WO2008116295A1 - Remote integrated healthcare management system and methods - Google Patents

Remote integrated healthcare management system and methods Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008116295A1
WO2008116295A1 PCT/CA2008/000539 CA2008000539W WO2008116295A1 WO 2008116295 A1 WO2008116295 A1 WO 2008116295A1 CA 2008000539 W CA2008000539 W CA 2008000539W WO 2008116295 A1 WO2008116295 A1 WO 2008116295A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
patient
management system
healthcare management
module
healthcare
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2008/000539
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Abdul Karim Qayumi
Original Assignee
Abdul Karim Qayumi
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Publication date
Application filed by Abdul Karim Qayumi filed Critical Abdul Karim Qayumi
Publication of WO2008116295A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008116295A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00163—Optical arrangements
    • A61B1/00165—Optical arrangements with light-conductive means, e.g. fibre optics
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
    • G16H10/00—ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data
    • G16H10/60—ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
    • G16H40/00—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices
    • G16H40/20—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities, e.g. managing hospital staff or surgery rooms
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
    • G16H40/00—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices
    • G16H40/60—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices
    • G16H40/67—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for remote operation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
    • G16H50/00—ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics
    • G16H50/20—ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to healthcare management systems.
  • the present invention relates to telemedical healthcare management systems.
  • Telemedicine refers to the practice of medicine in circumstances in which the healthcare provider and the patient are located at different sites during the diagnosis, treatment or monitoring of the patient. Telemedicine is particularly useful for patients in communities which are remote from large centres with medical facilities, or remote from, medical centres having particular expertise which could benefit the patient.
  • the prior art includes several patents which provide patient audio and visual monitoring and data transmission to a remote location to permit a health professional to make patient care decisions.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,553,609 issued Sept. 10, 1996 to Visiting Nurse Service, Inc.
  • a remote computer-based patient monitoring system is described in which home-based components permit two-way audio and visual communication with a remote health professional through a central communication computer system and telecommunication systems.
  • the central communication system further has access to patient and health professional databases.
  • the system permits health care professionals to monitor and diagnose certain health issues through patient-professional remote communication.
  • This patent does not teach a method and system for remote health care management nor more complex health monitoring and diagnostics.
  • U.S. Patent Application No. 11/255,899 filed Oct. 20, 2005 by Lipow teaches a portable surgical robot system for remotely controlled surgery configured for wireless communication.
  • the application contemplates placement of the surgical robot device next to an injured soldier or other remote patient.
  • Visual, auditory and tactile input is received by a remote doctor and the doctor may control the robot to perform surgical procedures.
  • the system requires personnel to place the robotic device, and does not provide complex health monitoring, diagnostics or treatment.
  • a health care management system comprising at least one patient module; at least one control centre module remote from the at least one patient module; means for sending and receiving data between the at least one patient module and the at least one control centre module; and at least one healthcare provider module remote from the at least one patient module and the at least one control centre module; and means for sending and receiving data between the at least one control centre module and the at least one healthcare module.
  • the patient module may include at least one slave computer. It may also include a patient bed, which may have bedding and means for replacing the bedding.
  • the patient bed may be a robotic bed, and may include at least one robotic arm.
  • a first robotic arm may be movably connected to a first side of the patient bed and a second robotic arm may be movably connected to a second opposing side of the patient bed.
  • Each robotic arm may comprise an upper arm having first and second opposed ends, the first end connected to a side of the patient bed; a lower arm having first and second opposed ends; an elbow joint connecting the second end of the upper arm and the first end of the lower arm, the elbow joint having at least three degrees of freedom of movement; at least two fingers, each having two finger segments, each finger segment having first and second opposed ends; a wrist joint connecting the second end of the lower arm and the first end of the first segment of each of the at least two fingers, the wrist joint having at least three degrees of freedom of movement; and a finger joint in each of the at least two fingers, each finger joint connecting the second end of the first finger segment to the first end of the second finger segment, and having at least three degrees of freedom of movement.
  • Each robotic arm may be reversibly insertable into an antiseptic glove.
  • the healthcare management system may have patient means for effecting robotic bed and robotic arm manoeuvres from the patient module site and healthcare provider means for effecting robotic bed and robotic arm manoeuvres from the healthcare provider module site.
  • the patient module further may comprise means for containment of biomedical waste, and at least one two-way audiovisual device.
  • the two-way audiovisual device may comprise a high definition television, means for playing interactive games, or a medical database. It may be mobile relative to the patient bed and the slave computer of the patient module.
  • the healthcare management may comprise means for medical diagnosis of a patient.
  • the means for medical diagnosis may include means for collecting, measuring and reporting patient inputs, means for collecting, measuring and reporting patient outputs, means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting audiovisual data to the healthcare provider module, means for measuring body temperature of a patient, means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting blood pressure data from a patient, means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting oxygen saturation data from a patient, means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting respiratory rate data from a patient, means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting heart rate data from a patient, means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting medical imaging data from a patient, means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting blood chemistry data from a patient, means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting urine chemistry data from a patient, and means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting stool chemistry data from a patient.
  • the healthcare management system may comprise means for medical treatment of a patient.
  • the means for medical treatment may include means for delivering a subcutaneous injection to a patient, means for delivering an intramuscular injection to a patient, means for delivering an intravenous injection to a patient, means for installing an intravenous line in a patient, means for cleaning a wound of a patient, means for dressing a wound of a patient, means for applying medication to a wound of a patient, means for debridement of a wound of a patient, means for suturing a wound of a patient, means for administering medication to a patient, means for applying an oxygen mask to a patient, means for cleaning the body of a patient, means for repositioning a patient, means for administering physical massage therapy to a patient, means for administering acupuncture therapy to a patient, means for administering acupressure therapy to a patient, and means for administering physical training to a patient.
  • the healthcare management system may comprise means for medical monitoring of a patient.
