Abstract:
An apparatus and method for responding to an input signal by accessing a data source, retrieving relevant data and utilizing the data to construct and route an outgoing message. Using this apparatus and method, hospitals can provide efficient and personalized responses to patient requests, which can be initialized via a nurse call device. These efficient and personalized responses are accomplished by accessing a data source to obtain specific information about a patent, and then routing relevant portions of the information, via a text message, to those having privy to the information and responsible for caring for the patient.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. patent application entitled, AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL HOSPITAL STAFF MESSAGING WITH PATIENT INFORMATION, filed Jun. 2, 2004, having a Ser. No. 60/575,818, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to the field of communication networks. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for responding to an input signal by accessing a data source, retrieving relevant data and utilizing the data to construct and route an outgoing message.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Many hospitals today utilize text messaging to facilitate communication between hospital staff and patients. Often times, these hospital communication devices combine text messaging and wireless phone communication. Thus, after receiving a text message that indicates a patient request, a staff member can establish two-way voice communication with the patient.  
         [0004]     However, these current hospital communication devices are deficient because the text message contains only limited information about the patient. For example, the content of the text message is limited to basic and nonspecific information such as bed location, call urgency, and time of notification information.  
         [0005]     Text messages that contain specific information about the patient, such as the patient&#39;s name, identification number, diagnosis, allergies, language spoken, can enable staff to provide more efficient and personalized care. For example, when establishing voice communication with the patient, it is desirable to address the patient by name and, thus, foster a more personal conversation with the patient. Further, if the patient is a non-English speaking patient, it is desirable to address the patient using the appropriate language. Also, a text message that contains specific information about the patient, such as dietary or medication information, can enable staff to address the patient&#39;s request without having to actually visit or establish voice communication with the patient. Thus, staff can provide more efficient service.  
         [0006]     Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an apparatus and method for retrieving, pursuant to an input signal, applicable data from a data source and utilizing the retrieved data to construct and route an outgoing message. Hospitals can provide efficient and personalized responses to patient requests by using this apparatus and method to access a data source and obtain specific information about the patient that is requesting assistance, and then route the relevant portions of the information, via a text message, to those having privy to the information and responsible for caring for the patient.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the present invention, wherein in one aspect an apparatus is provided that in some embodiments responds to an input signal by accessing a data source and retrieving relevant data and utilizing the data to construct and route an outgoing message.  
         [0008]     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for communicating, comprising a computer processing device linked to a network and configured to receive data from the network, analyze the data and provide a text message to the network; a router linked to the computer processing device configured to route an input and the text message; a database linked to the router configured to receive, store and provide substantive data and routing data, and a message generator linked to the database configured to generate the text message based on the substantive data and determine a routing destination for the text message based on the routing data.  
         [0009]     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is a method for communicating, comprising the steps of receiving an input; retrieving data from a database based on the input; analyzing the data and the input; generating a text message based on an analysis of the data and the input, and routing the text message to a peripheral.  
         [0010]     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for automatically constructing and routing a message, comprising: a computer processing device linked to a network and configured to receive data from the network, analyze the data and provide a text message to the network; a router linked to the computer processing device configured to route an input and the text message; a database linked to the router configured to receive, store and provide substantive data and routing data; and a real time transaction server linked to the database and configured to transmit the input to an automatic message generator. Wherein, upon receiving the input, the automatic message generator is configured to utilize the input to locate the substantive data and the routing data, prescribe a content for the text message based on the substantive data, and prescribe a routing destination for the text message based on the routing data.  
         [0011]     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof herein may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional embodiments of the invention that will be described below and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.  
         [0012]     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.  
