Patent Application
20080120784
This disclosure relates to a smart bed system and apparatus adapted for automated patient monitoring.
Hospitals may implement a variety of different automated patient monitoring devices for purposes of monitoring patients and recording the resultant data. Examples of such automated patient monitoring devices include electrocardiograph (ECG) devices, pulse oximeter devices, blood-pressure monitoring devices, etc. A plurality of wires couple the automated patient monitoring devices with the patient. The automated patient monitoring devices are typically disposed on stands or carts adjacent to a patient's hospital bed.
The problem is that the wires can impede or restrict patient motion and may therefore encourage patients to minimize their activity level. Prolonged patient inactivity is linked to medical conditions such as thrombosis and muscle atrophy. Another problem with the wires pertains to hospital beds that are designed to be mobile such that patients can be transported without getting up. The wires connecting the automated patient monitoring devices with the patient can interfere with the process of transporting mobile hospital beds containing a patient. If the wires are disconnected from the patient or the automated patient monitoring devices in order to facilitate the transportation of the mobile hospital beds, the patient cannot be monitored during such transportation.
The above-mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein which will be understood by reading and understanding the following specification.
In an embodiment, a smart bed adapted to accommodate a patient includes a smart bed computer, and a patient monitoring device operatively connected to the smart bed computer. The patient monitoring device is incorporated with the smart bed such that the smart bed is not restricted by any wires adapted to couple the patient monitoring device with the patient.
In another embodiment, a smart bed adapted to accommodate a patient includes a smart bed computer, a patient monitoring device operatively connected to the smart bed computer, and a plurality of patient sensors operatively connected to the patient monitoring device. The smart bed also includes a bed monitoring device operatively connected to the smart bed computer, and a plurality of bed sensors operatively connected to the bed monitoring device. The patient monitoring device is incorporated with the smart bed such that the smart bed is not restricted by any wires adapted to couple the patient monitoring device with the plurality of patient sensors.
In yet another embodiment, a smart bed system includes a smart bed adapted to accommodate a patient, said smart bed includes a smart bed computer, and a patient monitoring device operatively connected to the smart bed computer. The patient monitoring device is incorporated with the smart bed such that the smart bed is not restricted by any wires adapted to couple the patient monitoring device with the patient. The smart bed system also includes a server coupled with the smart bed computer. The server is configured to store any patient data pertaining to the patient. The patient data can be selectively transferred from the server to the smart bed computer such that said patient data is accessible directly from the smart bed.
Various other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be made apparent to those skilled in the art from the accompanying drawings and detailed description thereof.
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments that may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.
Referring to
The server 12 receives data from and transmits data to a plurality of different sources for purposes such as, for example, continuously monitoring the patient; directly addressing or directing others to address patient needs; implementing precautionary measures to ensure the patient is optimally cared for; and conveying relevant patient data to an individual or a team for purposes of obtaining a diagnosis or developing a care plan. In a non-limiting manner, these sources may include the smart beds 14a-14n; a primary physician 16; a medical team 18; a remote monitor 20; and/or an emergency alert device 22.
Each of the smart beds 14a-14n is respectively adapted to retain one of the patients 24a-24n. The smart beds 14a-14n each include a computer 26a-26n that is coupled to the server 12 in a conventional manner. It should be appreciated that each of the smart beds 14a-14n may include multiple computers, and that the schematically depicted computers 26a-26n may each represent a plurality of computers. A local caregiver 28 such as a nurse can implement the smart bed computers 26a-26n for transferring data to or retrieving data from the server 12 in order to optimally meet the needs of the patients. According to one embodiment, the local caregiver 28 may implement a personal digital assistant (PDA) 30 to access the computers 26a-26n. Alternatively, the local caregiver 28 can access the computers 26a-26n in any known manner such as with a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, etc. According to another embodiment, the smart beds 14a-14n may be configured to automatically transfer data to or retrieve data from the server 12 as will be described in detail hereinafter.