  • the means for medical monitoring may include means for collecting, measuring and reporting patient inputs, means for collecting, measuring and reporting patient outputs, means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting audiovisual data to the healthcare provider module, and means for measuring, transmitting and reporting at least one health status indicator of a patient.
  • the at least one health status indicator may include body temperature, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, medical imaging data, blood chemistry data, urine chemistry data, and stool chemistry data.
  • the means for sending and receiving data between the patient module and the control centre module may include at least one of wireless communication means, hardwired communication means, and BluetoothTM technology communication means.
  • the control centre module may further comprise at least one computer server, means for accessing at least one medical database, means for accessing at least one patient information database and means for accessing at least one healthcare provider database.
  • the healthcare provider module may further comprise at least one master computer, at least one two-way audiovisual device, means for controlling the control centre module, and a control console having means for controlling the patient module.
  • the means for controlling the patient module may include means for controlling the robotic bed and means for controlling the at least one robotic arm.
  • a method of diagnosis of the medical state of a patient using the health care management system described comprising the steps of activating the patient module to effect diagnosis of the patient; sending diagnosis data to the control centre module; activating the control centre module to compile diagnosis data, patient database data, healthcare provider database data and medical database data; sending the compiled data to the healthcare provider module; and providing access by at least one healthcare provider to the healthcare provider module for reviewing the compiled data and formulating a therapy plan.
  • a method of therapy to improve the medical state of a patient using the health care management described comprising the steps of: providing access by at least one healthcare provider having a therapy plan to the healthcare provider module; activating the healthcare provider module to send the therapy plan to the control centre module; activating the control centre module to send the therapy plan to the patient module; and activating the patient module to implement the therapy plan.
  • a method of monitoring the medical state of a patient using the health care management described comprising the steps of: activating the patient module to send monitoring data to the control centre module; activating the control centre module to compile relevant monitoring data, patient database data, healthcare provider database data and medical database data; activating the control centre module to send the compiled data to the healthcare provider module; and providing access by at least one healthcare provider to the compiled patient monitoring data for analysis.
  • FIG. l is a schematic view of the health care management system, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • a health care management system comprising at least one patient module 2; at least one control centre module 4 remote from the at least one patient module; means for sending and receiving data between the at least one patient module and the at least one control centre module 6; at least one healthcare provider module 8 remote from the at least one patient module and the at least one control centre module; and means for sending and receiving data between the at least one control centre module and the at least one healthcare module 10.
  • the patient module may further comprise a patient bed.
  • the patient bed may be a robotic bed.
  • the healthcare management system may include means for effecting robotic bed manoeuvres from the patient module site.
  • the means for effecting robotic bed manoeuvres may include mechanical devices for movement of the bed, controllable through hardwired or wireless electronics, and may be operable by the patient or a caregiver at the patient module site, or by a healthcare provider at the healthcare provider site.
  • the manoeuvres may include raising and lowering of a portion or of the entirety of the bed.
  • the patient bed may include bedding and means for replacing the bedding.
  • Means for replacing the bedding may include means for removal of soiled bedding, such as use of one or more robotic arms or scrolling of a bedding scroll associated with the robotic bed to replace soiled bedding with clean bedding, and may be operable by the patient or an on-site caregiver at the patient module site, or by a healthcare provider at the healthcare module site.
  • the bed may include one or more robotic arms.
  • a first robotic arm may be movably connected to a first side of the patient bed and a second robotic arm may be movably connected to a second opposing side of the patient bed.
  • Each robotic arm may include an upper arm having first and second opposed ends, the first end connected to a side of the patient bed; a lower arm having first and second opposed ends; an elbow joint connecting the second end of the upper arm and the first end of the lower arm, the elbow joint having at least three degrees of freedom of movement; at least two fingers, each having two finger segments, each finger segment having first and second opposed ends; a wrist joint connecting the second end of the lower arm and the first end of the first segment of each of the at least two fingers, the wrist joint having at least three degrees of freedom of movement; and a finger joint in each of the at least two fingers, each finger joint connecting the second end of the first finger segment to the first end of the second finger segment, and having at least three degrees of freedom of movement.
  • the healthcare management system may include patient means for effecting robotic arm manoeuvres by the patient or caregiver from the patient module site. These means may permit retrieval of objects using the robotic arms, replacement of bedding, assistance with patient movement, and similar tasks. It may further include healthcare provider means for effecting robotic arm manoeuvres by a healthcare provider from the healthcare provider module site. In addition to the simpler manoeuvres previously described, these may include more complex manoeuvres, including medical diagnosis, treatment and monitoring tasks.
  • the lower arm and fingers of each robotic arm may be reversibly insertable into an antiseptic glove to maintain antiseptic conditions when desirable.
  • the patient module may include means for containment of biomedical waste. This may include sharps containers, and solid and liquid waste receptacles which are replaceable or cleanable.
  • the patient module may include at least one slave computer.
  • the slave computer may receive commands from the control centre and actuate devices of the patient module.
  • the slave computer may also record and transmit patient data to the control centre.
  • the patient module may also include at least one two-way audiovisual device having one or more of a high definition television, audiovisual recording and playing means, means for playing interactive games, and means for accessing a medical database.
  • the two-way audiovisual device may be mobile relative to the patient bed and the slave computer of the patient module.
  • the healthcare management system may include means for means for medical diagnosis of a patient.
  • the means for medical diagnosis may include one or more of: means for collecting, measuring and reporting patient inputs, including liquid and solid foods and medications; means for collecting, measuring and reporting patient outputs, including urine and stool; means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting audiovisual data to the healthcare provider module, including digital and optical still and video cameras, audio recording and playing devices, video playing devices, monitors and printing devices; and means for measuring, transmitting and reporting one or more health status indicators of a patient.
  • the health status indicators may include, but are not limited to, one or more of body temperature, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate, medical imaging data, blood chemistry data, urine chemistry data, and stool chemistry data.
