Patent Application
20180004384
Hospitals are equipped with nurse call systems that utilize various devices located throughout the hospital. The nurse call systems enable patients and/or nurses to communicate over a network with one or more nurse stations. The nurse call system helps in organizing hospital resources and facilitating communication in the hospital environment so as to enhance patient safety and improve staff efficiency. Even with the nurse call system, there are still improvements that may be made in how healthcare providers' staff members coordinate with one another in order to enhance quality and care of a patient.
In an exemplary embodiment, a room console device for management of patient care is provided. The room console device includes a processor and instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such that when the processor executes the instructions, the room console device is able to complete a staff registration process and provide an indication of staff registered in a room where the room console device is located. Additionally, the room console device can provide outstanding calls to registered staff members and provide an indication of registered staff in other rooms where the room console device is not located. The room console device is further able to participate in an audio communication session and set a service.
In an exemplary embodiment, a method for management of patient care is provided. The method is performed on a room console device by executing instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, and the method includes displaying, by the room console device, an icon driven registration graphical user interface (GUI) on a touchscreen of the room console device, wherein the registration GUI comprises staff level indicators on one or more staff level icons. The method further involves receiving, by the room console device, a staff registration signal from the touchscreen, wherein the staff registration signal associated a staff level indicator. In response to the staff registration signal, the method involves displaying, by the room console device, the staff level indicator on the touchscreen.
In an exemplary embodiment, a method for management of patient care is provided. The method is performed on a room console device by executing instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, and the method includes displaying, by the room console device, an icon driven GUI on a touchscreen of the room console device, wherein the GUI comprises staff level indicators representing at least one registered staff member. The method then involves receiving, at the touchscreen, a first input signal indicative of an audio communication session, and in response to the received first input signal, displaying, on the touchscreen, icons corresponding to different audio communication options. Then the method further includes receiving, at the touchscreen, a second input signal indicative of a selected audio communication option, and initiating and maintaining the selected audio communication option.
The present invention will be described in even greater detail below based on the exemplary figures. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. All features described and/or illustrated herein can be used alone or combined in different combinations in embodiments of the invention. The features and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by reading the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings which illustrate the following:
Healthcare providers that manage multiple patients with a limited number of staff members utilize nurse call systems to facilitate communication between the staff and patients. The nurse call system not only serves to enhance communication between staff and patients, but it also improves communication among staff members. For example, a nurse attending to a patient in a hospital room may register his or her location using a device that interfaces with the nurse call system. In so doing, other staff members of the hospital know the location of the nurse when they view visual indicators such as corridor lights. Several devices may interface with nurse call systems, for example, a pillow speaker, a pullcord, corridor lights, staff terminals, etc. The capabilities and functionalities of these devices range from performing complex tasks like making phone calls to simple tasks like turning on an alarm. As device offerings for nurse call systems continue to grow, a main constraint in introducing new devices has to do with financial cost per device. When a healthcare provider invests in a device to interface with its nurse call system, the healthcare provider will most likely have to spend on hundreds if not thousands of units for this device. As such, the cost of each device compared with its capabilities is important, especially to a large hospital.
Embodiments of the disclosure are able to quickly provide information regarding staff member registration. For example, a staff member enters a patient's hospital room and completes the registration process by pressing a button next to a doorway. In so doing, the corridor light lights up to indicate the level of the staff registered in the given room using a color code, for example, a steady yellow lamp for cleaning staff, and an amber color for a nurse's aide. In a conventional system, other staff members may be able to see the corridor lights when they are out in the hallway, but when they are in a hospital room, they would have to leave the room to the corridor in order to view the light. For example, if a nurse is attending to a patient and needs to find the closest doctor, he or she would have to walk out to the corridor to get a glimpse of the corridor lights for each room in the hallway. In so doing, a patient who may need immediate attention would be left alone unattended. Using embodiments of the disclosure, however, the nurse would have the information he or she needs in the patient's room (as well as various other capabilities related thereto) and would not need to leave the room.
