AU2004200979B8

AU2004200979B8 - Method and apparatus for the treatment of and recovery to patients

Info

Publication number: AU2004200979B8
Application number: AU2004200979A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Philip N. Watson
Original assignee: ERECOVERGRAM Pty Ltd
Current assignee: ERECOVERGRAM Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2003-03-11
Filing date: 2004-03-10
Publication date: 2011-07-14
Anticipated expiration: 2024-03-10
Also published as: AU2004200979A1; AU2004200979B2

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for the treatment of and recovery to patients having an ailment or injury, such as an acute musculoskeletal condition wherein the apparatus includes computerised means adapted for entry, storage, retrieval and 5 display of patient data, in particular, treatment provided and the progressive condition of the patient during treatment, the computerised means having access means to qualify access of a user to different levels of data entry and/or retrieval, the computerised means further having an application interface for input of data by the user, a database for storage of the patient data, database entry and 10 storage and retrieval means, wherein the computerised means central processing unit is adapted to process data for the plotting of patient condition values against time in order to achieve a graphical display recording the patient's progress in response to the treatment being provided against time for diagnostic and/or prognostic purposes. Data From: Existing computer database Menu Pre-consultation downloaded from GP or Patient option During consultation driven Post consultation from patient CPUiComputer .o Analysed, Calculated 30 - .Stand alone Data collated, graphed patient record previous data updated, n 40'- Integrated with medicine software Related to relevant Existing da4, se. database patient Projected plotted - Evidence based recovery 60 medicine 6! 60 6 Suggestions Re: Management 7o Global communication Network (internet) and Accessible from website. W 0 C-Subscription based -Jb Security clearance ability cCCe GS Program g Authentication component Medical encryption ability Customer tracking facility 90o

Description

1 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF AND RECOVERY TO PATIENTS FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 The present invention relates generally to the treatment and recovery of patients with debilitating ailments or injuries, in particular but not exclusively to patients with acute and/or chronic musculoskeletal complaints or conditions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 10 Most people throughout their lives from time to time suffer some form of muscular related ailment or injury. Some of these ailments or injuries can be debilitating to the extent that the person when in great pain or discomfort, may not be able to work or do anything without causing greater discomfort or further aggravating the ailment or injury. 15 In order to treat the ailment or injury, the patients health professional, typically a doctor, will usually devise a management plan which may utilise a number of treatments inclusive of drugs, physiotherapy, exercise and diet over a defined period of time during which the health professional in consultation with 20 the patient will monitor the patient's progress. Over time, health professionals have developed various ways of treating and monitoring a patient's progress during recovery from an ailment or injury.

2 The patient's progress is monitored against the effectiveness of a treatment regime and if necessary, changes are made to optimise the treatment process that the patient effects a full recovery as quickly as possible. 5 The development of a clinical tool for patients with acute ailments or injury such as acute musculoskeletal conditions, would be extremely useful in their clinical management. Collating data in its most appropriate form pertaining to patients with acute problems has been of interest for sometime, as the delay in the progress of a patient's recovery can lead to many adverse effects. These 10 include a worse health outcome, with long term illness and chronically, psychological and social detriments, as well as increasing financial expenditure. An ideal measure needs to be sensitive to the smallest changes in the clinical status over time, be relevant to musculoskeletal problems, yet be simple 15 to obtain and collate onto an appropriate format. The latter then should enable any observer to quickly ascertain whether there has been satisfactory, or conversely, delay in the recovery process. Some investigators have described methods for assessing physical impairment and disability; however this was only applicable to patients with low-back pain. Also the data obtained seemed of less 20 usefulness to those with acute than with more long-standing problems. Many other measuring systems commonly used in musculoskeletal medicine (eg, the Oswestry Disability Scale, SF-36 Health Survey, the McGill Pain Questionnaire, and others), are also limited in their application. They may be either specific only 3 to a particular region, or are somewhat time consuming to perform. An important factor is their inability to measure small rates of change in recovery over the time scale more applicable to acute musculoskeletal problems. The windows of opportunity in which active interventions are likely to be of most benefit to 5 patients are early as to prevent the onset of chronic symptoms. However, observing the natural resolution of the problem may also prevent unnecessary interventions. Lastly, many systems are based on a standarized set of questions and may not be flexible for an individual patient's problem. 10 Previous attempts to chart the progress of patients with a musculoskeletal complaint have been inappropriate for several reasons. Firstly, they have been developed for patients who have chronic conditions and secondly the data has been too difficult to obtain in a clinical setting ie. With a consultation usually lasting only 15 minutes. 15 Much of this data is gathered from long and time consuming questionnaires, which in turn require more time consuming analysis. A clinical tool (RecovergramM) developed by the inventor exists in paper 20 form and was developed as a clinical tool to enable the closer and more detailed measuring and monitoring and improved management of patients having an acute episode of musculoskeletal complaint. The parameters of pain and function have shown to be valid for measuring a patient's progress. These are 4 sensitive to changes over short 'time intervals, eg. weekly, and therefore highly appropriate in the acute management setting of those patients. When this data is converted into a graph format it demonstrates instantly and dramatically to the treating personal whether satisfactory or delayed progress in curing them. I the 5 data had remained in text form. In addition to pain and function scores, corresponding but brief details of investigations and interventions are also entered. Treating personal, having being alerted to any delay or worsening of progress may adjust the management of the patient sooner, providing opportunities to reduce human and monitoring costs and possibly limit the risk of 10 chronic conditions developing. The terms "Health Professionals" and "Treating Personal" as used herein alone or combined with other words includes medical practitioners, physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths. 15 There is a need to develop a method and apparatus that enables data to be easily and effectively stored, updated and processed so that the treatment and recovery of patients with debilitatry ailments or injury is improved. 20 Presently there is no software to convert the data collected into a form that can be easily recorded, quickly stored, and more readily retrievable.