  • the means for measuring health status indicators may include actuating the robotic arms to operate medical equipment including thermometers, sphygmomanometers, photodetectors, medical imaging devices, laboratory analytical devices, and data recording devices, and associated medical supplies.
  • the healthcare management system may include means for medical treatment of a patient.
  • the means for medical treatment may include one or more of: means for delivering a subcutaneous injection to a patient, means for delivering an intramuscular injection to a patient, means for delivering an intravenous injection to a patient, means for installing an intravenous line in a patient, means for cleaning a wound of a patient, means for dressing a wound of a patient, means for applying medication to a wound of a patient, means for debridement of a wound of a patient, means for suturing a wound of a patient, means for administering medication to a patient, means for administering food and water to a patient, means for applying an oxygen mask to a patient, means for cleaning the body of a patient, means for repositioning a patient, means for administering physical massage therapy to a patient, means for administering acupuncture therapy to a patient, means for administering acupressure therapy to a patient, and means for administering physical training to a patient.
  • the means for medical treatment may include the robotic arms actuating medical implements and accessories in response to instructions received remotely from a healthcare provider.
  • the healthcare management system may include means for means for medical monitoring of a patient.
  • the means for medical monitoring may include one or more of: means for collecting, measuring and reporting patient inputs, including liquid and solid foods and medications; means for collecting, measuring and reporting patient outputs, including urine and stool; means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting audiovisual data to the healthcare provider module, including digital and optical still and video cameras, audio recording and playing devices, video playing devices, monitors and printing devices; and means for measuring, transmitting and reporting one or more health status indicators of a patient.
  • the health status indicators may include, but are not limited to, one or more of body temperature, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate, medical imaging data, blood chemistry data, urine chemistry data, and stool chemistry data.
  • the means for measuring health status indicators may include actuating the robotic arms to operate medical equipment including thermometers, sphygmomanometers, photodetectors, medical imaging devices, laboratory analytical devices, and data recording devices, and associated medical supplies.
  • the means for sending and receiving data between the patient module and the control centre module, and between the control centre module and the healthcare provider module may include one or more of wireless communication means, hardwired communication means, and BluetoothTM technology communication means.
  • the means for sending and receiving data may include a dedicated wire or optical-fiber cable link, a wireless link, and a global computer network, such as the Internet. It may include local area networks of computers, for example, those within a particular health institution.
  • the control centre module may include one or more computer servers.
  • the control centre module may include means for accessing one or more of: at least one medical database, at least one patient database, and at least one healthcare provider database.
  • the means for accessing the databases may be hardwired, wireless or using Bluetooth technology.
  • Information storage in the database and retrieval from the database may be automated, or may be controllable by the patient, caregiver or healthcare provider, each preferably having a predetermined level of access to the databases.
  • the healthcare provider module may include one or more master computers, one or more two- way audiovisual devices, and a control console having means for controlling the patient module and the control module.
  • the means for controlling the patient module may includes means for controlling the robotic bed, means for controlling one or more robotic arms, and means for controlling the patient audiovisual device.
  • a method of diagnosis of the medical state of a patient using the health care management system herein described comprising the steps of: activating the patient module to effect diagnosis of the patient; sending diagnosis data to the control centre module; activating the control centre module to compile diagnosis data, patient database data, healthcare provider database data and medical database data; sending the compiled data to the healthcare provider module; and providing access by at least one healthcare provider to the compiled patient diagnostic data to permit the healthcare provider to formulate a treatment plan.
  • a method of treatment to improve the medical state of a patient using the health care management system herein described comprising the steps of: providing access by at least one healthcare provider having a treatment plan to the healthcare provider module; activating the healthcare provider module to send the treatment plan to the control centre module; activating the control centre module to send the treatment plan to the patient module; and activating the patient module to implement the treatment plan.
  • An optional step may include, after receipt of the treatment plan by the control centre module, activating the control centre module to update the patient database and the healthcare provider database.
  • medical treatment such as surgery may be carried out via a telecommunications link and robotics at the patient module site.
  • a healthcare provider may manipulate a control console at the healthcare provider module, while monitoring the real time condition of the patient.
  • command signals are transmitted by the master computer at the healthcare provider module site to a slave computer at the patient module site which operates the robotic arms, robotic bed and other medical devices in response to the healthcare provider's commands.
  • the surgeon or other healthcare provider may be located at a remote location in the same facility, the same city, the same region, or the other side of the world.
  • a method of monitoring the medical state of a patient using the health care management system herein described comprising the steps of: activating the patient module to collect, measure and report monitoring data to the control centre module; activating the control centre module to compile relevant monitoring data, patient database data, healthcare provider database data and medical database data; activating the control centre module to send the compiled data to the healthcare provider module; and providing access by at least one healthcare provider to the compiled patient monitoring data to permit formulation by the healthcare provider of a treatment plan.
  • the healthcare management system of the invention is adaptable to address the needs of a wide variety of patient groups.
  • the patient group preferably comprises patients who are severely ill or disabled and largely immobile. Variations of the system may be used with other patient groups, including chronically ill patients, elderly individuals, individuals at risk, and healthy individuals.
  • the health information generated from individuals and patient groups may be selectively accessed by individuals and healthcare providers to improve healthcare delivery.
  • Benefits for healthy and at risk individuals would include initial triage on health issues; access to a personalized health database; and tools for a healthier lifestyle, including tools for improved diet, weight loss and fitness, as required.
  • Benefits for elderly individuals would include assistance in accomplishing daily medical tasks and daily living tasks, including scheduled activities; real time monitoring and response in the event of a problem; emergency response triage; and improved scheduling and communication with healthcare providers.
  • Benefits for the chronically ill patient would include monitoring of specific diseases relevant to the patient; automated and rapid response to abnormalities; capacity for remote consultations; improved scheduling of medical appointments; and improved disease management.
  • the health care provider may generate and maintain an individual's medical records.