         [0013]     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a communication network according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an apparatus capable of constructing and routing a message according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart outlining an operation for a system capable of automatically constructing and routing a message according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart outlining an operation for a system capable of automatically constructing and routing a message according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart outlining an operation for a system capable of constructing and routing a message pursuant to the manual control of an operator according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart outlining an operation for a system capable of constructing and routing a message pursuant to the manual control of an operator according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0020]     The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. The present invention provides an apparatus and method for responding to an input signal by accessing a data source, retrieving relevant data and utilizing the data to construct and route an outgoing message. An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides an input device, a data source, a managing device, an output device, and a network linking the aforementioned devices. The managing device is in continuous communication with the data source and the input device, such that the data source and the input device update the managing device when data is newly added or modified or when conditions related to the input device change. In operation, an input signal is sent from the input device to the managing device. Based on the input signal and the continuously updated information obtained from the data source and the input device, the managing device constructs and routes a message to the output device.  
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is an exemplary communication network  10  according to the disclosed apparatus and method. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the exemplary network  10  includes a managing device  12 , a signal input device  14 , a database  16 , and an information output device  18 . It should be appreciated that the above mentioned components  12 - 18  can be linked together by any architecture that is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0022]     The communication network  10  can, for example, provide communication between hospital staff and patients. For example, a patient can signal the managing device  12  via the signal input device  14 . Based on the particular signal indicated and the continuously up-to-date information obtained from the database  16  and the signal input device  14 , the managing device  12  can construct a patient-specific outgoing message and send the message to appropriate hospital staff via an information output device  18 .  
         [0023]     The signal input device  14  can be, for example, a nurse call device, where the patient can choose between standard indicator buttons, such as a bathroom button, an emergency button, a staff assistant button, or a nurse call button. Also, the signal input device  14  can be an automated machine, for example, a heart monitor that can signal the managing device  12  when a irregular heartbeat occurs.  
         [0024]     The signal input device  14  is in continuous communication with the managing device  12 , such that the signal input device  14  provides updated data regarding its location, i.e., intensive care unit or pediatrics. Also, the signal input device  14  can update the managing device  12  regarding the status or condition of the patient.  
         [0025]     The database  16  can be, for example, an admit discharge transfer system (hereinafter referred to as “ADT”). The ADT maintains a census for the hospital, for example, the name and status of each admitted patient. The ADT is in continuous communication with the managing device  12  via an industry standard HL7 protocol. For example, when a patient is admitted to the hospital, the ADT will communicate the newly admitted patient&#39;s information to the managing device  12 . The managing device  12  can locally store the new patient&#39;s information, and utilize the information when constructing a patient-specific outgoing message.  
         [0026]     The ADT can provide to the managing device  12  information such as the patient&#39;s name, identification number, diagnosis, allergies, emergency contact information, and what language the patient speaks.  
         [0027]     The information output device  18  can take many different forms and be utilized in many different locations. For example, the output device  18  can be a pager, cell phone, intercom system display, or a display monitor. It should be appreciated that the output device  18  can be any device capable of receiving a text message.  
         [0028]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the managing device  12  can include, for example, a controller  20 , a memory  22 , a real time transaction server  24 , a system image table device  26 , an automatic message generating device  28 , a message web server  30 , a manual message generating device  32 , and a browser-enabled display  34 . The above mentioned components can be coupled by a control/data bus  34 . Although, it should be appreciated that any other architecture, as known to those of ordinary skill in the art, may be used to couple the above mention components. It should also be appreciated that components  24 - 32  can take the form of software/firmware routines residing in memory  22  capable of being executed by the controller  20 .  
         [0029]     The real time transaction server  24  receives input signals from the signal input device and routes the input signals to the automatic message device  28 . Also, the real time transaction server  24  receives outgoing messages from both the automatic message device  28  and the manual message web server device  30 . Upon receiving the outgoing messages, the real time transaction server  24  routes the outgoing messages to the information output devices  18 .  
         [0030]     In an alternative embodiment, the real time transaction server  24  receives incoming signals from the signal input device  14 , identifies the specific type of signal received, and routes the incoming signal accordingly. For example, the real time transaction server  24  can receive an incoming signal and identify whether it is a bathroom assistance call, an emergency call, a code blue call, or nurse assistance call. Based on the specific type and time of receipt, the real time transaction server  24  routes the incoming signal to either the automatic message device  28  or a browser-capable display  34 .  