5 OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide an improved method and apparatus for the treatment and recovery of patients with debilitating ailments or injury that ameliorate some of the disadvantages and limitations of the known art 5 or at least provide the public with a useful choice. STATEMENT OF INVENTION In one aspect the invention resides in an apparatus for the treatment of patients having an ailment or injury, such as an acute musculoskeletal condition 10 wherein the apparatus includes: computerised means adapted for entry, storage, retrieval and display of patient data, in particular, treatment provided and the progressive condition of the patient during treatment, the computerised means having access means to qualify access of 15 a user to different levels of data entry and/or retrieval, the computerised means further having an application interface for input of data by the user, a database for storage of the patient data, database entry and storage and retrieval means, 20 wherein the computerised means central processing unit is adapted to process data for the plotting of patient condition values against time in order to achieve a graphical display recording the patient's progress in 6 response to the treatment being provided against time for diagnostic and/or prognostic purposes. Preferably the computerised means is connected to a web server hosting 5 a website accessible to a user via a user system connected to a website a global communications network, typically the Internet, preferably the web server includes: a web browser to access information and data on the website, an application interface for input of data by the user, 10 a database for storage of the patient, database entry and storage and retrieval means. In a further aspect the invention resides in an apparatus for the treatment of patients having an ailment or injury, such as an acute musculoskeletal 15 condition wherein the apparatus includes: computerised means adapted for entry, storage, retrieval and display of patient data, in particular, treatment provided and progressive condition of the patient during treatment, the computerised means having access means to qualify access of 20 a user through a user system to different levels of data entry and/or retrieval, the computerised means connected to a web server hosting a website accessible to a user via a user system connected to a global 7 communications network, typically the Internet, wherein the web server includes: a web browser to access information and data on the website, an application interface for input of data by the user, 5 a database for storage of saved data, database entry and storage and retrieval means, the computerised means central processing unit is adapted to process data for the plotting of patient condition values against time in order to achieve a graphical display recording the patient's progress in response to 10 the treatment being provided against time for diagnostic and/or prognostic purposes. In another aspect the invention resides in a method for the treatment of patients having an ailment or injury, such as an acute musculoskeletal condition, 15 wherein the method includes: obtaining patient data relating to the patients condition and progress to treatment being provided, entering patient data on to a computerised means adapted for entry, storage, retrieval and display of patent data, 20 processing the patent data using the central processing unit of the computerised means to obtain a plot of patient condition values against time in order to achieve a graphical display recording the patient's 8 progress in response to the treatment being provided against time for diagnostic and/or prognostic purposes, analysing the graphical data to ascertain the patients progress and modifying the patients treatment in response to the outcomes of the 5 analysis. Preferably the computerised means is connected to the a web server hosting a website accessible to a user via a user system connected to a global communications network, typically the Internet, so that the patient, treating 10 personal and other interested third parties such as an employer or health insurer can have access to a patients data in relation to the patients progress to the treatment being provided. Preferably the patient via the global communications network is able to 15 consult with the treating personal about and/or enter the patient data relating to the patients condition and progress to treatment onto an applications interface for entry onto a database having entry and storage and retrieval means from which the computerised means can process the data into said graphical display. The results of the graphical display can then be sent via the global network to the 20 patient, treating personal and other interested party. Preferably the graphical display can be a sole record for the patient or maybe incorporated into existing computerised medical records.

