Method and apparatus for identifying a patient

A method for updating information about a subject of interest is disclosed. The method comprises assigning the subject a unique signal which signal is physically associated with the subject, identifying the unique signal, and displaying information related to the subject assigned to the unique signal soon after the signal is identified. The method is preferably used in a hospital setting. Also disclosed is a device, a system, and a control program for use in updating information. The device comprises a control logic responsive to an external stimulus, a wireless signal detection unit, and a display unit that displays information about a subject that has been identified. The control program is used with a wireless detector and comprises a feature that controls display, a feature that identifies a signal associated with a subject, and a feature that displays information in response to the identification feature. Security features can also be incorporated.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to identifying a subject of interest using wireless technology.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Today, patients are identified in a hospital using ID tags that must be visible to a person or machine in order to identify the patient. Such systems can involve waking and/or manipulating patients. A system that can identify patients without needing visual contact is desirable.

Also, many patient identification systems involve placing potentially important patient information (such as a patient's name or identification number) in plain sight where anyone can see it. Some people may misuse information displayed in this manner. A system of identifying patients without placing important patient information in plain sight is also desirable.

In addition, physicians today have to either carry around a paper chart or sit down at various computers to access data they need to work with a patient. With the widespread use of intranets, and even the internet, it is now possible to have a single workstation that provides access to all of this data. Current systems do not effectively and conveniently allow a physician or other hospital staff to quickly and conveniently access patient information. An information system that allows the user to access multiple pieces of data wirelessly on a single device is preferable. Further, a device that makes accessing patient information more convenient is needed.

Also, many governmental entities are passing stricter legislation regulating confidentiality of medical records. One part of many of these laws is regulating access to patient records, including by staff at hospitals where some members of the staff are not treating the patient. It would be desirable to have a patient record display system that could regulate access to patient records to prevent unauthorized people from seeing the records.

Further, typical record display systems organize data in the same manner for every person who views the information. This may be inconvenient for some users because the information they are most interested in is buried in the record, or is divided between multiple areas of the record that the user must flip between. A system that is able to provide a user access to information that is most valuable to the user would be helpful in increasing efficiency and workflow.

Further still, different information may be more relevant to a user at different times. If a doctor sends a patient to get a test done, the doctor would likely be primarily interested in the lab results and the other information that is related to the lab results and reasons for running the test. Thus, a system that differentially displays information depending on what is most important at the time is desirable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment is directed to a method for identifying a health care patient. The method comprises assigning the patient a unique signal; wirelessly identifying the unique signal assigned to the patient; and using the identification of the unique signal. Common uses include displaying information relating to the patient and associating the patient with tests to be run.

An additional embodiment is directed to a method for updating information about a subject of interest. The method comprises assigning the subject of interest a unique signal which signal is physically associated with the subject of interest; identifying the unique signal; and displaying information representative of the subject of interest assigned to the unique signal soon after the unique signal is identified.

Another method is directed to supplying information about a patient to a health care worker. The method comprises wirelessly identifying at least one unique signal associated with a patient and displaying information relating to the patient based on the identification of the signal.

An additional embodiment is directed to a method for identifying a health care patient. The method comprises assigning the patient a unique identifier; wirelessly and electronically identifying the unique identifier assigned to the patient; and using the identification of the unique identifier. Wirelessly and electronically identifying the unique identifier preferably includes identifying a unique signal. The unique signal is preferably a radio frequency signal.

Another embodiment is directed to a portable device for displaying information relating to a subject of interest having a unique signal associated therewith. The portable device comprises a control logic that generates a control signal in response to a user actuated stimulus; a wireless signal detection unit capable of detecting the unique signal; and a display unit capable of displaying information in response to the control signal, the information displayed depending on the signal detected by the wireless signal detection unit.

A further embodiment is directed to a system for displaying information relating to a subject of interest comprising a detecting device and at least one information device. The detecting device comprises a portion for detecting a unique signal; a control that generates a control signal in response to an external stimulus; and a portion for displaying information in response to the control signal. The information device is associated with a unique signal that can be detected by the wireless signal detection device.