Some embodiments of the disclosure provide a room console device with the ability to identify and locate staff members throughout a coverage area in, for example, a clinic, a hospital, etc. A staff member that has registered in a room can use the room console to quickly scroll through the list of other registered staff to: (1) know who is physically located in their coverage area; (2) travel to the specified location to meet directly with the identified staff member; (3) use the room console to establish an audio connection to the room with the desired staff member. These identified features are useful for either requesting assistance from any other registered staff member or identifying a specific staff member level (i.e., doctor) for assistance with specific tasks, such as administering certain medication.
Embodiments of the disclosure further provide a room console device with color-coded staff indicators for a quicker, more efficient way to locate registered staff. With this device, a staff member does not need to look up and down a corridor or other out-of-the-way areas, or to travel back to a nurse station to query a single room console. The room console provides the registered staff information to every room simultaneously so that all staff members have the ability to query the location of all other registered staff members.
Yet some embodiments of the disclosure provide a room console device where a displayed call on the room console device shows a required-staff level. The indicator of the required-staff level would improve staff efficiency, so that staff would only respond to calls that were specifically identified for their level. For example, an aide would not respond to a call where a nurse was required, thus allowing the aide to avoid an unnecessary trip to a room where they could not provide the requested assistance. In some scenarios, since all staff members can view all outstanding calls, a higher level staff member could respond to a lower level staff call if desired, whereas in other scenarios, the higher level staff member may not even be aware of the outstanding call since the call notification would initially not be routed to that higher level staff member unless the outstanding call was escalated. Overall staff efficiency will be improved (a nurse could answer a call designated for an aide if the aide were busy with another call, but before the call is escalated). As such, the patient would receive care sooner due to an adoption of some embodiments of the disclosure.
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a room console that may be provided in each room of a healthcare provider's facility. The room console is a device that allows hospital staff to register (i.e., check in) to a room when attending to a patient. The room console also allows staff members or patients to page other staff members and/or communicate with staff members in other rooms. The room console further provides the ability to log cleaning and janitorial staff activities in a room, patient transport, etc. Embodiments of the disclosure will provide exemplary implementations of additional features of the room console as well.
Before detailing the features of the room console, an exemplary environment 100 of a nurse call system is provided in
The environment 100 may have a pullcord 106 in the vicinity of a patient's room. For example, the pullcord 106 may be located in a private bathroom for the patient, and the patient may be able to pull on it to alert staff members of an emergency. Pullcord 106 may be placed in other locations within a patient's room as well, especially when dealing with patients with high risk of falling. Additionally, pillow speaker 108 may be provided close to a patient's bed for television remote control, emergency call function, and simple communication with a caregiver's staff. The pullcord 106 and the pillow speaker 108 are provided as examples of devices a patient has access to that interface with a nurse call system. These devices may be generalized to other devices, for example, a call button located next to a patient's bed, etc.
The environment 100 may include corridor lights 110 which are used as indicator lights to alert staff members and a patient's family members when a staff member is in the patient's room. The room console 102 may have access through network 116 to the corridor lights 110. In some embodiments, when a staff member is registered as being in the patient's room, the corridor light 110 lights up. In some instances, the corridor light 110 comprises multiple colored lights, and a certain light color is lit depending on the level of staff member that is registered in the patient's room. For example, when a doctor is in the room, a corresponding corridor light 110 lights up as blue, and when a nurse is in the room, the corresponding corridor light 110 lights up as green. When staff members of multiple levels are in the room, multiple lights are lit up according to the light colors corresponding to the staff members. When a staff member registers with room console 102, the room console 102 may, through network 116, instruct the corridor lights 110 to turn on. Corridor lights 110 are provided as an example of a visual indicator, but other indicators may interface with the room console 102. These may include visual displays outside the patient's room, like monitor screens, seven segment displays, etc.
The environment 100 may include call center 112. In some instances, call center 112 provides call management for all calls, so when a call is placed on room console 102, the room console 102 provides the call to the call center 112. Call center 112 then displays information regarding the call. Information may include, for example, room number, call priority, the level of staff necessary, etc. The environment 100 also provides a nursing station 114 which is responsible for synchronizing staff assignments across multiple systems throughout the hospital. The call center 112 and nursing station 114 are provided as examples to illustrate that room console 102 may interface with higher level systems managed by the hospital or healthcare provider.
