CN1926550A - Medical information user interface and task management system - Google Patents

Abstract

A healthcare delivery information management system, for managing provision of health care to a patient, includes an interface processor and a display processor. The interface processor receives information identifying a particular patient. The display processor initiates generation of data representing a composite display image including a first area, a second area, and a third area. The first area includes a first set of data items representing different types of healthcare information, and a second set of data items individually associated with corresponding items of the first set of data items. The display processor initiates generation of data representing a particular type of healthcare information for the particular patient in the second area in response to user selection of an individual item of the first set of data items. The display processor initiates generation of data representing current healthcare information of a particular type for the particular patient in the third area in response to user selection of an individual item of the second set of data items.

Description

Medical Information User Interface and Task Management System

Cross References to Related Applications

This application is a non-provisional application of Provisional Application Serial No. 60/514,788 filed October 27, 2003 by Clause Knapheide and Provisional Application Serial No. 60/511,036 filed October 14, 2003 by Clause Knapheide.

Field of Invention

The present invention relates generally to computer information systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a medical information user interface and task management system.

Background of the Invention

Computerized information systems for clinical applications ("clinical systems") typically have a distinction between browsing and content. After a user of the clinical system uses a browser to navigate through a hierarchical data tree structure (eg, nested folders containing documents), the clinical system allows the user to select and use a single type of data or tool. Allowed selections include: pending or current elements of the patient, adding elements, browsing or any other type of directory access tool for such data, or managing current tasks with whatever functionality is needed. Typically, the user chooses a different task and loses view of previous operation data and loses its context. Often, users do not complete and store their work until they are able to find data from other directories.

Typically, clinical systems generate a data-driven model of data and tools. However, data representations of such clinical systems are unlikely to fit the user's mental model when viewed with disparate data, involve complex professional thinking, and rule out possible combinations of data in ways that the system cannot foresee (eg: workflow processing).

In particular, existing clinical systems display medical data separately over time using directories, and thus subdirectories, etc., but do not display information about patient conditions or clinical needs that would lead to appropriate clinical conclusions, located in different areas of the data tree. Understand the combination of data. This type of clinical system enables users to either take notes, open multiple instances of the clinical system simultaneously, or rely on short-term memory to compare and correlate information that has been categorized by different types of data or tools.

For example, finding an existing instance of a data type and initiating a new type of data or activity for a patient have a lot in common logically, but they are not always related in clinical workflow. Two adjacent steps of the workflow always involve different tools and data types, and the user always needs information from one step when using the other. Accordingly, there is a need for a medical information user interface and task management system that addresses these and other shortcomings of existing systems.

Invention Summary

A healthcare delivery information management system for managing delivery of healthcare to patients includes an interface processor and a display processor. The interface processor receives information identifying a particular patient. The display processor initiates generation of data representative of a composite display image including the first region, the second region and the third region. The first region includes a first set of data items representing different types of healthcare information, and a second set of data items individually associated with corresponding items of the first set of data items. In response to a user selection of an item in the first set of data items, the display processor initiates generation of data in the second region representing a particular category of healthcare information for a particular patient. In response to a user selection of an item in the second set of data items, the display processor initiates generation of data in the third region representing current particular category of healthcare information for the particular patient.

Brief description of the attached drawings

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a healthcare delivery information management system in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for managing healthcare delivery information for the system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a composite display image generated by the display processor in the system shown in Figure 1 in accordance with the principles of the present invention, including: a first area displaying a conventional work bar, and displaying a first category of special medical care information for a patient of the second area.

FIG. 4 shows the composite display image shown in FIG. 3 according to the principle of the present invention, including: a third area displaying the patient's second type of medical care information.

FIG. 5 shows the composite display image shown in FIG. 3 according to the principle of the present invention, including: a fourth area displaying the patient's third type of medical care information.

Figure 6 shows a composite display image generated by the display processor in the system shown in Figure 1 according to the principles of the present invention, including: a first area for displaying a result work bar, and an area for displaying a second type of special healthcare information second area.

Fig. 7 shows the composite display image shown in Fig. 6 according to the principle of the present invention, including: a fourth area displaying the patient's third type of medical care information.

         Preferred Implementation Plan Details

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a healthcare delivery information management system ("system") 100 . The system 100 includes: a processor 101 , a memory 102 , and a user interface 103 . The processor 101 also includes: a communication processor 104 , a user interface processor 105 , a data processor 106 , and a context management processor 107 . The memory also includes an executable application 108, composite display image 109, healthcare information 110, specific healthcare information 111, patient information 112, and first 113, second 114 and third 115 sets of data items. The user interface 103 also includes: a data input device 116 , a display processor 117 , and a data output device 118 .

Any type of business, organization, or sector may use the system 100, and is preferably used by providers of healthcare products and/or service providers responsible for the health and/or well-being of persons of concern. In a preferred situation, the system 100 represents an information system of a hospital. Providers of healthcare may provide services for a patient's mental, emotional, or physical well-being. Examples of healthcare providers include: hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living care facilities, home healthcare facilities, hospice facilities, critical care facilities, healthcare clinics, physical therapy clinics, massage clinics, pharmaceutical providers, pharmacies, and dental offices. When serving a person of concern, a health care provider diagnoses a health condition or disease and recommends a course of treatment to cure the condition, if such treatment exists, or to provide preventive medical care health services. The people served by a healthcare provider include: patients, residents, customers, users, and individuals.

