Abstract:
Technologies for medical information and scheduling communication determining a patient condition of a person presently experiencing the condition, determining a timeline, indicating the timeline, receiving real-time information regarding the condition, and updating the timeline. The timeline illustrates time lapsed since an initialization of treatment tracking, a recommended treatment of the patient condition, a treatment time necessary for effective application of the treatment for the patent condition, and an average time of treatment.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to medical informatics and, more particularly, to a critical condition module. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Medical informatics includes cross-disciplined application of computer science, information technology, and healthcare. Medical informatics solutions include providing methods, resources, and devices to facilitate the care of patients by doctors and nurses who have needs to use acquisition, storage, retrieval, and use of information. Many medical informatics solutions use off-the-shelf tools for information technology components, such as servers, communication protocols, data storage, processing, and imaging. 
         [0003]    Medical informatics may include processing of electronic health records (EHR). EHRs may be designed for use by health care providers to record data and may be dissimilar to personal health records (PHR). An EHR may be generated and owned by a healthcare provider, though a patient may have legal or privacy rights in the EHR. Data in a PHR may be owned by the patient. Furthermore, an EHR may be available through a patient portal, which may merely give a patient access to a healthcare entity&#39;s medical informatics systems to see an EHR pertaining to the patient. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In one embodiment, a method for medical information communication includes determining a patient condition of a person presently experiencing the condition, determining a timeline, indicating the timeline, receiving real-time information regarding the condition, and updating the timeline. The timeline illustrates time lapsed since an initialization of treatment tracking, a recommended treatment of the patient condition, a treatment time necessary for effective application of the treatment for the patent condition, and an average time of treatment. 
         [0005]    In another embodiment, a system for medical information communication includes a processor, a computer readable medium communicatively coupled to the processor, and computer-executable instructions carried on the computer readable medium. The instructions are readable by the processor. The instructions, when read and executed, cause the processor to determine a patient condition of a person presently experiencing the condition, determine a timeline indicate the timeline, receive real-time information regarding the condition, and update the timeline. The timeline illustrates time lapsed since an initialization of treatment tracking, a recommended treatment of the patient condition, a treatment time necessary for effective application of the treatment for the patent condition, and an average time of treatment. 
         [0006]    In yet another embodiment, an article of manufacture includes a computer readable medium and computer-executable instructions carried on the computer readable medium. The instructions are readable by a processor. The instructions, when read and executed, cause the processor to determine a patient condition of a person presently experiencing the condition, determine a timeline indicate the timeline, receive real-time information regarding the condition, and update the timeline. The timeline illustrates time lapsed since an initialization of treatment tracking, a recommended treatment of the patient condition, a treatment time necessary for effective application of the treatment for the patent condition, and an average time of treatment. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  illustrates an example embodiment of a system for medical information tracking; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  illustrates the operation of an example embodiment of a system for medical information tracking; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a more detailed view of an example embodiment of server application; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  illustrates an example embodiment of patient application; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  illustrates an example templatized communication view; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  illustrates an example embodiment of a view including options for a user to indicate readiness; 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  illustrates an example embodiment of a view including options for a patient to enter regarding assistance; 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  illustrates an example embodiment of a view including options for a user to indicate symptom; 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  illustrates an example embodiment of a view including options for a user to indicate needs 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  illustrates a body map configured to provide a patient the ability to indicate where symptoms are appearing; 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  illustrates an example embodiment of a conversation view; 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  illustrates an example embodiment of a caregiver application; 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  illustrates an example embodiment of an emergency medical service application; 
           [0021]      FIG. 14  illustrates an example embodiment of an add patient module; 
           [0022]      FIG. 15  illustrates of an example embodiment of a communications module; 
           [0023]      FIG. 16  illustrates an example embodiment of a method for medical information tracking; 
           [0024]      FIG. 17  is an illustration of an example embodiment of a system configured to provide condition-specific information tracking; 
           [0025]      FIG. 18  illustrates an example embodiment of a main menu view; 
           [0026]      FIG. 19  is an illustration of an embodiment of a view for logging in users to a critical condition module; 
           [0027]      FIG. 20  is an illustration of an embodiment of a view for setting up an instance of a critical condition module; 
           [0028]      FIG. 21  is an illustration of an embodiment of a view for setting up a new instance of a patient treatment; 
           [0029]      FIG. 22  is an illustration of an embodiment of a view for obtaining an EKG; 
           [0030]      FIG. 23  is an illustration of a view of an instance of an active treatment of a patient; 
           [0031]      FIG. 24  is an illustration of a view for halting the monitoring of an active treatment of a patient using critical condition module; 
           [0032]      FIG. 25  is an illustration of a view of another instance of an active treatment of a patient using critical condition module; 
           [0033]      FIG. 26  is an illustration of a view for ending operation; 
           [0034]      FIG. 27  is an illustration of an example embodiment of a method for performance of critical condition monitoring and evaluation; 
           [0035]      FIG. 28  is an illustration of example operation of a system configured to provide alerts in conjunction with condition-specific information tracking; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 29  is an illustration of example operation of a method for providing alerts in conjunction with condition-specific information tracking. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0037]      FIG. 1  illustrates an example embodiment of a system  100  for medical information tracking. In one embodiment, operation of system  100  may include a patient initiated distribution of a personal health record (PHR) to one or more other users of system  100 . 
         [0038]    System  100  may include the distributed or consolidated operation of one or more applications, such as patient application  108 , server application  104 , admin application  112 , caregiver application  116 , emergency medical service (EMS) application  120 , or registration application  121 . Each such application may be operating on different electronic devices  102 ,  106 ,  110 ,  114 ,  118 ,  119 . Information collected, generated, or otherwise produced by one of patient application  108 , admin application  112 , caregiver application  116 , EMS application  120 , or registration application  121  may be communicated to another such application through server application  104 . Server application  104  may be configured to store such communication, determine recipients, send messages, and provide additional information to such applications. Any suitable combination of number, particular implementations, or kinds of patient application  108 , server application  104 , admin application  112 , caregiver application  116 , EMS application  120 , or registration application  121  may be used within system  100 . 
         [0039]    A given one of patient application  108 , server application  104 , admin application  112 , caregiver application  116 , EMS application  120 , or registration application  121  may be configured to be used by a class or subclass of user. For example, patient application  108  may be configured to be used by a patient  122 . Caregiver application  116  may be configured to be used by a nurse  126 , doctor  128 , or other  130  medical professional. The particular instance of caregiver application  116  may be configured to be conformed to a particular kind of users, such as nurse  126  versus doctor  128 . Such configuration may include selective use or employment of particular features specific to, for example, a nurse or a doctor. EMS application  120  may be configured to be used by an emergency medical technician (EMT)  124 . Server application  104  may be configured to be controlled by an administrator  124  of system  100  through, for example, admin application  112 . Registration application  121  may be configured to be used by an other  130  medical professional, such as a supervisor, emergency room administrator, doctor, or nurse. The selective configuration of each of the applications for a given user may be made by, for example, altering the options and features presented to a specific or class of users. 
         [0040]    Each of patient application  108 , server application  104 , admin application  112 , caregiver application  116 , EMS application  120 , and registration application  121  may be implemented in unique, similar, or separate manners. For example, each such application may be executed out of a single codebase modified during execution for a particular user. In another example, each such application may represent a different codebase. Each of patient application  108 , server application  104 , admin application  112 , caregiver application  116 , EMS application  120 , and registration application  121  may be implemented in any suitable fashion, such as by modules, logic, instructions, executables, libraries, functions, scripts, applications, hardware, software, firmware, input/output mechanisms, displays, views, or any suitable combination thereof. In one embodiment, some or all of each of patient application  108 , server application  104 , admin application  112 , caregiver application  116 , EMS application  120 , and registration application  121  may be implemented by instructions or logic in a computer-readable medium or memory. The instructions may be executable by a processor and, when executed, perform the functionality described herein. Execution by the processor may cause one or more changes within the processor, such as to encoders, decoders, caches, or registers. 
         [0041]    Communication between patient application  108 , admin application  112 , caregiver application  116 , EMS application  120 , registration application  121 , and server application  104  may be made through any suitable connection, such as by a wireless or wired network. Such networks may include or use, for example, an intranet, the Internet, mobile phone or cellular networks, 802.11 class communications, text, transport control protocol, Internet protocol, hypertext transfer protocol, Ethernet, or any other suitable mechanism. Such networks and protocols may be secured according to ethical and legal requirements to protect patient privacy. In one embodiment, unsecure methods, such as short messaging service (SMS) texts, may be insufficiently secure and thus not used. 
         [0042]    Each of electronic devices  106 ,  102 ,  110 ,  114 ,  118 ,  119  may be implemented in any suitable manner, such as by a server, computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, or other suitable electronic entity. Each of electronic devices  106 ,  102 ,  110 ,  114 ,  118 ,  119  may include a respective processor  136 ,  140 ,  144 ,  148 ,  152 ,  153  communicatively coupled to a respective memory  138 ,  142 ,  146 ,  150 ,  154 ,  155 . In one embodiment, each of patient application  108 , server application  104 , admin application  112 , caregiver application  116 , EMS application  120 , and registration application  121  may be resident fully or partially within respective memories  138 ,  142 ,  146 ,  150 ,  154 ,  155  and executed by respective processors  136 ,  140 ,  144 ,  148 ,  152 ,  153 . 
         [0043]    Processors  136 ,  140 ,  144 ,  148 ,  152 ,  153  may comprise, for example, a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other digital or analog circuitry configured to interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data. In some embodiments, processors  136 ,  140 ,  144 ,  148 ,  152 ,  153  may interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data stored in memories  138 ,  142 ,  146 ,  150 ,  154 ,  155 . Memories  138 ,  142 ,  146 ,  150 ,  154 ,  155  may be configured in part or whole as application memory, system memory, or both. Memories  138 ,  142 ,  146 ,  150 ,  154 ,  155  may include any system, device, or apparatus configured to hold and/or house one or more memory modules. Each memory module may include any system, device or apparatus configured to retain program instructions and/or data for a period of time (e.g., computer-readable storage media). 
         [0044]    For the purposes of this disclosure, computer-readable media may include any instrumentality or aggregation of instrumentalities that may retain data and/or instructions for a period of time. Computer-readable media may include, without limitation, storage media such as a direct access storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive or floppy disk), a sequential access storage device (e.g., a tape disk drive), compact disk, CD-ROM, DVD, random access memory (“RAM”), read-only memory (“ROM”), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), and/or flash memory; as well as communications media such as wires, optical fibers, microwaves, radio waves, and other electromagnetic and/or optical carriers; and/or any combination of the foregoing. 
         [0045]    A PHR may include a combination of information associated with a given patient. The information associated with a PHR may be controlled, directed, or owned by the patient, as opposed to a medical entity that may perform medical services or generate medical data. In system  100 , all interactions with or actions of a given user through, for example, the patient&#39;s instance of patient application  108  may be logged to the PHR. Such a running log may include a continuing document of care (CDC), or a continuity of care document (CCD). Furthermore, a PHR may include electronic medical records (EMR) that have been received from various entities, such as individual hospitals, doctor&#39;s offices, or nursing homes. Such EMRs may be submitted to system  100  and added to a given PHR. Furthermore, live data collected on symptoms from a caregiver, patient, or medical device may be included in a PHR. In addition, communications between entities in system  100  regarding a patient may be included in the associated PHR. Other information, such as health history, current medical problems, past medical problems, immunization history, social history, family medical history, preferences, vital statistics, medications, previous medical data, lab results, or other medical information for a patient may be included in the associated PHR. Different portions or data of a PHR may be affirmed, updated, or verified from time-to-time. Such affirmation may be performed by, for example, the patient themselves or a caregiver. Consequently, the timeliness of the information within PHR may be noted by timestamps, verification metadata, or other mechanisms within the PHR itself. 
         [0046]    A PHR may be implemented in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, a PHR may be defined with various fields and information according to an extensible markup language (XML) scheme. In another embodiment, a PHR may be defined according to various fields of a database. 
         [0047]    In system  100 , a patient may control disbursement of information within an associated PHR to various other entities. Furthermore, the patient may be able to selectively disburse portions of the associated PHR. Caregivers, EMTs, and other parties may be required to receive PHR information from centralized control of system  100 , which gets its authorization for disbursement from the patient. Information may thus flow from one non-patient party to another by logging and selective disbursement by system  100 , rather than direct communication between the parties. 
         [0048]      FIG. 2  illustrates the operation of an example embodiment of a system  100  for medical information tracking  FIG. 2  illustrates various more detailed examples of instances of elements of system  100  and their operation. 
         [0049]    Patient  122  may be using patient application  108   a  to access system  100 . Patient application  108   a  may authorize use of a PHR for patient  122  in system  100  and selective access for one or more other users of system  100 . Authorization of the use of data may include express authorization for particular users of system  100  to receive selections from the PHR. Upon receipt of authorization, server application  104  may be configured to push information such as the PHR to necessary application recipients. Server application  104  operating on server  102  may manage the medical information tracking for patient  122  and coordinate communication with other applications, including selectively sending medical information, such as the PHR, of patient  122  to other these applications. Furthermore, admin  124   a  may be using admin app  112   a  to operate, manager, or otherwise control system  100 . 
         [0050]    EMT  134  may be using an instance of EMS application  120  on an electronic device such as one in an EMS vehicle  258 . EMS application  120  may transmit application data to server application  104 , and receive pertinent data in return. 
         [0051]    Doctor  128   a  or nurse  126   a  may be using an instance of caregiver application  116   a  at a nursing home  260 . Furthermore, access may be made of legacy systems  262   a  which may include information such as an electronic medical record (EMR). Caregiver application  116   a  may transmit application information, as well as information such as the EMR from legacy systems  262   a  to server application  104 . In return, server application  104  may send information in reply such as selections from patient&#39;s  122  PHR, or application data from other applications. 
         [0052]    A medical device  264  may be configured to supply information to server application  104 . Medical device  264  may be gathering information on, for example, patient  122 . Medical device  264  may include, for example, an IV, a monitor, a breathing machine, scale, glucometer, blood pressure monitor, pulse monitor, oximeter, or any other suitable healthcare instrument. Server application  104  may be configured to update the PHR with the information in real-time. Furthermore, server application  104  may be configured to selectively provide the information as part of the PHR to one or more authorized users of system  100 . 
         [0053]    Doctor  128   b , nurse  126   b , or other party  130   a  may be using an instance of caregiver application  116   b  at a first hospital. Furthermore, access may be made of legacy systems  262   b  which may include information such as an EMR. Caregiver application  116   b  may transmit application information, as well as information such as the EMR from legacy systems  262   b  to server application  104 . In return, server application  104  may send information in reply such as selections from patient&#39;s  122  PHR, or application data from other applications. 
         [0054]    A non-compliant party  268  may include any entity that is not configured to interoperably or interactively exchange information with server application  104 . Such a non-compliant party may include healthcare facilities, caregivers, companies, or other entities that operate only legacy or incompatible health informatics systems. Furthermore, a non-compliant party  268  may include other parties that a patient may wish to send medical information, such as friends or family members. Information may be configured to be sent in a generally accessible format, such as a document in portable data format (PDF). Such a document may be secured using, for example, a password. The password may be set by, for example, a patient who has initiated the transmission of information to non-compliant party  268 . Server application  104  may be configured to provide information to a designated non-compliant party  268  through, for example, asynchronous methods such as mail or e-mail messages. 
         [0055]    Yet another patient approved party  270 , of any suitable kind or variation, may utilize an instance of admin application  112   c , caregiver application  116   c , or patient application  108   c , or any combination thereof. Patient approved party  270  may include an entity to which patient  122 , admin  124   a , or a caregiver has delegated authority or responsibility. Patient-approved party  270  may transmit application information to server application  104 . In return, server application  104  may send information in reply such as selections from patient&#39;s  122  PHR, or application data from other applications 
         [0056]    Doctor  128   d  or nurse  126   d  may be using an instance of caregiver application  116   d  at a private medical doctor&#39;s (MD) office  272 . Furthermore, access may be made of legacy systems  262   d , which may include information such as an EMR. Caregiver application  116   d  may transmit application information, as well as information such as the EMR from legacy systems  262   d  to server application  104 . In return, server application  104  may send information in reply such as selections from patient&#39;s  122  PHR, or application data from other applications. 
         [0057]    Doctor  128   e , nurse  126   e , or another party  130   e  may be using an instance of caregiver application  116   e  or admin application  112   e  at a healthcare facility of another, varying type such as a laboratory, outpatient center, urgent care clinic, or testing facility. Furthermore, access may be made of legacy systems  262   e  which may include information such as an EMR. Caregiver application  116   e  or admin application  112   e  may transmit application information, as well as information such as the EMR from legacy systems  262   e  to server application  104 . In return, server application  104  may send information in reply such as selections from patient&#39;s  122  PHR, or application data from other applications. 
         [0058]    Doctor  128   f , nurse  126   f , or another party  130   f  may be using an instance of registration application  121   f , caregiver application  116   f , or admin application  112   f  at a second hospital  276 . Furthermore, access may be made of legacy systems  262   f  which may include information such as legacy records. Legacy records of legacy systems  262   f  may be incompatible or of a different type than, for example, EMR of legacy systems  262   b . Caregiver application  116   f  or admin application  112   f  may transmit application information, as well as information such as records from legacy systems  262   f  to server application  104 . In return, server application  104  may send information in reply such as selections from patient&#39;s  122  PHR, or application data from other applications. Users at another facility, such as hospital  266 , may utilize instances of, for example, caregiver application  116   b , to view the records from legacy systems  262   f  that have been transmitted to server application  104 . Likewise, instances of caregiver application  116   f  may be configured to view the records from legacy systems  262   b  such as an EMR. Registration application  121   f  may determine whether a patient has completed registration information for admittance to or treatment by the facility. Furthermore, one or more of caregiver application  116   f  or registration application  121   f  may be in communication with server application  104  to monitor patients who are en-route to hospital  276 , or who have already arrived at hospital  276 . Registration application  121   f  may determine the wait times, triage information, hospital forms and intake documentation status, admittance and discharge status, facility capacity, and other information regarding a given patient. 