An additional embodiment is directed to a system for identifying a health care patient in a health care facility. The system comprises an identification device that produces a unique signal; a wireless signal detection unit that can detect the unique signal; and an assigning unit that assigns the unique signal to the patient. The unique signal is preferably a radio frequency signal and is preferably a passive signal.

Another embodiment provides a system for identifying a health care patient in a health care facility. The system comprises an identification device that produces a unique signal and a wireless signal detection unit that can detect the unique signal. The system also comprises an assigning unit that assigns the unique signal to the patient. The assigning unit is preferably a computer with software that allows the unique signal to be associated with the patient by associating the unique signal with some other patient identifier used by the health care facility to identify the patient.

Yet another embodiment is directed to a control program for use with a wireless signal detection device that detects a signal physically associated with a subject of interest. The control program comprises a control feature, responsive to a user, that signifies information associated with signals should be displayed. The control program also comprises an identification feature that identifies the signal associated with the subject of interest and identifies that the signal is associated with the subject of interest. Additionally, the control program comprises a display feature that displays information in response to the identification feature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1shows a system according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 1shows an identification device12physically associated with the subject of interest10.FIG. 1also shows an information supplier14and a viewing device16. The viewing device16has a wireless detection unit20, a display18, and a user input device22.

The subject of interest10is physically associated with an identification device12. The identification device12contains a unique identification signal that can be used to identify the subject of interest10.FIG. 1shows the identification device12as a wristband mounted around the subject of interest's10wrist. The identification device12could be physically associated with the subject of interest10in many other manners. For instance, the identification device12could be coupled to the bed of the subject of interest10, or to the room of the subject of interest10. Also, the identification device12could be adhesively connected to a crate or a vehicle. In each of the above examples, the identification device is located at or near the subject of interest10.

The unique signal of the identification device is assigned to the subject of interest10by an assigning unit. Preferably, the assigning unit is a software program that inputs the unique signal and assigns the signal to a subject of interest10. This can be done by having a detector scan the identification device while a patient record is displayed in the program. The program would then know which signal to assign to which subject of interest10. The signal will likely get assigned to the subject of interest10by assigning the unique signal to a patient identification already used by a health care facility to identify the subject of interest10.

A user actuates a user input device22such as a button, a switch, a trigger, etc. In response to the actuation of the user input device22, control logic sends a control signal that facilitates display of information. The control signal preferably prompts the wireless detection unit20to detect unique signals broadcast by the identification device12. The control signal may alternatively prompt identification of signals detected or prompt signals identified to be displayed. The control logic can also be prompted by other stimulus, such as an automated signal, but is preferably prompted by a user actuated stimulus. Examples of user actuated stimulus include the user pressing a button/switch, the user selecting a control option (such as on a screen), actuating a touch sensitive area of a display screen, or any other action taken by the user that is intended to prompt the control logic.

Wireless detection unit20detects identification signals that are in the proximity of the wireless detection unit20. The identification signals that are detected are then identified. The identification signals may either be identified within the viewing device16or may be sent to a central network through the information supplier14where they are identified, and the results are supplied back to the viewing device16.

Display of information relating to the subject of interest10associated with the identified signal is then facilitated. The information may either appear on the display18, or may appear after a further user control (for example the subject of interest's10name appears on a screen which the doctor then selects). Preferably, the information is displayed if only one subject of interest10is identified, and a list of possible subjects of interest10are identified if more than one subject of interest10is identified.

More preferably, the viewing device16can be associated with a particular user (i.e. by entering a password or by assigning the viewing device16to a particular user). When the viewing device16is associated with a particular user, only subjects of interest10associated with the user will be displayed on the display18. In a hospital setting, this allows for greater patient confidentiality by more tightly regulating access to patient records. Only hospital staff associated with the patient would get access to the records. Further, a user's access can be limited to only that information which the user needs to treat the patient and not other information. Also, the information to be displayed to a user can be regulated based on who the user is and/or the user's job function.