9 Preferably the patient data relates to pain intensity, disability function, type of investigations carried out e.g. radiology or blood tests, interventions carried out, such as manual therapy, injections, surgery, prescriptions, etc, and work status. 5 Preferably the investigations, interventions and work status are tabulated on the corresponding date of consultation. Preferably the pain intensity is given a rating score between 1 and 10 10 where a score of 10 is high pain intensity and 1 is low pain intensity. Preferably the disability function relates to the ability to do four activities. Each activities is given a rating between 0 and 3 where 0 equals can do activity unlimited, 1 equals can do but slightly limited, 2 equals can do but severely 15 limited and 3 equals cannot do activity at all. Preferably the disability function is plotted graphically as a total combined score of the ratings given for each of the four activities, whereby the total combined score can have a maximum value of 12 only and a minimum value of 20 0. Preferably the work status relates to the patients ability to work i.e. able to work full time, able to work part time, not able to work.

10 Preferably the data is obtained weekly, however other time intervals can be chosen depending upon the type of condition being treated and depending upon the severity of the condition. 5 Preferably a patients progress to treatment can be compared to historical data including previous patient data or to other patients relating to the same or similar condition so that treatments can be compared and analysed obtain trends as to the best preferred form of treatment. 10 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figure which is a flow chart describing steps, treating patients with debilitation aliments and or injury in accordance to 15 the invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention treatment apparatus for treating patients having an ailment or injury, such as an acute musculoskeletal condition. The treatment apparatus 20 includes a computer adapted for entry, storage, retrieval and display of patient data, in particular, treatment provided and the progressive condition of the patient during treatment. The computer can have an access controller to qualify access of a user to different levels of data entry and/or retrieval. The computer also has 11 an application interface for input of data by the user, a database for storage of the patient data, database entry and storage and retrieval applications/software. The computers central processing unit is adapted to process data for the 5 plotting of patient condition values against time in order to achieve a graphical display recording the patient's progress in response to the treatment being provided against time for diagnostic and/or prognostic purposes. The computer can be connected to a web server hosting a website accessible to a user via a user system connected to a website a global communications network, typically 10 the Internet. The web server includes a web browser to access information and data on the website, an application interface for input of data by the user, a database for storage of the patient, database entry and storage and retrieval applications/software. 15 The patient, via the global communications network, may consult remotely with the treating personal about and/or enter the patient data relating to the patients condition and progress to treatment onto an applications interface for entry onto a database having entry and storage and retrieval means from which the computerised means can process the data into said graphical display. The 20 results of the graphical display can then be sent via the global network to the patient, treating personal and other interested party.

12 The graphical display can be a sole record for the patient or maybe incorporated into existing computerised medical records. The patient data relates to pain intensity, disability function, type of investigations carried out e.g. radiology or blood tests, interventions carried out such as manual therapy, 5 injections, surgery, prescriptions, etc, and work status. The investigations, interventions and work status is tabulated on the corresponding date of consultation. The pain intensity is given a rating score between 1 and 10 where a score of 10 is high pain intensity and I is low pain intensity. The disability function relates to the ability to do four activities. Each activities is given a rating 10 - between 0 and 3 where 0 equals can do activity unlimited, 1 equals can do but slightly limited, 2 equals can do but severely limited and 3 equals cannot do activity at all. The disability function is plotted graphically as a total combined score of the ratings given for each of the four activities, whereby the total combined score can have a maximum value of 12 only and a minimum value of 15 0. The work status relates to the patient's ability to work i.e. able to work full time, able to work part time, not able to work. The data maybe obtained weekly, however other time intervals can be chosen depending upon the type of condition being treated and depending upon 20 the severity of the condition. A patients progress to treatment can be compared to historical data including previous patient data or to other patients relating to the same or similar condition so that treatments can be compared and analysed obtain trends as to the best preferred form of treatment.

