Variable Time Interval Patient Data Timeline Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical data processing systems lack the ability to adjust time intervals dynamically, leading to either excessive or insufficient data display for specific periods of a patient's record, which can be distracting during critical care and inefficient for data entry post-crisis.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow users to select a variable time interval for a patient data timeline, enabling flexible start and end time selection based on predetermined rules to ensure logical and continuous data display, with automatic data collection and editing validation to prevent data loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed time interval is used for displaying patient data throughout the entire patient stay, then the system is simple to operate, but it displays either too much or too little data for specific periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed time interval to a dynamic variable time interval that can be adjusted for different time periods within a patient's stay. The interface allows selection of multiple time intervals (e.g., 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours) that can be applied to specific duration periods, enabling the display to adapt to different clinical situations while maintaining operational simplicity through predefined options.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a variable time interval is allowed for the entire patient stay, then data display flexibility is improved, but data integrity and continuity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patient's stay is divided into multiple duration periods, each with its own selectable time interval. This segmentation allows different time intervals to be applied to different segments of the patient record without affecting the continuity of the overall data. Each segment maintains its own timing characteristics while contributing to a complete, continuous patient record.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides predefined time interval options (15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours) that have been established in advance based on clinical best practices. These predetermined intervals ensure data continuity and reliability while still providing flexibility, as the options are prepared beforehand and simply need to be selected rather than calculated or configured during patient care.
3Loss of information
If detailed patient data is continuously displayed, then complete information is available, but it becomes distracting during critical care periods
Solution Approach 1:
The display dynamically adapts its level of detail based on the selected time interval for the current period. During critical care periods, caregivers can select shorter time intervals (e.g., 15 or 30 minutes) that provide more detailed information when needed, or longer intervals during stable periods to reduce visual clutter and distraction. The system adjusts the data density automatically based on the time interval selection.
4Measurement precision
If manual data entry is required for all patient parameters, then data accuracy is maintained, but time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically collects and populates patient data from connected medical devices and monitoring equipment, eliminating the need for manual entry of routine parameters. The automatic data collection maintains accuracy by using validated device measurements, while significantly improving efficiency by removing repetitive manual input tasks. Caregivers only need to review and validate the automatically populated data.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method are described for allowing a user to generate a timeline and display patient data with varying time intervals. The time intervals can range from a few minutes to several hours. By allowing a user to select start time and end time when a time interval change occurs, the time interval change is applied to a selected portion or duration of the timeline rather than the full length. Also multiple time intervals may be selected and applied to the patient data.