The system 102 may be fixed or mobile (i.e., portable) and may be implemented in a variety of forms, including servers, personal computers (PCs), desktops, laptops, workstations, minicomputers, mainframes , supercomputers, network-based devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), smart cards, cellular phones, pagers, and wrist watches. The system 100 can be implemented in a centralized or decentralized configuration.

In the system 100, one or more units may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. Furthermore, one or more units may include one or more processors, collectively represented as processor 101 , such as: communication processor 104 , user interface processor 105 , data processor 106 , and context management processor 107 . A processor includes any combination of hardware, firmware, and/or software. A processor acts on stored and/or received information by computing, manipulating, analyzing, modifying, converting, or sending information for use in an executable process or information device, and/or for routing information to an output device. For example, a processor may use or include the capabilities of a controller or microprocessor.

Typically, the processor 101 exchanges user interface data 119 with the user interface 103 and exchanges memory data 120 with the memory 102 . The processor performs tasks in response to processing objects. An object includes: a set of data and/or executable instructions, an executable process, or an executable application 108, as shown in the method 200 in FIG. 2 . An executable application includes code or machine-readable instructions for implementing predetermined functions, including those of an operating system, healthcare information system, or other such information processing system that responds to user instructions or input.

The communications processor 104 represents any type of communications interface that establishes a communications link by sending and/or receiving information, such as data, with a variety of different devices via a communications path (alternatively referred to as a network, link, channel, or connection). Any type of signal to establish these communication links. The communication processor 104 uses the communication protocol data stored in the memory 102 to establish communication through a wired or wireless communication path. The communication path can use any type of protocol or data format, including: Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol Internet Protocol (TCPIP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), RS232 protocol, Ethernet protocol, Medical Interface Bus (MIB ) compatible protocol, local area network (LAN) protocol, wide area network (WAN) protocol, campus area network (CAN) protocol, metropolitan area network (MAN) protocol, home area network (HAN) protocol, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) bus compatible protocol , Digital and Imaging Communications (DICOM) protocol, and Health Level 7 (HL7) protocol.

The user interface processor 105 manages user interface data 119 between the processor 101 and the user interface 103 . For example, the user interface processor 105 receives information that enables the processor 101 to open executable applications for managing the delivery of healthcare to a patient, and information that enables the processor 101 to identify a particular patient.

The data processor 106 performs conventional data processing functions.

The context management processor 107 automatically transfers context information between executable processes that support the functional operations shown in one or more of the second 302, third 401 and fourth regions 501 (FIGS. 3-5), and During the user's navigation between one or more of the second 302, third 401 and fourth areas 501, the user is not required to repeatedly input context information. The contextual information includes: a patient identifier and one or more of: (a) a user identifier, (b) user authorization information, and (c) a computer operation session identifier. The executable process includes one or more of: (a) a single executable application (eg, application 108 ), and (b) different executable applications.

The memory 102 represents a data storage element, or may be referred to as a repository, storage device, database, storage device, or the like. The executable applications 108 represent one or more software applications, programs, or functions that control the operation of the system 100 according to predetermined instructions. The method 200 in FIG. 2 is performed by the executable application 108 for the system 100 .

The composite display image 109 ("image") represents any image associated with the system 100, such as the graphical user interface (GUI) images shown in FIGS. 3-7. Image 109 displays output information and receives user input. The images 109 may have any type of format, layout, user interaction, etc. desired, and are limited to those shown in FIGS. 3-7. Described GUI comprises a web browser, as shown in Figure 3～7, but also can represent other display formats. Image 109 represents a stored image template modified by processor 101 to support method 200 in FIG. 2 . Aspects of the invention relate to the display of composite display images, as shown in FIGS. 3-7 .

The special healthcare information 110 represents the information related to the regular work bar 305 and the result work bar 306 in the first area 301 , as shown in FIGS. 3-7 .

The special medical care information 111 represents detailed medical care information related to a special patient, which is respectively related to the data items 307, 308 and 308 in the first data item 113, the second 114 and the third set 115 shown in FIGS. 309 related.

The patient information 112 represents detailed information related to one or more patients in the system 100 as shown in FIGS. 3-7 .

The first 113, second 114 and third 115 sets of data items represent sets of user-selectable data items 307, 308 and 309, respectively, related to a particular patient's healthcare information. Each of the first 113, second 114 and third 115 sets of data items represent different types of healthcare information. For example, these different types of healthcare information include information related to one or more of: (a) tumors, (b) allergies, (c) radiation, (d) grading, (e) prescriptions, (f) Physician orders, (g) radiology, (h) medications, (i) memos, (j) interventions, (k) patient records, (l) admissions, discharges, or transfers, and (m) patient flow sheets.

The user interface 103 provides a graphical user interface (GUI), for example, as shown in FIGS. Provides a user-friendly interface. The display processor 117 transmits user interface data 119 representing input data and/or output data to the user interface processor 105 .