         [0031]     Also, in the alternative embodiment, the real time transaction server  24  is programmable such that it routes incoming signals pursuant to programming instructions. A system administrator can program the real time transaction server  24  to route incoming signals to either the automatic message device  28  or the browser-capable display  34  based on, for example, the specific circumstances present in the particular location where which the signal input device is located. For example, if the signal input device is located in an intensive care unit, the real time transaction server can route the incoming signal to the automatic message device because it can construct and route an outgoing message without the need for manual intervention. It should be appreciated that factors other than, or in addition to, time and type of the incoming signal can be used to determine whether the incoming signal is routed to the automatic message device  28  or to a particular browser-capable display  34 , or to both.  
         [0032]     The system image table device  26  stores and organizes the information obtained by the managing device  12  pursuant to its continuous communication with the signal input device  14  and the database  16 . Thus, when utilized in a hospital, the system image table device  26  contains up-to-date information relating to each admitted patient. For example, the system image table device  26  contains information that indicates the particular information fields that are to be included in the outgoing message, substantive information that corresponds with the required information fields, and routing information that determines where the outgoing message is to be routed in order to properly respond to the incoming signal.  
         [0033]     When utilized in a hospital, the system image table device  26  provides, for example, the automatic message device  28  with particular information fields based on the room number within the input signal. These informations may include a room name, the name of the signaling patient, and the diagnosis of the signaling patient. The system image table device  26  also provides the corresponding substantive data for the aforementioned information fields. Further, the system image table device  26  provides routing information, such as to which doctor, nurse, staff member, or team the outgoing message should be routed and the routing information for the output device  18  associated with the message receiving doctor, nurse, staff member or team.  
         [0034]     The automatic message device  28  is capable of automatically constructing an outgoing message and assigning an appropriate routing instructions based on the incoming signal type and the information it receives from the system image table device  26 . For example, when the real time transaction server  24  routes an incoming signal to the automatic message device  28 , the automatic message device  28  accesses the system image table device  26 , where it obtains information relevant to the incoming signal. For example, the automatic message device  28  accesses the system image table device  26  to obtain, among other things, the applicable format for the outgoing message. In other words, the automatic message device  28  obtains, from the system image table device  26 , the specific information fields that correspond with the specific type of incoming signal. The automatic message device  28  also obtains, from the system image table device  26 , the substantive data that corresponds with each of the applicable information fields. The automatic message device  28  then constructs an outgoing message comprising the substantive data that corresponds with each of the applicable information fields and assigns routing instructions that properly respond to the incoming signal. It should be noted that the automatic messaging device may route the message to multiple output devices  18 , and may add various delays before each routing to create a routing sequence that gives each output device  18  some amount of time to respond to the message before the next output device is signaled.  
         [0035]     The message browser device  32  is capable of submitting an input signal to the message web server  30 , and the message web server  30  is capable of obtaining all information related to the input signal from the system image table device  26 . For example, when the message web browser  32  submits an incoming signal to the message web server  30 , the message web server  30  accesses the system image table device  26 , where it obtains all information relating to the origin of the incoming signal, which may include login and/or bed number. The origin of the incoming signal can be, for example, the nursing unit in which a particular patient is located. The information provided to the message browser device  32 , for example, includes a list of all beds in the nursing unit, the patient name associated with each bed, the particular staff member associated with each patient, and the routing information for output device  18  associated with each staff member. The message web server  30  then sends all of the information obtained from the system image table device  26  to the message browser device  32 .  
         [0036]     In an alternative embodiment, the message web server  30  is capable of identifying the incoming signal based on a login, and obtaining all related information from the system image table device  26 . For example, when the real time transaction server  24  routes an incoming signal to a browser-enabled display  34 , the display operator can launch a browser  32 , which signals the message web server  30  with auto-login and/or bed number information. The message web server  30  accesses the system image table device  26  where it obtains all information relating to the origin of the incoming signal. The origin of the incoming signal can be, for example, the patient responsible for submitting the incoming signal. This is in contrast to the automatic message device  28 , which accesses specific information relating to the incoming signal. The message web server  30  then routes all of the information obtained from the system image table device  26  to the message browser device  32 .  