         [0059]    Server application  104  may be communicatively coupled to a PHR database  256 . PHR database  256  may reside on server  102  or on any other suitable electronic device. PHR database  256  may organize information on a per-patient basis. PHR database  256  may include assembled received application data from applications of system  100  in a PHR for the patient. Furthermore, PHR database  256  may include data received from legacy systems such as records or EMRs. In addition, PHR database  256  may include permissions from an associated patient determining how information for the patient may be disbursed to applications of system  100 . Furthermore, PHR database  256  may include device data received from various medical devices associated with a patient. 
         [0060]    PHR database  256  may be implemented in any suitable manner. For example, PHR database  256  may be implemented by a database, files, data structures, or any other suitable entity. Furthermore, PHR database  256  may be implemented on any suitable electronic device or system, such as a server farm, cloud service, or storage array. PHR database  256  may include or may be communicatively coupled to storage service software configured to efficiently store, serve, and maintain its information. Information may be input into PHR database  256  from any suitable entity, such as patient application  108 , admin application  110 , caregiver application  116 , EMS application  118 , or registration  121 . Furthermore, information may be input into PHR database  256  from, for example, other databases, legacy databases, medical devices, servers, cameras, scanners, or other suitable devices. 
         [0061]      FIG. 3  is a more detailed view of an example embodiment of server application  104 . 
         [0062]    Server application  104  may include any suitable number, kind, or combination of components to perform the functionality described herein. For example, server application  104  may include a push notification module  306 , legacy hospital data module  308 , user management module  310 , patient data module  312 , admin dashboard  314 , or protocol module  316 . Each of push notification module  306 , legacy hospital data module  308 , user management module  310 , patient data module  312 , admin dashboard  314 , and protocol module  316  may be implemented by any suitable application, script, executable, logic, instructions, functions, hardware, software, firmware, input/output mechanisms, displays, views, or any suitable combination thereof. 
         [0063]    Push notification module  306  may be configured to determine consumers or recipients of information, such as selective portions of a patient&#39;s PHR, and to send the information or an indicator of the information to the recipient. Such recipients may include caregiver  116 , patient  108 , EMS  120 , or admin  112  applications. Such information may be sent using, for example, text, SMS, hypertext transmission protocol (HTTP), file transfer protocol, transport control protocol, internet protocol, or any other suitable electronic manner. 
         [0064]    Legacy hospital data module  308  may be configured to translate, store, retrieve, or otherwise handle information from systems not compliant, integrated, or included within system  100 . Such information may be received by server application  104  from various application instances in system  100 . Legacy hospital data module  308  may be configured to selectively include relevant portions of such information and attach or associate the portions with a patient&#39;s PHR. 
         [0065]    User management module  310  may be configured to track, manage, or otherwise handle users of system  100 . User management module  310  may define permissions, handle data transactions, set on-call or on-duty notices, or determine personnel who are on-duty or on-call for caregivers such as EMTs, nurses, or doctors, or patients. 
         [0066]    Patient data module  312  may be configured to track, manage, or otherwise handle patients of system  100 . Patient data module  310  may be configured to control access to a patient&#39;s PHR or other information. 
         [0067]    Admin dashboard  314  may be configured to provide a view and options for an administrator of system  200  to perform maintenance, set preferences, make manual adjustments, or perform other supervisory tasks. 
         [0068]    Protocol module  316  may be configured to translate, interpret, or otherwise communicate with various disparate portions of system  100 . Protocol module  316  may define technical and policy requirements for encryption, authentication, or privacy to be used in accordance with data transactions of system  100 . Furthermore, protocol module  316  may be configured to define how medical information may be defined and translated between different formats. 
         [0069]    For example, protocol module  316  may be configured to determine medical information defined according to Health Level Seven (HL7) definitions that may be used in messages to convey a medical status, or in commands for logical operation between applications such as instances of caregiver application  116 . Such HL7 information may be wrapped by protocol module  316  with a query control wrapper defining how the underlying information is represented and may be used. Furthermore, such query control data may itself be wrapped by protocol module  316  in a transmission wrapper, configured to include constructs for message identification, addressing (such as an intended application target or source), etc. In addition, information within such a transmission wrapper may be wrapped into general data exchange structure protocol layers, such as extensible markup language (XML) or Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP). Such data may itself be wrapped into transportation protocol layers, such as TCP/IP or HTTP. 
         [0070]    Each of caregiver  116 , patient  108 , EMS  120 , registration  121 , or admin  112  applications may implement a protocol module similar to protocol module  316  and configured to facilitate, transmit, and translate medical information and operational commands. 
         [0071]    Server application  104  may be communicatively coupled to one or more databases, such as PHR database  256  or reporting database  318 . Reporting database  318  may be configured to store an indication of actions taken by server application  104  for a given patient, system actions taken by server applications, or settings or data received from various applications connected to server application  104  and received therein. Reporting database  318  may be implemented in any suitable manner or on any suitable system. Server application  104  may be configured to store information associated with a given patient in the associated PHR in PHR database  256 . Furthermore, server application  318  may be configured to store information about actions taken in reporting database  318 . 
         [0072]    As shown above, server application  104  may be communicatively coupled to any suitable kind, number, or combination of other applications such as caregiver  116 , patient  108 , EMS  120 , or admin  112  applications. Server application  104  may be communicatively coupled to such entities through any suitable mechanism, such as one or more networks  302 . Furthermore, each of caregiver  116 , patient  108 , EMS  120 , or admin  112  applications may be communicatively coupled to each other through any suitable mechanism, such as one or more networks  302 . Networks  302  may be, for example, wired, wireless, fiber-optic, coaxial cable, 802.11-class, Bluetooth, microwave relay, or any suitable combination thereof. 
         [0073]      FIG. 4  illustrates an example embodiment of patient application  108 . Patient application  108  may include any suitable number of modules, interfaces, and displays to perform the operation as described herein. Each module may be implemented by any suitable combination of code, logic, applications, scripts, functions, executables, firmware, input/output mechanisms, displays, views, software, or hardware. For example, patient application  108  may include a PHR module  402 , emergency wait time module  404 , emergency en-route module  406 , hospital registration module  408 , caregiver bio module, caregiver communication module  412 , medical test module  416 , paperwork module  418 , teaching module  420 , outpatient module  422 , login module  424 , inpatient module  426 , vitals module  428 , medication module  430 , dietary module  432 , and links module  434 . Each such module may be associated with one or more user screens configured to provide input and output to a user of patient application  108 . Furthermore, each such module may be configured to cause information to be sent to another portion of system  100 , such as to server  102  for distribution to caregiver applications. 
         [0074]    PHR module  402  may be configured to illustrate any suitable aspect of a PHR record for the user of patient application  108 . Furthermore, PHR module  402  may be configured to issue or authorize a PHR, or a subset thereof, to a third party, such as an EMT, caregiver, or healthcare facility system. PHR module  402  may include information for a user of patient application  108  such as user information, preferences, personality information, medical history, medications and medication allergies, caregiver information, insurance information, legal advance directives, and vital medical information. PHR module  402  may include any suitable mechanism for inputting, editing, or verifying elements of the PHR. Furthermore, PHR module  402  may be configured to selectively send or authorize any subset of such information of the PHR to a designated recipient. Also, PHR module  402  may be configured to selectively seek verification of any subset of such information of the PHR from a user of patient application  108 . Such user information may include name, address, identification numbers, contact information for a user of patient application  108 , and emergency contacts for a user of patient application  108 . PHR module  402  may include an option for pushing, publishing, or sharing the information to other users or elements of system  100 . Upon selection of such an option, PHR module  402  may be configured to display any suitable combination of indicators or documents to inform a user of the consequences of such sharing. For example, PHR module  402  may be configured to display a release, warning, disclosure, or other information that must be acknowledged by the user before the information will be shared. PHR module  402  may be used in conjunction with any suitable aspect of patient application  108 . The information sent or authorized by PHR module  402  may be sensitive to the context in which it is invoked. For example, check-in to a hospital or an on-may-way message may be accompanied by a PHR with current vital statistics. In another example, outpatient communication may be accompanied with information about medication dosage usage or educational videos that have been watched. 
         [0075]    User preferences may include a default designation of preferred healthcare facilities. Such facilities may be given default access to the PHR or may be used in conjunction with emergency wait time module  404  or emergency en-route module  406 . User preferences may also include pharmacy information. Furthermore, user preferences may include options to allow caregivers in system  100  to update a PHR, EMS workers in system  100  to access the PHR, or allow healthcare facility registrations to access the PHR. Accordingly, a user of patient application  108  may be given control of the PHR. Furthermore, the user preferences may include options for enabling alerting authorized users of system  100  to view an on-the-way-to-emergency-room status, emergency notes from an emergency room, notes from admission to a healthcare facility, and notes from discharge from a healthcare facility. 
         [0076]    Furthermore, PHR module  402  may include communication with other entities in system  100  into a given PHR for a given user of patient application  108 . 
         [0077]    In addition, PHR module  402  may be configured to allow a user of patient application  108  to forward the PHR to any specified user of system  100 , such as a specific caregiver, a facility generally, or a department of a facility. PHR module  402  may be configured to allow a user of patient application  108  to see the information that is to be forwarded before forwarding such information. PHR module  402  may include just-in-time mechanisms to selectively edit, verify, or delete any such part of the PHR before forwarding it. PHR module  402  may present one or more entities, caregivers, or other destinations of a PHR to a user of patient application  108 . 
         [0078]    Medical history information may include ongoing medical conditions including date of onset, prior medical conditions including relevant dates, surgical history including dates, family medical history, immunization history, vital signs, medications, allergies, and social history including risk factors and drug use. 
         [0079]    Caregiver information may include a caregiver identified as a user of system  100 . The identification of the caregiver may be selectable from a list of users of system  100 . A caregiver may be designated, for example, as a specialist or primary care physician. 
         [0080]    Insurance information may include primary or secondary insurance account information. Insurance information may be uploaded to the PHR by use of, for example, a camera on an electronic device upon which patient application  108  is operating. 
         [0081]    Legal advance directive information may include do-not-resuscitate information, specific directives to physicians, medical power of attorney, mental health directives, or organ donor information. Each such information may be enabled or disabled. Furthermore, a camera attached to an electronic device upon which patient application  108  is operating may be used to scan or capture such forms. Furthermore, each such piece of information may be individually forwarded or verified. 
         [0082]    Emergency wait time module  404  may be configured to determine, for one or more emergency facilities, a wait time for a user of patient application  108 . Emergency wait time module  404  may be configured to provide such information for a specified or selected facility of system  100 . The information may include wait times for various degrees of severity, such as minor, urgent, and emergency situations. Emergency wait time module  404  may make such determinations by evaluating the workloads, staffing, cases, or other real-time information at the facility. Emergency wait time module  404  may be configured to accept information regarding a severity of a condition from a user of patient application  108 . Such a severity may be defined quantitatively or qualitatively. Furthermore, emergency wait time module  404  may be configured to suggest emergency room units, urgent care units, or other medical facilities based upon severity of a condition indicated by a user of patient application  108 . In addition, emergency wait time module  404  may be configured to suggest emergency room units, urgent care units, or other medical facilities based upon a location of a user of patient application  108 , directing a user to a closest facility. The location of the user may be provided by a GPS sensor on an electronic device operating patient application  108 , by inferring location based on wireless communication stations, or by any other suitable method. Based on a user&#39;s location, emergency wait time module  404  may be configured to provide directions to a facility to a user. Such directions may be provided through, for example, a map interface. The configuration of emergency wait time module  404  may also be used by, for example, EMS application  120  or registration application  121  to determine wait times, patient loads, routing of patients, or estimated times of arrival. 
         [0083]    Furthermore, emergency wait time module  404  may be configured to accept a planned arrival time for a user of patient application  108 . Emergency wait time module  404  may accept input regarding a medical emergency condition as well as arrival mode. The planned arrival time may be, for example, accepted through input from a user of patient application  108 , or determined through geographic location of the user and the planned mode of transport, such as car or ambulance. The planned arrival time may be updated and sent to system  100  upon, for example, changing traffic conditions detected in relation to the geographic location of the patient. 
         [0084]    Emergency en-route module  406  may be configured to provide emergency room, urgent care, or other facility check-in for a user of patient application  108 . Such a check-in may be made before a user of patient application  108  leaves for the specified facility. Emergency en-route module  406  may solicit triage information from a user of patient application  108  and provide the information to the facility, along with a PHR of the user. Emergency en-route module  406  may include an interactive display of a human body to provide triage information including selectable symptoms. 
         [0085]    Emergency en-route module  406  may also be configured to receive and display push notifications or other messages from a caregiver while the patient is en-route to or has arrived at the facility. Such notifications may include, for example, additional inquiries as to medical history, authorizations, symptoms, or other necessary information. 
         [0086]    Furthermore, if a patient is en-route to a facility, as communicated by any suitable mechanism such as emergency en-route module  406  or EMS application  120 , the facility may be configured to receive the en-route information from the patient and prioritize the patient. The patient may be placed in a higher priority if arriving by EMS. Also, emergency en-route module  406  may be configured to communicate with system  100  to provide arrival status, check-in status, room assignment, or other information. 
         [0087]    In addition, emergency en-route module  406  may include options for a shortcut or one-button option to dialing an emergency help number, such as 9-1-1 or a caregiver at the facility. 
         [0088]    Hospital registration module  408  may be configured to provide a series of steps for a user of patient application  108  to check-in to a specified and specific healthcare facility. Such steps may be similar to emergency en-route module  406 . Hospital registration module  408  may be configured to prompt a user to review and verify certain portions of the PHR, such as contact information, medical history, medications, and allergies. Furthermore, hospital registration module  408  may prompt a user to fill out, sign, or verify specified forms releases, directives, permissions, authorizations, notices, or other documents. Hospital registration module  408  may be configured to provide the ability to digitally or electronically sign such forms. The forms may be stored and may be printable with such a signature located in the correct position. Hospital registration module  408  may communicate with, for example, an instance or users of registration application  121  to determine forms to be filled out. Some or all of hospital registration module  408  may be accessible or used by other portions of patient application  108  to sign forms as necessary within a variety of contexts, such as transport through EMS, visiting a healthcare facility, paperwork required for medical insurance or outpatient care, or any other suitable circumstance. 
         [0089]    Hospital registration module  408  may include any suitable components for providing for a user to sign various forms, releases, directives, permissions, authorizations, notices, or other documents. Hospital registration module  408  may include a signature line, checkboxes, or other mechanism for indicating an acceptance or affirmation. In one embodiment, hospital registration module  408  may include mechanisms configured to provide corroboration to the user&#39;s acceptance. For example, a device upon which patient application  108  is executing may be equipped with a still or video camera. If such a camera is front-facing, wherein the camera faces a user using the electronic device, the camera may be activated and capture the action of the user actually electronically signing the form. The resultant image or video clip may be stamped with a date, time, and determined geographic location. The stamped information may be encoded so as to prevent corruption, tampering, or forgery. Furthermore, the input of electronic device may be recorded in real-time, using such techniques such as a screen-capture. A window of hospital registration module  408  may display the process that is being recorded or captured in real-time. The corroborating information may be reviewable by the user or another entity, such as a user of registration application  121 , at a later time. 
         [0090]    In addition, hospital registration module  408  may prompt a user to verify that the user is visible or recognizable to such a camera during the process of signing. Hospital registration module  408  may determine whether a face is visible or recognizable within the frame of the camera. If a camera of the electronic device upon which patient application  106  is operating is not front facing, then hospital registration module  408  may be configured to prompt a user to take a picture of the user&#39;s self immediately before or after signing the forms. The resultant date, time, and location stamp may thus indicate that the user was present at a time and place close to the signing of the forms. Furthermore, signing such forms may trigger hospital registration module  408  to prompt a user to verify log-in information, such as a username and password, QR code, or fingerprint. Such information may further corroborate the signing of the forms. 
         [0091]    Caregiver bio module  410  may be configured to display a biographical background of a caregiver assigned to or available to be assigned to a user of patient application  108 . The selection of a caregiver may be made by presenting a user of patient application  108  one or more choices of healthcare facilities or participating caregivers of system  100 . Given a selected healthcare facility, caregiver bio module may present one or more caregivers to select to a user of patient application  108 . In one embodiment, caregiver bio module  410  may by default present options to show a background of caregivers currently assigned within system  100  to a user of patient application  108 . The bio background may detail education, specialization, or other information. Caregiver bio module  410  may include a button or other mechanism for contacting an identified caregiver. Such a mechanism may be implemented in conjunction with, for example, caregiver communication module  412 . The bio background may be maintained, managed, edited, or otherwise controlled by, for example, an instance of caregiver application  116  or administration application  112 . 
         [0092]    Caregiver communication module  412  may be configured to facilitate, record, and display communications between a caregiver and a user of patient application  108 . Such a caregiver may be a user of system  100  through, for example, caregiver application  116 . Caregiver communication module  412  may be configured to be used in conjunction with one or more other modules of patient application  108 . For example, caregiver communication module  412  may be used to facilitate or record specific communications with caregivers to give triage information in conjunction with emergency en-route module  406 . In another example, caregiver communication module  412  may be used to facilitate specific or record specific communications with caregivers while a patient is admitted to a healthcare facility as used in inpatient module  426 , or after discharge in outpatient module  422 . Caregiver communication module  412  may be configured to display a series of messages between a user of patient application  108  and a caregiver. Such messages may have been transported using any suitable communications mechanism, such as text messages, instant messages, or other electronic messaging. Information from caregiver communication module  412  may be attached to the PHR. In one embodiment, such information may be selectively included in the PHR in association with particular diagnoses or medical conditions. In one embodiment, outpatient module  422  may include a customizable pill alert. The pill alert may include views, functions, or other mechanisms to enter a medication to be taken, when the medication is to be taken, and an acknowledgement of whether the medication was taken. Furthermore, outpatient module  422  may be configured to report or log usage data, or to receive updates from or synchronize with another portion of system  100 . 