Processor 222 may receive and process data originating from other devices besides those already mentioned. In the exemplary embodiment of
Discussion so far has provided an exemplary environment for a room console, a sample depiction of a room console, and hardware and software components that enable certain attributes of the room console. The remainder of the disclosure will provide exemplary user interface interactions with a room console in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a room console device with an icon driven graphical user interface (GUI).
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a home screen with call status information, information regarding registered staff, and function icons.
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a room console that allows a staff member to set a service. In some cases, there are multiple modes for setting a service. For example, a staff member can set a service to any displayed call, and
In some embodiments, setting a service is a two-step process where the staff member selects a service type (changing the color of the call line text) in a first step, but the service is not actually set until the staff member exits the screen in a second step. This embodiment allows a user who has accidentally pressed the service icon to return to the home screen without setting a service. This embodiment also allows the user to hit a service type accidentally and then change it to another service type before exiting. In some cases, pressing the service icon 504-1 or the home icon 706 exits the service screen. In some cases, when a staff member hits a service type by accident, they can toggle off that service by pressing the same service type again before exiting. In various cases, a staff member can set a service to a call while in intercom communication corresponding to the call, or a staff member can set a service to a call without answering the call, or a staff member can set a service to a room:bed that does not currently have an active call.
In
The required-staff variable may be stored as a complex or simple data object, for example, an array, a numeric code, etc. A numeric code may be devised, such that, “0001” denotes RN-level, “0011” denotes LPN and RN levels, “0111” denotes Doctor, LPN, and RN levels, etc., and “0000” denotes default where any available staff may respond. In some cases, instead of having to store a default code, using up limited storage in the room console device, the required-staff variable would hold no value or a null value when any available staff may respond. When stored as an array, the required-staff variable may store, for example, up three levels per nurse-call data object in a sorted-order. This means that, in this example, the length of the array may be limited to at most three objects. The array is null-terminated in case fewer than three levels of required staff are currently stored (i.e., fewer than three objects exist in the array). In some embodiments, if there are already three other levels stored and a new staff level is being added, then the lowest-rated of the four levels involved is discarded and the highest three are remembered. In other embodiments, the highest-rated of the four levels involved is discarded and the lowest three are remembered. When the required-staff variable array only contains the null-termination value, this indicates that no specific staff level is required to respond to the call, therefore the call is displayed in a default call display color.
The process of discarding the lowest-rated or highest-rated level may be accomplished in an array by first adding the new staff level to the array and then removing the lowest-rated or highest-rated level in the new array. The process of discarding the lowest-rated or highest-rated level may be accomplished in when the required-staff variable stores a numeric code by first comparing the three staff levels indicated in the numeric code and the new staff level. Then the required-staff variable is replaced with a numeric code indicating the highest three staff levels or a numeric code indicating the lowest three staff levels of the four staff levels. A maximum of three levels are used here as an example, but this approach may be used in cases where the maximum number of staff levels that may be stored (or represented) exceeds three.
Application 306 is responsible for maintaining and setting the required-staff variable. In one embodiment, Application 306 may automatically set and modify the required-staff variable through a known escalation chain. For example, a stored sequence of steps that are time-separated (the call's escalation chain) sets the required-staff variable at predetermined steps, so multiple steps that set different required-staff can exist in this escalation chain. For example, a call displayed on the room console device has a nurse call data object associated with a required-staff variable that indicates an RN-level staff should respond to the call. But if the call is not attended to within a specified time window, Application 306 automatically elevates the call by adding an LPN-level staff to the required-staff variable.