This optional limited viewing feature can facilitate compliance with medical confidentiality laws established by federal, state, local, or other jurisdictional authorities: the technology itself can aid a health care facility to limit access to confidential information. For instance, a health care facility can keep track of a patient who only gives limited consent for treatment by only allowing access to the patient's records to limited individuals. Further, a health care worker who is in a position to do an act that was not consented to may receive a red flag when viewing the records, but workers who have no concerns may be allowed free access.

Access to data can be regulated on a person by person basis, team by team basis, a division by division basis, etc. The information may also be regulated in numerous other manners that may be desired.

Display of information is typically accomplished soon after the unique signal is identified in response to the signal being identified. Other steps may be performed between identification of the unique signal and display of information relating to the subject of interest10(such as a further user input, a search of the records, etc.). The viewing device16usually displays information relatively quickly, such as within a minute, but, depending on the size of databases to be searched and speed of equipment, additional time may be needed.

Associating the viewing device16with a particular user also allows the form of the data to appear in a more convenient manner. Different users may find different types of information to be helpful. For instance, in a hospital setting, a technician running a test may need to know a subject of interest's10height, weight, drugs taken on a regular basis, referring physician, and other information; a nurse may be more interested in knowing who the primary physician is, who the treating physician is, what drugs have been prescribed and in what dose on what interval, other people assigned to the patient, and any special requests made by the patient; and other staff (such as administrators and social workers) may prefer to see how long a subject of interest10has been admitted, the subject of interest's10contact information, the subject of interest's10contact person, the procedures done on the subject of interest10, and the insurance information of the subject of interest10. Also, doctor X may prefer to look at particular information first, while doctor Y may prefer to see other information first. For different users, the information may be displayed in a different format, making the most useful information for the particular user (by position or by person) appear first or more prominently and making other information appear later or less prominently.

The display may also be configured to display different information at different times depending on what is needed at the time. Different information may be more relevant to a user at different times. If a doctor sends a subject of interest10to get a test done, the doctor would likely be primarily interested in the lab results and the other information that is related to the lab results and reasons for running the test. The display could also give an ‘alarm’ when a doctor reads through a patient record to indicate that a given event, such as completed lab results or expert review of an x-ray, has occurred. For a nurse, an alarm might indicate that a prescription to be administered by the nurse has been sent from the pharmacy and has arrived or will be arriving soon. The alarm may be by way of a different text color, an audible signal, a visual signal such as an icon, a flashing display, or a flashing light on the display device, or any other manner designed to get attention or show an occurrence of an event. The alarm might also include a link to the information relating to the alarm.

The information to be displayed is information associated with the subject of interest10. For instance, if the subject of interest10is a hospital patient, the information to be displayed could be patient data, i.e. information relating to the patient as a hospital patient. Some examples of patient data include name, age, height, weight, symptoms, medical history and medical records of that history, insurance information, medical records from the current visit, medical charts, medical images, waveforms, lab results, treating physician, nurse or nurse staff, regular physician, and real-time patient monitoring results (i.e., monitoring that is ongoing or has occurred that regularly monitors certain criteria—examples being an EKG or IV drip).

The viewing device16may, for example, be a personal digital assistant (PDA), a pocket personal computer (Pocket PC), a tablet personal computer (Tablet PC), a phone, a pager, or other suitable device.

The identification device12could also be hardened against water, heat, and chemicals to allow it to be more durable. The identification device12preferably uses a passive signal. A passive signal allows the identification device to be used without requiring a power source. If a passive signal is used, the wireless detection unit20would interrogate the identification device12. Passive signals using a radio frequency signal generally can be interrogated from distances of 10 centimeters to 3 meters. Larger ranges are possible but not preferred because the larger the range, the larger the number of signals that will likely be detected.

FIGS. 2A–2Dshow different embodiments of the viewing device16. Also, the various functions of the viewing device16(detection, control, allowing identification, and display) can be divided between separate devices. For instance, as seen inFIG. 2A, the viewing device16may include a wireless detection unit20that is separate from the display18and that communicates with the display18wirelessly. As seen inFIG. 2A, a user input device22is coupled to the wireless detection unit20. The user may actuate the user input device22to prompt the control logic. Alternatively, the device containing the display18has a control option24which can be actuated by the user to prompt the control signal. The wireless detection unit20interacts with the information supplier14to identify the unique signals and to obtain information relating to the subject of interest10.

