System, method, and software for displaying parameter values with historical ranges

A method for patient monitoring includes receiving one or more first patient parameters from at least one medical device. The method further includes transforming the one or more first patient parameters into one or more gauge display parameters. The method further includes generating data operable to display the one or more gauge display parameters individually in a particular portion of a display device. The one or more gauge display parameters include at least a historical range and a current value within the historical range. The method further includes analyzing one or more second patient parameters to adjust the one or more gauge display parameters.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to patient monitoring, and more particularly to a system, method, and software for displaying parameter values with historical ranges.

BACKGROUND

When monitoring a patient, a medical device may collect and display information about that patient. The medical device may collect information through one or more of a variety of ways, such as a patient interface that measures a physiological condition, or a user interface that collects information input by a user. One may rely on this information to assess and treat the health of the patient.

SUMMARY

According to the present disclosure, disadvantages and problems associated with previous techniques for monitoring patients may be reduced or eliminated.

In certain embodiments, a method for patient monitoring includes receiving one or more first patient parameters from at least one medical device. The method further includes transforming the one or more first patient parameters into one or more gauge display parameters. The method further includes generating data operable to display the one or more gauge display parameters individually in a particular portion of a display device. The one or more gauge display parameters include at least a historical range and a current value within the historical range. The method further includes analyzing one or more second patient parameters to adjust the one or more gauge display parameters.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may provide one or more technical advantages. At a high level, embodiments of the disclosure relate to displaying a visual representation of historical parameter values and current parameter values. Some embodiments of the disclosure relate to visually representing a parameter value that is associated with a ventilator operation. The parameter value is displayed relative to representations of predetermined limits, as well as a range of parameter values that have been observed over a period of time. Embodiments of the disclosure can include different combinations of the features and components described herein, additional features or components that are not described herein. For example, in some embodiments, aspects of the visual representation can be used to display parameter values corresponding to other parameters such as, for example, SpO2 levels, pulse rate, and the like. All such implementations are considered to be within the ambit of the disclosure.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include some, all, or none of the above advantages. One or more other technical advantages may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the figures, descriptions, and claims included herein. Moreover, while specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some, or none of the enumerated advantages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates an example system100for patient monitoring, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. System100includes one or more medical devices102, a data collection server104, an application server106, a web server108, and one or more remote devices110. Although this particular implementation of system100is illustrated and primarily described, the present disclosure contemplates any suitable implementation of system100according to particular needs.

According to one embodiment, system100is operable to monitor medical devices102and transform patient parameters into gauge display parameters. In certain embodiments, medical devices102generate patient parameters or store patient parameters input by a user. Patient parameters may refer to any patient identifiers, medical history, clinician notes, alarm thresholds, alarm events, device settings, measurements of values indicating physiological conditions such as oxygen saturation levels, pulse rates, heart rates, other vital signs, and any other output data from medical devices102. Each medical device102may be connected to data collection server104, which stores the patient parameters in a database. Application server106retrieves the patient parameters from the database and processes the patient parameters into gauge display parameters for web server108. Remote devices110request and receive the gauge display parameters and display the gauge display parameters through a browser and/or native application on remote devices110, thereby enabling clinicians using the remote devices110to view the gauge display parameters in remote locations. As described in more detail below, embodiments of the disclosure relate to gauge display parameters that include a visual representation of historical parameter values and current parameter values. Some embodiments of the disclosure relate gauge display parameters that include a visual representation of a parameter value that is associated with a ventilator operation. The parameter value is displayed relative to representations of predetermined limits, as well as a range of parameter values that have been observed over a period of time.

System100may include one or more medical devices102. Medical devices102may be any devices that are used for tracking or treating patients. For example, medical devices102may include a ventilator connected to a patient to deliver respiration therapy. As another example, medical devices102may include a pulse oximeter that monitors the oxygen saturation of a patient's blood. As another example, medical devices102may include a device for tracking a patient without monitoring physiological conditions. In short, medical devices102may include any suitable combination of software, firmware, and hardware used to support any medical function. It should be noted that any suitable number of medical devices102may be included in system100. In addition, there may be multiple groups of medical devices102in system100.

According to one embodiment, in addition to performing a medical function, medical devices102may generate output data tracked by medical devices102. For example, the ventilator may generate entries indicating the average volume of air expelled in each breath. The ventilator may generate entries identifying the parameter settings used by the ventilator and whether any alarms have been triggered. The ventilator may store the generated entries in local memory and output the entries. In some embodiments, medical devices may generate output data that is related to tracking patient identifications or locations, without necessarily generating data related to a physiological condition. In certain embodiments, medical devices102may output data in response to a data request. In certain other embodiments, medical devices102may constantly stream output data. In these embodiments, medical devices102may require an initial start signal or request signal prior to streaming data.