The user interface data 119 may be represented in any file format, including: digital files, text files, graphics files, video files, audio files, and visual files. The graphic file includes a graphic trace such as an ECG trace including an electrocardiogram (ECG) trace and an electroencephalogram (EEG) trace. The video files include still video images or sequences of video images. The audio files include audio sounds or audio clips. The viewable file includes an image including, for example, an ultrasound, a nuclear image, a magnetic resonance image (MRI), an X-ray, a positive emission tomography (PET) scan, a computed tomography (CT) scan, an angiogram, or a sonogram.

The user interface interface 103 allows a user to interact with the system 100 by entering user interface data 121 into the system 100 and/or receiving user interface data 122 from the system 100 . The user interface 103 generates one or more display images such as those shown in FIGS. 3-7 .

The data input device 116 provides input data 121 to the display processor 117 in response to receiving information entered manually by a user or automatically by the electronic device. For example, the input device 116 is a keyboard and mouse, but could also be a touch screen or a microphone with speech recognition applications.

In response to receiving input data 121 or other data from system 100, such as user interface data 119, the display processor 117 generates display data representing one or more images 109 for display. The display processor 117 is a known element comprising electronic circuitry or software or a combination of both for generating the display image 109 or a portion thereof. The image for display 109 includes any information stored in the memory 102 and any information described therein. User action, such as activating a displayed button, may cause the image 109 to be displayed.

The data output device 118 represents any type of element that regenerates data for user access. As shown in Figures 3-7, the data output device 118 is, for example, a display that generates a display image in response to receiving a display signal, but could also be a speaker or a printer.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a healthcare delivery information management method used by the system 100 shown in FIG. 1 .

The method 200 starts at step 201 .

At step 202, the method 200 opens (ie, launches or begins) the executable application 108 for managing the provision of healthcare to a patient. For example, the user uses the user interface 103 shown in FIG. 2 in combination with the composite display image 109 shown in FIGS. 3-7 to open an executable application.

At step 203, the method 200 receives information identifying a particular patient. For example, a user enters information (eg, a patient's name, social security number, or patient identification number) into the system 100 using the user interface 103 shown in FIG. 2 in combination with the composite display image 109 shown in FIGS. 3-7.

In step 204 , the method 200 generates data representing the composite display image 109 (as shown in FIGS. 3-7 ) including at least one region including the first 301 , second 302 , third 401 and fourth region 501 . The first area 301 displays at least one of the first 113 , second 114 and third corresponding sets 115 of data items, as shown in FIGS. 3-7 .

In step 205, in response to receiving data representative of the user's selection of a single item 307 of the first set of data items 113, as shown in FIGS. Healthcare Information 111. The system 100 displays a second area 302 immediately to the right of the first area 301 .

In step 206, in response to receiving data representative of the user's selection of a single item 308 of the second set of data items 114, as shown in FIG. Health Information 111. For example, the second special category of healthcare information 111 is current healthcare information. The current medical care information includes one or more of the following: (a) currently valid medical care information about the particular patient, (b) currently valid medication orders for the specific patient, (c) currently valid Administrative information for the particular patient, (d) currently valid billing information for the particular patient, and (e) currently valid clinician-entered information for the particular patient. The current healthcare information includes only current healthcare information of the second special category for the specific patient healthcare information 111 in the third area 401 .

In step 207, in response to receiving data representative of the user's selection of a single item 309 of the third set of data items 115, as shown in FIG. Information 111. Said third set 115 of data items enables the user to activate functions related to a third special category of healthcare information. The user-activated functions include one or more of the following: (a) the user places an order for an item, (b) the user schedules a task for execution, (c) the user initiates the display of a form supporting information query and input, ( d) User initiates generation of reports, and (e) User initiates new functionality related to a particular patient. The third special type of medical care information that supports the user to activate the functions related to the special type of medical care information in the fourth area includes one or more of the following: (a) enables the user to start placing a drug order or start to be managed (b) information enabling the user to initiate tasks to be performed for a particular patient, (c) information enabling the user to initiate administrative functions for a particular patient, (d) enabling the user to initiate preparation and treatment of a particular patient Information about the documentation, and (e) information that enables the user to enter information related to the particular patient.

At step 208, the method 200 transmits at least one of the first, second and third specific category healthcare information 111 for the specific patient. The healthcare information 111 can be delivered to any destination by any means such as electronic mail, voice mail, and printed materials.

At step 209, the method 200 ends.

Figure 3 shows a composite display image 109, including: a first area 301 showing a routine work bar 305, and a second area 302 showing a patient's first type of special medical care information 111, which are provided by the system 100 shown in Figure 1 Display processor 117 generates.

The patient information 112 (located above the first 301 and second 302 areas) represents information related to one or more patients. For example, the patient information 112 typically includes elements that enable a user to access patient records 311 , workspaces 312 , patient treatment plans 313 , and patient visits 314 , as shown in FIGS. 3-7 . In particular, patient information 112 includes: patient's name, address, phone number, insurance coverage, gender, admission and discharge information, diagnosis, allergies, identification number, facility location, room number, doctor, etc., some of which Shown in Figures 3-7.