In another example, a call may require a staff of more than one level in a prescribed order, for instance, an RN-level staff may be needed for preparation and then a Doctor-level staff needed to complete the call. In this instance, Application 306 will first have the required-staff variable set for an RN-level staff, and after an RN-level staff registers in the room, Application 306 automatically escalates the call to a Doctor-level staff. In some embodiments, the escalation is performed after the RN-level staff unregisters. In some instances, Application 306 keeps track of the time elapsed since the RN-level staff registered and after a certain threshold is reached, escalates the call to a Doctor-level staff. The threshold may be set to, for example, an expected time the RN-level staff should complete a percentage of the preparation.
In addition to automatically setting a required-staff variable, Application 306 may use Communications Engine 308 and Graphics Engine 310 to manually set the required-staff variable based on user action. For example, Graphics Engine 310 may receive touchscreen inputs from a staff that selects a staff level displayed on the touchscreen 204 when setting a call to a specific staff-level. Application 306 may receive these touchscreen inputs from Graphics Engine 310 and set the required-staff variable associated with the call.
Another way to set the required-staff variable is to send a required-staff variable remotely from another device communicably coupled to the room console device through the Communications Engine 308. For example, a calling center or a nursing station may send required-staff information to the room console device. In some embodiments, a branch regional controller (BRC) may generate the required-staff information and send the required staff information to the room console device. The BRC would function as a centralized manager, pushing call data to multiple room console devices, where the call data includes nurse call data objects associated with required-staff variables. Application 306 would be responsible for receiving the call data from the Communications Engine 308 and displaying the call data with Graphics Engine 310. Application 306 would also be responsible for sending button or touchscreen commands to the BRC through the Communications Engine 308. An advantage of this setup is offloading heavy processing to the BRC, allowing a less complicated hardware design for the room console device. The BRC may be a computing device with one or more processors, memory, storage elements, and network interfaces communicably coupled to each other.
By having the BRC as a centralized manager, the BRC would be responsible for setting and maintaining required-staff variables. For example, in implementing an escalation chain, the BRC is tasked to use a stored sequence of steps that are time-separated to set the required-staff variable at predetermined steps. In an exemplary implementation, the BRC pushes call data to the room console device at 10 AM indicating that an RN-level staff should respond to the call. If at 10:20 AM, no activity report from the room console device to the BRC indicates that the call has been attended to, then the BRC automatically escalates the call by adding an LPN-level staff to the required-staff variable of the call data and pushing the new call data to the room console device. Upon receiving the new call data though Communications Engine 308, Application 306 instructs Graphics Engine 308 to properly display the updated call.
The BRC may also be used in setting the required-staff variable for a call that requires more than one staff level in a prescribed order, for instance, an RN-level staff may be needed for preparation and then a Doctor-level staff needed to complete the call. In some embodiments, the room console device is used as an input/output device where the call data received from the BRC is displayed first, showing that an RN-level required. After an RN registers through the room console device, a call update signal noting that an RN-level staff is registered and is attending to the call is sent from the room console device to the BRC. The BRC then updates the required-staff variable associated with the call to a Doctor-level staff requirement and sends the updated call data to the room console device. In some embodiments, instead of using an RN-level staff registration signal to escalate to a Doctor-level staff requirement, the BRC waits to receive a notification from the room console device that the RN-level staff has unregistered. In some embodiments, the BRC keeps track of the amount of time since the RN-level staff registered, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the BRC escalates the call to a Doctor-level staff requirement.
In some embodiments, the required-staff variable may be set manually even when using a BRC manager. For example, Graphics Engine 310 may receive touchscreen inputs from a staff that selects a staff level displayed on the touchscreen 204 when setting a call to a specific staff-level. Application 306 may receive these touchscreen inputs from Graphics Engine 310, determine that the required-staff level is being updated, and send the updated required-staff level for the call to the BRC. The BRC then updates the required-staff level associated with the call data and sends the updated call data to the room console device.
