Patient Room Status Sequencing for Dynamic Treatment Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing healthcare systems face challenges in efficiently managing patient and resource flow, particularly in balancing treatment types with patient demand, leading to inefficiencies and delays in healthcare environments.
Innovation Solution
A patient and room status sequencing management system that utilizes a server to dynamically sequence actions through treatment rooms, incorporating inner and outer graphical user interfaces, RFID tokens for tracking, and a remote dashboard for real-time data display, enabling efficient room utilization and staff location tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional healthcare management systems are used, then basic patient scheduling is possible, but operational efficiency is reduced and delays occur in patient flow management
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically sequences patient actions through treatment rooms based on real-time room status and patient demand, adapting the treatment sequence automatically rather than using static scheduling. This dynamic adjustment optimizes patient flow and eliminates delays caused by rigid scheduling protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors room status and patient progression through treatment sequences, using this feedback to dynamically adjust sequencing decisions. This closed-loop control enables real-time optimization of patient flow and room utilization, improving operational efficiency while reducing delays.
2Loss of information
If detailed treatment information is displayed on all interfaces, then complete patient data is accessible, but patient privacy and confidentiality are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements different information display qualities for different locations and user roles. Inner room interfaces accessible to authorized staff display complete confidential treatment information, while outer room interfaces and remote dashboards display only non-confidential status information. This localized differentiation of information quality ensures data security while maintaining operational visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The information display system is segmented into multiple interface types (inner room GUI, outer room GUI, remote dashboard) with different levels of data access. This segmentation allows complete patient information to be available where needed for treatment while restricting confidential data exposure in other areas, resolving the contradiction between data accessibility and privacy protection.
3Productivity
If staff locations are not tracked, then system complexity is reduced, but search time for staff increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tokens serve multiple functions: they track staff location for efficiency purposes, authenticate user identity for system access control, and enable seamless interaction with the sequencing system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate tracking devices, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving staff location efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances operational efficiency by optimizing room utilization, reducing search time for staff, minimizing delays, and improving patient care through real-time awareness of staff distribution and resource availability.
Implementation Method 1
The token comprises a RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) token
Data Source
AI summary
A patient and room status sequencing management system and method are disclosed for dynamically managing treatment workflows in multi-room healthcare environments. The system includes a server in communication with inner and outer graphical user interfaces (GUIs) located in treatment rooms. The inner GUI displays more confidential treatment information and selectable actions tied to patient care, while the outer GUI displays less confidential information and room status using visual indicators such as color changes or backlighting. A token, such as an RFID badge, is associated with healthcare personnel and enables tracking via a remote dashboard GUI, which also displays room statuses and staff locations. The system sequences actions in real-time based on user inputs, enabling efficient treatment flow, status visibility, and personnel coordination across a facility. Each action presented on the GUI is limited to pre-defined, context-specific choices to reduce error and improve usability.