Electronic Discharge Planning Module for Secure Provider Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process of patient discharge from hospitals is inefficient and insecure, relying on faxing patient information to multiple medical providers, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, and lacks secure communication.
Innovation Solution
A system for electronically managing patient discharges, including a patient data repository, a provider repository, and a discharge planning module that allows for secure input, storage, and transmission of patient information, automatically selecting suitable medical providers and sending discharge requests, utilizing a peer-to-peer network for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If faxing patient information to multiple medical providers is used, then medical providers can receive discharge requests, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fax transmission system with an electronic data transmission system. The discharge planning module electronically transmits patient information and discharge requests to multiple medical providers through a network, eliminating the need for physical fax machines and paper documents. This substitution dramatically reduces the time required for information transmission and accelerates the overall discharge process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-populating discharge request forms with patient information from the patient database, automatically selecting appropriate medical providers based on the patient's condition and needs, and preparing discharge summaries before actual transmission. This preliminary processing reduces the time required at each step of the discharge workflow.
2Reliability
If manual faxing and provider selection is used, then discharge requests can be sent, but the process is prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service functionality where the discharge planning module automatically retrieves patient information from the database, populates discharge forms, selects appropriate medical providers based on predefined criteria, and transmits requests electronically. This automation eliminates manual data entry errors and reduces reliance on human judgment in routine tasks, improving reliability while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where medical providers respond to discharge requests electronically, and the system tracks the status of each discharge arrangement. This feedback loop allows for verification of information accuracy, confirmation of provider availability, and correction of any errors before final discharge execution, thereby improving overall reliability.
3Reliability
If faxing patient information is used, then discharge requests can be transmitted, but secure communication is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the insecure fax transmission mechanism with an encrypted electronic data transmission system. Patient information is transmitted through a secure network connection between the discharge planning module and medical providers, utilizing digital encryption protocols to protect sensitive data. This substitution maintains ease of operation through automated electronic transmission while significantly enhancing security compared to physical faxing.
4Reliability
If extensive paperwork is prepared by discharge planners, then proper medical care can be ensured, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge planning module automatically generates comprehensive discharge documentation by retrieving relevant patient information from the database, including medical history, current condition, prescribed medications, and recommended follow-up care. This automated document generation ensures that all necessary information for proper post-discharge care is included while dramatically reducing the time required compared to manual paperwork preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a patient information repository, discharge form generator, provider selection system, communication platform, and documentation manager. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated system, the patent maintains comprehensive care planning quality while improving discharge planning speed through efficient multi-functional operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for electronically managing patient discharges may include a patient data repository that can store patient data. The system may also include a provider repository that can store medical provider data having information about one or more providers of services to discharged patients. Moreover, the system may include a discharge planning module that can output a discharge planning user interface for presentation to a user. The discharge user interface can have functionality for the user to input post-discharge medical care options for a medical patient. The discharge planning module can also access the provider data in the provider data repository in response to receiving the post-discharge medical care options from the user, select medical providers from the provider data who have characteristics in the provider data that match the medical care options, and electronically send a discharge request to the selected medical providers.