Patient Ambulation Tracking via Location Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring patient location and ambulation in telemetry wards lack automated tracking of distance and type of movement, relying on manual recording and failing to differentiate between various patient activities.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a remote monitoring device that broadcasts physiological values and location signals, tracked by a location services system, which calculates ambulatory event data such as distance and duration, using algorithms that incorporate probability analysis and historical patient data to accurately monitor patient movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual recording of patient movement data is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical recording with an automated electronic system using a location services system and patient tracking computer that automatically calculate distance and duration from location data, eliminating manual intervention while improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service monitoring where the remote monitoring device and location services system automatically track and calculate patient ambulation parameters without requiring clinician intervention for data collection and computation
2Productivity
If automated tracking system is implemented, then measurement precision and productivity improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patient tracking computer serves multiple functions by receiving both physiological values and location data, calculating ambulation parameters, and providing comprehensive patient monitoring capabilities in a single integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines location tracking, physiological monitoring, and ambulation calculation functions into an integrated system where the patient tracking computer processes multiple data streams simultaneously to provide comprehensive patient assessment
3Measurement precision
If pedometer is provided to patient, then measurement capability is improved, but loss of information increases due to inability to differentiate movement types
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments patient movement data into distinct categories by analyzing location changes over time, differentiating between ambulatory events and other types of movement based on duration, distance, and movement patterns
4Device complexity
If manual recording by clinician is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual clinician recording with automated electronic data capture and processing, where the patient tracking computer automatically receives, processes, and stores ambulation data without requiring clinician time for manual entry
Data Source
AI summary
A system for telemetrically monitoring a patient includes a remote monitoring device associated with the patient. A location services system tracks a location of the remote monitoring device. A patient tracking computer calculates a distance and a duration of patient ambulation from the tracked location. A method of monitoring an ambulatory patient monitors the location of a remote monitoring device and derives ambulatory event data from the monitored location.