Contextual GUI for Healthcare Data Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Healthcare professionals spend significant time and resources on manual record-keeping, which is error-prone, inefficient, and lacks accessibility, as they need to convert voice recordings into textual information and manage paper records, leading to increased costs and potential errors.

Innovation Solution

A simplified contextual graphical user interface (GUI) for healthcare providers, allowing them to enter information with minimal mouse clicks by selecting icons representing subjects, modifiers, and body parts, which are then converted into a data representation using predefined syntax to generate electronic medical records.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional paper record keeping and voice transcription services are used, then complete patient records can be created, but the process becomes expensive, error-prone, and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidtime spent on record keeping
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of voice transcription and paper record-keeping with an automated electronic system. The speech-to-text conversion and structured data entry are performed automatically by the computer system, eliminating the need for manual transcription services and reducing both time consumption and error rates in patient record creation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the healthcare provider to directly input and manage patient record data through the graphical interface without requiring external transcription services. The provider can enter information, make selections, and generate records independently, reducing dependency on additional staff and services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If EMR systems use traditional templates with selection boxes and text boxes, then comprehensive patient data can be captured, but operator efficiency decreases and operator fatigue increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of patient dataVSAvoidoperator efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The graphical user interface is segmented into multiple display areas, each dedicated to specific data entry functions. This segmentation allows the provider to access different types of information and controls in organized sections, reducing the need to navigate through complex unified templates and improving both efficiency and data completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional form-based interfaces to a multi-area graphical interface that utilizes screen space more effectively. By organizing controls and display elements across different display areas rather than confining them to linear form fields, the system improves accessibility and reduces the number of interactions required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Quantity of substance

If paper records are used for patient information, then data can be stored, but accessibility is limited and safety safeguards are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume of patient data storageVSAvoidaccessibility of patient records
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates electronic copies of patient records that can be stored, accessed, and transmitted digitally. These electronic copies replace physical paper records, enabling multiple users to access the same data simultaneously from different locations while maintaining data integrity and security through centralized storage and controlled access protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS8630842B2Computerized selection for healthcare services
Publication Date: 2014.01.14 ZEUS DATA SOLUTIONS
  • US8630842B2 patent drawing
  • US8630842B2 patent drawing
  • US8630842B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for producing healthcare data records from graphical inputs by computer users. Includes generating a plurality of user input categories, displaying on a graphical display icons that correspond to a first of the user input categories and receiving a first user selection of a first icon of the plurality of icons, and displaying on the graphical display a plurality of icons that correspond to a second of the user input categories and receiving a second user selection of a second icon of the plurality of icons. The method also includes displaying icons that correspond to a physical target on which the medical action or observation is performed and receiving a third user selection of the physical target, and applying a syntax to populate a data record of the action using the at least two of the first, second, and third user selections.