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Abstract

An automated patient health monitoring and management system includes a patient module having a patient bed equipped with robotic technology, diagnostic, treatment and monitoring means, patient care means and data transmission and reception means; a control centre module for reception, transmission, storage and distribution of patient-related data, and a healthcare provider module for controlling the patient module via the control centre module. The system permits complete remote patient care by healthcare providers, regardless of patient location.

Description

REMOTE INTEGRATED HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHODS
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to healthcare management systems. In particular, the present invention relates to telemedical healthcare management systems.
Background of the Invention
Telemedicine refers to the practice of medicine in circumstances in which the healthcare provider and the patient are located at different sites during the diagnosis, treatment or monitoring of the patient. Telemedicine is particularly useful for patients in communities which are remote from large centres with medical facilities, or remote from, medical centres having particular expertise which could benefit the patient.
In emergency medical situations, it is essential to stabilize a patient and move the patient to an appropriate facility as soon as possible. Failure to provide adequate care in a timely manner greatly reduces patients likelihood of a successful outcome.
The prior art includes several patents which provide patient audio and visual monitoring and data transmission to a remote location to permit a health professional to make patient care decisions. For example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,553,609 issued Sept. 10, 1996 to Visiting Nurse Service, Inc., a remote computer-based patient monitoring system is described in which home-based components permit two-way audio and visual communication with a remote health professional through a central communication computer system and telecommunication systems. The central communication system further has access to patient and health professional databases. The system permits health care professionals to monitor and diagnose certain health issues through patient-professional remote communication. This patent does not teach a method and system for remote health care management nor more complex health monitoring and diagnostics.
It is also known to provide surgical robot systems. U.S. Patent No. 6,850,817 issued Feb. 1, 2005 to SRI International, U.S. Patent No. 5,855,553 issued Jan. 5, 1999 to Hitchi, Ltd., and U.S. Patent No. 6,951,535 issued Oct. 4, 2005 to Intuitive Surgical, Inc. teach systems for remote manipulation of surgical robots. These systems do not appear to contemplate patient monitoring, diagnostics, management and treatment apart from surgery, and none describe these combined activities in a manner permitting remote health care management.
In U.S. Patent Application No. 09/790,308 filed Feb. 22, 2001 by WiIk, a mobile medical facility permitting a remotely located health professional to perform diagnostics and surgery on a patient is disclosed. The application teaches such a system designed for installation on a vehicle, and includes transmission of data over multiple pathways. The nature of a vehicle cargo compartment does not provide adequate space for certain medical equipment, and the motion of the vehicle does not permit certain medical procedures without the assistance of on-the-ground personnel. This patent does not teach a system which integrates patient and healthcare provider database information and complex diagnostic procedures.
U.S. Patent Application No. 11/255,899 filed Oct. 20, 2005 by Lipow teaches a portable surgical robot system for remotely controlled surgery configured for wireless communication. The application contemplates placement of the surgical robot device next to an injured soldier or other remote patient. Visual, auditory and tactile input is received by a remote doctor and the doctor may control the robot to perform surgical procedures. The system requires personnel to place the robotic device, and does not provide complex health monitoring, diagnostics or treatment.
There is a need for an automated patient health monitoring and management system which would permit complete patient care remotely by medical professionals, regardless of patient location.
Summary of the Invention
According to one of the aspects of the present invention, there is provided a health care management system comprising at least one patient module; at least one control centre module remote from the at least one patient module; means for sending and receiving data between the at least one patient module and the at least one control centre module; and at least one healthcare provider module remote from the at least one patient module and the at least one control centre module; and means for sending and receiving data between the at least one control centre module and the at least one healthcare module. The patient module may include at least one slave computer. It may also include a patient bed, which may have bedding and means for replacing the bedding. The patient bed may be a robotic bed, and may include at least one robotic arm. A first robotic arm may be movably connected to a first side of the patient bed and a second robotic arm may be movably connected to a second opposing side of the patient bed. Each robotic arm may comprise an upper arm having first and second opposed ends, the first end connected to a side of the patient bed; a lower arm having first and second opposed ends; an elbow joint connecting the second end of the upper arm and the first end of the lower arm, the elbow joint having at least three degrees of freedom of movement; at least two fingers, each having two finger segments, each finger segment having first and second opposed ends; a wrist joint connecting the second end of the lower arm and the first end of the first segment of each of the at least two fingers, the wrist joint having at least three degrees of freedom of movement; and a finger joint in each of the at least two fingers, each finger joint connecting the second end of the first finger segment to the first end of the second finger segment, and having at least three degrees of freedom of movement. Each robotic arm may be reversibly insertable into an antiseptic glove.
The healthcare management system may have patient means for effecting robotic bed and robotic arm manoeuvres from the patient module site and healthcare provider means for effecting robotic bed and robotic arm manoeuvres from the healthcare provider module site.
The patient module further may comprise means for containment of biomedical waste, and at least one two-way audiovisual device. The two-way audiovisual device may comprise a high definition television, means for playing interactive games, or a medical database. It may be mobile relative to the patient bed and the slave computer of the patient module.
The healthcare management may comprise means for medical diagnosis of a patient. The means for medical diagnosis may include means for collecting, measuring and reporting patient inputs, means for collecting, measuring and reporting patient outputs, means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting audiovisual data to the healthcare provider module, means for measuring body temperature of a patient, means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting blood pressure data from a patient, means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting oxygen saturation data from a patient, means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting respiratory rate data from a patient, means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting heart rate data from a patient, means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting medical imaging data from a patient, means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting blood chemistry data from a patient, means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting urine chemistry data from a patient, and means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting stool chemistry data from a patient.
