Mobile Terminal Location-Based Access Control for Patient Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems in hospital settings fail to effectively prevent contamination and breach of privacy while allowing medical providers to access patient information efficiently, as they often require frequent re-logins and may not adequately protect against physical contamination.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a mobile terminal with a location processor and access processor that denies access to patient information when the terminal is beyond a specified distance from the patient, and includes an enclosure to protect against contamination, ensuring secure and efficient information access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the terminal is locked when distance exceeds specified value, then patient privacy is protected, but user convenience deteriorates due to frequent re-logins
Solution Approach 1:
An automatic re-login mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user and the access processor. When the terminal is locked due to distance, the system automatically initiates re-login procedures without requiring manual user intervention, thus maintaining privacy protection while preserving user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting when the terminal is locked and initiating the re-login process autonomously. The user does not need to manually re-login, as the system handles this task itself based on distance monitoring and lock status detection.
2Reliability
If the terminal is locked when distance exceeds specified value, then unauthorized access is prevented, but workflow efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic re-login mechanism ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining uninterrupted access to patient information. Instead of stopping workflow when the terminal is locked, the system automatically restores access, allowing medical providers to continue their tasks without interruption or efficiency loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively monitoring distance and automatically initiating re-login before the terminal becomes inaccessible. This preventive approach ensures continuous access and prevents workflow interruptions by addressing potential access issues before they impact productivity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If enclosure is applied over terminal, then physical contamination is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the terminal from physical contamination, acts as a barrier during patient interactions, and can integrate with the location processing system. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive protection and operational benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, and methods utilizing such apparatus, are described for displaying information regarding an object including a terminal for collecting, manipulating, and displaying information regarding the object, and a location processor for determining the location of the terminal with respect to the object. The apparatus further includes an access processor programmed to deny a user of the terminal access to the information when the distance between the terminal and the object exceeds a specified value. The apparatus and methods are particularly useful when implemented in a hospital setting in which the user is a medical provider, the object is a patient, and the terminal is a mobile terminal.