The patient record unit 311 initiates functions in the executable application 108 that contain data about the patient and provides the user with tools to navigate this information by time and content.

The patient's treatment plan unit 313 activates the function of filtering clinical activities in the executable application 108, including: questions and/or diagnosis results, and allows clinical activities to be displayed by time.

The patient visit unit 314 initiates functions in the executable application 108 related to billing and patient visit organization. Some administrative data may be important to user access via the workspace 312 .

The workspace element 312 enables functions within the executable application 108 that allow the user to input and/or output important healthcare information about a particular patient. Some aspects of the invention related to the workspace 312 are illustrated in FIGS. 3-7 . The workspace 312 advantageously uses the composite display image 109 to provide a single user interface input for different types of healthcare information for a particular patient, thereby overcoming the limitations imposed by conventional upward or downward hierarchical user interface structures. 3-7 illustrate user selection of the workspace 312 function and causing the system 100 to display the first 301 and second 302 regions in the composite display image 109 .

The first area 301 includes general healthcare information 110 representing a general work bar 305 and a result work bar 306 . Each workbar 305 and 306 includes respective data items 307, 308 and 309 in the first 113, second 114 and third sets 115 of data items and corresponding alarms 310, as shown in FIGS. 3-7.

User selection of the general work bar 305 displays the first set 113 of data items (i.e., "work") as multiple boxes, each of which has individual user selections representing a variety of different routine health care related patients. The text of 307, as shown in Figure 3~5. For example, the various user selections 307 in the first set 113 of data items include: Overview, Orders, Medications, Interventions, Memos, Cancer Diagnosis, Diagnosis and Grading, Questions, Allergies, Hospitalization Evaluation, Transfer Evaluation, Systemic Evaluation , Vital Signs, Fluid Balance, Discharge, and Continuity, as shown in Figures 3-5.

Depending on the number of jobs that the system 100 needs to support, there will be one or more job bars. In the display image 109 there are two work bars 305 and 306 . The user selects between these two work bars 305 and 306 using the tabs at the top of the work bars. If the system 100 requires additional work bars, the system 100 can display a drop-down menu to allow the user to select multiple work bars.

The workbars 305 and 306 are grouped and divided with heading tags (ie: General and Results). These headings are not collapsible and remain visible to the user, but they can be collapsed if desired. The lower patient-specific workbar 315 header group serves as an entry point for various types of clinical documents that the user may need to access. Preferably the user can invoke a dialog from the workbar, and previously opened windows will be automatically closed. The system 100 opens a message dialog, reminding the user to save any unsaved data.

Each data item in the first set 113 of data items (ie, job or task) represents a user model that anticipates what information the user wants or needs to enter or learn about a particular patient. System 100 helps support healthcare workers' workflow needs and task analysis while optimizing efficiency and preventing errors. To this end, each data item (ie each job) of the first set 113 of data items comprises respective subsets denoted as second 114 and third 115 sets of data items.

The second set of data items 114 includes various data items, such as: data item 308 . The system 100 represents each data item 308 as a button (eg, a three-dimensional box) that is displayed to the right of a corresponding each user selection 307 in the first set 113 of data items. The second set of data items 114 represents current or pending information of a particular patient, such as: current medication, valid consent form, current important signs, pending medical orders, and so on. The system 100 displays the button when pending healthcare information is currently linked and does not display the button when pending healthcare information is not currently linked.

The third set of data items 115 includes various data items, such as: data item 309 . The system 100 represents each data item 309 as a button (eg, a two-dimensional square) displayed to the left of a corresponding each user selection 307 in the first set 113 of data items. The third set of data items 115 represents new or desired medical care information for a particular patient, such as: new drug orders, new consent forms initiated, new vital signs drawn, new medical orders issued, and the like. The system 100 displays this button for jobs 113 that may require the addition of new healthcare information.

The system 100 represents the alert 310 as a button (eg, an exclamation point) displayed to the left of the respective user selection 307 in the first set 113 of data items, and to the left of the corresponding third data item 309 . The alert 310 represents a job 113 that needs attention for a variety of reasons (eg pending job, overdue, missing signature, conflict). Alerts 310 are indicators that do not provide links to other areas, but may provide links to conflicting areas or messages about conflicting areas.

A time selector (not shown) may also be incorporated into the display image 109 to allow the user to change the time reference for the content of the workspace 312 . The time selector sets a range for the data displayed in said second area 302 . For example, possible time selections include: is current, now, forward, one day, three days, seven days, and thirty one. The time picker should allow the user to select a time greater than thirty-one days, since the user may need to view results from six months to a year ago. For example, if a task area requires a specific time selection, and the user switches to that task with an inconsistent time selected, then the selector is switched to the default time, which is then color-coded on the selector, e.g. or other instructions.

The combination of data items first 113, second 114, third set 115 and corresponding alerts 310 advantageously allows a user to access and use said healthcare information at any time for file lookups, or to communicate desired activities regarding a particular patient. The system 100 displays in the second area 302 or the foreground of the second area 302 (such as: the third area 401 in FIG. 4 or the fourth area 501 in FIG. 5 ) and data items first 113 and second 114 Healthcare information related to at least one of the third episode 115. The second region 302 may otherwise be referred to as the “source” of the composite displayed image 109 .