The healthcare management system may comprise means for medical treatment of a patient. The means for medical treatment may include means for delivering a subcutaneous injection to a patient, means for delivering an intramuscular injection to a patient, means for delivering an intravenous injection to a patient, means for installing an intravenous line in a patient, means for cleaning a wound of a patient, means for dressing a wound of a patient, means for applying medication to a wound of a patient, means for debridement of a wound of a patient, means for suturing a wound of a patient, means for administering medication to a patient, means for applying an oxygen mask to a patient, means for cleaning the body of a patient, means for repositioning a patient, means for administering physical massage therapy to a patient, means for administering acupuncture therapy to a patient, means for administering acupressure therapy to a patient, and means for administering physical training to a patient.
The healthcare management system may comprise means for medical monitoring of a patient. The means for medical monitoring may include means for collecting, measuring and reporting patient inputs, means for collecting, measuring and reporting patient outputs, means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting audiovisual data to the healthcare provider module, and means for measuring, transmitting and reporting at least one health status indicator of a patient. The at least one health status indicator may include body temperature, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, medical imaging data, blood chemistry data, urine chemistry data, and stool chemistry data.
The means for sending and receiving data between the patient module and the control centre module may include at least one of wireless communication means, hardwired communication means, and Bluetooth™ technology communication means. The control centre module may further comprise at least one computer server, means for accessing at least one medical database, means for accessing at least one patient information database and means for accessing at least one healthcare provider database.
The healthcare provider module may further comprise at least one master computer, at least one two-way audiovisual device, means for controlling the control centre module, and a control console having means for controlling the patient module. The means for controlling the patient module may include means for controlling the robotic bed and means for controlling the at least one robotic arm.
According to another of the aspects of the present invention, there is provided a method of diagnosis of the medical state of a patient using the health care management system described, comprising the steps of activating the patient module to effect diagnosis of the patient; sending diagnosis data to the control centre module; activating the control centre module to compile diagnosis data, patient database data, healthcare provider database data and medical database data; sending the compiled data to the healthcare provider module; and providing access by at least one healthcare provider to the healthcare provider module for reviewing the compiled data and formulating a therapy plan.
According to another of the aspects of the present invention, there is provided a method of therapy to improve the medical state of a patient using the health care management described, comprising the steps of: providing access by at least one healthcare provider having a therapy plan to the healthcare provider module; activating the healthcare provider module to send the therapy plan to the control centre module; activating the control centre module to send the therapy plan to the patient module; and activating the patient module to implement the therapy plan.
According to another of the aspects of the present invention, there is provided a method of monitoring the medical state of a patient using the health care management described, comprising the steps of: activating the patient module to send monitoring data to the control centre module; activating the control centre module to compile relevant monitoring data, patient database data, healthcare provider database data and medical database data; activating the control centre module to send the compiled data to the healthcare provider module; and providing access by at least one healthcare provider to the compiled patient monitoring data for analysis.
Brief Description of the Drawings
A detailed description of the preferred embodiments is provided below by way of example only and with reference to the following drawing, in which:
FIG. l is a schematic view of the health care management system, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
In the drawing, one embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention
In the following detailed description of the invention, reference numerals are used to identify structural elements, portions of elements, or surfaces in the drawings, as such elements, portions or surfaces may be further described or explained by the entire written specification. For consistency, whenever the same numeral is used in different drawings, it indicates the same element, portion, surface and area as when first used. It should be understood that only those components having particular functional importance or that would not otherwise be identified have been assigned reference numerals.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a health care management system comprising at least one patient module 2; at least one control centre module 4 remote from the at least one patient module; means for sending and receiving data between the at least one patient module and the at least one control centre module 6; at least one healthcare provider module 8 remote from the at least one patient module and the at least one control centre module; and means for sending and receiving data between the at least one control centre module and the at least one healthcare module 10. The patient module may further comprise a patient bed. The patient bed may be a robotic bed. The healthcare management system may include means for effecting robotic bed manoeuvres from the patient module site. The means for effecting robotic bed manoeuvres may include mechanical devices for movement of the bed, controllable through hardwired or wireless electronics, and may be operable by the patient or a caregiver at the patient module site, or by a healthcare provider at the healthcare provider site. The manoeuvres may include raising and lowering of a portion or of the entirety of the bed.
The patient bed may include bedding and means for replacing the bedding. Means for replacing the bedding may include means for removal of soiled bedding, such as use of one or more robotic arms or scrolling of a bedding scroll associated with the robotic bed to replace soiled bedding with clean bedding, and may be operable by the patient or an on-site caregiver at the patient module site, or by a healthcare provider at the healthcare module site.
The bed may include one or more robotic arms. A first robotic arm may be movably connected to a first side of the patient bed and a second robotic arm may be movably connected to a second opposing side of the patient bed. Each robotic arm may include an upper arm having first and second opposed ends, the first end connected to a side of the patient bed; a lower arm having first and second opposed ends; an elbow joint connecting the second end of the upper arm and the first end of the lower arm, the elbow joint having at least three degrees of freedom of movement; at least two fingers, each having two finger segments, each finger segment having first and second opposed ends; a wrist joint connecting the second end of the lower arm and the first end of the first segment of each of the at least two fingers, the wrist joint having at least three degrees of freedom of movement; and a finger joint in each of the at least two fingers, each finger joint connecting the second end of the first finger segment to the first end of the second finger segment, and having at least three degrees of freedom of movement.
The healthcare management system may include patient means for effecting robotic arm manoeuvres by the patient or caregiver from the patient module site. These means may permit retrieval of objects using the robotic arms, replacement of bedding, assistance with patient movement, and similar tasks. It may further include healthcare provider means for effecting robotic arm manoeuvres by a healthcare provider from the healthcare provider module site. In addition to the simpler manoeuvres previously described, these may include more complex manoeuvres, including medical diagnosis, treatment and monitoring tasks. The lower arm and fingers of each robotic arm may be reversibly insertable into an antiseptic glove to maintain antiseptic conditions when desirable.