The primary physician 16 may either directly or remotely extract data from and input data into the server 12. An exemplary interaction between the primary physician 16 and the server 12 may include the following. The primary physician 16 initially extracts information from the server 12 such as the medical history and current vital statistics for patient 24a. After obtaining and evaluating this information from the server 12, the primary physician 16 develops a care plan 32 adapted to optimally treat the patient 24a and inputs the care plan 32 into the server 12. The care plan 32 is accessible to the local caregiver 28 via the smart bed 26a such that the local caregiver 28 can implement the primary physician's care plan 32. During the course of treatment, the primary physician 16 can extract additional information such as any subsequently acquired patient data in order to evaluate patient progress and to adjust the care plan 32. Accordingly, the smart bed system 10 allows the primary physician to analyze and treat multiple patients from a remote location.
The medical team 18 can either directly or remotely extract data from and input data into the server 12. As the server 12 is remotely accessible, the medical team 18 may comprise members from distant geographical regions. Accordingly, specialists from all over the world can be virtually brought together to as part of the medical team 18 in order to evaluate and treat the patients 24a-24n. An exemplary interaction between the medical team 18 and the server 12 may include the following. The medical team 18 initially extracts information from the server 12 such as the patient's medical history, initial diagnosis, medical reports, care plan 32, etc. Thereafter, the medical team members collectively evaluate the information from the server 12 in order provide additional feedback. This feedback may then be input into the server 12 for further consideration by the primary physician 16 and so that the local caregiver 28 can carry out any instructions. Accordingly, the smart bed system 10 supports team based medicine by providing a plurality of remotely located team members the opportunity to review a common collection of patient data for the purpose of diagnosing and/or treating the patient. As the server 12 is directly accessible, the smart bed system 10 also supports local team based medicine.
The remote monitor 20 is generally an individual or group of individuals that remotely access the server 12 in order to observe or monitor data from one or more of the patients 24a-24n. Accordingly, the remote monitor 20 can provide an additional layer of protection for the patients 24a-24n. In the event that the remote monitor 20 observes problematic patient data, the remote monitor 20 can alert the primary physician 16 and/or the local caregiver 28 for further analyses or follow-up. The remote monitor 20 may also remotely trigger the emergency alert device 22, which is described in detail hereinafter, if problematic patient data is observed.
The emergency alert device 22 may be triggered manually from the server 12 or any of the smart beds 14a-14n, or may be triggered automatically by the algorithm 100 described in detail hereinafter. The emergency alert device includes an alarm system adapted to alert the primary physician 16, the local caregiver 28 and/or any other staff members in order to quickly address a medical emergency. The emergency alert device 22 may be configured to alert local personnel with conventional audio (e.g., a siren or verbal warning) and/or visual (e.g., a flashing light) feedback, and may also be configured to alert remotely located personnel such as by calling a cell phone or pager, or by sending a text message.
Referring to
At step 102, the algorithm 100 is configured to automatically collect patient data. The patient data can be collected from that which is stored directly on the server 12 (shown in
As another example, at step 102 the algorithm 100 may be implemented to retrieve all billing data which may include, for example, a listing of the services provided and their associated cost; the duration of the patient's hospitalization; the patient's insurance provider and type of coverage; etc. Thereafter, the retrieved data can automatically be compiled by the algorithm 100 in the form of one or more invoices that include an itemized listing of expenses. As an example, if the patient's medical plan includes a co-pay, a first invoice covering the amount of the co-pay can be automatically prepared and sent to the patient, and a second invoice covering the remainder of the expenses can be automatically prepared and sent to the patient's insurance provider.