         [0037]     The message browser device  32  presents all of the information received from the message web server device  30  to an operator. The operator can select among the presented information and, thereby, manually construct an outgoing message and assign routing information thereto.  
         [0038]     The browser-enabled device  34  is a display output and a browser input. The browser-enabled device  34  continuously receives information from various devices in the network  10 , such as the database  16  and signal input device  14 . It should be appreciated that the browser-enabled device  34  can receive information from sources not linked to the network  10 . The browser-enabled device  34  displays the continuous information to an operator. Further, the browser-enabled device  34  enables the operator to generate a message and route the message to the messaging web server device  30 .  
         [0039]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart outlining an exemplary operation according to the present disclosure for a system capable of automatically constructing and routing a message. The operation starts at step  40 , where the real time transaction server  24  receives an input signal. Next, in step  42 , the real time transaction server  24  routes the input signal to the automatic message device  28 . Once the automatic message device  28  receives the incoming signal, the system proceeds to step  44 , where the automatic message device  28  accesses the system image table device  26 .  
         [0040]     Once the automatic message device  28  accesses the system image table device  26 , the system next performs step  46 , which is to determine the information fields necessary to adequately construct an outgoing message. Once the information fields are determined, the system proceeds to step  48  where the automatic message device  28  obtains from the system image table device  26  the substantive data that corresponds to the information fields determined in step  48 . Next, in step  50 , the automatic message device  28  obtains, from the system image table device  26 , the routing information for the outgoing message. In step  52 , the automatic message device  28  routes the prescribed message and routing information to the real time transaction server  24 , and in step  54  the real time transaction server  24  routes the outgoing message to the specified output devices  18 .  
         [0041]     The operation outlined in  FIG. 3  can be understood by the following example. A patient, in need of nurse assistance, presses the nurse call button, which is located on the signal input device  14 . The signal input device  14  then transmits an input signal to the automatic message device  28  via the real time transaction server  24 . The automatic message device  28  recognizes the input signal as a nurse call signal. The automatic message device  28  then accesses the system image table device  26 , where it obtains the name of the requesting patient, the nurse responsible for the requesting patient, and the routing information for the information output device  18  associated with that particular nurse. The automatic message device  28  then sends the routing information along with a message containing the name of the patient and that the patient requests nurse assistance to the real time transaction server  24 . The real time transaction server  24  then transmits the outgoing message to the corresponding output device  18 .  
         [0042]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart outlining an operation for a system capable of automatically constructing and routing a message according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The operation starts at step  60 , where the real time transaction server  24  receives an incoming signal. Next, in step  62 , the real time transaction server  24  identifies the specific type of the incoming call. For example, the incoming signal can be a staff call, an emergency call, a bed call, or a bathroom call.  
         [0043]     Once the specific type of the call has been identified, the real time transaction server  24  routes the incoming signal to all devices configured to receive that specific type of incoming signal, as shown in step  64 . If the incoming signal is of the type that requires automatic construction and routing of an outgoing message, the real time transaction server  24  routes the incoming signal to at least the automatic message device  28 . Once the automatic message device  28  receives the incoming signal, the system proceeds to step  66 , where the automatic message device  28  accesses the system image table device  26 .  
         [0044]     Once the automatic message device  28  accesses the system image table device  26 , the system next performs step  68 , which is to determine the information fields necessary to adequately construct an outgoing message. Once the information fields are determined, the system proceeds to step  70  where the automatic message device  28  obtains from the system image table device  26  the substantive data that corresponds to the information fields determined in step  46 . Next, in step  72 , the automatic message device  28  obtains, from the system image table device  26 , the routing instructions for the outgoing message. In step  74 , the automatic message device  28  routes the prescribed message and routing instructions to the real time transaction server  24 , and in step  76 , the real time transaction server  24  routes the outgoing message to the specified information output devices  18 .  