The patient module may include means for containment of biomedical waste. This may include sharps containers, and solid and liquid waste receptacles which are replaceable or cleanable.
The patient module may include at least one slave computer. The slave computer may receive commands from the control centre and actuate devices of the patient module. The slave computer may also record and transmit patient data to the control centre. The patient module may also include at least one two-way audiovisual device having one or more of a high definition television, audiovisual recording and playing means, means for playing interactive games, and means for accessing a medical database. The two-way audiovisual device may be mobile relative to the patient bed and the slave computer of the patient module.
The healthcare management system may include means for means for medical diagnosis of a patient. The means for medical diagnosis may include one or more of: means for collecting, measuring and reporting patient inputs, including liquid and solid foods and medications; means for collecting, measuring and reporting patient outputs, including urine and stool; means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting audiovisual data to the healthcare provider module, including digital and optical still and video cameras, audio recording and playing devices, video playing devices, monitors and printing devices; and means for measuring, transmitting and reporting one or more health status indicators of a patient.
The health status indicators may include, but are not limited to, one or more of body temperature, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate, medical imaging data, blood chemistry data, urine chemistry data, and stool chemistry data.
The means for measuring health status indicators may include actuating the robotic arms to operate medical equipment including thermometers, sphygmomanometers, photodetectors, medical imaging devices, laboratory analytical devices, and data recording devices, and associated medical supplies. The healthcare management system may include means for medical treatment of a patient. The means for medical treatment may include one or more of: means for delivering a subcutaneous injection to a patient, means for delivering an intramuscular injection to a patient, means for delivering an intravenous injection to a patient, means for installing an intravenous line in a patient, means for cleaning a wound of a patient, means for dressing a wound of a patient, means for applying medication to a wound of a patient, means for debridement of a wound of a patient, means for suturing a wound of a patient, means for administering medication to a patient, means for administering food and water to a patient, means for applying an oxygen mask to a patient, means for cleaning the body of a patient, means for repositioning a patient, means for administering physical massage therapy to a patient, means for administering acupuncture therapy to a patient, means for administering acupressure therapy to a patient, and means for administering physical training to a patient.
The means for medical treatment may include the robotic arms actuating medical implements and accessories in response to instructions received remotely from a healthcare provider.
The healthcare management system may include means for means for medical monitoring of a patient. The means for medical monitoring may include one or more of: means for collecting, measuring and reporting patient inputs, including liquid and solid foods and medications; means for collecting, measuring and reporting patient outputs, including urine and stool; means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting audiovisual data to the healthcare provider module, including digital and optical still and video cameras, audio recording and playing devices, video playing devices, monitors and printing devices; and means for measuring, transmitting and reporting one or more health status indicators of a patient.
The health status indicators may include, but are not limited to, one or more of body temperature, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate, medical imaging data, blood chemistry data, urine chemistry data, and stool chemistry data.
The means for measuring health status indicators may include actuating the robotic arms to operate medical equipment including thermometers, sphygmomanometers, photodetectors, medical imaging devices, laboratory analytical devices, and data recording devices, and associated medical supplies.
The means for sending and receiving data between the patient module and the control centre module, and between the control centre module and the healthcare provider module may include one or more of wireless communication means, hardwired communication means, and Bluetooth™ technology communication means. The means for sending and receiving data may include a dedicated wire or optical-fiber cable link, a wireless link, and a global computer network, such as the Internet. It may include local area networks of computers, for example, those within a particular health institution.
The control centre module may include one or more computer servers. The control centre module may include means for accessing one or more of: at least one medical database, at least one patient database, and at least one healthcare provider database. The means for accessing the databases may be hardwired, wireless or using Bluetooth technology. Information storage in the database and retrieval from the database may be automated, or may be controllable by the patient, caregiver or healthcare provider, each preferably having a predetermined level of access to the databases.
The healthcare provider module may include one or more master computers, one or more two- way audiovisual devices, and a control console having means for controlling the patient module and the control module. The means for controlling the patient module may includes means for controlling the robotic bed, means for controlling one or more robotic arms, and means for controlling the patient audiovisual device.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of diagnosis of the medical state of a patient using the health care management system herein described, comprising the steps of: activating the patient module to effect diagnosis of the patient; sending diagnosis data to the control centre module; activating the control centre module to compile diagnosis data, patient database data, healthcare provider database data and medical database data; sending the compiled data to the healthcare provider module; and providing access by at least one healthcare provider to the compiled patient diagnostic data to permit the healthcare provider to formulate a treatment plan.
According to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of treatment to improve the medical state of a patient using the health care management system herein described, comprising the steps of: providing access by at least one healthcare provider having a treatment plan to the healthcare provider module; activating the healthcare provider module to send the treatment plan to the control centre module; activating the control centre module to send the treatment plan to the patient module; and activating the patient module to implement the treatment plan. An optional step may include, after receipt of the treatment plan by the control centre module, activating the control centre module to update the patient database and the healthcare provider database.
According to the invention, medical treatment such as surgery may be carried out via a telecommunications link and robotics at the patient module site. A healthcare provider may manipulate a control console at the healthcare provider module, while monitoring the real time condition of the patient. In response to movements of the controllers on the control console, command signals are transmitted by the master computer at the healthcare provider module site to a slave computer at the patient module site which operates the robotic arms, robotic bed and other medical devices in response to the healthcare provider's commands. The surgeon or other healthcare provider may be located at a remote location in the same facility, the same city, the same region, or the other side of the world.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of monitoring the medical state of a patient using the health care management system herein described, comprising the steps of: activating the patient module to collect, measure and report monitoring data to the control centre module; activating the control centre module to compile relevant monitoring data, patient database data, healthcare provider database data and medical database data; activating the control centre module to send the compiled data to the healthcare provider module; and providing access by at least one healthcare provider to the compiled patient monitoring data to permit formulation by the healthcare provider of a treatment plan. The healthcare management system of the invention is adaptable to address the needs of a wide variety of patient groups. In the preferred embodiment described herein, the patient group preferably comprises patients who are severely ill or disabled and largely immobile. Variations of the system may be used with other patient groups, including chronically ill patients, elderly individuals, individuals at risk, and healthy individuals. The health information generated from individuals and patient groups may be selectively accessed by individuals and healthcare providers to improve healthcare delivery.