At step 104, the algorithm 100 is configured to automatically analyze patient data. As an example, the algorithm 100 can be configured to identify or flag any patient data that falls outside a predefined range, and to initiate an appropriate response to such flagged data. Exemplary responses may include alerting a physician or other hospital staff member, scheduling a medical team case review meeting, and/or automatically initiating a course of action. The most appropriate response may depend upon the specific type of data that has been flagged and/or the amount by which the flagged data falls outside the predefined range. The automatic initiation of a course of action is a feature enabled by the smart bed system 10 (shown in
Step 104 may also include an automated service routine 116. The service routine 116 may, for example, be configured to monitor smart bed system 10 operation and identify any fault conditions so that any service needs can be proactively met. The fault conditions are selectable and may, for example, be predicated on the electrical, mechanical and software functionality of the smart bed system 10. According to one example, the service routine 116 can record the number of hours of “in use” smart bed operation and forward the recorded information (including any recorded failure events) to a service provider system for analysis and fault determination. The automated service routine 116 may also record maintenance that has been carried out on the smart bed system 10, indicate to a caregiver or service provider when routine maintenance is required, and indicate “out of service” on any smart bed that requires service in order to prevent additional patients from being admitted. If a patient occupies a smart bed that requires service, the automated service routine 116 may assign the patient a new smart bed so that the patient can be cared for while the original smart bed is serviced.
At step 106, the algorithm 100 is configured to evaluate the patient care plan 32 (shown in
At step 108, the algorithm 100 is configured to monitor care plan 32 (shown in
Having described the smart bed system 10 (shown in
As shown in
The RFID antenna 40, any of the sensors 42a, and/or the touch screen 44 may be configured to operate both as an input device and an output device (i.e., an I/O device), however, they will be described as being an input devices for purposes of this disclosure. The touch screen 44 is optional and may alternatively include other known input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, touch pad, joystick, remote control (either wireless or with a wire), track ball, Marquette trim knob, etc. According to one embodiment, the smart bed computer 26a is wirelessly coupled to the server 12, and the RFID antenna 40 is mounted directly to the smart bed 14a in order to minimize the number of external cables restricting smart bed motion.
The wireless communication device will hereinafter be described as the RFID antenna 40, however, other wireless communication devices such as, for example, a bar code reader may also be envisioned. The RFID antenna 40 may receive input from a RFID device 50 secured to the patient 24a in a conventional manner such as with a wristband. During admission, a patient's RFID device 50 can be programmed to include a wide range of information including patient identification information (e.g., sex, age, height, weight), medical information (e.g., medical history, allergies, dietary restrictions), billing information (e.g., insurance carrier), etc. Thereafter, additional patient information that has been collected during the course of treatment can be added to the RFID device 50. When the RFID device 50 is in sufficiently close proximity to the RFID antenna 40, any information programmed into the RFID device 50 can be downloaded onto the smart bed computer 26a and transferred to the server 12. The RFID device 50 may also include an encryption device 86 as described in detail hereinafter.
The RFID antenna 40 may also receive input from an RFID device 52 secured to the local caregiver 28 or other hospital personnel, and from one or more RFID devices 56 secured to objects such as an IV bag or bottle containing medication 58. The RFID device 52 secured to the local caregiver 28 may be programmed to include, for example, the local caregiver's identity and occupation. Therefore, whenever the local caregiver 28 wearing the RFID device 52 comes into sufficiently close proximity to the RFID antenna 40, the local caregiver's identity and the time can be automatically recorded by the computer 26a and transferred to the server 12. The local caregiver 28 can also manually input additional information directly into the smart bed computer 26a via the PDA 30, the touch screen 44, a dedicated remote controller (not shown), or any other input device. This additional information may include the purpose of the visitation, any findings, any procedures administered, etc.
The RFID device 56 secured to an object such as an IV bag or bottle containing medication 58 may be programmed to include, for example, the type and quantity of medication. Therefore, when the medication 58 is administered to the patient 24a, and the RFID device 56 is in sufficiently close proximity to the RFID antenna 40, information such as the type and quantity of medication administered and the time at which it was administered can be automatically calculated and recorded by the computer 26a and transferred to the server 12. The RFID device 56 is re-programmable so that, for example, after a predetermined portion of the medication 58 has been administered, the RFID device 56 can be reprogrammed to reflect the remaining quantity of medication 58 in the IV bag or bottle. The remaining quantity of medication 58 can also be provided to the master materials management scheduler for the facility such that an accurate count can be maintained and so that additional supplies can be ordered in a timely manner.