         [0093]    Caregiver communication module  412  may present a templatized mechanism for a user of patient application  108  to input communication to a caregiver. Such a templatized approach may be used to standardize, simplify, and focus communication from a user of patient application  108  to a caregiver. The templatized mechanism may include a hierarchy of possible communications that can be built upon each other. In one embodiment, various aspects of the templatized mechanisms may be implemented with pictures, graphics, pictograms, or other graphical presentation. In another embodiment, various aspects of the templatized mechanisms may be configured to be presented and translated into various foreign languages according to the preferences of patient application  108 . 
         [0094]      FIG. 5  illustrates an example templatized communication view  500  that may implement communication in, for example, caregiver communication module  412 . View  500  may be implemented by, for example, displays, menus, software modules, input-output mechanisms such as sliders, buttons, voice-clip capture, cameras, pictograms, graphics, images, and textboxes. View  500  may include a hierarchy of possible actions that may be taken by a user of patient application  108 . The contents of view  500  may be configured according to a healthcare situation of the patient. In the example of  FIG. 5 , view  500  may be substantially shown as for a patient in a hospital, emergency room, nursing facility, or doctor&#39;s office. 
         [0095]    In one embodiment, each level of the hierarchy may add an element of a desired communication for a user of patient application  108 . For example, view  500  may include an option  502  for a user to declare that the user is ready for some action, task, or activity. View  500  may include an option  504  for a user to declare that the user needs assistance with something. Furthermore, view  500  may include an option  506  for a user to declare that the user needs something. In addition, view  500  may include an option  508  for a user to report a feeling, symptom, or other medical condition. 
         [0096]    In another embodiment, view  500  may present shortcuts at a top-level of such a hierarchy to simply important or critical communications for a user of patient application  108 . In one further embodiment, some such shortcuts may be shortcuts to other portions of the hierarchy that may have been accessible through drilling down of other options. For example, view  500  may include an option  510  for a user to declare that the user needs something to eat or drink. Option  510  may correspond to, for example, options  830  or  908 , discussed below. View  500  may include an option  516  for a user to declare that the user has fallen. Option  516  may correspond to, for example, option  724 , discussed below. View  500  may include an option  518  for a user to declare that a problem exists with an intravenous device (IV). Option  518  may correspond to, for example, option  724 , discussed below. View  500  may include an option  520  for a user to declare that one or more alarms are going off. Option  520  may correspond to, for example, option  734 , discussed below. In another, further embodiment, some such shortcuts may represent terminal options without sub-choices that reside within view  500 . For example, view  500  may include an option  512  for a user to ask when the next time a doctor will visit. Furthermore, view  500  may include an option for a user to ask for housekeeping for a hospital room. 
         [0097]    View  500  may include an option  524  for notifying other parties, such as family or friends. A high-level summary of the patient&#39;s condition may be sent to the specified recipient, along with an indication of the patient&#39;s room number. In one embodiment, option  524  may provide other options for specifying a phone number, e-mail, or other destination for a summary or report. In another embodiment, option  524  may determine recipient information from a PHR field designating, for example, next of kin or emergency contacts. 
         [0098]    View  500  may include options  522  for other activities that may be grouped or presented in any suitable manner. 
         [0099]    As described above, elements within the hierarchy of options of view  500  may correspond to other elements within the hierarchy of options of view  500 . Ease-of-use may be increased by providing multiple avenues of reaching a desired action for a user of patient application  108 . Any suitable cross-referencing of options may be performed within view  500  or its associated hierarchy. 
         [0100]    View  500  may implement a variable presentation of options, including submenus or shortcuts. The variable configuration of  500  may be based upon, for example, a healthcare facility to which a patient is admitted or particular medical conditions of the patient. For example, option  518  may present a shortcut for IV problems if a patient is using an IV device. However, option  518  may be replaced if the patient is not using an IV, or may be shown in addition to a similar option for another device in use by the patient, such as a heart monitor. In another example, wherein a user has a frequent bowel problem and needs assistance getting out of bed, view  500  may be configured to include shortcut on the front display for assistance getting out of bed, wherein such an option is otherwise embedded within the hierarchy of options. Furthermore, the variable configuration of view  500  may based upon the entity that initiated a conversation. For example, a query initiated by a patient user of patient application  108  may include a full range of possible options to report a condition. In another example, a query initiated by a caregiver user of caregiver application  116  to a patient using patient application  108  to inquire about a specific symptom or experience may be shown in view  500  with options associated with the specific inquiry made by the caregiver. 
         [0101]    Any one of the options presented in view  500  or in its hierarchy of options may be represented by text alone, a pictogram, an icon, a drawing, or any combination thereof. For example, option  510  may include a pictogram of a plate, knife, and fork, or of a glass or cup. Option  516  may include a pictogram or a person on a floor next to a bed. Option  520  may include an image of a red light flashing. Option  518  may include a picture of an IV device. Option  514  may include a pictogram of a broom or of a trash can being emptied. 
         [0102]    When selected, options within view  500  or its hierarchy may be routed to an appropriate caregiver. Such a routing and delivery may be made through caregiver application  116 . Messages or information generated by some options may be directed to a specific caregiver identified by a user of patient application  108 . The appropriate routing of other messages may be determined by server application  104 . Such routing may be determined by, for example, on-duty or on-call status of caregivers, the nature of the question, the assignment of a patient to one or more caregivers, or the initiator of the conversation. For example, options such as option  516  indicating that a patient has fallen need to be sent to the nearest caregiver. Server application  104  may route the message to on-duty or on-call nurses on the same floor, wing, or other part of a facility as the patient. A nurse may be selected over, for example, a specialist, because a nurse may be the most appropriate class of caregiver to handle the communication. Furthermore, any accessible on-call or on-duty nurses may be selected, as opposed to only specific nurses assigned to the patient, because handling such an issue requires no personalized handling. In contrast, selected options such as those requesting pain medications may be handled by pain-specialist nurses or doctors specifically assigned to the patient, as dispensation of such medication may require consideration of a greater range of larger issues and information. Furthermore, the dispensation may require accountability for the decision-making underlying such a medical decision. 
         [0103]    Information communicated with a selection of an option from view  500  or its hierarchy may include selective information about the patient. The information may include the patient&#39;s name, age, gender, and location (such as room number). Furthermore, depending upon the context of the reported information, real-time medical data, portions of the patients PHR, or other information may be selectively harvested and sent to a caregiver. Upon receipt, a user of caregiver application  116  may have one-button or other expedited access the received information such as the PHR, radiology reports, laboratory reports, EMR notes, or current medications list. 
         [0104]    For example, if a patient selects an option declaring that the user feels feverish, a history of temperature readings from the previous twenty-four hours may be delivered to the caregiver along with the alert originating from the original selection. In another example, if a patient selects an option declaring that the patient feels like they have low blood sugar, the patient&#39;s insulin regiment from the patient&#39;s PHR may be reported to the caregiver. Such information may be presented in-line with the alert or may be highlighted in a PHR view to the caregiver in caregiver application  116 . In yet another example, a patient&#39;s dietary or water restrictions from a PHR may be presented simultaneously with a patient&#39;s electronic request for food, water, or ice. 
         [0105]    Selection of options in view  500  and in its hierarchy may be stored to a PHR along with a timestamp. 
         [0106]    For a given communication between a patient and a caregiver, or between two caregivers, an indication may be made to illustrate whether the message has been delivered and read. Such a “read” condition may include a determination of whether a conversation view including the message has been presented to the recipient. 
         [0107]    Although specific examples of options in view  500  and in its hierarchy are presented herein, variations may be made in the selection and presentation of such options without varying from the spirit of embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         [0108]      FIG. 6  illustrates an example embodiment of a view  600  including options for a user to indicate readiness. View  600  may illustrate further operations derived from selection of option  502  from view  500 . In particular, view  600  may illustrate further options for a user to declare that the user is ready for an action, task, service, or other event. 
         [0109]    For example, view  600  may include an option  602  for a user to declare that the user is ready to check out of the facility to return home. Option  602  may include a pictogram of a house. Selection of option  602  may be routed to an on-duty nurse or other caregiver or to hospital admitting staff using an instance of caregiver application  116  or admin application  112 . 
         [0110]    View  600  may include an option  604  for a user to declare that the user is ready for a bath or shower. Option  604  may include a pictogram of a showerhead and a person. Selection of option  604  may be routed to, for example, a nurse&#39;s aid or on-duty nurse or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 . 
         [0111]    View  600  may include an option  606  for a user to declare that a requested specimen, such as a stool or urine sample, is ready for pickup. Such a specimen may be available, for example, within the room of the patient. Selection of option  606  may be routed to, for example, a lab technician, doctor assigned to the patient, or nurse assigned to the patient using an instance of caregiver application  116 . The information may include a room number of the patient. 
         [0112]    View  600  may include an option  608  for a user to declare the patient is ready to give a lab specimen, such as blood. Selection of option  606  may be routed to, for example, a lab technician, doctor assigned to the patient, or nurse assigned to the patient using an instance of caregiver application  116 . 
         [0113]    View  600  may include an option  608  for a user to declare that the patient is ready to use the restroom. Option  608  may include a pictogram of a toilet, for example. Selection of option  608  may be routed to, for example, a nurse&#39;s aid or on-duty nurse or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 . 
         [0114]      FIG. 7  illustrates an example embodiment of a view  700  including options for a patient to enter regarding assistance. View  700  may illustrate further operations derived from selection of option  504  from view  500 . In particular, view  700  may illustrate further options for a user to declare that the user needs help in some fashion. 
         [0115]    For example, view  700  may include an option  702  for a user to declare that the user has fallen. Option  702  may include, for example, a pictogram of a person on the ground next to a bed. Selection of option  702  may be routed to an on-duty nurse or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 . Furthermore, selection of option  702  may cause additional options to be displayed, such as those within view  718 . View  718  may summarize the selections made thus far, such as an indication that help is needed and that the patient has fallen. View  718  may include an option  720  for a user to declare that the user is also hurt. Option  720  may include, for example, a pictogram of a bandage, or of pain radiating from an appendage of a person. View  718  may include an option  722  for a user to declare that the user cannot stand up. Selection of one of options  720 ,  722  may be handled by patient application  108  by concatenating, evaluating, or logically combining the selections to form a single message to a caregiver through an instance of caregiver application  116 . Furthermore, if one of options  720 ,  722  is not selected within a given time period, patient application  108  may send a message with base information—such as that help is needed because the patient has fallen. 
         [0116]    View  700  may include an option  704  for a user to declare that the user needs help with a particular medical device, such as an IV. The display and operation of option  704  may be conformed to the type of medical device in use. For example, option  704  may include a pictogram of an IV and may generate a list of possible problems specific to IVs. Selection of option  704  or any of its subsequent options may be routed to an on-duty nurse or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 . Selection of option  704  may cause additional options to be displayed, such as those within view  724 . View  724  may summarize the selections made thus far. View  724  may include an option  726  for a user to declare that the IV is backing up and not dripping. Option  726  may include, for example, a pictogram of an IV with an “x” on the tube from the IV to a person. View  724  may include an option  728  for a user to declare that the IV is generating an alarm. Option  728  may include, for example, a picture of a red light flashing. View  724  may include an option  730  for a user to declare that the IV is hurting the patient. Option  730  may include, for example, a pictogram showing pain radiating from an appendage of a person. View  724  may include an option  732  for a user to declare that the IV is empty or has completed. Option  732  may include, for example, a pictogram of an IV with no contents or an image of fuel gauge on ‘E’. Selection of one of such options may be handled by patient application  108  by concatenating, evaluating, or logically combining the selections to form a single message to a caregiver through an instance of caregiver application  116 . Furthermore, if one of such options is not selected within a given time period, patient application  108  may send a message with base information—such as that help is needed because of an IV. 
         [0117]    View  700  may include an option  706  for a user to declare that help is needed because an alarm is going off. Option  706  may include, for example, an image of a flashing red light. Selection of option  706  or any of its subsequent options may be routed to an on-duty nurse or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 . Selection of option  706  may cause additional options to be displayed, such as those within view  734 . View  734  may summarize the selections made thus far. View  734  may include an option  736  for a user to declare that an alarm is going off for a pump. Option  736  may include, for example, a pictogram of a pump. View  734  may include an option  738  for a user to declare that the IV is generating an alarm. Option  738  may include, for example, a pictogram of an IV. View  734  may include an option  740  for a user to declare that a monitor is generating an alarm. Option  740  may include, for example, a pictogram of the monitor. View  734  may include an option  742  for a user to declare that another device is generating the alarm. Selection of one of such options may be handled by patient application  108  by concatenating, evaluating, or logically combining the selections to form a single message to a caregiver through an instance of caregiver application  116 . Furthermore, if one of such options is not selected within a given time period, patient application  108  may send a message with base information—such as that help is needed because of an alarm. 
         [0118]    View  700  may include an option  708  for a user to declare that the user needs help moving. Option  708  may include, for example, a pictogram of a person attempting to sit up in a bed. Selection of option  708  may be routed to a nurse&#39;s assistant, on-duty nurse, or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 . 
         [0119]    View  700  may include an option  710  for a user to declare that the user needs help going to the restroom. Option  710  may include, for example, a pictogram of a toilet. Selection of option  710  may be routed to a nurse&#39;s assistant, on-duty nurse, or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 . Selection of option  710  may yield a similar communication as, for example, option  610 . 
         [0120]    View  700  may include an option  712  for a user to declare that the user has trouble breathing. Option  712  may include, for example, a pictogram of an oxygen mask. Selection of option  712  may be routed to an on-duty nurse, doctor, or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 . 
         [0121]    View  700  may include an option  714  for a user to declare that the user needs help because the user is feeling a certain way or experiencing a specific condition. Option  714  may yield a similar or same sequence of operation as selection of option  508  and may be handled as shown by view  800 , discussed below. 
         [0122]    View  700  may include an option  716  for a user to declare that the user needs help because the user needs something. Option  716  may yield a similar or same sequence of operation as selection of option  506  and may be handled as shown by view  900 , discussed below. 
         [0123]      FIG. 8  illustrates an example embodiment of a view  800  including options for a user to indicate symptoms. View  800  may illustrate further operations derived from selection of option  508  from view  500 . In one embodiment, view  800  may illustrate operations derived from selection of option  714  from view  700 . In particular, view  800  may illustrate further options for a user to declare that the user is experiencing a particular feeling, condition, or symptom. Selection of an option within view  800  may be handled by patient application  108  by concatenating, evaluating, or logically combining the selections to form a single message to a caregiver through an instance of caregiver application  116 . Furthermore, if an option is not selected within a given time period, patient application  108  may send a message with base information representing selections made thus far. Each element or option of view  800  may include a subsequent option for a user to indicate a severity level. Such levels may be made, for example, with a numeric range (such as one to ten), a qualitative range (such as less, much less, more, much more), or pictograms, pictures, or other images. 
         [0124]    For example, view  800  may include an option  802  for a user to declare that the user is having trouble breathing. Option  802  may include, for example, a pictogram of an oxygen mask. Selection of option  802  may be routed to an on-duty nurse, doctor, or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 . Option  802  may generate similar communication as option  712 . 
         [0125]    View  800  may include an option  804  for a user to declare that the user is hungry. Option  804  may include, for example, a pictogram of a plate and utensils. Selection of option  804  may be routed to an on-duty nurse, nurse&#39;s aid, or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 . Option  804  may implement or may generate similar communication as option  510 . Selection of option  804  may cause additional options to be displayed, such as those within view  830 . View  830  may summarize the selections made thus far, such as an indication that the patient is hungry. View  830  may include an option  832  for the user to communicate that the user wants a snack or is slightly hungry. Option  832  may include, for example, a pictogram of a small amount of food, candy, crackers, or other suitable image. Furthermore, view  830  may include an option  834  for a user to declare that the user is ready for a meal. Option  834  may include, for example, a pictogram of a plate of food. View  830  may include an option  836  that the user wants ice. Option  836  may include, for example, a pictogram of a glass of ice. 
         [0126]    View  800  may include an option  808  for a user to declare that the user is cold. Option  808  may include, for example, a pictogram of a thermometer that is blue or has a low reading. Selection of option  808  may be routed to an on-duty nurse, nurse&#39;s aid, or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 . 
         [0127]    View  800  may include an option  810  for a user to declare that the user is hot. Option  810  may include, for example, a pictogram of thermometer that is red or has a high reading. Selection of option  810  may be routed to an on-duty nurse, nurse&#39;s aid, or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 . 
         [0128]    View  800  may include an option  812  for a user to declare that the user feels poorly or badly. Selection of option  808  may be routed to an on-duty nurse, nurse&#39;s aid, or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 . 
         [0129]    View  800  may include an option  814  for a user to declare that the user is feeling feverish. Option  814  may include, for example, a pictogram of thermometer that is red or has a high reading. Selection of option  814  may be routed to an on-duty nurse, doctor, or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 . 
         [0130]    View  800  may include an option  816  for a user to declare that the user is feeling worse, an option  818  for a user to declare that the user is feeling better, or an option  820  for a user to declare that the user is feeling the same. Selection of one of these options may be routed to an on-duty nurse, doctor, or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 . 
         [0131]    View  800  may include an option  822  for a user to declare that the user is thirsty. In one embodiment, selection option  822  may be handled according to the selection of option  908 , described below. Option  822  may include, for example, a pictogram of glass of water or a glass of ice. Selection of option  822  may be routed to an on-duty nurse, nurse&#39;s aid, or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 . 
