8), if an unresolved alert is stored in the storage unit in association with the target person, the control unit may display detailed information related to the alert on the target person terminal each time the target person terminal receives input from the user.

[0015] According to this disclosure, the program (10) causes the computer to operate as an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0016] According to this disclosure, a control method for an information processing device includes: (11) a control unit, the control unit storing an alert in a storage unit in association with the subject when input information relating to the subject's vital signs satisfies any of a plurality of predetermined alert conditions; when the alert level of the alert associated with the subject is a first level, the alert state associated with the subject is changed in accordance with the subject when the input information of the subject no longer satisfies the alert conditions; and when the alert level of the alert associated with the subject is a second level, the alert state of the alert associated with the subject is changed in accordance with an operation by a medical professional.

[0017] According to this disclosure, a medical system includes (12) an information processing device, a medical professional terminal that can be operated by a medical professional, and a patient terminal that can be operated by a patient or a user acting on behalf of the patient, wherein the information processing device stores an alert in a storage unit associated with the patient, having an alert level and alert state corresponding to the input information, when input information relating to the vital signs of the patient received from the patient terminal satisfies any of a plurality of predetermined alert conditions, the alert processing device changes the alert state associated with the patient when the alert level of the alert associated with the patient is a first level, in accordance with the fact that the input information of the patient no longer satisfies the alert conditions, and changes the alert state of the alert associated with the patient in accordance with the operation of the medical professional on the medical professional terminal when the alert level of the alert associated with the patient is a second level.

[0018] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, it is possible to manage the patient's condition more appropriately in accordance with their symptoms.

[0019] This is a diagram showing an example configuration of a medical system according to one embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example screen displayed on a medical professional's terminal. This is a diagram showing an example screen displayed on a medical professional's terminal. This is a diagram showing an example operation of the server device in Figure 1. This is a diagram showing an example screen displayed on a patient's terminal. This is a diagram showing an example screen displayed on a patient's terminal. This is a diagram showing an example screen displayed on a patient's terminal. This is a diagram showing an example screen displayed on a patient's terminal. This is a diagram showing an example screen displayed on a patient's terminal. This is a diagram showing an example screen displayed on a patient's terminal. This is a diagram showing an example screen displayed on a patient's terminal. This is a diagram showing an example screen displayed on a patient's terminal. This is a diagram showing an example screen displayed on a medical professional This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on a medical professional's terminal. This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on a medical professional's terminal. This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on a medical professional's terminal. This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on a medical professional's terminal. This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on a medical professional's terminal.

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, parts having the same configuration or function are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, redundant descriptions of the same parts may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0021] (Medical System 1) Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of medical system 1 according to one embodiment. Medical system 1 acquires information about the subject's symptoms and supports the subject's self-care by prompting the subject to take necessary actions based on the acquired information. The following description will use the example of a patient with chronic heart failure, but the type and severity of the illness or physical ailment the subject is suffering from are arbitrary.

[0022] Medical system 1 comprises a patient terminal 10, a measuring device 20, a server device 30, and a medical professional terminal 40. The patient terminal 10, measuring device 20, server device 30, and medical professional terminal 40 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate via the Internet, an intranet, a mobile communication network, or any other network N. The following description will be an example in which there is one of each of the patient terminal 10, measuring device 20, server device 30, and medical professional terminal 40 in medical system 1, but the number of these devices is arbitrary. The users of the patient terminal 10 and measuring device 20 are, for example, the patient, or a representative of the patient such as a close relative or caregiver (e.g., family member, care worker), but may also be medical professionals such as doctors and nurses, or any other person.

[0023] The target terminal 10 accepts input of confirmation results regarding the target person's symptoms and displays a screen to prompt the target person to take necessary actions. The target terminal 10 transmits information such as the inputted confirmation results regarding symptoms to the server device 30 via the network N and receives necessary information from the server device 30. In this embodiment, the target terminal 10 is implemented as a smartphone, but the type of device used to implement the target terminal 10 is arbitrary. For example, the target terminal 10 may be implemented as a tablet device, a PC (Personal Computer), or a dedicated device.

[0024] The measuring device 20 measures physical information related to the subject's vital signs. Such physical information may include, for example, weight, blood pressure (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, etc.), pulse rate, blood glucose level, oxygen saturation (SpO2), respiratory rate, fat mass, lean body mass, body water content, intracellular fluid volume, extracellular fluid volume, cardiac output, activity level, or body temperature, but the type of physical information is arbitrary. The measuring device 20 can connect to other devices such as the server device 30 and the subject terminal 10 via the network N, or it may communicate directly with the subject terminal 10 using, for example, Bluetooth® or NFC (Near Field Communication). The following description will focus on examples in which a weighing scale and a blood pressure monitor are used as the measuring device 20.

[0025] The server device 30, acting as an information processing device, manages status information (e.g., electronic medical records) for each individual. This status information includes, for example, physical information measured by the measuring device 20, and information recorded regarding the individual's symptoms entered on the individual terminal 10. In this embodiment, the server device 30 is implemented using a Work Station (WS) and a database (DB), but the type of equipment used to implement the server device 30 is arbitrary. For example, the server device 30 may be implemented using a PC or dedicated equipment.

[0026] The medical professional terminal 40 is used by medical professionals such as doctors and nurses to view patient status information managed by the server device 30 and to input necessary information. In this embodiment, the medical professional terminal 40 is implemented using a PC, but the type of equipment used to implement the medical professional terminal 40 is arbitrary. For example, the medical professional terminal 40 may be implemented using a tablet terminal or a dedicated device.

