Adaptive Medical Triage System Using Algorithmic Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical triage systems lack consistency and quality control due to reliance on free-form decision-making by nurses, leading to potential misdirection of treatment and inefficiencies in resource allocation.

Innovation Solution

A method for adaptively operating a medical triage system using a set of triage questions that are modified based on analyzed data, allowing for standardized and consistent decision-making processes, implemented through a computer system that includes voice recognition and tiered triage questions to determine appropriate dispositions for medical care.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If free-form decision-making by nurses is used in medical triage, then ease of operation is improved, but consistency and quality control of triage decisions deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidconsistency and quality control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where triage decisions are monitored and evaluated. Data from triaged patients is analyzed to identify patterns and outcomes, which then feeds back into refining the decision-making algorithms and protocols, continuously improving consistency and quality control while maintaining operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms subjective free-form decision-making into structured parameter-based decisions. By converting triage criteria into measurable parameters and algorithmic rules, the system achieves consistent, reproducible decisions while preserving the flexibility needed for operational ease through configurable parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If standardized triage protocols are implemented, then consistency and quality control are improved, but adaptability to individual patient situations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistency and quality controlVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The triage system employs dynamic algorithms that can adapt to individual patient situations while maintaining standardized protocols. The system allows for real-time adjustments based on patient-specific data, symptoms, and contextual factors, enabling flexibility within the framework of consistent decision-making rules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the triage process into standardized modules that can be independently configured. This allows different portions of the triage protocol to be customized for specific patient populations or situations while maintaining overall consistency through the standardized framework, balancing adaptability with standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If telephonic triage by non-medical professionals is used, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision of patient conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoidmeasurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical/physical assessment methods with electronic and algorithmic evaluation. By using computer-based algorithms to analyze patient data, symptom patterns, and risk factors, the system achieves high measurement precision while maintaining the productivity benefits of telephonic triage by non-medical professionals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary layer of algorithmic analysis between the triage operator and the final decision. This intermediary processing layer enhances measurement precision by systematically evaluating patient information through structured algorithms, while the human operator maintains productivity through efficient telephonic interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If extensive medical training is required for triage operators, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and training requirements deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidtraining requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service triage where non-medical professionals can perform accurate assessments through the automated algorithmic guidance. The system provides built-in decision support, real-time algorithms, and structured protocols that guide operators through the triage process, eliminating the need for extensive medical training while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates continuous feedback mechanisms that guide triage operators through the decision-making process. By providing real-time algorithmic guidance and feedback on patient assessment, the system enables operators without extensive training to achieve measurement precision comparable to medically trained professionals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7668733B2Providing adaptive medical triage

Publication Date: 2010.02.23 MEDCOR INC

AI summary

A method of adaptively operating a medical triage system includes triaging a plurality of persons using a set of triage questions to select particular dispositions from a plurality of triage disposition. Triage-related data is acquired as a result of the triaging of the plurality of persons. The triage-related data is analyzed and the set of triage questions or the dispositions are modified based on the analysis of the triage-related data.