         [0132]    View  800  may include an option  824  for a user to declare that the user is feeling pain. Option  822  may include, for example, a pictogram of pain radiating from an appendage of a person. Selection of option  822  may be routed to an on-duty nurse, on-duty doctor, assigned doctor, or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 . Selection of option  824  may cause additional options to be displayed, such as those within view  838 . View  838  may summarize the selections made thus far, such as an indication that the patient is in pain. View  838  may include an option  840  for the user to communicate a level of pain that the user is experiencing. Option  840  may include, for example, a sliding scale from one to ten. Furthermore, selection of a pain scale in option  840  or pain in general in option  824  may cause a body map option  842 . Body map option  842  may be configured to display any suitable image or map of a person&#39;s body for the patient to input where the pain is located. Such a body map option  842  may be shown in greater detail in conjunction with  FIG. 10 , below. 
         [0133]    View  800  may include an option  826  for a user to declare that the user is experiencing nausea. Selection of option  822  may be routed to an on-duty nurse, on-duty doctor, assigned doctor, or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 . Selection of option  822  may cause a further option  844  to prompt the user to indicate whether vomiting has occurred. Furthermore, selection of option  822  may cause prompting for a user to indicate a severity of nausea. 
         [0134]    View  800  may include an option  828  for a user to declare that the user is experiencing dizziness. Option  828  may include, for example, a pictogram of a person&#39;s head with one or more criss-crossing rings around the person&#39;s head. Selection of option  828  may be routed to an on-duty nurse, on-duty doctor, assigned doctor, or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 . Furthermore, selection of option  828  may cause prompting for a user to indicate a severity of dizziness. 
         [0135]    View  800  may include an option  829  for a user to declare that the user is experiencing blood pressure problems. Option  829  may include, for example, a scale for blood pressure indicating that the blood pressure is too high or too low. Selection of option  829  may be routed to an on-duty nurse, doctor, or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 . 
         [0136]    View  800  may include an option  831  for a user to declare that the user is experiencing blood sugar problems. Option  831  may include, for example, a scale for blood sugar indicating that the blood pressure is too high or too low. Selection of option  831  may be routed to an on-duty nurse, doctor, or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 . 
         [0137]      FIG. 9  illustrates an example embodiment of a view  900  including options for a user to indicate needs. View  900  may illustrate further operations derived from selection of option  506  from view  500 . In one embodiment, view  900  may illustrate operations derived from selection of option  716  from view  700 . In particular, view  900  may illustrate further options for a user to declare that the user needs something. Selection of an option within view  900  may be handled by patient application  108  by concatenating, evaluating, or logically combining the selections to form a single message to a caregiver through an instance of caregiver application  116 . Furthermore, if an option is not selected within a given time period, patient application  108  may send a message with base information representing selections made thus far. 
         [0138]    For example, view  900  may include an option  904  for a user to declare that the user needs to go to the restroom. Option  904  may be implemented in similar fashion in configuration, appearance, and operation as option  610 . 
         [0139]    View  900  may include an option  906  for a user to declare that the user needs help moving. Option  906  may be implemented in similar fashion in configuration, appearance, and operation as option  708 . 
         [0140]    View  900  may include an option  908  for a user to declare that the user needs a drink. Option  908  may include, for example, a pictogram of a glass of liquid. Selection of option  908  may be routed to an on-duty nurse, nurse&#39;s aid, or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 . Selection of option  908  may cause additional options to be displayed, such as those within view  924 . View  924  may summarize the selections made thus far, such as an indication that the patient needs a drink. View  924  may include an option  926  for the user to request ice (which may be represented by a pictogram of a glass of ice); an option  928  for the user to request water (which may be represented by a pictogram of a glass of water); or an option  930  for the user to request another kind of drink, such as coffee (which may be represented by a pictogram of a coffee cup. 
         [0141]    View  900  may include an option  910  for a user to declare that the user needs to talk to someone. Option  910  may include, for example, a pictogram of a person speaking Selection of option  910  may be routed to an on-duty or assigned nurse, doctor, or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 , or an administrator using an instance of admin application  112 . Selection of option  908  may cause additional options to be displayed, such as those within view  932 . View  932  may summarize the selections made thus far, such as an indication that the patient needs to talk to someone. View  932  may include an option  934  for a user to request to speak with a clergy member. A designated, on-duty, or on-call clergy member matched from the user&#39;s PHR profile may be selected and contacted. Option  934  may include, for example, a pictogram of clergy symbols or symbols of different religious faiths. View  932  may include an option  936  for a user to request to speak with a social worker or case worker. Such designated, on-duty, or on-call person matched from the user&#39;s PHR profile may be selected and contacted. View  932  may include an option  938  for a user to request to speak with a nurse. An on-call or on-duty nurse may be messaged. View  932  may include an option  940  for a user to request to speak with a business office or hospital administrator. An appropriate person may be messaged. Furthermore, view  932  may include an option  940  for a user to request to speak with someone else. Options may be presented for entering a person so-desired, such as a drop-down list or a free text box. 
         [0142]    View  900  may include an option  912  for a user to declare that the user needs a blanket. Furthermore, view  900  may include an option  914  for a user to declare that the user needs a pillow. These options may include, for example, a pictogram of the requested object. Selection of these options may be routed to an on-duty nurse, nurse&#39;s aid, or other caregiver using an instance of caregiver application  116 . 
         [0143]    View  900  may include an option  918  for a user to declare that the user needs pain medication. Option  918  may be implemented in similar fashion in configuration, appearance, and operation as option  838 . 
         [0144]    View  900  may include an option  920  for a user to declare that the user needs linens. Option  906  may be implemented in similar fashion in configuration, appearance, and operation as option  514 . 
         [0145]    View  900  may include an option  922  for a user to declare that the user needs help, generally. Option  922  may be implemented in similar fashion in configuration, appearance, and operation as view  700 . 
         [0146]      FIG. 10  illustrates a body map  1000  configured to provide a patient the ability to indicate where symptoms, such as pain, are appearing. Body map  1000  may be configured to be used in conjunction with any suitable portion of system  100 , such as with patient application  108  for communicating to a caregiver while in the hospital, for a patient to provide pre-triage information when en-route to a medical facility using patient application  108 , or in conjunction with EMS application  120  to provide information en-route to a medical facility. 
         [0147]    Body map  1000  may be selectable and interactive, such that selection of a portion of the body in body map  1000  may yield a list of one or more possible specific problems or pain locations. Each such list may be templatized, selectable, contain follow-on options or questions, or contain free-text forms. For example, option  1004  may provide a list of general malaises, problems, or symptoms. Option  1006  may provide possible symptoms associated with arms, shoulders, and hands. Option  1008  may provide possible symptoms associated with hips, legs, or feet. Option  1010  may provide possible symptoms associated with genitalia, reproductive systems, or excretory systems. Option  1012  may provide possible symptoms associated with the back or intestinal, digestive, or lower-torso systems. Option  1014  may provide possible symptoms associated with chest, heart, or lung systems. Option  1016  may provide possible symptoms associated with the head, brain, neck, eyes, ears, or throat, or mental conditions. 
         [0148]    Returning to  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment, caregiver communication module  412  may determine to which caregivers of system  100  that inputted information will be sent. For example, a user of patient application  108  may designated a specific caregiver or no specific caregiver. However, a specified caregiver may be unavailable. Therefore, caregiver communication module  412  may present inputted information in conjunction with a selectively edited portion of the PHR to a caregiver who is, for example, on-call to receive such communication. 
         [0149]    Caregiver communication module  412  may be implemented in conjunction with other modules, such as teaching module  420 , outpatient module  422 , and inpatient module  426 . For example, a user of patient application  108  may utilize caregiver communication module  412  while performing healthcare related activities using these modules. The appearance of displays used with caregiver communication module  412  may be selectively adapted according to an inpatient, outpatient, or teaching use. For example, during inpatient or outpatient use, displays used with caregiver communication module  412  may use logos, pictograms, or other images for a patient to communicate with a caregiver. In another example, during teaching mode, displays may include feedback or communication concerning content that is to be viewed. 
         [0150]    Medical test module  416  may be configured to provide information about medical tests that have been ordered, conducted, or analyzed for a user of patient application  108 . Individual ones of such tests may be selected in patient application  108  for presentation, visualization, or educational information regarding the test. Medical test module  416  may be configured to determine such information from a PHR, for example. In one embodiment, medical test module  416  may be configured to only selectively display medical test information that has been authorized for release by a caregiver. For example, a doctor may have ordered tests but may wish to personally inform a user of patient application  108  about such tests, rather than have a user of patient application  108  learn about the tests for the first time by accessing medical test module  416 . In another example, test results may have been received but may not have been analyzed. In yet another example, test results may have been received but a doctor may wish to personally inform a user of patient application  108  about such results. 
         [0151]    Furthermore, medical test module  416  may be configured to present results from tests in a fashion organized by recent tests, such as tests within a previous day, week, or month period, with options to expand to views of tests within previous ranges. Medical test module  416  may be configured to index tests by a name of a test and provide options for finding out general information about the kind of test conducted, seeing the specific results, and selectively forwarding them to another user of system  100 . 
         [0152]    Paperwork module  418  may be configured to present and allowing modification of various forms for a user of patient application  108 . Paperwork module  418  may be configured to, for example, provide facility-specific or other document templates, allow insertion of information, allow pictures or files to be submitted. Paperwork managed by paperwork module  418  may include, for example, photographs taken by a user of patient application  108 , general documents uploaded by a user of patient application  108 , legal forms, lab tests, admission notes, discharge summaries, consultation notes, operation notes, and notes from specialists organized by field. Paperwork module  418  may be configured to allow each such paperwork element to be viewed or selectively forwarded to another user of system  100 . 
         [0153]    Teaching module  420  may be configured to present educational, medical information to a user of patient application  108 . Such information may be determined by a caregiver of a user of patient application  108 . For example, a caregiver of a user of patient application  108  may direct the patient to view certain videos, read certain information, or listen to certain audio transmissions. Teaching module  420  may track whether a user of patient application  108  has reviewed such information and answered certain follow-up questions, quizzes, or other mechanisms for affirming understanding. Teaching module  420  may inform a caregiver if a user of patient application  108  has not viewed required information in a specified time frame. Previously viewed content may be designated as such and be available for perusal at a later time. 
         [0154]    Outpatient module  422  may be configured to selectively present information and communication for a user of patient application  108  to conduct healthcare-related tasks after discharge from a healthcare facility. Outpatient module  422  may be implemented in conjunction with, for example, caregiver communication module  412 . A caregiver may communicate instructions, information, or questions to a user of patient application  108  after a procedure, stay at a healthcare facility, or a visit to a healthcare facility. Such communication may be transmitted using secured electronic communication such as text, instant message, or a proprietary format. Such communication may be handled and presented by outpatient module  422 . Outpatient module  422  may display communication between a user of patient application  108  and a caregiver in a chat format, wherein a history of the dialogue may be presented. Furthermore, outpatient module  422  may present such communication on a caregiver-by-caregiver basis, facility-by-facility basis, or a suitable combination of the two. Outpatient module  422  may include an interface for a user of patient application  108  to enter communication as presented by interface  508 . Furthermore, outpatient module  422  may include options to call a caregiver assigned to or on-call for an outpatient incident. In addition, outpatient module  422  may include options to record or listen to voice clips, or to take pictures with an electronic device upon which patient application  108  is operating. 
         [0155]    Some messages may be sent to patient automatically using outpatient module  422  after discharge from a facility. Such messages may include inquiries from caregivers regarding patient condition. Inquiries to be sent as well as responses may be routed to on-call or on-duty personnel to facilitate response in timely fashion. Messages may be formulated using templates to build sentences to describe current symptoms, conditions, replies, and ordering of prescriptions. 
         [0156]    Login module  424  may be configured to log a user of patient application  108  into patient application  108  or to system  100 . In one embodiment, login module  424  may include mechanisms for logging in with a username and password. In another embodiment, login module  424  may include scanning mechanisms to scan a user&#39;s credentials to verify information and log in to system  100 . For example, a user of patient application  108  may have a card, bracelet, or other mechanism with a QR code, barcode, RFID chip, fingerprint, facial recognition, or other information source. An electronic device upon which patient application  108  is operating may include a scanner, camera, reader, or other mechanism for reading the information source. Login module  424  may be configured to create accounts or retrieve lost passwords. 
         [0157]    Inpatient module  426  may be configured to selectively present interfaces to a user of patient application  108  based upon such a user&#39;s stay in a healthcare facility. The selectively presented interface may include communication options that are specific to, for example, a skilled nursing patient, a patient staying in a hospital or a patient recovering from outpatient surgery in a facility. Inpatient module  426  may be implemented with a selective set of communication as illustrated in caregiver communication module  412  and features associated with outpatient module  422 . Vitals module  428  may be configured to provide one or more vital medical statistical data points of a user of patient application  108 . Such information may be included in a PHR or otherwise provided to a caregiver user of system  100  when such information is pushed, for example, as part of an en-route operation in association with emergency en-route module  406 . Information for vitals module  428  may be input by a user of patient application  108 , a device used by a user of patient application  108 , or any other suitable manner. Vitals module  428  may be configured to generate graphs or historical vital sign data to send to a caregiver or other party track progress. Furthermore, vitals module  428  may be configured to provide vitals alerts to a user, which may indicate that a user is to take specific vitals at specific time of day to track progress. After input of values, vitals module  428  may be configured to alert a user or automatically send a message to a caregiver if the vitals appear outside of acceptable ranges. Medication module  430  may include a record, reminder, or other indication of medicines to be taken by a user of patient application  108 . Based upon medications prescribed by one or more caregivers of system  100 , medication module  430  may be configured to remind a user of patient application  108  to take medications. 
         [0158]    Dietary module  432  may include an indication of menu options that may be available for a user of patient application  108  to select while in a healthcare facility such as a hospital. Dietary module  432  may be configured to selectively present a subset of menu choices available from the facility. To make such a selective presentation, dietary module  432  may be configured to access medical information from the patient&#39;s PHR to determine dietary restrictions and requirements, such as sodium, fat, carbohydrate, calories, special-needs, or allergies. Furthermore, dietary module  432  may be configured to determine the dietary content of various menu options available at the facility. Dietary module  432  may be configured to cross-reference the patient&#39;s dietary restrictions and requirements with available menu choices. Based on such a cross-reference, dietary module  432  may be configured to selectively display available menu choices to the patient that match the dietary restrictions and requirements. Menu choices violating the dietary restrictions and requirements, alone or in combination with other selected menu items, may be hidden. Furthermore, menu choices required by dietary restrictions and requirements may be included in a selection by default. A user of patient application  108  may select the menu choices presented in dietary module  432 , which may communicate an order to a portion of system  100  configured to alert the preparation of the menu selection and route the selection for delivery to the patient&#39;s location. 
         [0159]    Links module  434  may be configured to determine one or more network destinations, web sites, or applications available for more information or additional functionality for a user of patient application  108 . Links module  434  may be configured to present such information to a user of patient application  108  within any suitable context of patient application  108 . 
         [0160]    Furthermore, outpatient module  422  may include an option to select to talk to a caregiver face-to-face regarding follow-up information, medication, vitals, or other medical information. Such an option may be configured to set a preference that the user prefers face-to-face communication. The option may also be configured to notify the user that such communication may not be as timely as other communication, such as messaging. 
         [0161]      FIG. 11  illustrates an example embodiment of a conversation view  1100 . Conversation view  1100  may illustrate the result of entering communication between an instance of patient application  108  and an instance of caregiver application  116 . Conversation view  1100  may be implemented in any suitable way, such as by a display illustrating different elements of communication from each party. Conversation view  1100  may be implemented in any suitable portion of, for example, patient application  108 , EMS application  120 , or caregiver application  116 . Conversation view  1100  may display secured messages that have been sent between different users of system  100 . 
         [0162]    In the example of  FIG. 11 , a communication  1102  may be constructed by, for example, a patient entering various templatized values or free text in patient application  108  as described above. Furthermore, communication  1102  may include a timestamp  1106   a . In response to communication  1102 , another communication  1104  may have been constructed and sent by a caregiver using caregiver application  116 . Communication  1104  may also include a timestamp  1106   b . Communication  1104  may be positioned in relation to communication  1102  to indicate that communication  1104  has occurred at a later time. 
         [0163]    The contents of conversation view  1100  may be stored by system  100 . The storage of conversation view  1100  may be stored according to the patient associated with the contents of conversation view  1100 . In one embodiment, the contents of conversation view  1100  may be between a patient and one or more caregivers. In another embodiment, the contents of conversation view  1100  may be between two or more caregivers. In such an embodiment, even though the patient is not a party to the conversation, the contents of conversation view  1100  may be stored in association with the patient. Thus, contents of conversation view  1100  may be accessible through access of the patient&#39;s PHR. 
         [0164]    Consequently, multiple instances of conversation view  1100  may exist simultaneously on different applications, such as caregiver application  116  or patient application  108 . Such multiple instances may relate to the same patient. A caregiver or a patient may be presented with a choice of such instances of conversation view  1100  from which to choose, or may be presented with the choice of initiating a new instance of conversation view  1100 . 
         [0165]    Furthermore, in a given instance of conversation view  1100 , an option may be presented to terminate or close out a conversation. Such an option may be implemented by, for example, a separate, explicit option or by an option for a response that inherently terminates the conversation. For example, an option for a response by a caregiver that a requested medication is on the way may terminate a conversation. 
         [0166]    If the contents of a conversation view  1100  are updated after period of time, system  100  may send an alert updating suitable parties through, for example, instances of caregiver application  116  or patient application  108 . A user of patient application  108  involved in a previous conversation may be alerted if another party updates the conversation. System  100  may determine whether previous one or more participants of the conversation are still actively using system  100 , or whether another participant should be alerted instead. For example, a patient may update a conversation with a caregiver, but the caregiver may no longer be on duty. In such a case, system  100  may select a caregiver who is on-call or on-duty and present the entire communication to the caregiver. 