As seen inFIG. 2B, the device containing the display also has a user input device22that can be actuated by the user to prompt the control logic. Both the device containing the display18and the wireless detection unit20can communicate with the information supplier14to identify the signals and to obtain information.

As seen inFIG. 2Cthe wireless detection unit20is coupled to the user input device22that can be actuated by the user to prompt the viewing device. Once signals are detected, wireless detection unit20identifies the signal. The identity of the signal is then sent to the device containing the display18which communicates with the information supplier14to obtain information.

As seen inFIG. 2D, the wireless detection unit20ais a portable phone. The portable phone20adetects signals from the identification device12in response to a control action by the user. The control action could be actuating a key on the keypad, or actuating (selecting) a menu option. The phone20acommunicates with an information supplier14to identify the detected signals. A user can then view information on a monitor18bvia information supplier14. Alternatively, the screen18aof the portable phone could act as the display18.

FIG. 3shows an embodiment in which the display18is a screen18a.FIG. 3also shows the information supplier14as a data connection. Further, a plurality of information devices12are associated with a plurality of subjects of interest10. The viewing device16also has a user actuated user input device22. The wireless detection unit20is an integrated part of the viewing device16. Preferably, the wireless detection unit20is a card that is integrated into the viewing device16. The display18, could also be a non-screen display such as an audible indication, or a printout from a printer.

FIG. 4shows a display18displaying a list corresponding to more than one unique signal identifier as is preferable when more than one signal is detected. If more than one unique signal identifier is identified, the display preferably shows a list which represents which unique identifiers were identified.FIG. 4shows an example in a hospital setting where the subjects of interest are hospital patients. The names of the patients are listed, and the user may then select a particular patient's data to review. Preferably, the patients' names are listed in order of strongest signal to weakest signal (hopefully representing closest patient to farthest patient). Alternatively, for passive identification devices, the patient's names are equally preferably listed in the order that signals are received after an interrogation signal is sent (hopefully representing closest patient to farthest patient based on how long it took the signal to travel back to the wireless detection unit after interrogation). Patients can also be listed by bed or room number, or some other identifier that would be useful in a hospital setting.

FIG. 5shows an example of information being displayed. More specifically,FIG. 5shows a display18that is displaying some patient data. The display18also has control options24that lead to system control functions. Control options24are options that appear on the display which allow a user to control the system. The control options24shown are ‘find unique signals’, ‘menu’, and ‘more information’. Other examples of control options24include ‘find data’, ‘find phone/pager numbers’, ‘scroll’, ‘decrease font size’, ‘display keyboard’, and ‘change form display of information’.

Also shown are activity controls26. Activity controls26are controls that show up somewhere other than the display18that control some action. Activity controls26typically do not require further input by the user to initiate the action. The activity controls26shown are ‘call number’, ‘print information’, and ‘access notes’. The activity controls26can either control fixed functions, or they can be assignable. Other examples of possible activity controls include ‘find unique signals’, ‘access a category of information’, ‘display specialists’, ‘display other users associated with this subject of interest’, etc.

Further, generic controls28and user input30are shown. Generic controls28can take on any function, and tend to be usable by multiple actions. For instance, the generic controls28shown would be used either to scroll through records or to change the value of a number category. The user input30allows a user to control and/or add data to the information displayed.

Finally, subject options32are displayed on the display18shown inFIG. 5. Subject options32are links related to the subject of interest that a user is more likely to use. The subject options32shown on display18are patient options; options related to a patient. The patient options shown include a link to order tests, to contact specialists, and to prescribe medication. Other subject options32would be useful in areas outside the patient care field. Also, the subject options may be caused to differ depending on the identity of the user. For instance, a shipping clerk may receive a ‘send bill’ subject option32, whereas a nurse may receive a ‘page treating physician’ subject option32.