The user conveniently manages the workspace 312 by accessing healthcare information related to one or more of the first 113, second 114, and third sets 115 of data items at the same or different times, thus allowing efficient management of patient Healthcare information. The system 100 advantageously allows the user to recombine healthcare information to support valid clinical conclusions, thus overcoming the limited display space presented by computer displays.

Advantageously, the system 100 enables job-centric and add-to-scope time for data consultation (eg, data viewing, editing, and entry). A job represents an analysis package, such as: doctor's order, consent form, drug, and so on. However, a single type of work 315 (eg, clinical files, which itself is a collection of categories) constitutes a single work, as shown below the work bars 305 and 306 . Clinical work is complex, and maintaining the effectiveness of work structures and error prevention is critical. A single user involves many jobs in a day, and most jobs involve multiple users. A specific routine is followed as users organize their work around the patient. Some activities are considered standard or essential, while other activities occur infrequently and may be considered secondary.

In the composite display image 109, the user can look up or enter information belonging to different data types without completely breaking away from the main task or work. For example, when a user checks medication management, the user wants to check for recent vital signs, a list of laboratory orders, or to determine if a consent form for chemotherapy drugs is about to expire. In another embodiment, when the user is reading a report, the user wants to issue a new medical order or write a progress memo. Advantageously, said workspace 312 allows a user to manage an item of the first set of data items 113 in said background, to re-view an item of the second set of data items 114 in the same composite display image 109 and to An item in the third set 115 of activation data items. Currently, these three sets 113, 114 and 115 of data items belong to different categories, and the system needs to access and display the healthcare information in different display images.

Advantageously, the composite display image 109 remains collective across workspaces 312 for the different user roles supported by the executable application 108 . Although the relevance or urgency of a task may vary slightly between healthcare workers, the system 100 will display the display 109 in the same way so that healthcare workers can help each other, And the display image 109 will appear consistent for multiple users.

The second area 302 displays patient specific healthcare information 111 . In response to receiving data representative of user selection of a single item 307 in the first set of data items 113, as shown in FIGS. . For example, in FIGS. 3-5 , the user's selection of item 307 , such as "medication", will cause the system 100 to generate drug information for a particular patient in the second area 302 .

The first 113, second 114 and third 115 sets of data items represent different types of healthcare information. Responding to receiving data representing that the user has selected corresponding items 307, 308, and 309 in the first 113, second 114, and third sets 115 of the data items respectively, the system 100 responds to the special patient in the second 302 (as shown in FIG. 3~ 7), the third 401 ( FIG. 4 ) and the fourth area 501 ( FIGS. 5 to 7 ) respectively display the first, second and third special types of healthcare information 111 . For example, in response to receiving data representing that the user has selected a single data item 307 such as "medicine" in the first set of data items 113, as shown in FIGS. Healthcare information 111 for the first special class of drugs. Likewise, in response to receiving data representative of user selection of other individual data items 307 in the first set of data items 113, the system 100 displays a different specific category of healthcare information 111 in the second area 302 for the specific patient.

FIG. 4 shows the composite display image 109 as shown in FIG. 3 , including: a third area 401 displaying the patient's second-type medical care information 111 . FIG. 4 is the same as FIG. 3 except that a new window of the patient's second type of healthcare information 111 is displayed in the third area 401 .

In response to receiving data representing a user selection of a single item 308 in the second set of data items 114, the system 100 displays a second specific category of healthcare information 111 in the third area 401 for the specific patient. For example, in response to receiving data representing the user's selection of the single data item 308 located to the right of the data item "Doctor's Order" in the first set of data items 113, the system 100 displays in the third area 401 the same data item as "Current Doctor's Order" for a particular patient. Healthcare information 111 related to the second special category. For example, current medical orders for specific patients in the third area 401 include: intravenous injections (IVs), laboratories, recipes, monitoring, and special medical orders. The new window containing the third area 401 includes a scroll bar and print, close and help selection boxes.

The system 100 displays the third area 401 in the foreground superimposed on the second area 302, thus occluding part of the second area 302, while allowing the first area 301 to remain unobstructed and visible to the user.

Likewise, in response to receiving data representative of a user selection of each of the other individual data items 308 in the second set of data items 114, the system 100 displays in the third area 401 different specific categories of healthcare information 111 for the specific patient. For example, the user selects each data item 308 in the second set of data items 114 by double-clicking a button.

An arrow pointing from a button representing each data item 308 to the new window containing the third area 401 diagrammatically shows the direct relationship between the button and the new window, and may or may not be used. Likewise, the text "Current Order" at the top of the new window containing the third region 401 alphabetically represents the direct relationship between the text next to the button (ie: order) and the new window, and can be used or may not be used.

FIG. 5 exemplarily shows the composite display image 109 as shown in FIG. 3 , including: a fourth area 501 displaying the third type of medical care information 111 of the patient. FIG. 5 is the same as FIG. 3 except that a new window of the third type of patient healthcare information 111 is displayed in the fourth area 501 .