Other RFID antennas (not shown) associated with the other smart beds 14b-14n (shown in
The plurality of sensors 42 include a first group of sensors attached directly to the patient (patient sensors) 60a-60n and a second group of sensors attached to the smart bed (bed sensors) 62a-62n. The patient sensors 60a-60n may include both those attached to a patient in an invasive manner and those attached in a non-invasive manner. For purposes of this disclosure, “bed sensors” are defined to include sensors disposed within or attached to the blankets, sheets, and pillows.
In a non-limiting manner, the patient sensors 60a-60n may include devices adapted to measure patient motion, weight, temperature, blood pressure, blood glucose level, pulse, heart rate, etc. Advantageously, the incorporation of the patient sensors 60a-60n allow the patient 24a to be generally continuously monitored. Sensor data can be recorded by the computer 26a and transferred to the server 12. According to one embodiment, the sensor data can be implemented by the algorithm 100 (shown in
The patient sensors 60a-60n may be coupled with the patient monitoring device 61 which is preferably attached to or incorporated into the smart bed 14a. As an example, an electrocardiogram (ECG) device (not shown) can be incorporated into the smart bed 14a and coupled to one or more patient sensors 60a-60n in order to measure heart rate and pulse. By either attaching the patient monitoring device 61 directly to the smart bed 14a or by incorporating the monitoring device 61 -into the smart bed 14a, the smart bed 14a can be designed such that there are fewer external wires restricting bed motion. Therefore, the patient 24a can be conveniently transported without restriction while remaining in beds and the patient 24a can also be continuously monitored during such transportation. It should be appreciated that the schematically depicted patient monitoring device 61 may represent a plurality of patient monitoring devices. In a non-limiting manner, the patient monitoring device 61 may include devices such as the previously mentioned ECG device, a blood pressure monitoring device, a body temperature monitoring device, pulse oximeter device, an electromyogram (EMG) device, an electroencephogram (EEG) device, etc.
According to one embodiment, one or more patient monitoring devices 61 may be removeably attachable to the smart bed 14a such as with a cartridge type attachment. Accordingly, the smart bed 14a can be set up to include only those monitoring devices 61 that are necessary for a particular patient. If the patient 24a chooses to get up from the smart bed 14a, the monitoring devices 61 can be removed and transported along with the patient such as on a mobile stand or rack. In this manner, the patient 24a is less restricted by wires, and the patient 24a can walk around while being continuously monitored.
In a non-limiting manner, the bed sensors 62a-62n may include one or more pressure sensors and/or mass sensors. Pressure sensors may be used to identify the presence of the patient 24a within the smart bed 14a, to monitor patient movement into and out of the smart bed 14a, and to monitor patient movement within the smart bed 14a. As an example, if the pressure sensors indicate excessive patient inactivity it may become necessary to implement precautionary measures in order to prevent thrombosis. Mass sensors may be implemented to monitor patient weight loss and gain. Patient weight loss or gain may be used, for example, in combination with fluid administration and excretion data in order to estimate kidney function.
According to another embodiment, the bed sensors 62a-62n may include a conductance sensor array adapted to identify the presence of bodily fluids that come into contact with the smart bed 14a. The identification of such fluids can be conveyed to an appropriate hospital staff member in a conventional manner. The use of a sensor adapted to measure salinity allows the smart bed system 10 to distinguish between blood and urine. The smart bed system 10 can also identify the location of the bodily fluid relative to the patient 24a as another technique for distinguishing between blood and urine. For example, if the bodily fluid is in close proximity to the patient's groin, the bodily fluid may be assumed to comprise urine. Similarly, if the bodily fluid is in close proximity to a documented wound, the bodily fluid may be assumed to comprise blood. This information can allow for the early detection of bleeding and infection weepage, and is particularly helpful for unconscious patients.
The bed sensors 62a-62n may be coupled with the bed monitoring device 63 which is preferably attached to or incorporated into the smart bed 14a. By either attaching the bed monitoring device 63 directly to the smart bed 14a or by incorporating the monitoring device 63 into the smart bed 14a, the smart bed 14a can be designed such that there are fewer external wires restricting bed motion. Therefore, the patient 24a can be conveniently transported without restriction while remaining in bed, and the smart bed 14a can also be continuously monitored during such transportation. It should be appreciated that the schematically depicted bed monitoring device 63 may represent a plurality of bed monitoring devices. In a non-limiting manner, the bed monitoring device 63 may include devices adapted to monitor pressure, mass, temperature, fluid presence, etc. According to one embodiment, one or more bed monitoring devices 63 may be removeably attachable to the smart bed 14a such as with a cartridge type attachment in a manner similar to that described hereinabove with respect to the patient monitoring devices 61.