FIG. 6is a flow diagram according to one embodiment of the invention. Subjects of interest10are assigned unique signal identifiers at step100. An identifier of the user, such as a password, may then be required at step102. Including an identifier for the user allows an increase in patient confidentiality if the subject is a patient by limiting access to patient information. The unique signals are then identified at step104to associate the detected signal with a subject of interest10. An identifier of the user may be required at step106before display of information is allowed. This is another time at which an identifier of the user may be required; the identifier may be the same as the first identifier and be satisfied if the first is inputted proximally in time, or it may be separate and distinct. Also, if more than one signal is identified, a user may need to select at step108which signal represents the subject of interest10about which the user intends to display information; more than one subject of interest10may be selected. Information may then be displayed110. As mentioned earlier, the information accessible to be displayed may be different for different users. Also, the form of the display of information may be different for different users.

Examples of user identifiers at steps102and106other than passwords include the use of a smart card, a signal associated with the user, a magnetic coupling, or some other identification device or technique.

FIG. 7is another flow diagram according to another embodiment of the invention. Subjects of interest10are assigned at step100unique signal identifiers. The unique signals are then identified at step104to associate the detected signal with a subject of interest10. Once the signals have been identified, the identified signals are used at step112. Some possible uses for the identified signal include supplying patient information about a patient; correlating a test performed to a patient; supplying test information about a patient needed to run the test or calculate the results; and assigning a monitoring unit to a specific patient.

While the signal of the identification device12can use any wireless technology, it preferably uses a radio frequency (RF) signal for identification, such as a passive RF identification signal. More preferably, it uses Bluetooth™ technology, the Bluetooth trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Bluetooth wireless technology provides wireless connections; enabling links between mobile computers, mobile phones, portable handheld devices, and connectivity to the Internet. Bluetooth tends to have a low power consumption and a low cost.

The Bluetooth wireless specification includes both link layer and application layer definitions for product developers which supports data, voice and content-centric applications. Radios that comply with the Bluetooth™ wireless specification operate in the unlicensed, 2.4 GHz ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) Band radio spectrum. These radios use a spread spectrum, frequency hopping, full-duplex signal at up to 1600 hops/sec. The signal hops among 79 frequencies at 1 MHz intervals to give a high degree of interference immunity. Bluetooth's synchronous bands are geared to carry relatively high-quality voice, while the asynchronous communication will support data at slightly more than 700 Kbps.

Distance for standard devices is limited to about 10 meters, but can be expanded to much larger distances (such as 100 meters) if desired. Once the devices are within the distance boundary, the devices can be connected automatically. It also provides a fast and secure transmission of voice and data even when the devices are not within line of sight.

Advanced error-correction methods, encryption and authentication routines are used to protect data for a user's privacy. Further, the technology provides a high transmission rate. The Bluetooth wireless technology supports both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint connections. Even though Bluetooth wireless protocol is currently preferred, other wireless systems and technologies may also be used.

Also, an identifier can be wirelessly and electronically detected from identification devices that do not generate a signal. For instance, an identifier may use a barcode that is detected by a detector using infrared or some other technology.

If a unique signal is used, the unique signal could be a unique wavelength, use a unique standard, or use some other method of wireless identification using a signal, but preferably means having a unique code coupled to a wireless signal. The unique identifier could be a consistent identifier for each device or could be changeable, such that when a different user has a device, the unique signal could be changed.

The present identification system need not only be used for displaying patient information. In a health care facility, the identification system could also be used to identify a patient for other purposes. For instance, the system could be used to identify a patient and then correlate the patient to monitoring or test results. The system could also be used to identify the patient in any number of other ways that a patient identification is needed in a health care setting.

The system may also be used to identify other health care facility articles such as a bedside monitor or other equipment. The identification of the device could then be associated with a patient, a room, a department, or some other grouping.

The invention has been described with reference to various specific and illustrative embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. While much of the description has been directed to a hospital or other health care facility, other uses of the invention are possible.