In response to receiving data representing a user selection of a single data item 309 in the third set of data items 115, the system 100 displays a third specific category of healthcare information 111 in the fourth area 501 for the specific patient. For example, in response to receiving data representing the user's selection of each data item 309, the system 100 displays a third specific category of healthcare information 111 related to "doctor order list" in the fourth area 501 for the specific patient. For example, the list of medical orders for a specific patient in the fourth area 501 includes multiple categories, which are described as: general, patient-based, medical order sets, and categories. For example, the list of common medical orders includes: medication/intravenous injections (IVs), laboratory, and radiation orders. The new window containing the fourth area 501 includes a scroll bar and "Add to Order", Close and Help selection boxes.

The system 100 displays the fourth area 501 in the foreground superimposed on the second area 302, thus occluding part of the second area 302, while allowing the first area 301 to remain unobstructed and visible to the user. When desired, the system 100 displays the third area 401 immediately to the left of the fourth area 501 in the foreground superimposed on the second area 302, thus obscuring part of the second area 302 while allowing the first area 301 to remain visible to the user Unobstructed and visible.

Likewise, in response to receiving data representative of user selection of other different data items 309 in the third set of data items 115, the system 100 displays different specific categories of healthcare information 111 in the fourth area 501 for the specific patient. For example, the user selects each data item 309 in the third set 115 of data items by double-clicking a button.

An arrow pointing from a button representing each data item 309 to the new window containing the fourth field 501 diagrammatically shows the direct relationship between the button and the new window, and may or may not be used. Likewise, the text "List of Orders" at the top of the new window containing the fourth region 501 alphabetically represents the direct relationship between the text next to the button (ie: orders) and the new window, and can be used or may not be used.

Fig. 6 shows the composite display image 109 generated by the display processor 117 of the system 100 shown in Fig. Area 302. FIG. 6 is the same as FIG. 3 except that the system 100 displays a results workbar 306 in the first area 301 instead of a regular workbar 305 .

User selection of the results workbar 306 displays the first set of data items 113 as multiple boxes, each of which has text representing various individual user selections related to patient healthcare outcomes, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 shown. For example, the first set of data items 113 below the results workbar 306 includes: Medical History, Patient Email, Patient Handbook, Results, Reports, History, Tx-Ray, Simulation, Tx Chemo, Trial, TU Load, Screening, Consent , consultation, patient education, and inquiry, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

Responsive to receiving data representing the user's selection of corresponding items 307, 308 and 309 in the first 113, second 114 and third sets 115 of data items respectively, the system 100 responds to the particular patient at the second 302 (as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 ), the third 401 (not shown) and the fourth area 501 (not shown) display the medical care information 111 of the first, second and third special categories respectively. In response to receiving data representative of a user selection of a different other item 307 in the first set of data items 113, the system 100 displays in the second area 302 different specific categories of healthcare information 111 for the specific patient.

FIG. 7 shows the composite display image 109 as shown in FIG. 6 , including: a fourth area 501 displaying the third type of special medical care information 111 of the patient. FIG. 7 is the same as FIG. 6 except that a third type of medical care information 111 of a patient is displayed in a fourth area 501 .

In response to receiving data representative of user selection of each data item 309 in the third set of data items 115, the system 100 displays a third specific category of healthcare information 111 in the fourth area 501 for the specific patient. For example, in response to receiving data representing the user's selection of each data item 309, the system 100 displays a third specific category of healthcare information 111 related to "consent found" in the fourth area 501 for the specific patient. For example, a specific patient's consent form can be found in the fourth area 501 through a search or directory. For example, the directory includes one or more nested folders containing appropriate corresponding consent forms. The new window containing the fourth area 501 includes: application, print, close and help selection boxes.

Likewise, in response to receiving data representing a user selection of a different other item 309 in the third set of data items 115, the system 100 displays a different specific category of healthcare information 111 in the fourth area 501 for the specific patient. For example, the user selects each data item 309 in the third set 115 of data items by double-clicking a button.

An arrow pointing from a button representing each data item 309 to the new window containing the fourth field 501 diagrammatically shows the direct relationship between the button and the new window, and may or may not be used. Likewise, the text "Consent Form Found" at the top of the new window containing the fourth region 501 represents the direct relationship between the text next to the button (i.e., consent form) and the new window in alphabetical order, and may or may not be used.

advantage

Advantageously, the system 100 supports direct user access to these four areas 301 , 302 , 401 and 501 . The direct access allows the user to directly decide to look up patient information (e.g. in response to an alarm or select through a list of current/pending entities), to start a new instance for selecting a category, or to use the composite display image 109 Full support provided. Users can also look up other categories of data or initiate additional activities. Advantageously, when dealing with other types of data or activities of the patient, the system 100 addresses the problem of direct compounding of different types of information, adding additional information composed of different data types, and generating Alerts about patient-centered issues.

Advantageously, system 100 performs the following:

1. Divide a type of activity or data into four areas and make them respectively accessible to the user.

2. Provide the user interface according to the model used instead of the model driven by static data structures.

3. Distinguish between data (ie: system) driven activities and user (plus patient) driven activities and let the user decide in what order to process them.