[0027] Thus, the medical system 1 includes a server device 30 that can communicate with each other, a medical professional terminal 40 that can be operated by a medical professional, and a patient terminal 10 that can be operated by the patient or a user acting on behalf of the patient. The server device 30 receives and acquires physical information regarding the patient's vital signs and confirmation results regarding the patient's symptoms as input information from the patient terminal 10 or the measuring device 20.

[0028] The server device 30, when the input information satisfies one of a predetermined set of alert conditions, determines an alert with an alert level and alert status corresponding to the input information, and stores the alert in the storage unit 12, associating it with the target person. In this embodiment, the alert level takes one of the following values ​​depending on the level of danger: "Caution," "Caution Required," and "Danger" ("Caution" being the least dangerous, and "Danger" being the most dangerous). The alert status takes one of the following values: "Not Responded," "In Progress," and "Resolved." When new input information satisfies the alert conditions, the alert status of the alert based on that input information is set to "Not Responded." When the input information does not satisfy the alert conditions, the alert level of the alert based on that input information may be referred to as "Normal."

[0029] If the alert level for an "alert" determined for a person is "caution," the server device 30 automatically changes the alert status associated with the person to "alert cleared" or the like, after the alert determination, in accordance with the fact that the input information no longer satisfies the alert conditions. On the other hand, if the alert level for an "alert" is "caution" or "danger," the alert status is changed to "alert cleared" or the like, not because the input information no longer satisfies the alert conditions, but when a clearing operation is performed by a medical professional.

[0030] In this way, the server device 30, depending on the alert level indicating the risk to the subject, requires a deactivation operation by a medical professional to change high-risk alert states, while automatically changing low-risk alert states when the input information shows normal values. Therefore, the server device 30 can avoid placing an excessive burden on medical professionals by prompting confirmation by medical professionals when important alert states occur, while automatically changing other alert states. Thus, the server device 30 makes it possible to manage the patient's condition more appropriately according to their symptoms.

[0031] (Target terminal 10) As shown in Figure 1, the target terminal 10 comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an input unit 14, and an output unit 15.

[0032] The control unit 11 includes one or more processors. In one embodiment, the "processor" is a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process, but is not limited to these. The control unit 11 is communicatively connected to each component constituting the target terminal 10 and controls the operation of the entire target terminal 10.

[0033] The storage unit 12 includes, for example, any storage module such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), ROM (Read-Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 12 may function as, for example, a main memory, an auxiliary memory, or a cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores any information used in the operation of the target terminal 10. For example, the storage unit 12 may store system programs, application programs, and various information received by the communication unit 13. The storage unit 12 is not limited to a device built into the target terminal 10, but may also be a database connected via the network N for communication, an external database, or an external storage module.

[0034] The communication unit 13 includes an optional communication module that can communicate with other devices such as the measuring device 20, the server device 30, and the medical professional terminal 40 using any communication technology. The communication unit 13 may further include a communication control module for controlling communication with other devices, and a storage module for storing communication data such as identification information necessary for communication with other devices.

[0035] The input unit 14 includes one or more input interfaces that receive input operations from the operator and acquire input information based on the operator's operations. For example, the input unit 14 may be, but is not limited to, a touchscreen integrated with the display of the output unit 15, physical keys, capacitive keys, a pointing device, or a microphone that accepts voice input.

[0036] The output unit 15 includes one or more output interfaces that output information to the operator and notify the operator. For example, the output unit 15 is a display unit that outputs information as an image, or a speaker that outputs information as sound, but is not limited to these. Such a display may be, for example, a liquid crystal panel display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. At least one of the above-described input unit 14 and output unit 15 may be configured integrally with the target terminal 10, or may be provided as a separate unit.

[0037] The functions of the target terminal 10 can be realized by executing a computer program (program) according to this embodiment on the processor included in the control unit 11. In other words, the functions of the target terminal 10 can be realized by software. The computer program causes the computer to execute the processing of steps included in the operation of the target terminal 10, thereby realizing the functions corresponding to the processing of each step. In other words, the computer program is a program that causes the computer to function as the target terminal 10 according to this embodiment. The computer program may be recorded on a recording medium that can be read by a computer. The program includes information that is used for processing by an electronic computer and is equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to the computer but has the property of defining the processing of the computer falls under "information equivalent to a program".

[0038] Some or all of the functions of the target terminal 10 may be implemented by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 11. In other words, some or all of the functions of the target terminal 10 may be implemented by hardware. Furthermore, the target terminal 10 may be implemented by a single computer or by the cooperation of multiple computers.

[0039] (Measuring device 20) As shown in Figure 1, the measuring device 20 comprises a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an input unit 24, an output unit 25, and a measuring unit 26. The functions and configurations of the control unit 21, storage unit 22, communication unit 23, input unit 24, and output unit 25 are the same as those of the control unit 11, storage unit 12, communication unit 13, input unit 14, and output unit 15 of the target terminal 10, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0040] The measurement unit 26 measures physical information related to the subject's vital signs. Such physical information may include, for example, weight, blood pressure (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, etc.), pulse rate, blood glucose level, oxygen saturation (SpO2), respiratory rate, fat mass, lean body mass, body water content, intracellular fluid volume, extracellular fluid volume, cardiac output, activity level, or body temperature, but the type of physical information is arbitrary.

[0041] The functions of the measuring device 20 can be realized by executing the program according to this embodiment on a processor included in the control unit 21. Some or all of the functions of the measuring device 20 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 21. That is, some or all of the functions of the measuring device 20 may be realized by hardware. Furthermore, the measuring device 20 may be realized by a single computer or by the cooperation of multiple computers.