In the previous discussion with a central manager like the BRC, call data comprising a nurse call object and the required-staff variable is communicated from the BRC to the room console device as an example. In other embodiments, instead of having the required-staff variable along with the nurse call object in the call data sent to the room console device, the call data only includes the nurse call object and a color variable. The color variable indicates the color that the room console device will display the call in. By transmitting color to the room console device instead of the required-staff variable, the room console device is alleviated of the task of determining which color to display when the required-staff variable indicates more than one staff level. In this case, the BRC manages the required-staff variable and determines which color the room console device should display the call based on the required-staff variable. In the foregoing discussion regarding required-staff, text color of the displayed call is used as an example, but a symbol next to a displayed call may be used to convey required-staff level. Assigning a staff level or setting a service may not only be made to an active call.
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a room console with audio communication capabilities. The room console may be able to conduct intercom and paging functions. For intercom services, the room console may enable communication with a patient station, another room console, another device in the nurse call system environment, or a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone. In some embodiments, audio communication with the room console is limited to half duplex. The room console may support switching talk direction without user interaction using, for example, features similar to a voice operated exchange (VOX). In addition to hands-free switching, the room console may support push to talk (PTT) functionality by having a PTT button. In some cases, audio sessions are goverened by a system defined audio session time limit, thus allowing designers to limit the maximum time the room console may be used per audio communication.
In some embodiments, multitasking is enabled in audio communication. During audio communication, a newly entering staff member can register in the room while the communication is in progress. Also during audio communication, a service can be set to the call in progress. As provided in
In addition to being able to register a staff member entering the room while an audio call is in progress, the room console supports a staff member setting a service while in audio communication. By pressing the service icon 504-1 in
The room console may also provide a locate staff functionality as provided in the screenshot of
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a room console with registered-staff color coding. The display of a status bar on the room console shows in colors the level of staff registered in a given room. The room console may support staff registration so upon pressing one of the registration buttons, a colored bar appears on the display screen. Each level of staff present in a room may be indicated by a different bar on the display screen. In some embodiments, these colored bars have a fixed location. The purpose of these staff registration bars is to remind staff who are present in the room whether or not they have registered in the room, and also to remind the staff to de-register out of the room when they leave.
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a display of calls that are color-coded to the minimum-level of staff required to respond to the call. The color codes associated with the calls are examples of required-staff level indicators. These indicators allow visual categorization of calls based on a minimum staff level. A color may be assigned to a call when setting a service to the call. The list of calls may be programmed to show the highest priority calls displayed first, and the list may be further organized so that only the rooms with outstanding calls present are displayed. In some instances, a prioritized list with calls of a certain level matching the staff member level are displayed first before other calls.
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a call-out list which is a list of rooms to which a staff member using a room console may initiate an audio communication. This feature allows a staff member to have a short list of rooms to reach out to instead of providing a dial pad where a staff member would have to remember numbers to devices associated with certain rooms. Staff members do not need to arbitrarily call any room, so providing a call-out list feature reduces number memorization by the staff member. In some instances, the configuration of the room console allows a call-out zone to be defined. In a call-out zone, only specific rooms may be listed. In addition to specific rooms, sets of rooms may be defined by areas, groups, or other zones. In some instances, each room on the call-out list can be color-coded to indicate the level of staff present in that room. In other cases, each room on the call-out list can be color-coded to indicate the level of call present in that room.
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a room console device that supports multitasking. While a registered staff member is using the room console device to actively communicate with one or more audio electronic devices, another staff member may register with the same room console device. Additionally, while an audio communication is active, a registered staff member may use the room console device to set a service to an active call. In some instances, while multitasking, an audio icon is displayed on the room console device's touchscreen while setting a service. While multitasking, function icons may change as well to allow a registered staff member to return to a screen that provides details regarding the audio communication. For example, a “Home” icon may be provided while setting a service, and a “Back” icon may be provided while registering another staff member.
Embodiments of the disclosure further provide context-sensitive screens using staff registration. The menu of items displayed and the pending calls displayed on a room console can depend on which level of staff is registered on the room console. This feature de-clutters the screen so that the menu items and list of pending calls displayed on the screen are context-sensitive to the level of staff registered in the room such that together they reflect information deemed most-useful to the level of staff present in the room. In some embodiments, when multiple staff levels are registered on a given room console, menu items and list of pending calls pertaining to the highest-level staff are displayed.
All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B”) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