Medical devices102may be communicatively coupled to data collection server104via a network, according to one embodiment. The network facilitates wireless or wireline communication. The network may communicate, for example, IP packets, Frame Relay frames, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) cells, TDMA, CDMA, voice, video, data, and other suitable information between network addresses. The network may include one or more personal area networks (PANs), local area networks (LANs), radio access networks (RANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs), all or a portion of the global computer network known as the Internet, and/or any other communication system or systems at one or more locations. In certain embodiments, medical devices102may be communicatively coupled to other suitable devices including data collection server104, application server106, web server108, and remote devices110. In certain embodiments, data collection server104may be connected to other similar data collection servers in a particular format, such as a daisy-chain connection format.

System100may include one or more data collection servers104, referred to primarily in the singular throughout this disclosure. Data collection server104may include one or more electronic computing devices operable to receive, transmit, process, and store data associated with system100. For example, data collection server104may include one or more general-purpose PCs, Macintoshes, workstations, mainframes, server computers, one or more server pools, or any other suitable hardware. In addition, data collection server104may use any suitable operating system such as Windows, Apple, Linux, UNIX or any future operating system. In certain embodiments, data collection server104includes a web server. In short, data collection server104may include any suitable combination of software, firmware, and hardware. Although a single data collection server104is illustrated, the present disclosure contemplates system100including any suitable number of data collection servers104. Moreover, although referred to as a data collection server, the present disclosure contemplates data collection server104comprising any suitable type of processing device or devices.

According to one embodiment, data collection server104receives patient parameters from medical devices102. For example, data collection server104may request patient parameters from medical device102and receive patient parameters from medical device102in response to the request. As another example, data collection server104may receive streamed output data from a medical device102. As another example, data collection server104may be configured to periodically request new data from medical device102. Data collection server104may map the received patient parameters to match internal fields in the database and then transmit the data to a database, according to one embodiment. The stored data may be accessed by application server106.

System100may include one or more application servers106, referred to primarily in the singular throughout this disclosure. Application server106may include one or more electronic computing devices operable to receive, transmit, process, and store data associated with system100. For example, application server106may include one or more general-purpose PCs, Macintoshes, workstations, mainframes, server computers, one or more server pools, or any other suitable hardware. In addition, application server106may use any suitable operating system such as Windows, Apple, Linux, UNIX or any future operating system. In short, application server106may include any suitable combination of software, firmware, and hardware. Although a single application server106is illustrated, the present disclosure contemplates system100including any suitable number of application servers106. Moreover, although referred to as an application server, the present disclosure contemplates application server106comprising any suitable type of processing device or devices.

According to one embodiment, application server106creates a data service that runs on a conventional web services platform for transmitting data to web server108. Application server106may include a database server in certain embodiments. According to one embodiment, application server106may include a logical system that may execute an algorithm, such as a clinical application using patient parameters including first patient parameters. For example, application server106may create gauge display parameters using first patient parameters, and those gauge display parameters are transmitted to web server108. Application server106may maintain an activity log that logs data requests from remote devices110to track certain activities performed at remote devices110. Therefore, if a clinician selects a particular patient representation to zoom in and view ventilator data specific to that patient, that selection may trigger a data request that is logged by application server106. For example, when creating the gauge display parameters, application server106may compare the current parameter settings of the ventilator, as indicated by entries in the patient parameter set, to prior parameter settings. If any changes are detected, application server106may flag those changes for presentation to users on remote devices110. Specifically, application server106may create data causing the depiction of the changed gauge display parameters on remote devices110to change color in response to receiving second patient parameters. Second patient parameters may include new parameters, for example, parameters associated with an additional machine or patient being monitored. Second patient parameters may further include changed patient parameters, such as a change in a temperature of a patient. Application server106may create additional gauge display parameters that cause a pop-up window to appear on the mobile device when any of the changed gauge display parameters are selected. The pop-up window may list all of the changed gauge display parameters and provide a single button through which a user may indicate that the changed gauge display parameters have been viewed. If that button is activated, the mobile device may transmit a message to application server106by way of web server108and application server106may then unflag those gauge display parameters, such that the depiction of those patient parameters on remote device110may return to the original color. In certain embodiments, application server106may transmit data directly to remote devices110.