         [0167]      FIG. 12  illustrates an example embodiment of caregiver application  116 . Caregiver application  116  may include any suitable number of modules, interfaces, and displays to perform the operation as described herein. Each module may be implemented by any suitable combination of code, logic, applications, scripts, functions, executables, firmware, input/output mechanisms, displays, views, software, or hardware. Specific instances of caregiver application  116  may be selectively adapted for a category of caregiver, such as a nurse, doctor, specialist, EMT, or other healthcare professional. 
         [0168]    For example, caregiver application  116  may include a patient assignment module  1202 , patient data module  1204 , patient communication module  1206 , alert module  1208 , teaching module  1210 , follow-up module  1212 , wait-time module  1214 , incoming patient module  1216 , on-call module  1218 , preference module  1220 , MD communication module  1222 , and a result release module  1224 . Each such module may be associated with one or more user screens configured to provide input and output to a user of caregiver application  116 . 
         [0169]    Patient assignment module  1202  may be configured to allow a user of caregiver application  116  to assign patients of system  100  to various caregivers. Such assignment may be made within a given healthcare entity. Patient assignment module  1202  may be configured to provide a mechanism to select the healthcare entity, such as a hospital or doctor&#39;s office. For a given entity, patient assignment module  1202  may be configured to display available, unassigned patients. The view of available patients may be filtered by, for example, patients who have notified the entity that they are on their way, patients in emergency, or patients who have been discharged. Furthermore, the view may be filtered based upon physical location such as room, unit, wing, floor, or building. Patient assignment module  1202  may be configured to allow a user to drag and drop or otherwise add a patient from an available list to a list of patients assigned to the user. Furthermore, patient assignment module  1202  may be configured to similarly allow a user to remove a patient from a list of patients assigned to the user to the list of available patients. Patient assignment module  1202  may be configured to provide searching by name for patients. Patient assignment module  1202  may be configured to allow a user to forward all patients. Thus, the patients assigned to the user may be forwarded to a designated on-call caregiver. Patients may be forwarded using a binary on/off designation, and may be forwarded to an identified on-call caregiver. Similarly, patient assignment module  1202  may be configured to indicate to an on-call caregiver a list of patients who have been forwarded. Such patients may be forwarded to yet another caregiver, such as another on-call caregiver or a specialist, or returned to a caregiver who originally was assigned the patient. Patient assignment module  1202  may be configured to record any such assignment. Such assignments may be recorded to a PHR. 
         [0170]    Patient data module  1204  may be configured to display to a user of caregiver application  116  information about one or more patients assigned to the caregiver. Such an assignment may have been made, for example, using patient assignment module  1202 . Patient data module  1204  may include a mechanism for selecting an assigned patient or searching available patients. Information, such as that from a PHR for the patient or information uploaded from an EMR, may be selectively displayed. 
         [0171]    Patient communication module  1206  may be configured to provide communications for a user of caregiver application  116  to a patient or to other caregivers about a patient. New messages received from patients or other caregivers about patients may be displayed on a per-patient basis. A tabular display or other mechanism may be used to organize separated views of such information on a per-patient basis. Information may be received via text or secured electronic transmission. Such information, as received from patients, may be in templatized form from patient application  108 . For a given per-patient view, patient communication module  1206  may display the previous received and sent messages. Furthermore, patient communication module  1206  may include a mechanism for displaying a PHR, viewing test results, medical history, and current medications. In addition, patient communication module  1206  may be configured to provide a shortcut or one-button click to call the room of the patient. 
         [0172]    Patient communication module  1206  may include submodules for replying to a patient or communicating with another caregiver. For replying to a patient, patient communication module  1206  may include templatized input or allow free response. Furthermore, patient communication module  1206  may be configured to access the status in system  100  of previously issued orders, such as prescription orders. Patient communication module  1206  may be configured to allow the caregiver to make recorded notes by, for example, typing or voice, based on the communication received. For communicating with another caregiver about a given patient, patient communication module  1206  may be configured to present a list of caregivers, such as doctors or nurses, to whom the communication should be addressed. Furthermore, patient communication module  1206  may be configured to allow a user to forward communication from the patient to the selected caregiver. Patient communication module  1206  may be configured to allow a user to order medications, housekeeping, medical tests, adjust rounds, or obtain paperwork by communicating with another caregiver. 
         [0173]    Alert module  1208  may be configured to provide templatized just-in-time medical diagnosis and procedure information to a user of caregiver application  116  based on a given patient&#39;s condition. Any suitable set of procedures, checklists, diagnosis charts, or other information may be included. Alert module  1208  may be configured to prompt a user of caregiver application  116  to enter information as observed, conditions checked, or other information that may be unavailable from system  100 . Based on the PHR and input from the user of caregiver application  116 , alert module  1208  may be configured to guide the user to a diagnosis, next step to take, or additional information to gather to facilitate the treatment of the patient. Alert module  1208  may refer to any suitable set of rules, heuristics, decision trees, care documents, thresholds, recommendations, requirements, exceptions, or other reference data to determine such courses of action to recommend. Such reference data may be updated regularly. In one embodiment, such reference data may include core measures as set by joint medical commissions. 
         [0174]    Teaching module  1210  may be configured to allow a user of caregiver application  116  to designate educational, medical information to a designated patient. The patient may view such information, for example, through teaching module  420 . For example, a caregiver using caregiver application  116  may direct the patient to view certain videos, read certain information, or listen to certain audio transmissions. Teaching module  1210  may be configured to send such information to the intended recipient and track whether a patient has reviewed such information and answered certain follow-up questions, quizzes, or other mechanisms for affirming understanding. Teaching module  1210  may be configured to inform a user if a user of system  100  has not viewed required information in a specified time frame. Teaching module  1210  may be configured to allow searching of available content. Furthermore, teaching module  1210  may be configured to transmit follow-up checks to a patient after, for example, a delay after a discharge of the patient. 
         [0175]    Follow-up module  1212  may be configured to manage and perform follow-up communication between a caregiver and a patient that was previously cared for by a caregiver in system  100 . Follow-up module  1212  may include multiple views of patients that may be serviced through outpatient or follow-up medical advice. One such view may include patients assigned to a user of caregiver application  116 . Another such view may include unassigned patients in need of follow-up. Yet another such view may be configured to allow a user to initiate follow-up communications with a designated patient. In any given view, follow-up module  1212  may include options for viewing a profile, medical history, PHR, lab results, radiology reports, uploaded data from an EMR, medication lists, or other information about a patient. Furthermore, follow-up module  1212  may include an option for escalating a patient to another caregiver, such as a doctor, or for forwarding the follow-up information to another caregiver. 
         [0176]    In one view including patients assigned to a user of caregiver application  116 , follow-up module  1212  may be configured to display a list of the assigned patients. Such a list may include a brief summary of each patient including name, age, gender, and when the patient was dismissed. Furthermore, follow-up module  1212  may be configured to display a summary of messages sent to and from the patient. Such a display may be presented in tabular format, for example, to separate the conversations with each patient. Each tab or the list of assigned patients may include a designation of newly received communications as well as an indication of a number of waiting messages. A conversation view with each patient may include a history of messages sent to and from the patient. 
         [0177]    In another view for unassigned patients, follow-up module  1212  may display a list of unassigned patients and an indication of a number of messages received from the patient. Follow-up module  1212  may be configured to allow a user to select an unassigned patient and assign the patient to the user or to another designated caregiver. Such configuration may allow a patient to be assigned to an on-call or on-duty caregiver at all times. Consequently, a message received from a patient to a caregiver who is now off-duty may be received by an on-duty caregiver, along with the context of the previous conversation. The on-duty caregiver may be able to respond correctly to the patient&#39;s message. 
         [0178]    In yet another view, follow-up module  1212  may be configured to allow a user to create a new patient to be included in follow-up communications. Such creation may occur at, for example, discharge of the patient from a facility or upon completion of a visit or procedure. Follow-up module  1212  may include options for selecting a facility, patient, and a number of days after discharge to trigger a follow-up. The follow-up may be automatically sent to the patient using, for example, text, SMS, or a secured electronic message to a user of a patient application  108 . The reminder may include, for example, information about medication, rehabilitation, or educational information. 
         [0179]    Wait-time module  1214  may be configured to display, for a selected facility, wait times for patients. Such wait times may be determined by determining the number of patients waiting in the facility, the triage information about such patients, the staffing levels of the facility, the number of patients on their way or en-route to the facility, and scheduled arrivals of other patients. Such information may be harvested from system  100 . The estimated times may be given according to a sub-category, such as emergency care, urgent care, or minor care. Furthermore, wait-time module  1214  may be configured to display statistics for a given period, such as total visits, patients checked in the last hour or the last three hours, number of admissions to the facility, total number of emergency beds available, and total number of facility beds available. Such information may be harvested from system  100 . In one embodiment, such information may be configured to be displayed to a user of patient application  108 . Such information may be displayed, for example, in conjunction with a patient selecting a facility to which the patient is en-route. 
         [0180]    Incoming patient module  1216  may be configured to manage information regarding patients that are incoming to a health facility or have arrived and are awaiting healthcare service. Incoming patient module  1216  may include one or more views for communication with an EMS service. Such an EMS service may be using EMS application  120 . The view of EMS communication may include sequences of messages sent between the user of caregiver application  116  and the EMS service. Such messages may be displayed in a conversation record. The messages may include text, SMS, or other secured electronic messages. Furthermore, voice, video clips, or streaming video may be transmitted between the user of caregiver application  116  and the EMS service and markers for such clips may appear on the conversation display. The view may include an indication of the estimated time of arrival; the name, age, and gender of the patient; a link to the patient&#39;s PHR; an identification of the EMS service unit; or special medical information or statuses initiated by the EMS service, such as whether certain procedures have been started. Incoming patient module  1216  may include options for a user to acknowledge reception of a message, make a templatized or free text reply, record a voice clip for a PHR or for reply to an EMS service, or sending information to another caregiver. Furthermore, incoming patient module  1216  may include options for informing system  100  that a designated inbound patient has arrived. Incoming patient module  1216  may include options for removing an EMS transmission from the view. 
         [0181]    Incoming patient module  1216  may be configured to determine a location of all incoming patients by GPS or similar information. The mode of transport of each such patient may be determined. The estimated time of arrival, based on, for example, the location of the incoming patient and the mode of transport may be determined. Furthermore, the determined location, estimated time of arrival, and method of arrival of each such patient may be displayed in a map. 
         [0182]    Similar to or in conjunction with an EMS view, incoming patient module  1216  may include a view of pre-triage information for a designated patient. Such information may be provided by, for example, an EMS service through EMS application  120  or a patient through patient application  108 . Such a view may include details about the condition of a patient that is en route to the facility. The view may include the name, age, and gender of the patient and a link to the patient&#39;s PHR. Furthermore, if the patient has arrived or checked in, the view may note the times of such actions. Such information may be harvested from the operation of system  100 . Incoming patient module  1216  may include options to designate a patient as arrived or checked-in. Furthermore, incoming patient module  1216  may include options for removing the patient if the patient is being treated, or delaying the patient if conditions warrant. 
         [0183]    Furthermore, incoming patient module  1216  may include a view of patients waiting at a healthcare facility for treatment or meeting with a caregiver. Such a view may display such patients that have arrived and checked in to the facility using, for example, patient application  108 . The view may include a representation of the arrival time, check-in time, or other information for each patient. Incoming patient module  1216  may be configured to provide patient demographics, links to each patient&#39;s PHR, links to previous communication with caregivers at the healthcare facility, or other suitable information. Furthermore, incoming patient module  1216  may be configured to allow a user to change a status of a patient to being moved to a specified location or room, remove a patient from the list, or forward information to another healthcare provider. 
         [0184]    In addition, incoming patient module  1216  may be configured to communicate with all or a subset of the patients with a waiting status via message. Such a message may be delivered to, for example, all waiting patients or patients within a specific category of patients. 
         [0185]    On-call module  1218  may be configured to provide information about the on-call status of caregivers for a given facility or entity. Such on-call information may be harvested from the operation of system  100 . The on-call information may be divided between types of caregivers (such as nurses or doctors), practice specialties, consultants, geographic divisions (such as floor or wing), or facility or entity. Furthermore, on-call module  1218  may include options for a caregiver to select to enter or leave an on-call status, and view patients that are to be added or removed from responsibility. Options for entering on-call status may include a binary selector for the caregiver herself to enter or exit on-call. Furthermore, the options may include an option to selectively choose another caregiver as a recipient of forwarded on-call calls. In addition, on-call module  1218  may include options for specifying a group of caregivers who are all on-call together. In such situations, each such doctor may receive a call for the on-call group. In one embodiment, on-call module  1218  may be configured to disallow a caregiver to remove on-call responsibility until another caregiver accepts on-call responsibility. Such responsibility may include the listing of the specific patients under on-call supervision. On-call module  1218  may be configured to prevent a patient within a given geographic, health status, or other division from being without a caregiver for one or more pluralities of on-call service. For example, a patient in a room at a hospital may be assigned to an on-call nurse and on-call hospitalist doctor by on-call module  1218 ; on-call module  1218  may then be configured to disallow the on-call nurse to remove their on-call status concerning the patient without assignment of the patient and the on-call status to another nurse. Similarly, on-call module  1217  may be configured to disallow the on-call hospitalist to remove their on-call status concerning the patient without assignment of the patient and the on-call status to another hospitalist. The changeover of on-call assignments may be recorded in the patient&#39;s PHR. 
         [0186]    Preferences module  1220  may be configured to establish, change, or otherwise manage a user&#39;s contact information, preferred name, biography, e-mail address, password, or credentials. 
         [0187]    MD communication module  1222  may be implemented in similar fashion to patient communication module  1206 , but may be configured to provide additional functionality for caregiver-to-caregiver communications. Such functionality may include, for example, physician-to-physician communication, nurse-to-physician communication, physician-to-EMS communication, or nurse-to-nurse communication. MD communication module  1222  may include a view of patients currently assigned to a caregiver, similar to views presented in patient assignment module  1202  or patient data module  1204 . MD communication module  1222  may include options for calling, messaging with templates, or otherwise contacting another caregiver or a director of a healthcare facility directly 
         [0188]    Furthermore, MD communication module  1222  may include a view of consultations. Such consultations may be made between two or more caregivers to collaborate on diagnosis, treatment, or other healthcare issues of a given patient. A consultation may be stored as a self-contained or compartmentalized aspect of a PHR or other data structure of system  100 . The consultation view may include options for creating a new consultation with one or more other caregivers. The options for creating a new consultation may include a feature for selecting a consultation subject, such as a newly admitted patient, a patient recovering from a treatment or procedure, a proposed treatment or procedure for a patient, or other healthcare topic. Furthermore, the options for creating a new consultation may include a feature for selecting a time frame and a feature for selecting a location in which the consultation should take place. In addition, a feature may be included for specifying whether follow-up with the requesting caregiver is required, optional, necessary before the consultation, or necessary after the evaluation. A feature may be included giving an initial diagnosis. Furthermore, features may be included for attaching voice, video, free-text, or images made with a device powering MD communication module  1222  in relation to the consultation. 
         [0189]    The view of consultations may also include a view of requested consultations and options for replying to such consultations. Possible consultations may be presented in text form, assembled by MD communication module  1222  from the options selected by a user thereof. Options may be provided for designating, from a list of choices, actions that will be taken in response to the requested consultation, such as whether admission, treatment, or other activities will be taken, and for which patient. Furthermore, options may be provided for responding that the user of MD communication module  1222  is not on-call or is otherwise unavailable to take the consultation. The request may be selectively forwarded to another caregiver. A selection of possible caregivers may be generated by MD communication module  1222 , including, for example, caregivers using system  100  or caregivers with an active on-call status. Furthermore, the view of consultations may include a view for sending a callback request to another consulting caregiver. 
         [0190]    In addition, MD communication module  1222  may include a view of messages received from other caregivers. Such messages may include proposed consultations or other messages. The view of messages may indicate a caregiver requesting the consultation, a timestamp, a referenced patient, and whether the message was delivered and read. Once a message is selected, a conversation window may be used to display messages sent and received between the caregivers. Messages may be forwarded to another caregiver using system  100  or to an on-call pool of caregivers. Each such selection may be made from an available list. 
         [0191]    Also, MD communication module  1222  may include a view of messages that may be selectively displayed on a per-patient basis. Such messages may include a conversation display of messages to and from other caregivers regarding the given patient. Conversations may be selected by, for example, choosing a facility and choosing a patient from a list of available or assigned patients in such a facility. 
         [0192]    Result release module  1224  may be configured to provide information about lab results, procedure results, or other treatment results for a given patient and provide features for selectively releasing the information to a user of patient application  108 . In one embodiment, result release module  1224  may highlight lab results that are critical or sensitive to a user of caregiver application  116 . For a given patient, a list of lab results may be presented. Shortcuts to communications modules, such as patient communication module  1206  or MD communication module  1222 , may be presented in-line or in conjunction with a given result. Use of such a shortcut may pre-populate communication with another user of system  100  using patient application  108  or caregiver application  116  with the test results. Furthermore, options to release or not release a given result may be provided to the user of result release module  1224 . Selection of no release may trigger result release module  1224  to schedule a follow-up conversation with the patient in question. Selection of release may permit viewing of the result on the PHR by the patient and may generate a text message that is sent to the patient via system  100 . Furthermore, result release module  1224  may include options to release all results for a given patient, or to selectively release the results with comments to be entered by the user of result release module  1224 . 