Referring to
The smart bed 14a can include a plurality of output devices 70 configured to at least partially automate the process of caring for the patient 24a, and to convenience both the patient 24a and the hospital staff members. For purposes of the present invention, the phrase “caring for a patient” is defined to include, in a non-limiting manner, acts such as treating a patient, assisting a patient, meeting any patient needs or preferences, comforting the patient, etc. The output devices 70 may, for example, be positioned within the smart bed 14a (including any sheets, blankets, pillows, etc.), attached to the smart bed 14a, or integrally formed as part of the smart bed 14a. In a non-limiting manner, the output devices 70 can include a display 72, speakers 74, actuators 76, thermal transducers 78, pumps 80, valves 82, etc. According to an embodiment, the emergency alert 22 (shown in
The display 72 may optionally incorporate the touch screen 44 (shown in
According to one embodiment, the smart bed system 10 may be configured to convenience the patient 24a by automatically adjusting the smart bed 14a in a personalized manner. As an example, information pertaining to a patient's short stature or relative weakness can be programmed onto the patient's RFID device 50 (shown in
According to another embodiment, the smart bed 14a may be configured to automatically adjust in a manner adapted to convenience the local caregiver 28 (shown in
According to another embodiment, the smart bed 14a may be configured to implement the thermal transducers 78 in order to care for the patient 24a. As an example, if the patient 24a is suffering from a fever, the primary physician 16 (shown in
According to another embodiment, the smart bed 14a may be configured to implement the pumps 80 and/or the valves 82 in order to care for and protect the patient 24a. As an example, the pumps 80 and/or valves 82 may be automatically operated to transfer IV fluid at a predetermined rate in accordance with instructions from the care plan 32 (shown in
According to another embodiment, the smart bed 14a may be configured to implement the display 72 and speakers 74 to entertain and care for the patient 24a. As an example, the patient 24a may directly request or the care plan 32 (shown in
According to another embodiment, the smart bed 14a may include one or more patient care devices operatively connected to one or more of the output devices 70 in order to facilitate the process of caring for the patient 24a. In a non-limiting manner, the patient care devices may include an IV device 90, a ventilator 92, an oxygen supply device 94, or any other known device adapted to care for a patient. According to one exemplary embodiment, the IV device 90 and the ventilator 92 are both operatively connected to one of the pumps 80 and to one of the valves 82. In this manner, the pumps 80 can power the IV device 90 and ventilator 92, and the valves 82 can control the transfer rate. The oxygen supply device 94 may be operatively connected to the valves 82 which can be implemented to control the rate at which oxygen is supplied to the patient 24a. Any patient care devices including the IV device 90, the ventilator 92, and the oxygen supply device 94 are preferably attached to or incorporated into the smart bed 14a such that there are fewer external restrictions (e.g., hoses or tubes) limiting bed motion. Therefore, the patient 24a can be conveniently transported without restriction while remaining in bed, and the patient 24a can also be continuously cared for during such transportation.
Referring to
At step 202, the method 200 confirms the presence of the patient 24a (shown in
At step 204, the method 200 confirms the identity of the patient 24a (shown in
According to one embodiment, if a given patient is determined to be in a smart bed that has been set up to receive another individual, the smart bed may be configured to initially deny service. Thereafter, a hospital staff member is alerted to determine who the patient is and where they should be. In this manner, the patient is prevented from potentially receiving treatment in accordance with another individual's care plan.
According to another embodiment, after the identity of the patient 24a (shown in
At step 206, the method 200 transfers patient data such as, for example, the patient care plan 32 (shown in
At step 208, the smart bed 14a (shown in
While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain substitutions, alterations and omissions may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is meant to be exemplary only, and should not limit the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