[0042] (Server device 30) As shown in Figure 1, the server device 30 comprises a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 33. The functions and configurations of the control unit 31, storage unit 32, and communication unit 33 are the same as those of the control unit 11, storage unit 12, and communication unit 13 of the target terminal 10, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0043] The functions of the server device 30 can be realized by executing the program according to this embodiment on the processor included in the control unit 31. Some or all of the functions of the server device 30 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 31. In other words, some or all of the functions of the server device 30 may be realized by hardware. Furthermore, the server device 30 may be realized by a single computer or by the cooperation of multiple computers.

[0044] (Medical Staff Terminal 40) As shown in FIG. 1, the medical staff terminal 40 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, an input unit 44, and an output unit 45. Since the functions and configurations of the control unit 41, the storage unit 42, the communication unit 43, the input unit 44, and the output unit 45 are the same as those of the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, the communication unit 13, the input unit 14, and the output unit 15 of the subject terminal 10, detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0045] The functions of the medical staff terminal 40 can be realized by executing the program according to the present embodiment with a processor included in the control unit 41. Some or all of the functions of the medical staff terminal 40 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 41. That is, some or all of the functions of the medical staff terminal 40 may be realized by hardware. Also, the medical staff terminal 40 may be realized by a single computer or may be realized by the cooperation of multiple computers.

[0046] (Operation Example) In the medical system 1 according to the present embodiment, a medical staff sets an alert condition for each subject according to the disease condition of the subject who is a patient. FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams showing example screens displayed on the display unit of the output unit 45 of the medical staff terminal 40.

[0047] FIG. 2 shows an example of a screen 51 for editing alert settings. The screen 51 includes images 53 to 59. The image 52 includes an input area for inputting the target weight value of the subject. The image 53 includes a selection area (for example, a checkbox) for selecting the type of symptom. The image 54 shows an explanation of the criterion for issuing an alert. The image 55 includes an input area for setting the numerical range of the input information constituting the alert condition. The image 56 shows an explanation of the change in the input information that causes an alert. The image 57 includes a selection area for selecting the type of alert to be generated when the alert condition is satisfied. The image 58 of the "Cancel" button is an image of a button for canceling the registration of the alert setting in the medical system 1. The image 59 of the "OK" button is an image of a button for registering the settings input in the images 53 to 57.

[0048] In the example of FIG. 2, a setting is input such that when the weight increases by 3 kg or more from the target weight of 71.0 kg (i.e., becomes 74.0 kg or more), an alert of "Attention" is notified. When the weight increases by 2 kg or more within one week, a setting for notifying an alert of "Caution Required" is input. Regarding blood pressure, when the systolic blood pressure becomes 180 mmHg or more, or when the diastolic blood pressure becomes 80 mmHg or more, a setting for notifying an alert of "Attention" is input. When the pulse rate becomes 80 beats per minute or more, or 60 beats per minute or less, a setting for notifying an alert of "Attention" is input.

[0049] When the image 59 of the "OK" button is selected after these values are selected on the medical staff terminal 40, the confirmation screen (screen 61) illustrated in FIG. 3 is displayed. The medical staff checks the screen 61 and selects the image 62 of the "Cancel" button if corrections are to be made. In response to the selection of the image 62 of the "Cancel" button, the medical staff terminal 40 displays again a screen for editing the alert settings as shown in FIG. 2 and accepts corrections. When the medical staff registers the settings displayed on the screen 61, the image 63 of the "Register" button is selected. The medical staff terminal 40 requests the server device 30 to register an alert setting including a plurality of alert conditions in response to the selection of the image 63 of the "Register" button. The server device 30 stores in the storage unit 12 an alert setting including a plurality of alert conditions in association with the subject in response to the request of the medical staff terminal 40.

[0050] The alert conditions are not limited to the conditions illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, and are arbitrarily set according to the disease state of the subject. Further, the alert conditions may be not only conditions regarding the measured values of the body information measured by the measuring device 20, but also conditions regarding the findings of the subject or their close relatives such as dyspnea at rest, shortness of breath, swelling, fatigue, loss of appetite, and sleep disorders.

[0051] With these settings in place, the subject and their caregivers, under the guidance of medical professionals, use the measuring device 20 to measure the subject's physical information (weight, blood pressure, etc.) and input confirmation results regarding the subject's symptoms into the subject terminal 10. The subject terminal 10 transmits the measured values ​​of the physical information measured by the measuring device 20, as well as confirmation results regarding the subject's symptoms, to the server device 30 via the network N. The subject terminal 10 may acquire the measured values ​​of the physical information measured by the measuring device 20 through manual input by the user, or it may receive them via wireless communication (for example, Bluetooth®) with the measuring device 20. Alternatively, the measuring device 20 may directly transmit the measured values ​​of the physical information, along with the subject's identification information, to the server device 30 via the network N. The server device 30 periodically acquires this input information regarding the subject's vital signs.

[0052] When the server device 30 acquires input information regarding the vital signs of the subject, it will either send an alert to the subject terminal 10 and the medical professional terminal 40, or stop the alert notification, depending on the content of the information. The processing of such a server device 30 will be explained with reference to Figures 4, 5A to 5I, 6A and 6B, 7A to 7F, 8A to 8D, 9A and 9B, and 10A and 10B. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the server device 30 in Figure 1. Figures 5A to 5I show examples of screens displayed on the subject terminal 10. Figures 6A and 6B, 7A to 7F, 8A to 8D, 9A and 9B, and 10A and 10B show examples of screens displayed on the medical professional terminal 40.

[0053] The operation of the server device 30, described with reference to Figure 4, may correspond to one of the control methods for the information processing device. The operation of each step in Figure 4 may be performed based on control by the control unit 31 of the server device 30.