13 Turning now to the figure, which shows a preferred flow chart of a system for managing and treating a patient with a debilitating ailment or injury. A patient with a debilitating aiment or injury is assessed by a health professional. The 5 health professional obtains data from the patient such as pain intensity, ability to function, investigations (e.g. radiological or blood tests etc.), length of time being treated, inventions undertaken (manual therapy, surgery, medication etc.) and work status. 10 The health professional enters this acquired data onto a computer 20 where other data 10 is stored or entered. The other data 10 could be from an existing database, pre consultation downloaded from a GP or Patients own computerised records stored on a remote computer, a CD, a floppy disc, or any other suitable electronic medium. The data can be entered on the computer 20 15 by following optional menu driven commands 11 on the computer. Once the data has been entered on the computer 20, the data is analysed and results calculated 30 and then the data is processed, collated and graphed previous data updated 40. At this stage 40, the collated data and graphed data 20 can be added to the patients stand alone records 41 and the patients standalone records 41 feedback to the collated data. Also the data can be integrated with known medical/medicine software 42 relating to the patients management 14 records so that the patients previous management records can be fedback into the collated data. The combined data is then entered onto a database 50 in 5 conjunction with an existing database for the patient for comparison and management purposes related to previous and current patient care 51. Then a projected graphical plot representing the progress of the patient's recovery 60 is generated and a suggested management plan 70 produced for treating the ailment or injury. This management plan may include: 10 (i) medication required to treat the ailment or injury and/or alleviate pain associated therewith; (ii) physical therapy or surgical options; (iii) Activity status i.e. ability to work or level of physical activities projected; 15 (iv) length of time to full recovery. At either steps 50, 60 or 70 existing knowledge, research and evidence based medicine 61 can be inputted there in so as to suggest or confirm projected recovery plan for the patient. 20 After step 70 the suggested treatment and management plan, using a Network Access program 80, can be sent out via a global communication 15 network 90 to appropriate health professionals, the patient, employers, health insurers etc. ADVANTAGES 5 The invention relates in the following advantages over the prior art: > Data relating to a patient's condition and progress to treatment is easily entered into the computer at each consultation and only takes a few minutes; > Results are presented in graphical form allowing for instant detailed 10 analysis by the treating personal which in turn allows the treating personal to monitor and modify a patients treatment a lot sooner; > The patient is able to provide the data without a consultation with a treating personal. The patients can provide the data via the global communications network to their records and receive an updated 15 graphical display of the their progress; > The treating personal is able to report to the patient, via the global communications network, the patient progress and provide an updated treatment regime in response to the progress (or lack thereof) made by the patient since the last report; 20 > The treating personal is able to inform interest parties, such as employers, health insures and the like, sooner of a patients progress; > A patients data and progress to treatment can be compared to historical data including previous patient data or to other patients 16 relating to the same or similar condition so that treatments can be compared, analysed and researched so that trends can be obtained as to the best preferred form of treatment; > Allows for better accountability, visibility, and clarity of a patient's 5 treatment; > Improves efficiency and effectiveness and provides savings by reducing costs significantly in the delivery of services. The savings are in human, resources and monetary terms. 10 VARIATIONS Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components known equivalents, then such equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. 15 Throughout the description of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. It is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to the 20 described embodiments and therefore that numerous variations and modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for treating and/or facilitating the recovery of a patient having an ailment or injury, such as an acute musculoskeletal condition, wherein the apparatus includes: a computerised means adapted for entry, storage, retrieval and display of patient data, the patient data including scores relating to measured parameters of pain and function of the patient at a certain time during the treatment or recovery, the computerised means further having: (1) an application interface for input of the patient data by the user; (2) a database for storage of the patient data inputted by the user, the database also comprising historical data including any previous patient data and/or other data for patients having a similar acute musculoskeletal condition; (3) database entry and storage and retrieval means; and (4) a computerised means having access means to qualify access of a user to different levels of data entry and/or retrieval, wherein the computerised means is adapted to process the scores relating to measured parameters of pain and function and any previous patient data so as to provide a graphical display recording the patient's progress during the treatment or recovery and to compare the progress of the patient with the other data for patients having a similar acute musculoskeletal condition so as to determine a preferred treatment regime.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the computerised means is connected to a web server hosting a website accessible to the user via the internet, wherein the website provides the application interface for input of the patient data. 18

3. An apparatus for treating and/or facilitating the recovery of a patient having an ailment or injury, such as an acute musculoskeletal condition, wherein the apparatus includes: a computerised means adapted for entry, storage, retrieval and display of patient data, the patient data including scores relating to measured parameters of pain and function of the patient at a certain time during the treatment or recovery, the computerised means having an access means to qualify access of a user to different levels of data entry and/or retrieval, wherein the computerised means is connected to a web server hosting a website accessible to a user via the internet, the web server including: (i) a web browser to access information and data on the website; (ii) an application interface for input of the patient data by the user; (iii) a database for storage of the patient data inputted by the user the database also comprising historical data including any previous patient data and/or or other data for patients having a similar acute musculoskeletal condition; and (iv) database entry and storage and retrieval means, and wherein the computerised means is adapted to process the scores relating to measured parameters of pain and function and any previous patient data so as to provide a graphical display recording the patient's progress during the treatment or recovery and to compare the progress of the patient with the other data for patients having a similar acute musculoskeletal condition so as to determine a preferred treatment regime.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein treating personal and other interested third parties such as an employers or health insurers can have access to a patients data in relation to the patients progress via the website. 19

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the patient is able to consult with the treating personal about the patients progress during the treatment or recovery via the website.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the graphical display is incorporated with any previous patient data in the database to create a medical record for the patient.

7. An apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.