System100may include one or more web servers108, referred to primarily in the singular throughout this disclosure. Web server108may include one or more electronic computing devices operable to receive, transmit, process, and store data associated with system100. For example, web server108may include one or more general-purpose PCs, Macintoshes, workstations, mainframes, server computers, one or more server pools, or any other suitable hardware. In addition, web server108may use any suitable operating system such as Windows, Apple, Linux, UNIX or any future operating system. In short, web server108may include any suitable combination of software, firmware, and hardware. Although a single web server108is illustrated, the present disclosure contemplates system100including any suitable number of web servers108. Moreover, although referred to as a web server, the present disclosure contemplates web server108comprising any suitable type of processing device or devices.

According to one embodiment, web server108creates a data service that runs on a conventional web services platform for receiving data from application server106and transmitting data to remote devices110. For example, web server108may receive gauge display parameters from application server106and transmit, upon request in certain embodiments, to remote devices110.

System100may include one or more remote devices110. Remote devices110may be any device that provides output to and can receive input from a user, such as a clinician. Each remote device110may include one or more computer systems at one or more locations. In certain embodiments, output at remote devices may include vibrations, display views including pop-up messages, sound, or any combination desired. In some embodiments, remote devices110may connect to application server106through a direct socket connection, as indicated by reference number120inFIG. 1. Each computer system may include any appropriate input devices (such as a keypad, touch screen, mouse, or other device that can accept input), output devices, mass storage media, or other suitable components for receiving, processing, storing, and communicating data. Both the input device and output device may include fixed or removable storage media such as a magnetic computer disk, CD-ROM, or other suitable media to both receive input from and provide output to a user. Each computer system may include a personal computer, workstation, network computer, kiosk, wireless data port, personal data assistant (FDA), one or more processors within these or other devices, or any other suitable processing device.

According to one embodiment, remote devices110display one or more web pages hosted by application server106and/or web server108with gauge display parameters related to the patient parameters from medical devices102. For example, a clinician may activate a browser on remote device110and navigate to a web page hosted by web server108. The browser may render the web page, which includes gauge display parameters generated by application server106. The web page may provide a summary of all medical devices102under a clinician's responsibility. In addition, the web page may enable a detailed view that displays specific device data, therapy parameter data, and alarm status data.

AlthoughFIG. 1depicts separate devices for data collection server104, application server106, and web server108, it will be readily apparent that the functions of these devices may be combined into a single device that receives patient parameters from medical devices102and transforms the patient parameters into gauge display parameters. It will also be understood that this single device may alternatively transmit the gauge display parameters to remote device110.

It will also be understood that the functions may be allocated differently than shown, with application server106additionally performing the functions of web server108or the functions of data collection server104. In another embodiment, a single device may receive patient parameters, transform those patient parameters into gauge display parameters, and display the gauge display parameters on a screen.

A user of system100may detect patient conditions by examining parameters on remote device110. The user, however, may be interested in understanding a relationship between historical parameter values and current parameter values. In certain embodiments of the disclosure, the user may access, examine, and manipulate the display of historical parameter values and current parameter values with gauge display parameters. Further details regarding how a user may access, examine, and manipulate gauge display parameters are described with reference toFIGS. 2-4below.

FIG. 2illustrates an example remote device of the system for patient monitoring inFIG. 1, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Remote device210may be substantially similar to remote device110ofFIG. 1. InFIG. 2, remote device210is shown as a mobile telephone communicatively coupled with a web server208having a web service226capability. Web server208may be substantially similar to web server108ofFIG. 1. Remote device210includes a storage device212, a gauge display monitor214, a processor216, a memory218, a communication interface (I/F)220, an output device222, and an input device224, which are discussed in further detail below. Although this particular implementation of remote device210is illustrated and primarily described, the present disclosure contemplates any suitable implementation of remote device210according to particular needs.

Storage device212may include any suitable device operable for storing data and instructions. Storage device212may include, for example, a magnetic disk, flash memory, optical disk, or other suitable data storage device.

Gauge display monitor214may include any suitable logic embodied in computer-readable media, and when executed, that is operable to enable a user to communicate with web service226on web server208to view and manipulate data, including gauge display parameters. For example, gauge display monitor214may include logic for receiving data from input device224and translating the data into a message to be sent to web service226on web server208, in turn enabling a user to activate a browser and navigate a web page generated by web service226on web server208to view gauge display parameters. The browser may provide, as part of the gauge display parameters, a summary of all medical devices102associated with patients under a caregiver's responsibility, or a detailed view that displays specific medical device102configuration data, therapy parameter data, and alarm status data. Gauge display monitor214may be configured to cause remote device210to request the most recent webpage data from web service226on web server208.