         [0193]      FIG. 13  illustrates an example embodiment of EMS application  120 . EMS application  120  may include any suitable number, kind, or combination of components to perform the functionality described herein. For example, EMS application  120  may include a login module  1302 , profile module  1304 , log module  1306 , and add patient module  1308 . Each of login module  1302 , profile module  1304 , log module  1306 , add patient module  1308 , and other elements of EMS application  120  may be implemented by any suitable application, script, executable, logic, instructions, functions, hardware, software, firmware, input/output mechanisms, displays, views, or any suitable combination thereof. 
         [0194]    Login module  1302  may be configured to provide the ability for a user, such as an EMT, to log in to EMS application  120  and, consequently, system  100 . Login may be conducted in any suitable manner, such as by scanning of a QR code, username and password, personal identification number, or any combination thereof. 
         [0195]    Profile module  1304  may be configured to allow a user of EMS application  120  to enter or view user information. Such information may include, for example, first and last name, photograph, identification number, and contact information. 
         [0196]    Log module  1306  may be configured to track, record, or display a log of transported patients. Such information may be recorded from previous operation of EMS application  120 . Information including, for example, patient identification number, age, gender, pick-up location, and destination location may be included for each such patient. Furthermore, each such patient entry may be retrievable to determine additional recorded data from the operation of EMS application  120 , equipment used, notes or communication made, or other data associated with the patient. In addition, active patients currently in contact with a user of EMS application  120 —for example, patients currently being transported—may be displayed separately from previously transported patients. 
         [0197]    Add patient module  1308  may be configured to allow a user of EMS application  120  to add a patient upon pick-up, assistance, or other contact. A patient may be added, for example, by scanning a QR code of the patient to look the patient up in system  100 , the patient logging in, or another release of the patient&#39;s information to system  100  and, specifically, to EMS application  120 . Such a release may include a push of information from the patient&#39;s PHR to EMS application  120 . In one embodiment, such a push of information may include a selective push of the information from the PHR. The selection of a patient to be added to EMS application  120  may be made from a list of possible patients. 
         [0198]      FIG. 14  is an illustration of an example embodiment of add patient module  1308  once a patient has been selected to be added to EMS application  120 . Add patient module  1308  may include any suitable number, kind, or combination of components to perform the functionality described herein. For example, add patient module  1308  may include a facility selector  1402 , patient display  1404 , comment module  1408 , injury map  1410 , voice recorder  1412 , patient condition module  1414 , patient treatment module  1428 , patient profile interface  1442 , submit option  1444 , and communications module  1446 . Each of facility selector  1402 , patient display  1404 , comment module  1408 , injury map  1410 , voice recorder  1412 , patient condition module  1414 , patient treatment module  1428 , patient profile interface  1442 , submit option  1444 , communications module  1446 , and other elements of add patient module  1308  may be implemented by any suitable application, script, executable, logic, instructions, functions, hardware, software, firmware, inputs/outputs, views, displays, or any suitable combination thereof. 
         [0199]    Facility selector  1402  may be configured to allow selective input and display of a facility to which a patient being treated will be transported. In one embodiment, a user of add patient module  1308  may select the facility. In another embodiment, the facility to which the patient will be sent may be determined by system  100  and pushed to EMS application  120 . Such a determination may be based upon, for example, the condition of the patient, the symptoms of the patient, the time of the onset of the symptoms, the distance to a given facility, and the services, personnel, wait times, or equipment of the given facility. 
         [0200]    Patient display  1404  may be configured to display information about the patient associated with use of EMS application  120 . The information may include identifying information. In one embodiment, such information may be pre-populated from the push of information from the PHR from system  100  to EMS application  120 , or from the receipt of such information directly from a sign-in of the patient. 
         [0201]    Comment module  1406  may be configured to display pending communication or other information to be communicated from a user of EMS application  120 . Comment module  1406  may include displays for text, icons representing additional data such as a voice clip or image, or any other suitable communication. Comment module  1406  may be communicatively coupled to other elements for inputting comments, such as image attachment module  1408 , injury map  1410 , or voice recorder  1412 . Image attachment module  1408  may include mechanisms for attaching a photograph previously created or for taking a photograph with equipment on or coupled to the electronic device upon which EMS application  120  is executing. Injury map  1410  may include a stylized map of a person and provide options for a user of EMS application  120  to select which portion of a patient&#39;s body requires medical attention. Injury map  1410  may be implemented in similar fashion to body map option  842  as described above. Voice recorder  1412  may be configured to allow a user of EMS application  120  to record notes regarding the patient. Voice recorder  1412  may be implemented, for example, using features or equipment upon an electronic device upon which EMS application  120  is executing. The output of image attachment module  1408 , injury map  1412 , or voice recorder  1412  may be assembled and represented in comment module  1406 . Comment module  1406  may include a keyboard input display or otherwise accept keyboard input to include free text. 
         [0202]    Patient condition  1414  may include one or more inputs or outputs for indicating and recording the present condition of a patient. Such inputs may be configured to be set by a user of EMS application  120 , automatically imported from a medical device, or obtained in any other suitable manner. In one embodiment, such inputs may be received and unalterable, and may be displayed only as outputs. Patient condition  1414  may include any suitable combination of inputs and outputs for setting or indicating the present condition of a patient. For example, patient condition  1414  may include an indicator  1416  for indicating the patient&#39;s age, an indicator  1418  for indicating the patient&#39;s blood pressure, an indicator  1420  for indicating the patient&#39;s complete blood count (CBC), and an indicator  1422  for indicating the patient&#39;s troponin level. Other conditions recorded, indicated, determined, or reported by patient condition  1414  may include electrocardiograph data, heart rate, blood sugar, or any other instantaneous patient wellness data. In one embodiment, one or more of the elements of patient condition  1414  may be entered by a user of EMS application  120 . In another embodiment, one or more of the elements of patient condition  1414  may be gathered or determined by communication between EMS application  120  and one or more medical devices. 
         [0203]    Patient treatment  1428  may include one or more inputs for indicating and recording treatments that have been applied to the patient. Such inputs may include options for entering or indicating use of backboard  1430 , intubation  1432 , or intravenous (IV) treatment  1434 . Other inputs may include options for indicating the application of a number and kind of IV treatments, injections, pain medication applied, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, or defibrillation. Furthermore, patient treatment  1428  may include an input for selecting a code priority  1436 , indicating a severity or priority associated with the patient&#39;s condition. In addition, patient treatment  1428  may include or be communicatively coupled to one or more specialized application. Such specialized applications may include, for example, an application  1438  for entering detailed information about a stroke patient or an application  1440  for entering detailed information about a ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patient. 
         [0204]    Patient profile interface  1442  may include any suitable mechanism for accessing, updating, or recording information to or from a PHR or other profile of the patient. Submit  1444  may include an option for a user of EMS application  120  for submitting the information collected in, for example, add patient module  1308  to system  100  and, more particularly, to a facility to which the patient will be transported. 
         [0205]    Communications module  1446  may be configured to facilitate communication between a user of EMS application  120  and another caregiver of system  100 . Such communication may be initiated by selection of submit  1444 . Communications module  1446  may be configured to send or receive messages from EMS application  120  as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         [0206]      FIG. 15  is an illustration of an example embodiment of communications module  1446 . In addition to the components illustrated in  FIG. 15 , communications module  1446  may also include any of the options, modules, or input-output mechanisms described above, such as image attachment module  1408 , injury map  1410 , or voice recorder  1412 . Communications module  1446  may include a conversation display  1502  configured to display the back-and-forth communications from a user of EMS application  120  and another caregiver. The display of communications may include, for example, text, an icon or pictogram of a voice clip, or an icon of a pending photograph. Furthermore, communication module  1446  may include a free text input, for which text may be freely entered by a user of EMS application  120 . In addition, communication module  1446  may include an acknowledgment input  1506 . Acknowledgment input  1506  may be configured to provide one-click or one-press acknowledgment communication to a sender of a message that the information has been received and acknowledged. Also, communications module  1446  may include an update status  1508  input. Update status  1508  input may be configured to resend information that was previously sent, such as that information presented in  FIG. 14 . Communications module  1446  may include a remove  1510  input, configured to remove communications or information that are pending a selection of, for example, update status  1508 . 
         [0207]      FIG. 16  illustrates an example embodiment of a method  1600  for medical information tracking. Method  1600  may perform any number or kind of steps in accordance with the configuration of system  100  as described above. For example, in  1605 , a patient may be logged into a system for medical information tracking. Such a log-in may be performed by, for example, scanning a QR code provided by the patient, or by a username and password. The log-in of the patient may retrieve or otherwise make available a PHR associated with the patients. 
         [0208]    In  1610 , a desired action may be determined. Such a determination may be made on, for example, an application used by the patient in the system, or by an application used by another entity in the system. Depending upon the action determined, method  1600  may proceed to a suitable course of action. 
         [0209]    If a share of information is determined to be desired, then in  1615  a context of the operation of patient application (or another application generating the share) may be determined. The context may be used to determine what portions of PHR are to be disbursed. The share may have been requested by, for example, a caregiver, or may have been initiated by the patient. The share may be handled by the system, such that requests and pushes of information may be centrally processed for authorization from the patient. Authorization for disbursement of the selected portions of the PHR may be verified in  1620 . In  1625 , the selective disbursement may be performed. Method  1600  may return to  1610 . 
         [0210]    If communication is determined to be desired, in  1630  the parties associated with the communication may be determined. In one embodiment, the communication may be made to an on-duty or on-call caregiver, or to a specified caregiver who is unavailable and thus has authorized on-duty or on-call caregivers to respond. An on-duty or on-call status may be preserved by the system such that at least one, or another minimum number, of a category of caregivers is available. In another embodiment, the communication may be made to a designated caregiver who is available. Communication transfer mediums and mechanisms may be secured. In  1635 , templatized communication may be provided. Such templatized communication may present one or more predetermined forms for communicating medical information. In  1640 , the communication may be conducted. In  1645 , the communication may be logged. In one embodiment, such logging may be conducted to the PHR. Method  1600  may return to  1610 . 
         [0211]    If collecting medical data is desired, the in  1650  the data may be collected. The data may be input from a medical device, manually by a caregiver, or manually by a patient. The data may include any suitable medical data, such as a lab report, symptom details, or vital signs. In  1655 , the data may be added to a PHR. In  1660 , the data may be selectively presented to a user. Such selective presentation may include, for example, a delivery of only needed or relevant information for a given caregiver. Furthermore, such selective presentation may include a notification to a patient that a lab test is available, but given the sensitive contents or context of the lab test, the information will be available directly from a caregiver. Method  1600  may return to  1610 . 
         [0212]      FIG. 17  is an illustration of an example embodiment of system  100  configured to provide condition-specific information tracking. Such tracking may be facilitated by, for example, critical condition module  1702 . Critical condition module  1702  may be configured to provide communication, real-time determinations, and information specific to one or more designated medical conditions. In one embodiment, critical condition module  1702  may be configured to provide such functionality with respect to treatment of a STEMI condition. In another embodiment, critical condition module  1702  may be configured to provide such functionality with respect to treatment of a stroke condition. 
         [0213]    Critical condition module  1702  may implement fully or in part one or more applications described above such as server application  104 , administration application  112 , caregiver application  116 , or EMS application  120 . Furthermore, critical condition module  1702  may be implemented in any suitable fashion, such as by modules, logic, instructions, executables, libraries, functions, scripts, applications, hardware, software, firmware, input/output mechanisms, displays, views, or any suitable combination thereof. The functionality used within a given instance of critical condition module  1702  may be selectively provided based upon a user or a classification of user of critical condition module  1702 . For example, the functionality of critical condition module  1702  may be selectively presented to or used by an EMS worker, technician, nurse, or physician. 
         [0214]    Critical condition module  1702  may be resident within an electronic device  1708 , which may include a processor  1704  coupled to a memory  1706 . Some or all of critical condition module  1702  may be implemented by instructions or logic in memory  1706 , which may include a computer-readable medium. The instructions may be executable by processor  1704  and, when executed, perform the functionality described herein. Execution by processor  1704  may cause one or more changes within the processor, such as to encoders, decoders, caches, or registers. 
         [0215]    To perform various aspects of its functionality, or in the course of performing such functionality, critical condition module  1702  may be communicatively coupled to one or more other portions of system  100 , such as server application  104 , caregiver application  116 , patient application  108 , administration application  112 , EMS application  118 , registration application  121 , or other instances of critical condition module  1702 . Such communicative coupling may be performed by, for example, a suitable network such as a wireless network. 
         [0216]    Server application  104  may be configured to access various entities, such as databases, sources of information, web services, functions, applications, to provide information to critical condition module  1702 . In one embodiment, critical condition module  1702  may be configured to directly access such information. 
         [0217]    For example, server application  104  may be configured to access facility information  1710 . Facility information  1710  may be implemented by, for example, a database, file, web service, function, or module. Facility information  1710  may be configured to provide information about a given healthcare facility, such as testing capabilities of the facility, staffing levels of the facility, wait times, availability of specific equipment or laboratories or tests, readiness times for specific equipment or laboratories or tests, or on-duty statuses of professionals. 
         [0218]    In another example, server application  104  may be configured to access map module  1714 . Map module  1714  may be implemented by, for example, a database, file, web service, function, or website. Map module  1714  may be configured to provide information about distances, expected times of arrival, or other information for travel between two locations. Such locations may include, for example, a location reported by a patient or EMS personnel, or one or more healthcare facilities. Server application  104  may further utilize traffic module  1712 , alone or in conjunction with map module  1714 . Traffic module  1712  may be implemented by, for example, a database, file, web service, function, or website. Traffic module  1712  may provide real-time information about traffic congestion, hazards, closures, or other information that may augment information from map module  1714 . Information from map module  1714  may be augmented in real-time with information from traffic module  1712  to determine estimated travel times or estimated arrival times between two locations. 
         [0219]    Critical condition nodule  1702  may include any suitable combination of inputs, outputs, submodules, functions, or other features or components to effect the functionality. Described herein. Wherein a particular such feature or component is described, any suitable mechanism may be used to implement the feature or component. 
         [0220]    For example,  FIG. 18  illustrates an example embodiment of a main menu view  1802  for critical condition module  1702 . Main menu view  1802  may include an option  1804  for creating a new instance of a patient with a designated condition that is to be tracked by system  100  through use of critical condition module  1702 . Option  1804  may create a new instance of a patient with a condition defined by the instance of critical condition module  1702 , or may provide choices to designate what condition is to be handled. For example, an instance of critical condition module  1702  may implement functionality specific to a STEMI condition. In such an example, option  1804  may create a new patient instance with STEMI. In another example, an instance of critical condition module  1702  may implement functionality specific to a stroke condition. In such an example, option  1804  may create a new patient instance with stroke. In yet another example, option  1804  may subsequently present to a user a choice of creating a patient instance of a STEMI or stroke condition. 
         [0221]    Option  1806  may provide users the ability to view all open or active patient instances. Option  1806  may provide such a view with active patients with a condition specific to the functionality of the instance of critical condition module  1702  or provide users with a subsequent choice of conditions for which associated active patients will be retrieved. 
         [0222]    Option  1808  may provide users the ability to change user, team, or application configuration information. Option  1810  may provide a view into past patient instances handled by critical condition module  1702 . Option  1812  and option  1814  may provide login and logout functionality, respectively. 
         [0223]    Performance indicator  1816  may provide an indication of an individual or team that has utilized critical condition module  1702  and an associated metric indicating a level of performance associated with the condition. Such a metric may include, for example, the time taken from a point of contact with a patient—such as an EMS pickup, onset of symptoms, or arrival from EMS to a healthcare facility—to initiation or completion a treatment. The metric may be given in absolute terms for a specific patient instance or in average terms over a specified time period. Performance indicator  1816  may be determined by storing and averaging results from use of critical condition module  1702 . 
         [0224]      FIG. 19  is an illustration of an embodiment of a view  1902  for logging in users to critical condition module  1702 . View  1902  may be triggered by, for example, option  1812 , option  1814 , or option  1808 . View  1902  may include view  1904  configured to provide login operations. Elements of view  1902  may be pre-populated by, for example, use of an external identifier such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, to log in automatically. View  1902  may include options for username  1910 , password  1912 , and logging in  1908 . 
         [0225]    Furthermore, various team members associated with the user of critical condition module  1702  may be identified in view  1902 . For example, view  1906  may include options  1914  for selecting a fellow user of an instance of critical condition module  1702  or options  1916  for removing such a user. Furthermore, view  1906  may include an option  1918  to add an additional user and an option  1920  to continue. 
         [0226]      FIG. 20  is an illustration of an embodiment of a view  2002  for setting up an instance of or configuring a user of critical condition module  1702 . View  2002  may be triggered by, for example, option  1808 . View  2002  may include an option  2004  to edit a team roster. Use of option  2004  may trigger, for example, view  1906 . Furthermore, view  2002  may include options  2006 ,  2008 ,  2010  for first name, last name, and user name, respectively. Login credentials such as an operation  2014  for a password and an option  2016  for a personal identification number may be included, which may be used in conjunction with view  1902 . Contact information, such an option  2012  for setting e-mail information or an option  2018  for setting telephone information may be included. Furthermore, association information, such as an option  2018  to designate a system of healthcare facilities associated with the user, an option  2020  to designate a specific facility of the system, or an option  2022  to designate a specific department of the system. Options  2018 ,  2020 ,  2022  may be pre-populated according to information associated with the user of critical condition module  1702 . Such information may be obtained from, for example, server application  104 . Furthermore, the choices available in options  2018 ,  2020 ,  2022  may determined from information in, for example, server application  104 . The choices available in option  2020  may be determined by selection of a value of option  2018 . Furthermore, the choices available in option  2022  may be determined by selection of a value of option  2020 . 