[0054] In step S1, the control unit 31 acquires input information regarding the subject's vital signs. Specifically, the control unit 31 may acquire input information by receiving it from the subject's terminal 10 or the measuring device 20. Alternatively, the control unit 31 may acquire input information by reading it from the storage unit 12.

[0055] Figure 5A shows an example of the home screen (screen 65) displayed on the subject terminal 10. Image 66 is used by the user to select the date on which to input or modify records. Image 67, the "Weight" button, is selected by the user to input the subject's weight. Image 68, the "Health Condition" button, is selected by the user to input the subject's health condition. Image 69, the "Morning" button, is selected by the user to input the subject's morning blood pressure. Image 70, the "Evening" button, is selected by the user to input the subject's evening blood pressure. Image 71, the "Medication" button, is selected by the user to input the subject's medication status. Image 72, the "Exercise" button, is selected by the user to input the subject's exercise status.

[0056] For example, if the user selects the "Weight" button image 67 in Figure 5A, the user terminal 10 may display a screen 74 as shown in Figure 5B to accept input of the user's weight. Image 75 includes input fields for time and weight. The "Save" button image 76 is selected when saving the weight and other information entered in image 75. If the user terminal 10 can communicate directly with the measuring device 20, it may display the measured weight of the user obtained from the measuring device 20 in image 75.

[0057] Furthermore, when the user selects the image 68 of the "Physical Condition" button in Figure 5A, the subject terminal 10 may display a screen 158 as shown in Figure 5C to accept input of the subject's physical condition confirmation results. Screen 158 includes an image 159 of the time input field, an image 160 including a selection field where multiple symptoms can be selected, an image 161 including a selection field where "No Worsening" can be selected, an image 162 of the "Delete" button, and an image 163 of the "Save" button. Here, the image 163 of the "Save" button is displayed in a manner that makes it difficult to see, and the subject terminal 10 is prevented from selecting "Save". The user selects and inputs the necessary items from images 160 and 161. In response to the user's input operation, the control unit 11 controls the system to enable the selection of the "Save" button. In the example in Figure 5C, as a result of confirming the subject's symptoms, the subject terminal 10 accepts input of observations from the subject or caregiver regarding resting dyspnea, shortness of breath, edema, fatigue, loss of appetite, and sleep disturbances. The content of the results regarding the symptoms of the subjects will be arbitrarily set according to the type of disease the subject has, etc.

[0058] When the user terminal 10 obtains input information through these input screens, it transmits it to the server device 30. When the control unit 31 of the server device 30 receives the input information from the user terminal 10, it stores it in the storage unit 12.

[0059] In step S2, the control unit 31 determines whether the input information acquired in step S1 satisfies any of the predetermined alert conditions. If any of the alert conditions are satisfied (YES in step S2), the control unit 31 proceeds to step S3; otherwise (NO in step S2), it terminates the flowchart process.

[0060] In step S3, the control unit 31 determines the alert level and alert state for the alert corresponding to the input information based on the predetermined alert conditions. As described above, in this embodiment, the alert level is determined to be one of the following values: "Caution," "Warning," and "Danger," depending on the alert conditions. For example, if the alert conditions are set as shown in Figure 3, the control unit 31 determines the alert level to be "Caution" when it obtains a weight measurement of 74.0 kg or more or 68.0 kg or less as input information. The control unit 31 determines the alert level to be "Warning" when it observes a weight increase of 2 kg or more within one week. The alert state can take one of the following values: "Not Responded," "Responding," and "Alert Cancelled," but the control unit 31 initially determines the alert state to be "Not Responded."

[0061] In step S4, the control unit 31 causes an alert to be displayed on the patient terminal 10 and the medical professional terminal 40. Specifically, the control unit 31 transmits information to the patient terminal 10 and the medical professional terminal 40 to instruct them to display the alert.

[0062] Figure 5D shows an example of an alert screen (screen 78) displayed on the user's terminal 10 when an alert with an alert level of "caution" is detected. Screen 78 includes an image 79 containing detailed information related to the alert, an image 80 for receiving confirmation input, and an image 81 for a "complete" button. Image 79 displays "caution" along with detailed information related to the alert, such as the user being advised to visit a medical institution within one week.

[0063] Figure 5E shows an example of an alert screen (screen 83) displayed on the target terminal 10 when an alert with an alert level of "caution" is detected. Screen 83 includes an image 84 containing detailed information related to the alert, an image 85 for receiving confirmation input, and an image 86 for a "complete" button. Image 84 displays "caution" along with detailed information related to the alert, such as the need to visit a medical institution by the next day.

[0064] Figure 5F shows an example of an alert screen (screen 88) displayed on the target terminal 10 when an alert with an alert level of "danger" is detected. Screen 83 includes an image 89 containing detailed information related to the alert, an image 90 for receiving confirmation input, and an image 91 for a "Complete" button. Image 84 displays "danger" along with detailed information related to the alert, such as the need to immediately seek medical attention.

[0065] Until the alert is cleared, the target terminal 10 may display the alert screens illustrated in Figures 5D to 5F not only when an alert is notified, but also at appropriate timings in response to user input. For example, the target terminal 10 may display an alert screen containing detailed information related to the alert on the display unit of the output unit 15 each time it receives user input. Alternatively, the target terminal 10 may display an alert screen on the display unit of the output unit 15 in response to input operations involving screen switching, or input operations involving switching to a specific screen such as the home screen.