For example, when gauge display monitor214requests a parameter (for example, by clicking a navigation link embedded in a display parameter), the browser transmits the request to web service226. In embodiments with a browser, Web service226may extract the request and transmit a copy of the requested parameter in a display parameter format suitable for display by the browser, as well as any required formatting code, such as HTML code, for example. In certain embodiments with a native application, there may not be formatting code. Examples of the browser may include a thick client such as an application, or a thin client browser such as Mozilla (Firefox), Netscape, Internet Explorer, or any future browsers.

Processor216may include any suitable device operable to execute instructions and manipulate data to perform operations for gauge display monitor214. Processor216may include, for example, any type of central processing unit (CPU).

Memory218may include any computer memory (for example, Random Access Memory (RAM) or Read Only Memory (ROM)), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), database and/or network storage (for example, a server). Memory218may comprise any other computer-readable tangible medium, or a combination of any of the preceding.

I/F220may include any suitable device operable to receive input for gauge display monitor214, send output from gauge display monitor214, perform suitable processing of the input or output or both, communicate to other devices, or any combination of the preceding. I/F220may include appropriate hardware (for example, a modem, network interface card, etc.) and software, including protocol conversion and data processing capabilities, to communicate through a LAN, WAN, or other communication system that allows gauge display monitor214to communicate to other devices. I/F220may include one or more ports, conversion software, or a combination of any of the preceding.

Output device222may include any suitable device operable for displaying information to a user. Output device222may include, for example, a touch screen, a video display, a printer, a plotter, or other suitable output device.

Input device224may include any suitable device operable to input, select, and/or manipulate various data and information. Input device224may include, for example, a touch screen, a keyboard, mouse, graphics tablet, joystick, light pen, microphone, scanner, or other suitable input device.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to remote device210without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The components of remote device210may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of remote device210may be performed by more, fewer, or other components. For example, although gauge display monitor214is displayed as part of storage device212, gauge display monitor214may be stored in any suitable location and the operations of gauge display monitor214may be performed by more than one component. Additionally, operations of remote device210may be performed using any suitable logic. As used in this document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set. Further details of an example remote device210are provided below with reference toFIG. 3.

FIG. 3illustrates an example visual representation310of the remote device for patient monitoring inFIG. 1, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the visual representation310includes example gauge display parameters and can be presented on a display screen of a display device that is communicatively coupled to a ventilator, patient-monitoring device, or other medical device. In certain embodiments, the ventilator or other device can include one or more processors, sensors, and the like, for determining parameter values. In certain embodiments, the ventilator or other device can communicate with any number of computing devices, networks, handheld devices, and the like. In some embodiments, the visual representation310can be displayed as part of a user interface that has interactive regions such that a user (e.g., clinician) can access additional information by selecting various interactive regions associated with the visual representation.

The visual representation310includes gauge display parameters in the form of bar graphs312,314, and316, each of which displays values of a parameter associated with a ventilator. The bar graph312displays values of a peak-pressure parameter; the bar graph314displays values of a breath-frequency parameter; and the bar graph316displays values of a total-exhalation rate parameter. In some embodiments, additional bar graphs can be included to represent values of other parameters. Additionally, in various embodiments, other types of graphs, charts, and the like, can be used to visually represent values of parameters.

As shown inFIG. 3, each of the bar graphs312,314, and316, includes a number of different regions. For clarity, these regions are described herein with reference to the bar graph312, but it should be understood that the description (or any part thereof) can be applicable to any number of other bar graphs such as, for example, bar graphs314and316. The bar graph312includes a minimum-limit region318and a maximum-limit region320. The minimum-limit section318represents a minimum value, or range of values, of the peak-pressure parameter; and the maximum-limit section320represents a maximum value, or range of values, of the peak-pressure parameter.

The bar graph312also includes a lower-alarm boundary322and an upper-alarm boundary324, each of which represents a value, or range of values, corresponding to an alarm. That is, if a current, measured, value of the peak-pressure parameter falls within the lower-alarm boundary322or the upper-alarm boundary324, an alarm is triggered. In certain embodiments, the boundaries322and324can be visual representations of parameter-value thresholds. For example, in an embodiment, the lower-alarm boundary322represents a set of parameter values including a lower-alarm threshold and any measurable values that are lower than the lower-alarm threshold, but higher than the minimum limit318. If a current value of the parameter is less than the lower-alarm threshold, an alarm will be triggered, and the current value can be displayed within the lower-alarm boundary322of the bar graph312. Similarly, the upper-alarm boundary324can represent a set of parameter values including an upper-alarm threshold and any measureable values that are greater than the upper-alarm threshold and less than the maximum limit320. In some embodiments, the boundaries322and324can include threshold values and/or minimum and maximum limits318and320.