4. Allow combinations of two different types of data and data arrangements to be displayed simultaneously to better support workflows (eg: data comparison and transfer, sliding transitions from one data type/activity to another).

5. Provide any combination of data in the three areas on one display screen without having to design a user interface solution specifically for each particular combination.

6. Display data or data of categories of activities.

7. There is less need for the user to memorize clinical details or status information in the short term.

8. Allows comparison of patient-related data on the screen.

9. Maximize ease of use by directly displaying a subset of possible patient data.

10. Utilize patient-centric alerting 310 to avoid inattentiveness.

Example

The following embodiments illustrate how a user can use the composite display image 109 in the system 100 . In the first embodiment, each of the second 302 , third 401 , and fifth areas 501 includes medical care information sharing common content. When the second area 302 displays a consent form and the user selects the button 308 representing the current consent form, the system 100 allows the user to select another consent form, causing the system 100 to update the healthcare information in the second area 302 . When the user selects a new consent form from the consent form list/browser, the second area 302 displays the new consent form.

In the second embodiment, each of the second 302 , third 401 , and fifth areas 501 includes healthcare information sharing mixed content. When the system 100 displays information related to an item in the first set 113 of data items (such as a report) in the second area 302 and the user opens an item in the second set 114 of data items (such as: the current consent form) , the system 100 displays this item in the second set of data items 114 in the third area 401 (such as: the current consent form), but the user cannot call the item in the third set of data items 115 from the second set of data items 114 items (e.g. new consent form). When the user selects an item (such as: a new consent form) in the third set of data items 115, the system 100 attaches this item (such as: a new consent form) in the third set of data items 115 to the first The data items displayed in the third area 401 are in the second set 114 (such as: the current consent form), but the user needs to switch from the first item (such as: report) in the data item first set 113 to the data item in the second set 113 The second item (eg, consent form), so that the corresponding information of the item (eg, consent form) in the second set of data items is displayed in the second area 302 .

In the third embodiment, a physician may use the system 100 as follows.

1. During the doctor's order workflow, when a physician issues a doctor's order to a patient, the physician can query clinical data, current doctor, consent and scheduling status, etc.

2. While the physician reviews results, reports, current medications, etc., the physician can issue new orders and select treatment and diagnostic steps for the patient.

3. When the physician accesses the patient's diagnosis and grade, the physician can order tests or look up the results to access the patient's status.

In a fourth embodiment, a nurse may use the system 100 as follows.

1. Examining the chart, the nurse compares the order with the actual medication being administered.

2. When the nurse performs activities for the patient, the nurse inquires about the status of the result or the exact doctor's order.

In a fifth embodiment, a healthcare provider may use the system 100 as follows.

1. Healthcare providers are reminded of items that require attention when processing/using patient data.

alternative

As an alternative to the flexibility provided by the three regions 302 (FIGS. 3-7), 401 (FIGS. 4) and 501 (FIGS. 5 and 7), it is preferred that multiple specific combinations of data displays be made available through user-selectable simplification capabilities. become available. For example, to support a twenty-four hour chart review, the system 100 provides access to a current medication list after the user causes the system 100 to display a list of current medical orders.

The system 100 and method 200 provide a composite display image 109 that allows simultaneous selection and use of a number of different functions displayed in multiple areas of the image 109 related to a particular patient's healthcare. These functions include, for example: data display, data entry, and service selection of current and/or pending data items and corresponding alarms.

Thus, the invention has been described with reference to various exemplary embodiments thereof, but it is not intended that the invention be limited to those particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that changes, modifications and combinations can be made to the disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. one kind is used to manage the health care delivery information management system that health care is provided to patient, comprising:

An interface processing device is used to receive the information of discerning especial patient; And

A video-stream processor is used to start the data that composite display image is represented in generation, and this image comprises

The first area, it shows data item first collection of representing the inhomogeneity healthcare information, and concentrate every selection to described first in response to the user, in the second area of described combination picture the healthcare information of described especial patient demonstration special defects, and

Described first area comprises data item second collection that is associated with the corresponding entry of described data item first collection individually, and concentrating every selection in response to the user to described second, is the current healthcare information that described especial patient shows special defects in the 3rd zone of described combination picture.

2. according to the system of claim 1, wherein

Described first area comprises data item the 3rd collection, it is associated with the corresponding entry of described first collection individually, and concentrate every selection in response to the user to the described the 3rd, in the 4th zone of described combination picture, show the information of supporting the user to activate the function that is associated with the special defects healthcare information for especial patient.

3. according to the system of claim 2, wherein

Described user's mobilizing function comprises following at least one: (a) user places an order for an item, (b) user dispatches the task of being used to carry out, (c) user starts the demonstration of the form of support information inquiry and input, (d) user starts the generation of report, and (e) user starts the new function relevant with described especial patient.

4. according to the system of claim 2, wherein

But described system automatically transmits contextual information between implementation 108, but described implementation support

(a) in described second area, show the healthcare information of the described special defects relevant with described especial patient,

(b) the only current healthcare information of the described special defects of demonstration in described the 3rd zone, and

(c) in described the 4th zone, show the information of supporting the user to activate the described function that is associated with described special defects healthcare information,

And during navigation between described second, third and the 4th zone, need not the user repeatedly import described contextual information.