[0066] Furthermore, the target terminal 10 may display an image on the screen for receiving user operations that corresponds to at least one of the alert level and alert status of the alert associated with the target. Figure 5G shows an example in which an image 94 indicating the alert level "Caution" is displayed on the home screen (screen 93). Figure 5H shows an example in which an image 98 indicating the alert level "Warning" is displayed on the home screen (screen 97). Figure 5I shows an example in which an image 102 indicating the alert level "Danger" is displayed on the home screen (screen 101). The "Weight" image 95 in Figure 5G and the "Weight" image 99 in Figure 5H have both been replaced from image 67 in Figure 5A with an image indicating that a measured value (74.0 kg) has been entered. The "Physical Condition" image 103 in Figure 5I has been replaced from image 68 in Figure 5A with an image indicating that a confirmation result regarding symptoms (a result indicating that some symptoms have worsened) has been entered.

[0067] The user terminal 10 may display the alert level on screens other than the home screen (for example, the screen for entering weight as illustrated in Figure 5B, and the screen for entering the results of symptom confirmation as illustrated in Figure 5C). In addition to the alert level, or instead of the alert level, the user terminal 10 may indicate the alert status by a display that can distinguish between "not addressed" and "addressed," such as background color, pattern, or a combination thereof.

[0068] If multiple alerts are generated based on the input information, the user terminal 10 may display the alert with the highest risk level. For example, if a "caution" alert is generated due to being overweight, and a "danger" alert is generated simultaneously due to difficulty breathing at rest, the user terminal 10 may display the "danger" alert with the highest risk level. This allows the user terminal 10 to prioritize prompting the user to take the most necessary action.

[0069] Figure 6A shows an example of a screen 105 displayed on the healthcare professional terminal 40, which lists an overview of the alert content for each individual. As shown in Figure 6A, screen 105 includes name, age, alert level, symptoms corresponding to the alert, response status (alert status), and patient ID. Depending on whether the user selects the "Not Responded" image 108, the healthcare professional terminal 40 may narrow the display to show only information for individuals with an alert status of "Not Responded," as shown in Figure 6B. Depending on the selection of an image such as "Alert Status Present" or "Responding," the healthcare professional terminal 40 may display screens 119, 140, and 146, which include detailed information of the selected individual, as exemplified in Figures 7E, 9B, and 10A, depending on the individual selected on the screen in Figure 6A or 6B. Healthcare professionals can refer to screens such as Figures 6A, 6B, 7E, 9B, and 10A to check the individuals affected by the alert, the alert level, the alert status, and the content of the alert, and take necessary actions.

[0070] Returning to the explanation of Figure 4, in step S5, the control unit 31 determines whether the alert level of the alert determined in step S3 is "caution". If the alert level is "caution" (YES in step S5), the control unit 31 proceeds to step S6; otherwise (NO in step S5), it proceeds to step S10.

[0071] In step S6, the control unit 31 acquires input information in the same manner as in step S1. Specifically, the control unit 31 may receive and acquire input information from the subject terminal 10 or the measuring device 20. Alternatively, the control unit 31 may read and acquire input information from the storage unit 12.

[0072] In step S7, the control unit 31 determines whether the input information acquired in step S6 satisfies any of the predetermined alert conditions. If any of the alert conditions are satisfied (YES in step S7), the control unit 31 proceeds to step S9; otherwise (NO in step S7), it proceeds to step S8.

[0073] In step S8, the control unit 31 cancels the alert that was generated based on the input information. For example, screen 109 in Figure 7A shows that the weight of the subject, "Taro Tajima," at 15:57 on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, was 74.0 kg. Screen 111 in Figure 7B shows that the subject's weight at 19:20 on Thursday, August 15, 2024, was 72.0 kg. Let's assume that the system was set to notify a "caution" alert if the weight exceeded 74.0 kg. In this case, on August 14, 2024, an alert for exceeding the weight limit with alert level "caution" is displayed to "Taro Tajima," as shown in screen 113 in Figure 7C (image 114). On the other hand, on August 15, 2024, when the weight decreased, the weight exceeding the weight limit alert is canceled, and no alert is displayed to "Taro Tajima," as shown in screen 116 in Figure 7D (image 117).

[0074] In this way, for alerts with an alert level of "caution," the control unit 31 automatically cancels the alert without requiring any operation from medical personnel when the input information regarding the subject's vital signs, such as physical information or the results of symptom confirmation, returns to normal values. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately manage the subject's condition without placing an excessive burden on medical personnel. After completing the process in step S8, the control unit 31 terminates the processing of the flowchart.

[0075] In step S9, the control unit 31 determines whether the alert level of the alert condition determined to be satisfied in step S7 is "Caution". If the alert level is "Caution" (YES in step S9), the control unit 31 returns to step S6 and waits until further input information is obtained. If the alert level is not "Caution", that is, if the symptoms have worsened from "Caution" to "Caution Required" or "Danger" (NO in step S9), the control unit 31 proceeds to step S10.

[0076] In step S10, the control unit 31 receives an operation from a medical professional regarding a person for whom a "caution" or "danger" alert has been issued. Specifically, the control unit 31 receives an operation from a medical professional via the medical professional terminal 40.

[0077] Screen 125 in Figure 7E shows that an alert of "Caution" level (overweight) has been triggered for the subject, "Taro Tajima" (Image 126). When a medical professional selects "Taro Tajima," the medical professional terminal 40 displays screen 119 as shown in Figure 7F. Image 120 includes an image 124 indicating "Caution" along with a graph showing the subject's weight changes, allowing the medical professional to recognize that an alert of "Caution" level has been triggered for the subject's weight. In the upper right corner of screen 119, image 121 indicating the alert level "Caution" and image 122 indicating the alert status "Not yet addressed" are displayed, allowing the medical professional to confirm the alert level and status. If the medical professional decides to change the alert level based on the subject's examination results, subsequent weight changes, and other input information, they select image 123, which indicates "Change." Depending on the selection in image 123, the medical professional terminal 40 displays a screen on the display unit of the output unit 45 to change the alert status (response status) of the alert.