Benefits for healthy and at risk individuals would include initial triage on health issues; access to a personalized health database; and tools for a healthier lifestyle, including tools for improved diet, weight loss and fitness, as required.
Benefits for elderly individuals would include assistance in accomplishing daily medical tasks and daily living tasks, including scheduled activities; real time monitoring and response in the event of a problem; emergency response triage; and improved scheduling and communication with healthcare providers.
Benefits for the chronically ill patient would include monitoring of specific diseases relevant to the patient; automated and rapid response to abnormalities; capacity for remote consultations; improved scheduling of medical appointments; and improved disease management.
In each case, the health care provider may generate and maintain an individual's medical records.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other variations of the preferred embodiment may also be practised without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:
1. A health care management system comprising:
at least one patient module;
at least one control centre module remote from the at least one patient module;
means for sending and receiving data between the at least one patient module and the at least one control centre module ;and
at least one healthcare provider module remote from the at least one patient module and the at least one control centre module; and
means for sending and receiving data between the at least one control centre module and the at least one healthcare module.
2. The healthcare management system of claim 1, wherein the at least one patient module includes at least one slave computer.
3. The healthcare management system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the patient module further comprises a patient bed.
4. The healthcare management system of claim 3, wherein the patient bed is a robotic bed.
5. The healthcare management system of claim 4, further comprising patient means for effecting robotic bed manoeuvres from the patient module site.
6. The healthcare management system of claim 4 or 5, further comprising healthcare provider means for effecting robotic bed manoeuvres from the healthcare provider module site.
7. The healthcare management system of any of claims 3-6, wherein the patient bed further comprises at least one robotic arm.
8. The healthcare management system of claim 7, wherein a first robotic arm is movably connected to a first side of the patient bed and a second robotic arm is movably connected to a second opposing side of the patient bed.
9. The healthcare management system of claim 7 or 8, wherein each robotic arm comprises:
an upper arm having first and second opposed ends, the first end connected to a side of the patient bed;
a lower arm having first and second opposed ends;
an elbow joint connecting the second end of the upper arm and the first end of the lower arm, the elbow joint having at least three degrees of freedom of movement;
at least two fingers, each having two finger segments, each finger segment having first and second opposed ends;
a wrist joint connecting the second end of the lower arm and the first end of the first segment of each of the at least two fingers, the wrist joint having at least three degrees of freedom of movement; and
a finger joint in each of the at least two fingers, each finger joint connecting the second end of the first finger segment to the first end of the second finger segment, and having at least three degrees of freedom of movement.
10. The healthcare management system of any of claims 7-9, further comprising patient means for effecting robotic arm manoeuvres from the patient module site.
11. The healthcare management system of any of claims 7-10, further comprising healthcare provider means for effecting robotic arm manoeuvres from the healthcare provider site.
12. The healthcare management system of any of claims 7-11, wherein each robotic arm is reversibly insertable into an antiseptic glove.
13. The healthcare management system of any of claims 3-12, wherein the patient bed further comprises bedding.
14. The healthcare management system of claim 13, wherein the patient bed further comprises means for replacing the bedding.
15. The healthcare management system of any of claims 1-14, wherein the patient module further comprises means for containment of biomedical waste.
16. The healthcare management system of any of claims 1-15, wherein the patient module further comprises at least one two-way audiovisual device.
17. The healthcare management system of claim 16, wherein the at least one two-way audiovisual device comprises a high definition television.
18. The healthcare management system of claim 16 or 17, wherein the at least one two-way audiovisual device comprises means for playing interactive games.
19. The healthcare management system of any of claims 16-18, wherein the at least one two- way audiovisual device comprises a medical database.
20. The healthcare management system of any of claims 16-19, wherein the at least one two- way audiovisual device is mobile relative to the patient bed and the computer processor of the patient module.
21. The healthcare management system of any of claims 1-20, further comprising means for medical diagnosis of a patient.
22. The healthcare management system of claim 21, wherein the means for medical diagnosis include means for collecting, measuring and reporting patient inputs.
23. The healthcare management system of claim 21 or 22, wherein the means for medical diagnosis include means for collecting, measuring and reporting patient outputs.
24. The healthcare management system of any of claims 21-23, wherein the means for medical diagnosis include means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting audiovisual data to the healthcare provider module.
25. The healthcare management system of any of claims 21-24, wherein the means for medical diagnosis include means for measuring body temperature of a patient.
26. The healthcare management system of any of claims 21-25, wherein the means for medical diagnosis include means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting blood pressure data from a patient.
27. The. healthcare management system of any of claims 21-26, wherein the means for medical diagnosis include means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting oxygen saturation data from a patient.
28. The healthcare management system of any of claims 21-27, wherein the means for medical diagnosis include means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting respiratory rate data from a patient.
29. The healthcare management system of any of claims 21-28, wherein the means for medical diagnosis include means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting heart rate data from a patient.
30. The healthcare management system of any of claims 21-29, wherein the means for medical diagnosis include means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting medical imaging data from a patient.
31. The healthcare management system of any of claims 21-30, wherein the means for medical diagnosis include means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting blood chemistry data from a patient.
32. The healthcare management system of any of claims 21-31, wherein the means for medical diagnosis include means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting urine chemistry data from a patient.
33. The healthcare management system of any of claims 21-32, wherein the means for medical diagnosis include means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting stool chemistry data from a patient.
34. The healthcare management system of any of claims 1-33, further comprising means for medical treatment of a patient.
35. The healthcare management system of claim 34, wherein the means for medical treatment include means for delivering a subcutaneous injection to a patient.
