Offline Patient Data Storage and Sync via Local Encryption

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Solution Overview

Problem

The flow of patient data within healthcare information systems can be disrupted due to interruptions in wireless connectivity between mobile devices and server logic devices, preventing the transmission of patient data.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that enables patient data to be securely stored on client logic devices during offline network conditions and transmitted to a patient data server when connectivity is reestablished, using user-generated passcodes for security and de-identifying protected health information to protect patient privacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If patient data is transmitted in real-time to the server, then data availability is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to network connectivity interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata availabilityVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by storing patient data locally on the mobile device before network transmission is needed. This allows data entry and storage to continue uninterrupted during offline periods, ensuring data availability is maintained independent of network connectivity status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the patient data source and the server. It temporarily holds and manages patient data locally, mediating the transmission process by queuing data for later upload when network connectivity becomes available, thus decoupling data entry from data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If patient data is stored locally on mobile devices during offline conditions, then data entry continuity is improved, but data security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata entry continuityVSAvoiddata security risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Encryption is performed preliminarily on patient data before it is stored locally on the mobile device. This ensures that even if the device is compromised, the stored data remains protected. The encryption key management is also handled in advance to minimize security exposure during offline operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the state of patient data from plaintext to encrypted format before local storage. This parameter change (from readable to unreadable state) maintains data security while allowing continuous local data entry operations during offline conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If offline data storage is implemented on client devices, then system adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoffline operation capabilityVSAvoidclient device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both an online client for real-time data transmission and an offline local database for data storage. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to varying network conditions without requiring separate dedicated offline storage hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The client device autonomously manages its own data storage, encryption, and transmission queue without requiring complex external infrastructure. The device self-adapts to network availability by automatically switching between online and offline modes, reducing the need for additional system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Object-affected harmful factors

If data is encrypted and de-identified on the client device, then patient privacy protection is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient privacy protectionVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Encryption and de-identification of patient data are performed as preliminary actions immediately when data is entered or received, before it needs to be stored or transmitted. This upfront processing minimizes the time overhead by avoiding repeated encryption operations later in the data lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250191710A1Method and system for providing patient data to a patient data server following an offline network condition

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 T6 HEALTH SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A method and corresponding system for providing patient data to a patient data server following an offline network condition are described. In one arrangement, a healthcare information analysis and presentation system includes a client logic device disposed in wireless communication with a patient data server. The healthcare information analysis and presentation system is configured with an offline functionality that stores patient data on the client logic device, even when not wirelessly connected to the patient data server. Further, the healthcare information analysis and presentation system is configured to allow the end user to begin patient data entry for a new patient, to document an existing case, and to resolve conflicting data following an offline network condition, all while preserving and protecting patient's privacy.