[0078] Figure 8A shows an example of a screen 128 for changing the alert status of an alert that is set to "Not Responding". In this embodiment, in order to prevent errors by medical personnel, the medical system 1 controls the system so that when the alert status of an alert is "Not Responding", the alert status can only be changed from "Not Responding" to "Responding", and cannot be changed to "Disable Alert". Therefore, the medical personnel terminal 40 is controlled so that the images 129 and 130 of the "Not Responding" and "Responding" checkboxes can be selected, but the image 131 of the "Disable Alert" checkbox cannot be selected. In this way, when the alert status can only be changed by medical personnel, when the alert status is "Not Responding", it is possible to prevent errors such as disabling the alert without addressing the symptoms of the person concerned by allowing only the change from "Not Responding" to "Responding".

[0079] Furthermore, the medical professional terminal 40 is controlled so that the alert status cannot be changed unless a comment is entered by the medical professional. Specifically, the medical professional terminal 40 is controlled so that the "OK" button image 134 for registering the change in the alert status cannot be selected until a comment is entered in the comment input field image 132. In the example in Figure 8B, the "In Progress" checkbox image 130 is selected, and a comment (in the example in Figure 8B, "Observe the progress.") has been entered in the comment input field image 132, so the "OK" button image 134 is displayed as selectable. In this way, by making it possible to change the alert status in response to an operation including comment input by the medical professional, it is possible to suppress malfunctions such as the medical professional canceling the alert even though they have not actually taken action on the patient's symptoms. When the "Cancel" button image 133 is selected, the medical professional terminal 40 stops displaying screen 128 and terminates the operation to change the alert status.

[0080] For alerts with an alert status of "In Progress," healthcare professionals can change the alert status to either "Not Responding" or "Alert Cleared." Therefore, as shown in screen 128 of Figure 8C, when the alert status is "In Progress," the healthcare professional terminal 40 displays images 129 and 131 for "Not Responding" and "Alert Cleared" as selectable options. As shown in Figure 8D, when the "Alert Cleared" checkbox image 131 is selected and a comment (in the example in Figure 8D, "Symptom improvement confirmed.") is entered in the comment input field image 132, the healthcare professional terminal 40 displays the "OK" button image 134 as selectable.

[0081] In step S11, the control unit 31 determines whether an alert cancellation operation was performed by a medical professional in step S10 to change the alert state to "alert cancelled". If the alert cancellation operation was performed (YES in step S11), the control unit 31 proceeds to step S8; otherwise (NO in step S11), it proceeds to step S12.

[0082] In step S12, the control unit 31 changes the alert status to the alert status selected by the medical professional in step S10 ("Not Responding" or "Responding"). After that, the control unit 31 returns to step S10.

[0083] For example, as shown in Figure 7F, screen 119, which contains detailed information about the subject "Taro Tajima" who had a "Caution" alert due to being overweight, changes to screen 140, as shown in Figure 9A, when the alert status changes to "In Progress". In screen 140, image 141 shows the change in the subject's weight. The alert level remains "Caution" (image 142), but the alert status has changed to "In Progress" (image 143).

[0084] Subsequently, when the alert status for the subject "Taro Tajima" is changed to "Alert Cleared," screen 140, which contains the subject's detailed information, is changed to screen 136 as shown in Figure 9B. In screen 136, image 137 shows the change in the subject's weight. As shown in areas 138 and 139, screen 136 does not display the "Caution" indicator or the image for changing the alert status.

[0085] Information regarding alerts for each individual is centrally managed by the server device 30. Therefore, when multiple healthcare professionals are involved in the treatment of the same individual (for example, "Taro Tajima"), even healthcare professionals who are not directly involved in the treatment of the individual for the disease that triggered the alert can still see the latest status of treatment, such as "not yet treated," "in progress," or "alert cleared." Furthermore, by making the comments entered when the alert status changes viewable from each healthcare professional's terminal 40, each healthcare professional can accurately grasp the status of treatment for the disease that triggered the alert and select appropriate treatment actions based on the treatment actions taken by other healthcare professionals. For example, it is possible to prevent erroneous treatments such as administering the same type of drug multiple times.

[0086] Figure 10A shows an example of screen 146 displaying detailed information about a subject ("Taro Tajima") whose alert level has been determined to be "dangerous". In screen 146, image 147 shows the progression of the subject's input information. In the example of Figure 10A, image 148 is displayed indicating that the subject has developed "resting dyspnea", allowing healthcare workers to recognize that the subject "Taro Tajima" is experiencing symptoms of resting dyspnea. Similar to Figures 7F and 9A, screen 146 displays images 149 and 152 indicating the alert level "dangerous", and image 150 indicating the alert status "not addressed", allowing healthcare workers to recognize the subject's condition. If a healthcare worker wants to change the alert status, they select image 151, the "Change" button. Depending on the selection of image 151, the healthcare worker terminal 40 displays screen 128, as shown in Figure 8A, to accept the change in the alert status.

[0087] Medical system 1 may accept input from the user not only of current physical information or symptom confirmation results, but also of past physical information or symptom confirmation results. For example, it may be possible to register past physical information or symptom confirmation results that the user forgot to enter, as well as physical information or symptom confirmation results that occurred before the user started using medical system 1. This will enable healthcare professionals to make appropriate medical decisions based on the patient's past condition.