         [0045]      FIG. 5 . is a flowchart outlining an operation for a system capable of constructing and routing a message according to manual instruction from an operator according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. First, in step  80 , the messaging browser  32  sends an input signal to the message web server device  30 . Next, in step  82 , the message web server device  30  accesses the system image table device  26  to obtain all information relevant to the input signal. Next, in step  84 , the message web server device  30  sends all of the obtained information back to the manual message device  32 .  
         [0046]     Next, in step  86 , the manual message device  32  presents all of the obtained information to an operator. Based on the information presented, the operator can manually construct a message and designate routing instructions for the message. Once the operator has constructed the message and selected routing appropriate routing information, the manual message device  32  routes an outgoing message and the associated routing information to the message web server device  30 , as shown in step  88 . Next, in step  90 , the message web server device  30  routes the outgoing message and associated routing information to the real time transaction server  24 . Finally, in step  92 , the real time transaction server  24  routes the message to the designated output device  18 .  
         [0047]     The operation outlined in  FIG. 5  can be understood by the following example. The input signal is a telephone call from the laboratory to an operator in charge of a particular nursing unit. The telephone message indicates that lab results for a particular patient are complete. The operator then accesses the messaging browser  32 . Upon access, the messaging browser  32  accesses the system image table device  26  via the message web server device  30 . From this access, the message browser  32  displays, to the operator, information relevant to that particular nursing unit. For example, the message browser  32  presents to the operator a list of all beds in the nurse unit, the patient name associated with each bed, the particular staff member associated with each patient, and the routing information for the output device  18  associated with each staff member.  
         [0048]     The operator indicates the patient for which the laboratory results are associated and constructs a message indicating that the laboratory results are complete. The message browser  32  then sends the message and the routing information for the output information output device  18  associated with the particular staff member responsible for the patient to the message web server device  30 . The message web server device then sends the message and routing information to the real time transaction server  24 . The real time transaction server then sends the message out to the information output device  18 .  
         [0049]      FIG. 6 . is a flowchart outlining an operation for a system capable of constructing and routing a message pursuant to manual instruction from an operator according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The operation starts at step  96  where the real time transaction server  24  receives an incoming signal. Next, in step  98 , the real time transaction server  24  identifies the specific type of the incoming call. For example, the incoming signal can be a staff call, an emergency call, a bed call, or a bathroom call.  
         [0050]     Once the specific type of the call has been identified, the real time transaction server  24  routes the incoming signal to all devices configured to receive that specific type of incoming signal, as shown in step  99 . If the incoming signal is of the type that requires that an outgoing message be manually constructed, the real time transaction server  24  routes the incoming signal to at least a browser-enabled display  34 . An operator reads the display and determines that a message is required and initiates the browser  32  with an automatic login, bed, or nursing unit, as shown in step  100 . The message browser  32  routes the incoming signal along with the automatic login, bed, or nursing unit to the message web server device  30 . Once the message web server device  30  receives the incoming signal, the system proceeds to step  102 , where the message web server device  30  accesses the system image table device  26 .  
         [0051]     Upon accessing the system image table device  26 , the system next performs step  104 , where the message web server device  30  obtains, from the system image table device  26 , all information relating to the origin of the incoming signal. Next, in step  106 , the message web server device  30  routes all of the obtained information to message browser device  32 .  
         [0052]     Next, in step  108 , the message browser presents all of the information relating to the origin of the incoming signal to an operator. Based on the information presented, the operator can manually construct a message and assign a routing instructions for the message. Once the operator has constructed the message and selected routing instructions, the message browser  32  routes the outgoing message and prescribed instructions to the message web server device  30 , as shown in step  110 . Next, in step  112 , the message web server device  30  routes the outgoing message and prescribed instructions to the real time transaction server  24 . Finally, in step  114 , the real time transaction server routes the message and to the prescribed destination, also referred to as the information output device  18 .  
         [0053]     Although the present apparatus and method is useful to construct and route hospital patient message requests, it can also be used construct and route message requests in other settings.  
         [0054]     The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.