Numeric Analog Scale for Bowel Function Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing bowel function in patients receiving opioid analgesics, such as oxycodone, lack a uniform system, leading to inaccurate descriptions of opioid bowel dysfunction (OBD) syndromes like constipation, which results in ineffective or excessive treatment due to subjective patient reports and the inability to accurately record bowel function for clinical studies or insurance purposes.
Innovation Solution
A method using numeric analog scales to measure bowel function parameters like ease of defecation, feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation, and personal judgment of constipation, allowing for a more objective assessment that can be applied to both patients and healthy individuals, including those with impaired vision, through paper forms, circular meters, or electronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If subjective patient reports are used to assess bowel function, then the assessment process is simple and quick, but the accuracy and uniformity of bowel function description deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the assessment from subjective qualitative descriptions to objective quantitative measurements by introducing specific parameters (stool frequency, stool consistency, abdominal pain intensity) with defined measurement scales. This parameterization enables precise, uniform assessment while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized questionnaires and scales.
2Adaptability or versatility
If no uniform system is used for describing bowel function, then patients can describe their experiences in their own words, but the ability to accurately record and compare bowel function deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments bowel function assessment into distinct, manageable parameters (stool frequency, stool consistency, abdominal pain intensity, nausea/vomiting frequency) that can be measured and recorded separately. This segmentation allows patients to address each aspect independently while ensuring comprehensive and accurate documentation of overall bowel function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If opioid analgesics are administered to treat pain, then pain relief is achieved, but bowel dysfunction side effects such as constipation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by systematically monitoring bowel function parameters in patients receiving opioid therapy. This feedback enables healthcare providers to detect bowel dysfunction early, adjust opioid dosing or add adjunctive medications, and prevent severe complications while maintaining effective pain control.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for assessing bowel function in a patient, comprising providing the patient with a numeric analog scale for at least one parameter which is a measure of bowel function; causing the patient to indicate on the numeric analog scale the amount and/or intensity of the parameter being experienced; and observing the amount and/or intensity of the at least one parameter indicated on the numeric analog scale in order to assess bowel function. Further, the present invention provides a device for assessing bowel function in a patient, the device comprising a display unit for providing a numeric analog scale for at least one parameter which is associated with bowel function of a patient; a receiving unit adapted to receive an amount and/or intensity of the at least one parameter indicated by the patient on the numeric analog scale; and an interface unit adapted to provide the amount and/or intensity of the at least one parameter indicated on the numeric analog scale in order to assess bowel function.