[0088] Here, the server device 30 does not need to generate an alert if the current input information does not satisfy the alert conditions, even if information that satisfies the alert conditions is entered later as past input information. Figure 10B shows an example of screen 153 that displays detailed information of the subject ("Taro Tajima") when past input information that should be judged as "dangerous" is entered later. In screen 153, image 154 shows the progression of the subject's input information. In the example of Figure 10B, it was later entered that "resting dyspnea" occurred on August 18, 2024, which is earlier than the current date (August 20, 2024). Image 155 shows that "resting dyspnea" occurred on August 18, 2024. However, since "resting dyspnea" is not currently occurring, there is no display indicating an alert in areas 156 and 157. The target device 10 will not display an alert based on the fact that "resting dyspnea" was registered later on August 18, 2024. Therefore, the target individual and healthcare professionals can take appropriate action according to the current condition of the target individual.

[0089] As described above, when the input information regarding the vital signs of a subject satisfies one of a predetermined set of alert conditions, the server device 30 stores an alert in the storage unit 32, associating it with the subject, and having an alert level and alert state corresponding to the input information. If the alert level of the alert associated with the subject is the first level (for example, "Caution"), the server device 30 changes the alert state associated with the subject in accordance with the fact that the input information of the subject no longer satisfies the alert conditions. If the alert level of the alert associated with the subject is the second level (for example, "Caution" or "Danger"), the server device 30 changes the alert state of the alert associated with the subject in accordance with the operation by the medical professional.

[0090] In this way, the server device 30 switches the conditions for changing the alert status according to the alert level, so that changes to high-priority alert statuses require a deactivation operation by a medical professional, while changes to less important alert statuses are performed automatically when the input information shows normal values. Therefore, when a critical alert status occurs, confirmation by a medical professional is prompted, while other alert statuses can be changed automatically, thereby preventing an excessive burden on medical professionals. Thus, with the server device 30, it is possible to manage the patient's condition more appropriately according to the symptoms.

[0091] The server device 30 may store in the storage unit 32 one of the following states as the alert status for the alert associated with the target person: unaddressed, in progress, or alert canceled.

[0092] In this way, the server device 30 can appropriately manage the status of responses to the symptoms of the person concerned by managing the alert status of the alerts in one of three states: unaddressed, in progress, or alert dismissed.

[0093] Furthermore, if the alert level of the alert associated with the subject is at the second level, and the alert status of the alert associated with the subject is "not addressed," the server device 30 may, in response to an operation by a medical professional, control the alert status of the alert associated with the subject so that it cannot be changed from "not addressed" to "disabled," but can be changed to "addressed."

[0094] Thus, if the server device 30 can only change the alert status through operation by a medical professional, it may be configured to only change the alert status from "unaddressed" to "addressing" when the alert status is "unaddressed." This prevents the server device 30 from malfunctioning, such as dismissing an alert without addressing the patient's symptoms. Therefore, the server device 30 makes it possible to appropriately manage the status of responses to the patient's symptoms.

[0095] Furthermore, if the alert level of the alert associated with the subject is at the second level, and the alert status of the alert associated with the subject is "in progress," the server device 30 may control the alert status of the alert associated with the subject to change from "in progress" to "not in progress" or "alert canceled" in response to an operation by a medical professional.

[0096] Thus, if the alert status can only be changed by operation by a medical professional, the server device 30 allows the alert status to be changed from "in progress" to "not in progress" or "alarm canceled" when the alert status is "in progress". Therefore, the server device 30 makes it possible to appropriately manage the status of the response to the symptoms of the subject.

[0097] Furthermore, if the alert level of the alert associated with the subject is at the second level, the server device 30 may change the alert status of the alert associated with the subject in response to an operation including comment input performed by a medical professional.

[0098] In this way, the server device 30 can change the alert status in response to operations, including comment input, performed by medical professionals. This prevents malfunctions such as dismissing an alert without addressing the patient's symptoms, and allows for appropriate management of the response status to the patient's symptoms.

[0099] Furthermore, the server device 30 may also include a communication unit 33 for communicating with a medical professional terminal 40 that can be operated by a medical professional. If the alert level of the alert associated with the target person is at the second level, the server device 30 may change the alert status of the alert associated with the target person in response to an operation on the medical professional terminal 40 by a medical professional.

[0100] In this way, by making it possible to change the alert status in response to operations performed by healthcare professionals on the healthcare professional terminal 40, healthcare professionals can manage alerts for individuals regardless of their location, using a device that can communicate with the server device 30.

[0101] Furthermore, the server device 30 may further include a communication unit 33 for communicating with a target terminal 10 that can be operated by the target person or a user acting on behalf of the target person. The server device 30 may acquire input information of the target person entered into the target terminal 10 from the target terminal 10 via the communication unit 33. If the acquired input information satisfies any of a plurality of alert conditions, the server device 30 may store an alert in the storage unit 32 associated with the target person, having an alert level and alert state corresponding to the acquired input information. If the alert level of the alert associated with the target person is at the first level, the server device 30 may change the alert state of the alert associated with the target person in accordance with the fact that the acquired input information of the target person no longer satisfies the alert conditions.

[0102] In this way, the server device 30 manages alerts for the target person based on the information entered by the target person at the target person terminal 10. Therefore, the target person can receive alert management regardless of their location, through a device that can communicate with the server device 30.

[0103] Furthermore, if an unresolved alert is stored in the storage unit 32 and associated with a target person, the server device 30 may display an image on the screen used to accept user operations on the target person's terminal 10 that corresponds to at least one of the alert level and alert status of the alert associated with the target person.

[0104] In this way, the server device 30 can attract the user's attention by displaying an image corresponding to the alert level and alert status of the alert on the screen that accepts user operations.