As is further illustrated inFIG. 3, the bar graph312includes a safe zone326. In an embodiment, the safe zone326includes a range of parameter values that will not cause an alarm to be triggered. In certain embodiments, the safe zone includes all of the represented values between the boundary regions322and324. That is, for example, the parameter values represented by the range of values in the safe zone326can be parameter values that are considered to be within normal limits such that immediate medical intervention may not be necessary.

The bar graph312also includes an historical range328. The historical range328is a region of the bar graph312that represents a range of parameter values that have been measured over the course of some time period. The range328is defined, at a lower end, by a lowest-measured value330and, at an upper end, by a highest-measured value 32. According to various embodiments, the visual representation310can be configured to display an historical range328representing any desirable time period. For example, in some embodiments, the historical range328represents the range of values measured from the time that the ventilator was activated. In other embodiments, the historical range328represents the range of values measured over the course of predetermined (or, in certain embodiments, dynamically determined) time interval, or the like. In some embodiments, the historical range328can include values within either, or both, of the boundary regions322and324.

A current value 35 is also displayed in the visual representation310. As shown, the current value 35 can be displayed within the historical range328. In certain embodiments, the historical range328can represent a set of values that was measured during a previous time interval, in which case, the current value 35 may be displayed at a position outside of the historical range328.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the bar graphs312,314, and316can also include other features that can be displayed within (e.g., superimposed on) the visual representation310. For example, in certain embodiments, a waveform can be displayed on a bar graph312,314,316. In certain embodiments, the waveform can be displayed within the historical region328, while, in other embodiments, the waveform can be displayed in other regions. In some embodiments, gradient coloration bands can be used to indicate parameter value averages, levels of severity, and the like.

As shown inFIG. 3, the visual representation310can also include a target-value indicator340that represents a parameter value associated with a desirable patient or operation condition. In certain embodiments, as shown, the target-value indicator340can include a horizontal line that crosses one or more of the bar graphs312,314, and316. In the illustrated embodiment, the target-value indicator340includes a horizontal line that intersects each of the bar graphs312,314, and316at or near the center of the safe zone326. Although each of the bar graphs312,314, and316and associated ranges and values may represent gauge display parameters of different types (e.g., parameters having different units, value ranges, etc.), the bar graphs312,314, and316can be scaled such that the target value associated with each parameter is located along the target-value indicator340.

In some embodiments, any number of various color and/or shading schemes can be used to represent various metrics associated with the parameter values. For example, in certain embodiments, varying color intensities can represent varying frequencies associated with parameter values. For instance, an historical range328can be configured to represent data captured over a period of several hours, in which multiple instances of a given parameter value can be observed. Within the historical range328, varying colors, color shades, and/or color intensities can be used to represent a relative frequency of these observations. In one example, a darker color associated with a given value might indicate that the value was observed relatively infrequently with respect to other values, while a lighter color might indicate that the value was observed relatively frequently with respect to other values. Any number of other metrics associated with a parameter can be represented in various similar ways, as well, such as a data age or trend may be indicated using, for example, darker shading for older data points and lighter shading for newer data points.

FIG. 4illustrates an example method400for patient monitoring, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Method400begins at step402where one or more first patient parameters are received from at least one medical device. At step404, the one or more first patient parameters are transformed into one or more gauge display parameters. At step406, data operable to display the one or more gauge display parameters individually in a particular portion of a display device are generated. The one or more gauge display parameters include at least a historical range and a current value within the historical range as described above inFIG. 3. At step408, one or more second patient parameters are analyzed to adjust the one or more gauge display parameters. In some embodiments, the display parameters may be updated such that a visual representation of historical parameter values and current parameter values are provided and a parameter value may be displayed relative to representations of predetermined limits, as well as a range of parameter values that have been observed over a period of time. In certain embodiments, the one or more gauge display parameters may comprise at least one value indicating a physiological condition and at least one of an acceptable threshold related to the value indicating a physiological condition, a unit of measurement related to the value indicating a physiological condition, and an alarm state related to the value indicating a physiological condition.