         [0227]      FIG. 21  is an illustration of an embodiment of a view  2102  for setting up a new instance of a patient treatment in conjunction with critical condition module  1702 . View  2102  may be triggered by, for example, option  1804 . View  2102  may be configured to capture or establish necessary information to initiate treatment of a patient. View  2102  may be configured to be specific to a particular critical condition, such as a stroke or STEMI. Such a configuration may result in more or less options or views that are applicable to the particular critical condition. 
         [0228]    View  2102  may include an option  2804  to designate a hospital or other healthcare facilities to which the patient will be transported. Option  2804  may be selected by a user of critical condition module  1702  from a list of available facilities. Available facilities may be determined by, for example, selection of option  2018 . Option  2804  may be pre-populated according to, for example, option  2020 . Furthermore, the choices of option  2804  may be pre-populated by, for example, server application  104  according to the nearest facility (in terms of distance or transit time). The facility selection may be also pre-populated according to wait times, equipment availability, or based upon the specific condition handled by critical condition module  1702 . 
         [0229]    View  2102  may include an option  2106  for setting an onset time. Such a time may designate the time at which symptoms associated with the condition began. A user of view  2102  may set option  2106  based on, for example, a time of an emergency call or information from the patient or a witness. 
         [0230]    View  2102  may include an option  2108  to set an arrival time. Such an arrival time may designate a time at which a user of view  2102  arrived at a location of the patient. The arrival time may be pre-populated based on geospatial information from another source in network  100 , such as a GPS device associated with the user of option  2108 . 
         [0231]    View  2102  may include an option  2210  to designate distance to the selected facility. Option  2210  may be populated according to a calculated distance based upon prior selection of option  2804 . Furthermore, option  2210  may change if option  2804  is changed. 
         [0232]    View  2102  may include an option  2212  to designate an estimated time of arrival to the selected facility. Option  2212  may be populated according to the calculated distance of option  2210 , in addition to real-time traffic and geospatial information according to maps which may designate speed limits, traffic devices, and similar factors for travel-time. Option  2212  may change if options  2804  is changed. Furthermore, option  2212  may change depending upon, for example, the geographic location of a user of view  2102 , traffic, or conditions affecting traffic. 
         [0233]    View  2102  may include options for information about the patient. Such information may be pre-populated according to usage of patient application  108 . View  2102  may include, for example, an option  2114  for patient name, an option  2118  for patient age, an option  2120  for gender, an option  2122  for height, or an option  2124  for height. A user of view  2102  may select each of such options. Furthermore, view  2102  may include an option  2116  to designate a physician, such as a specialist, associated with the patient. Option  2116  may be pre-populated according to a selection of the patient, whether the patient is selected by a user of view  2102  or through use of patient application  108 . Furthermore, option  2116  may include choices determined from physicians available at the facility designated in options  2104 . 
         [0234]    View  2102  may include an option  2126  for selecting an electrocardiogram (EKG) associated with the patient.  FIG. 22  is an illustration of an embodiment of a view  2202  for obtaining an EKG. A time  2204  that the EKG is taken may be set or displayed. An identifier  2212  illustrating the patient whose EKG is being taken may be displayed. Option  2208  may be used to import an EKG from an external piece of equipment or to take a picture of an EKG using a camera associated with the electronic device upon which view  2202  is operating. Setting up a new instance of a patient treatment in conjunction with critical condition module  1702 . Selector  2210  may switch views of a plurality of EKGs that have been taken of the patient. View  2306  may display the currently selected EKG. 
         [0235]    Returning to  FIG. 21 , upon selection of necessary options in view  2102 , a new instance of patient treatment may be created. Information from view  2102  may be sent to, for example, other instances of critical condition module  1702 , or to server application  102  for disbursement to other applications as necessary. Such sharing of information may be used to, for example, notify necessary parties to prepare for the arrival of the patient. Furthermore, event timing may be initiated to coordinate and evaluate treatment options. 
         [0236]    Critical condition module  1702  may be configured to facilitate treatment of a patient that has been initiated at any suitable time and upon any suitable basis. In one embodiment,  FIG. 21  may illustrate view  2102  to be used by an EMS professional upon arrival at a patient&#39;s location and initiating of treatment and transport. 
         [0237]    In another embodiment, critical condition module  1702  may be used by professionals initiating treatment for patients who have transported themselves to a healthcare facility such as a hospital. In such an embodiment, door times and other information may be set to the time that a patient arrived. Furthermore, estimated arrival times may be unused, unless the patient requires transport to a different facility. A time of first medical contact may be set to the arrival time. 
         [0238]    In yet another embodiment, critical condition module  1702  may be used by professionals initiating treatment for patients who are already admitted to a healthcare facility such as a hospital. In such an embodiment, door times, scene arrival, and estimated times of arrival may be unused, unless the patient requires transport to a different facility. A time of first medical contact may be set to a time of initiated contact within the healthcare facility with respect to the condition. 
         [0239]      FIG. 23  is an illustration of a view  2302  of an instance of an active treatment of a patient using critical condition module  1702 . View  2302  may be configured to illustrate treatment associated with, for example, a STEMI condition. 
         [0240]    View  2302  may include an option  2304  designating a chosen facility and an option  2306  designating the patient. Such options may be pre-populated from selections of view  2102 . An indication  2308  may be displayed illustrating the chosen patient. 
         [0241]    View  2302  may include an option  2310  for displaying or editing patient data. Such information may be populated according to information accessible by, for example, server application after a patient has logged in to system  100 . View  2302  may include an option  2312  for adding or viewing an EKG, which may be implemented in similar fashion to option  2126 . 
         [0242]    Upon creation of a new treatment instance, alerts may be sent to other users of critical condition module  1702  or other applications of system  100 . Such alerts may include, for example, alerts sent to cardiologists, other physicians, or other specialists. Such users may be able to respond to alerts, which may be delivered to other instances of critical condition module  1702 . View  2302  may include an option  2316  for illustrating whether or not a responsible, on-duty, or otherwise designated physician is prepared to receive the patient. In instances of view  2302  for use by such a professional, option  2316  may include the ability for the professional to activate readiness. Selection of option  2316  in such cases will acknowledge previously sent alerts. Furthermore, option  2316  in other instances of view  2302  used by other users of system  100  may be updated to reflect the status of such a physician. View  2302  may include an option  2314  to contact the designated physician, such as by telephone, text, or e-mail. 
         [0243]    View  2302  may include an indicator  2318  of performance with regards to the activation of the designated physician status. Indicator  2318  may illustrate time elapsed from an initialization until activation of the designated physician status by use of option  2316 . The initialization may include, for example, onset time, scene arrival time, or facility arrival time. Such times may be automatically determined through options selected in critical condition module  1702  or through information inferred from the use of critical condition module  1702 . Indicator  2318  may illustrate the time elapsed with regards to the current patient. Furthermore, indicator  2318  may illustrate the average time required for designated physicians to set an active status. Such an average time may be established, for example, for a given facility, network, or over a given time period. Upon setting of option  2316 , performance may be evaluated and displayed in, for example, performance indicator  1816 , if such performance meets display criteria. 
         [0244]    View  2302  may include an option  2320  for illustrating whether or not a laboratory, technician, or other responsible entity for a designated test is prepared to receive the patient. Such an entity may include, for example, a catheter laboratory capable of performing a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In instances of view  2302  for use by a professional associated with such a laboratory, option  2320  may include the ability for the professional to activate readiness. Selection of option  2320  in such cases will acknowledge previously sent alerts. Furthermore, option  2320  in other instances of view  2302  used by other users of system  100  may be updated to reflect the status of such a laboratory. View  2302  may include an option  2322  to contact the designated laboratory, such as by telephone, text, or e-mail. 
         [0245]    View  2302  may include an indicator  2326  of performance with regards to the activation of the designated laboratory status. Indicator  2326  may illustrate time elapsed from an initialization until activation of the designated laboratory status by use of option  2320 . The initialization may include, for example, onset time, scene arrival time, or facility arrival time. Such times may be automatically determined through options selected in critical condition module  1702  or through information inferred from the use of critical condition module  1702 . Indicator  2326  may illustrate the time elapsed with regards to the current patient. Furthermore, indicator  2326  may illustrate the average time required for laboratories to set an active status. Such an average time may be established, for example, for a given network, facility or over a given time period. Upon setting of option  2320 , performance may be evaluated and displayed in, for example, performance indicator  1816 , if such performance meets display criteria. 
         [0246]    View  2302  may include an option  2328  for facility transfer. Such an option may display or designate choices for moving the present patient to another facility. The other facility may have, for example, laboratory equipment or at least available such equipment. Selection of option  2328  may cause population of options  2330 , wherein the present facility is selected and possible destination facilities are made available. The closest facility, in terms of distance or time, with a necessary laboratory such as a catheter laboratory, may be pre-populated. View  2302  may determine such information from, for example, communication with server application  104 . The necessary time for transfer may be updated in real-time according to present travel conditions and used as discussed below. Upon selection of option  2328  for facility transfer, other existing users of critical condition module  1702  associated with the treatment of the patient may be notified by an alert that the patient is to be transferred. Furthermore, alerts will be sent to users of critical condition module  1702  associated with the facility to which the patient will be transferred. The set of users at the new facility receiving such alerts may correspond to the equivalent set of users for the original facility that received alerts upon initiation of treatment. 
         [0247]    View  2302  may include an indicator  2332  illustrating progress of a patient. Indicator  2332  may be assembled from, for example, information determined by inputs to critical condition module  1702  or information determined from other entities in system  100 . In one embodiment, indicator  2332  may illustrate time periods of treatment access necessary to fulfill designated standards or guidelines. In another embodiment, indicator  2332  may illustrate when a patient must be transferred to another facility. 
         [0248]    Indicator  2332  may illustrate time elapsed from an initialization until various subsequent steps are taken or must be taken. The initialization may include, for example, onset time, scene arrival time, or facility (door) arrival time. Such times may be automatically determined through options selected in critical condition module  1702  or through information inferred from the use of critical condition module  1702 . Indicator  2326  may illustrate the time elapsed with regards to the current patient. The time required to get the patient to the facility from the time of first contact may be displayed in a way so as to contrast the time elapsed after the arrival of the patient at the facility. 
         [0249]    Indicator  2332  may display the progress of the patient in relation to one or more care standards. In one embodiment, such a standard may include a requirement that a patient receive a PCI treatment—such as a catheter across a lesion—within ninety minutes of first contact. In another embodiment, such a standard may include a requirement that a patient receive a PCI treatment within ninety minutes of arriving at the hospital. In various embodiments, if the PCI treatment is not possible within the designated window, critical condition module  1702  may indicate to a user that an alternative procedure, such as thrombolytics, may be used. In such embodiments, the deadline for the treatment may require determining or factoring in the time to accomplish the PCI treatment. Furthermore, the deadline for the treatment may require determining or factoring in the time to move the patient to the laboratory for the PCI treatment. Such move time may include, for example, time necessary to move the patient form one facility to another as designated with options  2328 ,  2330 . The total time required to transfer the patient to the laboratory for the PCI treatment, including any of these factors, may be designated as a. The transfer time a may change according to, for example, changing wait times or priorities for the laboratory, traffic, or other travel conditions. Given the transfer time a in indicator  2332 , indicator  2332  may illustrate a required transfer designation at which point patient transfer must begin. If such transfer is not possible, alternative treatments are to be taken. As illustrated in  FIG. 23 , such an illustration may change depending upon which standard is used. 
         [0250]    Furthermore, indicator  2326  may illustrate the average time required for a patient to be transferred. Such an average time may be established, for example, for a given network, facility or over a given time period. Upon completion of a transfer or another treatment-terminating event, performance may be evaluated and displayed in, for example, performance indicator  1816 , if such performance meets display criteria. 
         [0251]    View  2302  may include an option  2334  to stop the instance of treatment.  FIG. 24  is an illustration of a view  2402  for halting the monitoring of an active treatment of a patient using critical condition module  1702 . View  2402  may be configured to halt the instance of treatment associated with, for example, a STEMI condition. 
         [0252]    View  2402  may include any suitable number or kind of indications of why treatment—or at least monitoring of treatment—of a STEMI condition has been stopped. Such indications may include an indication that PCI treatment has been completed, or represent treatment options or outcomes that are mutually exclusive with the PCI treatment. For example, view  2402  may include an option  2404  to indicate that thrombolytics have been given to the patient. Such a treatment may be mutually exclusive to performing the PCI treatment. View  2402  may include an option  2406  to designate a time of such treatment. In another example, view  2402  may include an option  2408  to indicate that the PCI treatment, such as device across a heart lesion, has been performed. View  2402  may include an option  2410  to indicate the time of such a treatment. In yet another example, view  2402  may include an option  2412  to indicate that the STEMI treatment is being stopped. Option  2412  may include a designation of a reason why the treatment was stopped. For example, option  2412  may include choices to select that a contraindication to thrombolytics was determined, cadriogenic shock was observed, pulmonary edema was observed, or that medical contact was made less than sixty minutes before a balloon would have been able to have been applied. 
         [0253]      FIG. 25  is an illustration of a view  2502  of another instance of an active treatment of a patient using critical condition module  1702 . View  2502  may be configured to illustrate treatment associated with, for example, a stroke condition. 
         [0254]    View  2502  may include an option  2504  designating a chosen facility and an option  2506  designating the patient. Such options may be pre-populated from selections of view  2102 . An indication  2508  may be displayed illustrating the chosen patient. 
         [0255]    View  2502  may include an option  2510  for displaying or editing patient data. Such information may be populated according to information accessible by, for example, server application after a patient has logged in to system  100 . 
         [0256]    View  2302  may include any suitable mechanisms for entering preliminary diagnosis of the monitored condition, which may include a stroke. For example, view  2302  may include an option  2512  for entering an evaluation according to the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (“NIHSS”). In another example, view  2302  may include an option  2514  for entering an evaluation according to the Miami Emergency Neurologic Deficit (“MEND”) examination. As applicable, use such options may be repeated for multiple examinations according to stroke evaluation practice. Option  2512  may include choices for designating a measurement of a range between zero and forty-two. Option  2514  may include choices for designating a measurement of a range between zero and twenty-two. Selection of a measurement may cause the resulting information to be entered into the patient&#39;s records as well as generating alerts to other users of critical condition module  1702 . 
         [0257]    Upon creation of a new treatment instance, measurement, or other action, alerts may be sent to other users of critical condition module  1702  or other applications of system  100 . Such alerts may include, for example, alerts sent to neurologists, stroke teams, other physicians, or other specialists. Such users may be able to respond to alerts, which may be delivered to other instances of critical condition module  1702 . 
         [0258]    View  2502  may include an indicator  2516  of performance with regards to the performance of stroke evaluations such as those made through options  2512  or  2514 . Indicator  2516  may illustrate time elapsed from an initialization until a stroke evaluation performed through, for example, options  2512  or  2514 . The initialization may include, for example, onset time, scene arrival time, or facility arrival time. Such times may be automatically determined through options selected in critical condition module  1702  or through information inferred from the use of critical condition module  1702 . Indicator  2516  may illustrate the time elapsed with regards to the current patient. In addition, indicator  2516  may indicate whether, and at what time, a given evaluation has been made on the timeline. If multiple evaluations have been made, each such evaluation may be placed on the timeline. A notation of the value of the evaluation (such as an integer) may be displayed on each evaluation on the timeline. Furthermore, indicator  2516  may illustrate the average time required for evaluations to be made. Such an average time may be established, for example, for a given network, facility or over a given time period. Upon setting of option  2512  or option  2514 , performance may be evaluated and displayed in, for example, performance indicator  1816 , if such performance meets display criteria. 
         [0259]    View  2502  may include an option  2518  for illustrating whether or not a responsible physician, laboratory, or other specialized entity is prepared to receive the patient. In one embodiment, option  2518  may include a designation of readiness of a computed tomography (CT) scan team. Option  2518  may include the ability for a professional to activate readiness. Selection of option  2518  in such cases may acknowledge previously sent alerts. Furthermore, option  2518  in other instances of view  2502  used by other users of system  100  may be updated to reflect the new status. View  2502  may include an option contact the designated entity. 
         [0260]    View  2502  may include an indicator  2519  of performance with regards to the activation of the designated readiness status. Indicator  2519  may illustrate time elapsed from an initialization until activation of the designated status by use of option  2518 . The initialization may include, for example, onset time, scene arrival time, or facility arrival time. Such times may be automatically determined through options selected in critical condition module  1702  or through information inferred from the use of critical condition module  1702 . Indicator  2519  may illustrate the time elapsed with regards to the current patient. Furthermore, indicator  2519  may illustrate the average time required for designated entities to set an active status. Such an average time may be established, for example, for a given entity, facility, network, or over a given time period. Upon setting of option  2518 , performance may be evaluated and displayed in, for example, performance indicator  1816 , if such performance meets display criteria. 
         [0261]    View  2502  may include an option  2520  for selecting contraindications. Such contraindications may indicate that specific treatments, such as thrombolytics, are not to be given to the patient. Option  2520  may include any suitable kind or number or kind of contraindications according to standards for stroke treatment. For example, if an onset of symptoms began more than four and a half hours before treatment is possible, then use of thrombolytics may be excluded. Within a time period of zero to three hours after symptom onset, use of thrombolytics may be excluded if:
       There is no diagnosis of ischemic stroke causing measurable neurologic deficit   Neurologic signs clear spontaneously   Neurologic signs are minor and isolated   Symptoms suggest or there is evidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage   Head trauma or prior stroke in past three months   Myocardial infarction in the past three months   Gastrointestinal or genitourinary hemorrhage in the previous twenty-one days   Arterial puncture in non-compressible site in the prior seven days   Major surgery in prior fourteen days   History of prior intracranial bleed   Systolic blood pressure over 185 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure over 110 mm Hg   Evidence of acute trauma or bleeding   Taking oral anticoagulant and international normalized ratio over 1.7 (with option to enter prothrombin time value)   Taking heparin within past forty-eight hours and an abnormal activated partial thromboplastin time (with option to enter value)   Platelet count less than 100,000/μL   Blood glucose less than 50 mg/dL (2.7 mmol)   Seizure with residual postictal impairments   CT scan shows evidence of multilobar infarction (hopodensity over ⅓ hemisphere)   Patient or family do not understand the potential risks and benefits of therapy
 
Additional customized contraindications may be allowed. Within a time period of three to four and a half hours after symptom onset, use of thrombolytics may be excluded if:
   Patient is over eighty years old   Patient is taking oral anticoagulants, regardless of international normalized ratio   Patient has an NIHSS score greater than 25   Patient has a history of stroke and diabetes
 
Additional customized contraindications may be allowed. In one embodiment, option  2520  may be automatically prompted to a user of critical condition module  2702  upon reaching contraindication milestones that may cause a different in available treatment options, such as the three-hour mark after symptom onset. Furthermore, option  2520  may include the ability to view selected contraindications.
