Mobile Computer Patient Data Collection for Emergency Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional emergency medical information systems relying on paper and pen are costly, prone to errors, and lead to legal liabilities due to illegible writing, and result in delays and errors in billing processes, impacting revenue and patient notification.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that uses mobile computers at emergency vehicles to collect and merge medical and billing information, which is then transmitted electronically to medical facilities and billing services, enabling accurate and timely data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If paper and pen are used to collect medical information at emergency vehicles, then the system is simple and low-cost, but data entry errors increase and information may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mobile computers to create electronic copies of patient information collected at emergency vehicles. These digital copies replace handwritten notes and paper forms, eliminating transcription errors while preserving the simplicity of the data collection process. The mobile computer captures information directly as electronic data, creating an accurate digital copy that can be transmitted without loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical paper-and-pen system with an electronic mobile computer system. This substitution eliminates manual writing and data entry, reducing human error while maintaining the portability and simplicity of the original system. The mobile computer provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies data collection while ensuring accuracy through electronic storage and transmission.
2Reliability
If manual data entry is used to ensure correctness, then data accuracy improves, but labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile computer system enables emergency personnel to directly enter and store patient information without requiring separate manual data entry steps. The system automatically saves data in electronic format, eliminating the need for review and re-entry by administrative staff. This self-service approach maintains data accuracy while significantly improving processing efficiency.
3Productivity
If paper-based billing information collection is used, then the system is simple, but billing delays and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile computer system collects and stores billing information at the emergency vehicle during the initial patient assessment. This preliminary electronic capture of billing data eliminates the need for later manual transcription and mailing processes. The system prepares billing information in advance and transmits it electronically, significantly reducing billing delays while maintaining simplicity.
4Ease of operation
If handwritten notes are used to collect information, then the system is portable and simple, but illegibility causes legal liability
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile computer creates a digital copy of all patient information entered by emergency personnel. This electronic copy ensures that information is accurately captured and stored without the illegibility problems of handwritten notes. The digital format maintains portability while eliminating ambiguity in recorded information, thereby reducing legal liability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for collecting information at a vehicle, such as an emergency vehicle, involves receiving at the vehicle a request regarding a patient. The method further involves collecting information on the patient using a mobile computer at the vehicle. The method also involves transmitting the patient information as an electronic file from the mobile computer to a hospital over a network. As part of this method, billing information concerning the patient may be collected. Additionally, a method for processing billing information concerning a patient involves collecting billing information regarding the patient from a mobile computer at a vehicle over a network. The method further involves classifying a service provided to the patient in at least one billing category based on the billing information. In addition, the method further involves generating a bill for the patient based on the billing information.