5. according to the system of claim 4, wherein

Described contextual information comprises patient identifier symbol and following at least one: (i) user identifier, (ii) authorized user message, and (iii) computer operation Session ID.

6. according to the system of claim 4, wherein

But described implementation comprises following at least one: (i) singlely carry out application, and the (ii) different application carried out.

7. according to the system of claim 1, wherein

It is visual that described first area keeps in described combination picture, and

(a) described the 3rd zone and (b) described four-range at least one be displayed in the foreground image on the described second area that is overlapped in described combination picture.

8. according to the system of claim 1, wherein

Described dissimilar healthcare information comprises and following at least one relevant information: (a) tumour, (b) allergia, (c) radioactive ray, (d) classification, (e) prescription, (f) doctor's advice, (g) radiology, (h) medicine, (i) p.m.entry (j) is intervened (k) patient record, (l) be in hospital, leave hospital or transfer from one hospital to another, and (m) patient's flowing water table.

9. according to the system of claim 1, wherein

The described current healthcare information of the described special defects in described the 3rd zone comprises following at least one: (a) current effective is about the healthcare information of described especial patient, (b) current effective is advised the medicine of described especial patient, (c) current effective is to the management information of described especial patient, (d) accounting information of the relevant described especial patient of current effective, (e) information of the relevant described especial patient of current effective clinician input.

10. according to the system of claim 9, wherein

Described current healthcare information only comprises the current healthcare information of the described special defects in the 3rd zone.

11. according to the system of claim 2, wherein

The information of supporting the user to activate in the 4th zone with special defects healthcare information function associated comprises one of the following at least: (a) make the user start medicine list down or to start the information of the service that will be managed for especial patient, (b) make the user can start the information of the task that will be performed for especial patient, (c) make the user can start the information of management function for especial patient, (d) make the user can start the information of preparing to treat document associated, and (e) make the user can import the information of the information relevant with especial patient with especial patient.

12. one kind is used to manage the health care delivery information management system that health care is provided to patient, comprises:

A kind of health care delivery information management system that is used for patient medical health care guarantee management comprises:

An interface processing device is used to receive the information of discerning especial patient; And

A video-stream processor is used to start the data that composite display image is represented in generation, and this image comprises

The first area, first, second collects its display data item with the 3rd, makes the user correspondingly to start

(a) a special defects healthcare information of the relevant described especial patient of demonstration in second area,

(b) the current healthcare information of the described special defects of demonstration in the 3rd zone, and

(c) in the 4th zone, show the information of supporting user's activation and described special defects healthcare information function associated.

13. according to the system of claim 12, wherein

A context management processor, but be used for automatically between implementation, transmitting contextual information, describedly carry out the feature operation of use supporting to be presented in described second, third and the 4th zone, and the user need not the user repeatedly import described contextual information during navigation between described second, third and the 4th zone.

14. according to the system of claim 12, wherein

It is one of following that the described current healthcare information of the described special defects in described the 3rd zone comprises at least: (a) current effective is about the healthcare information of described especial patient, (b) current effective is advised the medicine of described especial patient, (c) current effective is to the management information of described especial patient, (d) accounting information of the relevant described especial patient of current effective, (e) information of the relevant described especial patient of current effective clinician input.

15. according to the system of claim 14, wherein

Described current healthcare information only comprises the current healthcare information of special defects described in the 3rd zone.

16. according to the system of claim 12, wherein

The information of supporting the user to activate in the 4th zone with described special defects healthcare information function associated comprises one of the following at least: (a) make the user start medicine list down or to start the information of the service that will be managed for especial patient, (b) make the user can start the information of the task that will be performed for especial patient, (c) make the user can start the information of management function for especial patient, (d) make the user can start the information of preparing to treat document associated, and (e) make the user can import the information of the information relevant with especial patient with especial patient.

17. a method may further comprise the steps:

Open and be used to manage the application carried out that health care is provided to patient;

Receive the information of this especial patient of sign;

Generate the data that representative comprises at least one the regional composite display image in the first, second, third and the 4th zone, at least one collection that should concentrate of first, second and third phase of this first area display data item wherein, and wherein each collection is represented the inhomogeneity of healthcare information;

Select single data of data item first collection in response to receiving representative of consumer, in described second area, especial patient has been shown the healthcare information of first special defects;

Select single data of data item second collection in response to receiving representative of consumer, in described the 3rd zone, especial patient has been shown the healthcare information of second special defects; And

Select single data of data item the 3rd collection in response to receiving representative of consumer, in described the 4th zone, especial patient has been shown the healthcare information of the 3rd special defects.

18. the method for claim 17 is further comprising the steps of:

At least transmit one of them of healthcare information of described first, second and the 3rd special defects for especial patient.

19. the method for claim 17, wherein the healthcare information of second special defects also comprises:

Current healthcare information.

20. the method for claim 17, wherein the healthcare information of the 3rd special defects also comprises:

New healthcare information.

Images