36. The healthcare management system of claim 34 or 35, wherein the means for medical treatment include means for delivering an intramuscular injection to a patient.
37. The healthcare management system of any of claims 34-36, wherein the means for medical treatment include means for delivering an intravenous injection to a patient.
38. The healthcare management system of any of claims 34-37, wherein the means for medical treatment include means for installing an intravenous line in a patient.
39. The healthcare management system of any of claims 34-38, wherein the means for medical treatment include means for cleaning a wound of a patient.
40. The healthcare management system of any of claims 34-39, wherein the means for medical treatment include means for dressing a wound of a patient.
41. The healthcare management system of any of claims 34-40, wherein the means for medical treatment include means for applying medication to a wound of a patient.
42. The healthcare management system of any of claims 34-41, wherein the means for medical treatment include means for debridement of a wound of a patient.
43. The healthcare management system of any of claims 34-42, wherein the means for medical treatment include means for suturing a wound of a patient.
44. The healthcare management system of any of claims 34-43, wherein the means for medical treatment include means for administering medication to a patient.
45. The healthcare man agement system of any of claims 34-44, wherein the means for medical treatment include means for applying an oxygen mask to a patient.
46. The healthcare management system of any of claims 34-45, wherein the means for medical treatment include means for cleaning the body of a patient.
47. The healthcare management system of any of claims 34-46, wherein the means for medical treatment include means for repositioning a patient.
48. The healthcare management system of any of claims 34-47, wherein the means for medical treatment include means for administering physical massage therapy to a patient.
49. The healthcare management system of any of claims 34-48, wherein the means for medical treatment include means for administering acupuncture therapy to a patient.
50. The healthcare management system of any of claims 34-49, wherein the means for medical treatment include means for administering acupressure therapy to a patient.
51. The healthcare management system of any of claims 34-50, wherein the means for medical treatment include means for administering physical training to a patient.
52. The healthcare management system of any of claims 1-51, further comprising means for medical monitoring of a patient.
53. The healthcare management system of claim 52, wherein the means for medical monitoring include means for collecting, measuring and reporting patient inputs.
54. The healthcare management system of claim 52 or 53, wherein the means for medical monitoring include means for collecting, measuring and reporting patient outputs.
55. The healthcare management system of any of claims 52-54, wherein the means for medical monitoring include means for obtaining, transmitting and reporting audiovisual data to the healthcare provider module.
56. The healthcare management system of any of claims 52-55, wherein the means for medical monitoring includes means for measuring, transmitting and reporting at least one health status indicator of a patient.
57. The healthcare management system of claim 56, wherein the at least one health status indicator includes body temperature.
58. The healthcare management system of claim 56 or 57, wherein the at least one health status indicator includes blood pressure.
59. The healthcare management system of any of claims 56-58, wherein the at least one health status indicator includes oxygen saturation.
60. The healthcare management system of any of claims 56-59, wherein the at least one health status indicator includes respiratory rate.
61. The healthcare management system of any of claims 56-60, wherein the at least one health status indicator includes medical imaging data.
62. The healthcare management system of any of claims 56-61, wherein the at least one health status indicator includes blood chemistry data.
63. The healthcare management system of any of claims 56-62, wherein the at least one health status indicator includes urine chemistry data.
64. The healthcare management system of any of claims 56-63, wherein the at least one health status indicator includes stool chemistry data.
65. The healthcare management system of any of claims 1 -64, wherein the means for sending and receiving data between the patient module and the control centre module includes at least one of wireless communication means, hardwired communication means, and Bluetooth™ technology communication means.
66. The healthcare management system of any of claims 1-65, wherein the control centre module further comprises at least one computer server.
67. The healthcare management system of any of claims 1-66, wherein the control centre module further comprises means for accessing at least one medical database.
68. The healthcare management system of any of claims 1-67, wherein the control centre module further comprises means for accessing at least one patient information database.
69. The healthcare management system of any of claims 1-68, wherein the control centre module further comprises means for accessing at least one healthcare provider database.
70. The healthcare management system of any of claims 1-69, wherein the healthcare provider module further comprises at least one master computer.
71. The healthcare management system of any of claims 1-70, wherein the healthcare provider module further comprises at least one two-way audiovisual device.
72. The healthcare management system of any of claims 1-71, wherein the healthcare provider module further comprises a control console having means for controlling the patient module.
73. The healthcare management system of claim 72, wherein the means for controlling the patient module includes means for controlling the robotic bed.
74. The healthcare management system of claim 72 or 73, wherein the means for controlling the patient module includes means for controlling the at least one robotic arm.
75. The healthcare management system of claim 72, further comprising means for controlling the control centre module.
76. A method of diagnosis of the medical state of a patient using the health care management system of any of claims 69-75, comprising the steps of:
activating the patient module to effect diagnosis of the patient;
sending diagnosis data to the control centre module;
activating the control centre module to compile diagnosis data, patient database data, healthcare provider database data and medical database data;
sending the compiled data to the healthcare provider module; and
providing access by at least one healthcare provider to the healthcare provider module for reviewing the compiled data and formulating a therapy plan.
77. A method of therapy to improve the medical state of a patient using the health care management system of any of claims 1-76, comprising the steps of:
providing access by at least one healthcare provider having a therapy plan to the healthcare provider module;
activating the healthcare provider module to send the therapy plan to the control centre module;
activating the control centre module to send the therapy plan to the patient module; and
activating the patient module to implement the therapy plan.
78. A method of monitoring the medical state of a patient using the health care management system of any of claims 69-77, comprising the steps of:
activating the patient module to send monitoring data to the control centre module; activating the control centre module to compile relevant monitoring data, patient database data, healthcare provider database data and medical database data;
activating the control centre module to send the compiled data to the healthcare provider module; and
providing access by at least one healthcare provider to the compiled patient monitoring data for analysis.
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