[0105] If an unresolved alert is stored in the storage unit 32 and associated with a target person, the server device 30 may display detailed information related to the alert on the target person terminal 10 each time it receives user input.

[0106] In this way, the server device 30 can provide the user with appropriate information by displaying detailed information related to the alert on the target terminal 10 each time it receives user input from the target terminal 10. This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, multiple blocks shown in the block diagram may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Multiple steps shown in the flowchart may be executed in parallel or in a different order, depending on the processing capacity of the device performing each step, or as necessary, instead of being executed in chronological order as described. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0107] Furthermore, for example, the configuration and operation of the server device 30 may be distributed among multiple computers that can communicate with each other. Also, for example, some or all of the components of the server device 30 may be provided on other devices such as the medical professional terminal 40 or the patient terminal 10.

[0108] 1: Medical system 10: Patient terminal 11: Control unit 12: Memory unit 13: Communication unit 14: Input unit 15: Output unit 20: Measurement device 21: Control unit 22: Memory unit 23: Communication unit 24: Input unit 25: Output unit 26: Measurement unit 30: Server device 31: Control unit 32: Memory unit 33: Communication unit 40: Medical professional terminal 41: Control unit 42: Memory unit 43: Communication unit 44: Input unit 45: Output unit N: Network 51: Screen 52-59: Images 61: Screen 62, 63: Images 65: Screen 66-72: Images 74: Screen 75, 76: Images 78: Screen 79-81: Images 83: Screen 84-86: Images 88: Screen 89-91: Images 93: Screen 94, 95: Image 97: Screen 98, 99: Image 101: Screen 102, 103: Image 105, 107: Screen 108: Image 109, 111, 113: Screen 114: Image 116: Screen 117: Image 119: Screen 120-124: Image 125: Screen 126: Image 128: Screen 129-134: Image 136: Screen 137: Image 138, 139: Area 140: Screen 141-144: Image 146: Screen 147-152: Image 153: Screen 154, 155: Image 156, 157: Area 158: Screen 159-163: Image

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising a control unit, which stores an alert in a storage unit associated with the subject, having an alert level and alert state corresponding to the input information, when input information regarding the subject's vital signs satisfies any of a predetermined set of alert conditions; when the alert level of the alert associated with the subject is a first level, the alert state associated with the subject is changed in accordance with the fact that the input information of the subject no longer satisfies the alert conditions; and when the alert level of the alert associated with the subject is a second level, the alert state of the alert associated with the subject is changed in accordance with the operation of a medical professional.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stores in the storage unit one of the following states as the alert state of the alert associated with the target person: unaddressed, in response, or alert canceled, associated with the target person.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit, when the alert level of the alert associated with the subject is the second level, and the alert state of the alert associated with the subject is the unaddressed state, controls the alert state of the alert associated with the subject in response to an operation by the medical professional so that it cannot be changed from unaddressed to dismissed, but can be changed to addressed.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the alert status of the alert associated with the subject to change from "in response" to "not in response" or "alert canceled" in response to an operation by the medical professional when the alert level of the alert associated with the subject is the second level and the alert status of the alert associated with the subject is "in response".

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the alert status of the alert associated with the subject when the alert level of the alert associated with the subject is at the second level, in response to an operation including comment input by the medical professional.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit for communicating with a medical professional terminal operable by the medical professional, wherein the control unit changes the alert state of the alert associated with the subject in response to an operation on the medical professional terminal by the medical professional when the alert level of the alert associated with the subject is at the second level.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit for communicating with a target terminal that can be operated by the target person or a user acting on behalf of the target person, wherein the control unit acquires the input information of the target person input into the target terminal from the target terminal via the communication unit, and if the acquired input information satisfies any of the plurality of alert conditions, stores the alert having the alert level and alert state corresponding to the acquired input information in the storage unit in association with the target person, and if the alert level of the alert associated with the target person is the first level, changes the alert state of the alert associated with the target person in accordance with the fact that the acquired input information of the target person no longer satisfies the alert conditions.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, if an unresolved alert is stored in the storage unit in association with the target person, the control unit displays an image on the screen for receiving user operations on the target person's terminal corresponding to at least one of the alert level and the alert status of the alert associated with the target person.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit, when an unresolved alert is stored in the storage unit in association with the target person, causes the target person's terminal to display detailed information related to the alert each time it receives an input operation from the user.

10. A program that causes a computer to operate as an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A control method for an information processing device comprising a control unit, the control unit storing an alert in a storage unit associated with a subject, having an alert level and alert state corresponding to the input information, when the input information relating to the subject's vital signs satisfies any of a plurality of predetermined alert conditions; when the alert level of the alert associated with the subject is a first level, the alert state associated with the subject is changed in response to the subject no longer satisfying the alert conditions; when the alert level of the alert associated with the subject is a second level, the alert state of the alert associated with the subject is changed in response to an operation by a medical professional.

12. A medical system comprising: an information processing device capable of communicating with each other; a medical professional terminal operable by a medical professional; and a patient terminal operable by a patient or a user acting on behalf of the patient, wherein the information processing device, when input information relating to the vital signs of the patient received from the patient terminal satisfies any of a predetermined number of alert conditions, stores an alert having an alert level and alert state corresponding to the input information in a storage unit associated with the patient; when the alert level of the alert associated with the patient is a first level, changes the alert state associated with the patient in accordance with the fact that the input information of the patient no longer satisfies the alert conditions; and when the alert level of the alert associated with the patient is a second level, changes the alert state of the alert associated with the patient in accordance with the operation of the medical professional on the medical professional terminal.

Images