       
 
         [0285]    View  2502  may include an onset timer  2522  indicating the amount of time elapsed since symptom onset. Furthermore, view  2502  may include an indicator  2524  for illustrating how much time is available before a specified treatment, such as thrombolytics, must be applied. Indicator  2524  may illustrate time elapsed from an initialization until various subsequent steps are taken or must be taken. The initialization may include, for example, symptom onset time and may be automatically determined through options selected in critical condition module  1702  or through information inferred from the use of critical condition module  1702 . Indicator  2524  may illustrate the time elapsed with regards to the current patient. 
         [0286]    Indicator  2524  may display the progress of the patient in relation to one or more care standards, such as time thresholds for applying thrombolytics. Such time thresholds may include, for example, three hours or four and a half hours. Given selection of contraindications that would preclude application of the treatment after a given threshold (such as preclusion of thrombolytics after three hours), indicator  2524  may show a deadline of the threshold. Selection of such a contraindication with option  2520  may thus adjust the display of indicator  2524 . 
         [0287]    View  2502  may include an option  2526  to cease treatment associated with the condition, or at least to cease monitoring of the treatment. 
         [0288]      FIG. 26  is an illustration of a view  2602  of critical condition module  1702  once operation of view  2502  is to be ended. 
         [0289]    View  2602  may include an option  2603  to confirm observed contraindications such as those provided by option  2520 . Such observed contraindications may be confirmed as a justification to not apply a specified treatment, such as thrombolytics. 
         [0290]    View  2602  may include an option  2604  to specify that a specified treatment, such as thrombolytics, have been administered. Furthermore, view  2602  may include an option  2606  to designate the time at which such treatment was applied. 
         [0291]    View  2602  may include an option  2508  to confirm that the monitoring of the treatment is to be stopped. If no contraindication or thrombolytics administration time is specified, a user may be prompted to select one. 
         [0292]    Returning to  FIG. 17 , upon selection of various options associated with critical condition module  1702 , such selection may be recorded or transmitted in any suitable manner. For example, selection of an option in critical condition module  1702  may cause critical condition module  1702  to record the selection, forward the selection (or information thereof) to server application  102 , or to forward the selection (or information thereof) to other applications such as other instances of critical condition module  1702  operated by users servicing the same patient. The selection may be recorded in the patient&#39;s records. 
         [0293]    Any suitable number of instances of critical condition module  1702  may be coordinated for the treatment of a given patient. For example, a charge nurse at a hospital, an EMS technician, a stroke team, a catheter lab team, a CT lab team, an emergency physician, a cardiologist, and a neurologist may each be using an instance of critical condition module  1702 . Once a patient has been entered into system  100  as active for a given condition, the patient may be assigned to such users. Actions taken by one of such users in an instance of critical condition module  1702  for the given patient may be communicated to the other users, as well as other associated health information. 
         [0294]    All actions from various instances of critical condition module  1702  may be performed with a universal clock that is common to all such instances. Such a clock may be used to monitor times of, for example: symptom onset; medical contact—whether patient coming to a facility or EMS arriving at the patient&#39;s location; administration of a specific treatment such as thrombolytics, catheter, or CT scan (“flow time”); time leaving a location of a patient to transport the patient (“en route”); symptom onset to flow time; and arrival time at a facility with a patient who has been transported (“door time”). Specific time differentials, such as medical contact to flow time, medical contact to en route time, door to flow time, or medical contact to flow time may be measured, tracked, or aggregated by, for example, server application  104 . Server application  104  may accumulate data that may identify areas of improvement. Such aggregation and analysis may be based on individual personnel, teams, facilities, networks, or geographic regions. 
         [0295]    The use of indicators, such as indicator  2332 , may be used by medical professionals to determine whether time is available to perform staggered or interim procedures. For example, a medical professional using critical condition module  1702  may utilize indicator  2332  to determine whether sufficient time exists to go to a first facility (wherein PCI is not available), apply thrombolytics, transfer to a second facility, and apply a PCI procedure to the patient, before a deadline. Furthermore, such a medical professional may utilize indicator  2332  to determine whether to go first to a facility with a PCI procedure available, whether no such PCI procedures are available before a deadline, or how long is available to attempt to reach interim procedures before leaving for a different facility. 
         [0296]      FIG. 27  is an illustration of an example embodiment of a method  2700  for performance of critical condition monitoring and evaluation. Different elements of method  2700  may be performed by various users of, for example, critical condition module  2702 . 
         [0297]    At  2705 , a patient may be determined to have suffered or be experiencing a medical condition, such as a stroke or STEMI. A time of symptom on-set may be determined, recorded, and communicated, as well as a time of first medical contact. Such medical contact may include, for example, an EMS user. At  2710 , a new instance of patient treatment may be created to be tracked amongst various users who will provide aspects of health services to the patient. 
         [0298]    The ability to interactively assist the healthcare of the patient with regards to the condition may include various inputs and operations in parallel from different people or entities. Thus, one or more aspects of method  2700  are shown in parallel in  FIG. 27 . For example, at  2715 , it may be determined what action, selection, or event has taken place. Based on such determinations, various other parts of method  2700  may be conducted. For example, if it is determined that a provider has made a measurement, evaluation, treatment, or other procedure, method  2700  may proceed to  2720 . If is determined that information has been updated, actions taken, or time passed such that the present time in relation to a deadline has changed, then method  2700  may proceed to  2725 . If it is determined that readiness of personnel, laboratories, equipment, or other entities have changed, method  2700  may proceed to  2730 . If it is determined that a change in travel conditions has occurred, method  2700  may proceed to  2745 . If it determined that contraindicators are to be determined or have changed, method  2700  may proceed to  2750 . If it is determined that a facility is to be selected or a transfer is to be considered or performed, method  2700  may proceed to  2760 . If transport of the patient has arrived at a facility, method  2700  may proceed to  2782 . 
         [0299]    At  2720 , it may be determined whether evaluations, measurements, or other observations about the patient have been made. Such information may include, for example, an EKG, stroke indicators, or contraindicator information. The information may be stored or communicated to other participants of method  2700 . The time of such information may be recorded. Indicators showing the measurements in view of a treatment timeline may be updated, if applicable. Method  2700  may return to  2715 . 
         [0300]    At  2725 , the total amount of time elapsed since symptom on-set, medical contact, or facility may be illustrated in view of deadlines for various treatments, such as thrombolytics or PCI. Required times to prepare such treatments as well as transit time may also be determined and illustrated. The resulting illustration may include graphical indications of when treatments or transfers must be performed. The illustration may be made in view of standards or averages for treatment. Method  2700  may return to  2715 . 
         [0301]    At  2730 , it may be determined whether readiness of personnel or procedures, equipment, or laboratories has changed. If so, in  2735 , such readiness may be indicated versus standards or averages for such readiness. In  2740 , the change in readiness may be stored or communicated to other participants of method  2700 . Method  2700  may return to  2715 . 
         [0302]    At  2745 , it may be determined that a change has occurred in travel conditions. Based on such a determination, it may be determined whether such conditions have resulted in a change in an estimated-time-of-arrival. Such a change may impact the ability of a caregiver to provide specific treatments. Thus, if there have been changes in estimated arrival times, method  2700  may proceed to  2760 . Otherwise, method  2700  may return to  2715 . 
         [0303]    At  2750 , contraindications may be determined. If no new contraindications have been determined, method  2700  may return to  2715 . If new contraindications have been determined, in  2752  it may be determined whether such contraindications indicate that treatment is to be terminated. If treatment is to be terminated, method  2700  may proceed to  2755 . Furthermore, the contraindications may rule out possible treatments by other elements of method  2700 . In such a case, method  2700  may return to  2715  while preserving the treatment requirements determined in  2752 . 
         [0304]    At  2760 , it may be determined that a facility is to be selected or a transfer is to be conducted or evaluated. Available facilities may be determined. At  2765 , treatment options, setup times, and transit times for each such facility may be evaluated. At  2770 , it may be determined, for a given facility, whether there is sufficient time to arrive at the facility (if necessary), conduct interim procedures if available (if necessary), transfer (if necessary), and perform any necessary procedures. If multiple such facilities match these conditions, the closest facility in terms of transit time may be selected. If so, method  2700  may proceed to  2780 . If not, method  2700  may proceed to  2755 . At  2780 , transit to the facility may be initiated (if necessary). Furthermore, leaving time and estimated arrival times may be stored or communicated to other users. Method  2700  may return to  2715 . 
         [0305]    At  2782 , it may be determined that arrival at a facility has occurred with the patient. The arrival time may be recorded or communicated to other users. At  2784 , it may be determined whether transfer is necessary to, for example, perform necessary procedures. If so, method  2700  may proceed to  2760 . If not, at  2786  available procedures may be applied, if applicable. Such procedures may include interim procedures such as thrombolytics for a STEMI patient. At  2788 , it may be determined whether transfer is necessary to perform necessary procedures. If so, method  2700  may proceed to  2760 . If not, at  2790 , necessary procedures, such as thrombolytics for stroke patients or PCI for STEMI patients, may be performed. Method  2700  may proceed to  2755 . 
         [0306]    At  2755 , statistics associated with the performance of method  2700  may be reported and aggregated. Method  2700  may stop. 
         [0307]      FIG. 28  is an illustration of example operation of system  100  configured to provide alerts in conjunction with condition-specific information tracking  FIG. 28  illustrates the operation of instances  2802 ,  2804 ,  2806 . In one embodiment, each of instances  2802 ,  2804 ,  2806  may include an instance of critical condition module  1702  operating on an electronic device for use by a healthcare professional. The specific number and kind of instances  2802 ,  2804 ,  2806  are shown in  FIG. 28  for example purposes only, as any suitable number and kind thereof may be used. Any suitable combination of users may be associated with each of instances  2802 ,  2804 ,  2806 . In the example of  FIG. 28 , instance  2802  may be used by an EMS professional, instance  2804  may be used by a physician specialist, and instance  2806  may be used by an operator of a lab or test equipment for a condition associated with a patient. The instances  2802 ,  2804 ,  2806  may be directed to a specific patient with a condition, such as a stroke or STEMI. 
         [0308]    Any suitable mechanism or method may be used to coordinate the provision of alerts as shown in  FIG. 28 . In one embodiment, an instance  2808  of a module or application may be configured to coordinate such alerts. Instance  2808  may include an instance of, for example, server application  104 . In another example, instance  2808  may include an instance of critical condition module  1702 . In another embodiment, instances  2802 ,  2804 ,  2806  may directly communicate with each other regarding alerts. Instance  2808  may include web-accessible modules for displaying, reviewing, and managing alerts that are sent as discussed below. 
         [0309]    At (1), at an instance of critical condition module  1702 , treatment of a patient with regards to the condition may be initialized. Any of instances  2802 ,  2804 ,  2806  may so initialize treatment. In the example of  FIG. 28 , instance  2802  may initialize treatment. Initialization of treatment may correspond to, for example, use of option  1804 . Upon initialization of treatment, primary alerts may be sent to other instances of critical condition module  1702  to which the patient is to be assigned. Such instances may include, for example, instances  2804 ,  2806 . 
         [0310]    Primary alerts may be sent to instances of critical condition module  1702  for which patient care coordination is required. Furthermore, primary alerts may require acknowledgment from a recipient. If acknowledgment is not received, the intended recipient may be contacted again through a same or different communication manner. If no acknowledgement is received, alerts about the unresponsive recipient may be sent to other entities, such as back-up personnel, supervisory personnel, or other coordinators of care of the patient. 
         [0311]    At (2), instance  2802  may communicate the initialization of the care of the patient with other instances. In one embodiment, instance  2802  may send such a notification to instance  2808 . In another embodiment, instance  2802  may send such notifications directly to instances  2804 ,  2806  in the form of alerts. 
         [0312]    At (3), instance  2808  may send a primary alert regarding the patient and the condition to suitable recipients, such as instances  2804 ,  2806 . At (4), the alert may be displayed or otherwise communicated on the individual instances  2804 ,  2806  to their respective users. Such display may include, for example, a pop-up notification, audible indications, changes to icons or other aspects of critical condition module  1702 , or any other suitable notification. At (5), the notification may persist or repeat until an acknowledgment is entered by a user of instance  2804 ,  2806 . Such repetition may have a time period of, for example, one minute. 
         [0313]    At (6), if an acknowledgment has not been received in a specified time period from a given recipient instance  2804 ,  2806 , instance  2808  may take any suitable corrective action. Instance  2808  may display, text, e-mail, or otherwise communicate to a user of instance  2808  that the user of the given instance  2804 ,  2806  has not responded to the primary alert. Instance  2808  may use alternative communication channels to contact a user of the given instance, such as text, e-mail, or a phone call, to alert them to the pending alert. Furthermore, instance  2808  may redirect the primary alert to another instance used by, for example, back-up personnel. 
         [0314]    At (7), a recipient instance  2804 ,  2806  may respond with an acknowledgment entered by a user of the respective instance. 
         [0315]    Subsequent actions may be taken by any of instances  2802 ,  2804 ,  2806 . Such actions may include any determinations, selections of options, or other operations such as those described above in conjunction with critical condition module  1702 . Any of such actions may generate a secondary alert to notify other instances associated with treatment of the patient as to the determination, selection, or other operation. Such secondary alerts may not necessarily require an acknowledgement from the recipient. 
         [0316]    At (8), such an action may have been performed by one of instances  2802 ,  2804 ,  2806 . The action may relate to some aspect of the critical condition of the patient or the treatment thereof. As such, the responsible instance may notify other of instances  2802 ,  2804 ,  2806  of the taken action. The responsible instance may notify others of instances  2802 ,  2804 ,  2806  by first notifying instance  2808 . At (9), instance  2808  may send a secondary alert pertaining to the critical condition update to the others of instances  2802 ,  2804 ,  2806 . At (10), each respective instance of  2802 ,  2804 ,  2806  receiving the secondary alert may notify a user of the respective instance. The alert may be displayed or otherwise communicated on the individual instances to their respective users by using, for example, a pop-up notification, audible indications, changes to icons or other aspects of critical condition module  1702 , or any other suitable notification. In one embodiment, such a notification may be made without requiring acknowledgment. 
         [0317]      FIG. 29  is an illustration of example operation of a method  2900  for providing alerts in conjunction with condition-specific information tracking. At  2905 , treatment of a patient may be initialized. The patient may suffer from, for example, a stroke or STEMI condition. At  2910 , a primary alert may be sent to one or more instances of an application to be used by medical professionals who are to assist in the treatment of the patient. The set of medical professionals who may receive the alert may be defined by on-call or patient relationship status, the nature of the condition, and standards of care identifying the categories of such professionals whose efforts need to be coordinated. The alert may yield an indication to a user of a module for tracking treatment of the condition. The alert may include a request for acknowledgment. At  2915 , it may be determined whether the primary alert has been acknowledged. If so, method  2900  may proceed to  2925 . If not, at  2920  a reminder to the user of the module may be performed after a specified waiting period. 
         [0318]    At  2925 , monitoring may be conducted for any updates to the treatment or condition of the patient in relation to the condition. Such updates may originate from the entity that initialized treatment of the patient or from any entity that has been, in response to the initialization, associated with the treatment. Such other entities may include, for example, recipients of the primary alert. The updates may include transfer of the patient; changes in conditions of the patient; readiness of individuals, groups, or equipment to treat the patient; time elapsed since treatment benchmarks; reminders to move the patient to treatment or to another location; or other suitable information as described above. 
         [0319]    At  2930 , it may be determined whether such an update has been received. If such an update has not been received, method  2900  may proceed to  2940 . If such an update has been received, in  2935  a secondary alert may be sent regarding the update. The secondary alert may be sent to recipients associated with the treatment of the patient with regards to the condition. In one embodiment, the secondary alert might not require an acknowledgment. 
         [0320]    At  2940 , it may be determined whether treatment of the condition has ended. If treatment is continuing, method  2900  may return to  2925 . If treatment of the condition has ended, in  2945  an alert may be sent regarding the termination of treatment to recipients associated with the treatment of the patient. Method  2900  may terminate. 
         [0321]    Although  FIGS. 16 ,  27 , and  29  disclose a particular number of steps to be taken with respect to example methods  1600 ,  2700 , and  2900 , methods  1600 ,  2700 , and  2900  may be executed with more or fewer steps than those depicted in  FIGS. 16 ,  27 , and  29 . In addition, although  FIGS. 16 ,  27 , and  29  disclose a certain order of steps to be taken with respect to methods  1600 ,  2700 , and  2900 , the steps comprising these methods may be completed in any suitable order. Methods  1600 ,  2700 , and  2900  be implemented using the systems, embodiments, and examples of  FIGS. 1-15 ,  17 - 26 , and  28 . In certain embodiments, methods  1600 ,  2700 , and  2900  may be implemented partially or fully in software embodied in computer-readable storage media. 
         [0322]    Although the present invention has been described with several embodiments, various changes and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the present invention encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.