Adaptive Caregiver Interface for Patient Support Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient support systems have complex user interfaces that make it difficult for caregivers to easily access frequently used functions, leading to a need for customizable and adaptive user menus that enhance accessibility.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control system with a customizable and adaptive user interface that learns user preferences through input signals to prioritize frequently used functions, adjusting the display of operational device controls based on usage patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the user interface includes all available functions, then the system provides complete functionality, but the interface becomes complex and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented into multiple pages or categories, with each page displaying a subset of available functions. The system organizes controls by functional groups (e.g., patient positioning, lighting, entertainment) and allows users to navigate between pages to access all functions while reducing the visual clutter on any single screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface dynamically adapts its content based on user interactions and usage patterns. Frequently used functions are prioritized and made more accessible through adaptive menus that learn from user behavior, while less frequently used functions remain available but are less prominent, thereby simplifying the effective interface for each user's needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the user interface displays all functions equally, then all functions are accessible, but frequently used functions are not easily accessible
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions or sections of the user interface are prioritized based on function usage frequency. Frequently used functions are positioned in more accessible locations, displayed on the first page, or highlighted with visual indicators, while less frequently used functions are placed in secondary locations or require additional navigation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that track user interactions with the interface and adjust the display accordingly. Usage data is collected and processed to automatically reconfigure the interface layout, ensuring that frequently accessed functions become more prominent in subsequent sessions, thereby continuously improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the user interface is customized for each user, then ease of operation improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-customization by automatically learning user preferences and usage patterns without requiring manual configuration. The interface adapts to each user's behavior over time, creating personalized layouts and prioritizing functions based on individual usage data, thereby improving usability while avoiding the need for complex manual setup or configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient support system for providing customized user menus. The system comprises a patient support apparatus, a user interface configured to receive input from a user, and a display configured to display user menus or information. The user menus may comprise indicia representative of the operational functions of the patient support apparatus. A controller determines the customized user menu based on usage characteristics, a position of the user interface in proximity to the patient support apparatus, a location of the user interface within a facility, an identification of the user, and/or a patient condition. A touchscreen and/or a mobile device may comprise the user interface and the display. The mobile device may be removably coupled to the patient support apparatus. Methods for improving patient care by providing the customized user menu are also disclosed.