JP5296340B2 - Home medical support system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a home healthcare support system.

  Patients with chronic illnesses that require long-term treatment, such as respiratory diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc., should go to the hospital regularly or according to their symptoms while continuing treatment at home based on a doctor's prescription. The health condition is managed by doing. In such a case, it is important for the medical staff to appropriately grasp the treatment status and health status of the patient at the patient's home. For example, in the case of a patient on home oxygen therapy, it is important for the diagnosis of a doctor to know whether the patient is sucking a high concentration of oxygen generated from the oxygen concentrator as prescribed. It is also important to know if the oxygen concentrator is operating properly at the patient's home.

  In response to these problems, various home medical support systems that manage the health status of patients and the use status of medical devices using computer communication technology have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a breathing gas supply system that makes it easy to manage the operating state by remotely monitoring a breathing gas supply device used for home oxygen therapy at a remote location. It is shown. Patent Document 2 discloses a home medical device remote monitoring system that remotely monitors state changes such as deterioration of home medical devices. With these technologies, patients can receive medical care at home more safely.

JP-A-5-309135 JP 2003-16213 A

  However, the following problems remain in the conventional home medical support system described above.

(I) Insufficient communication between home medical patients and other home medical patients At home, patients have no opportunity to communicate with other patients, and it is not possible to confident troubles specific to home medical care. For example, in the case of home oxygen medical care, a tube is put on the patient's face to perform oxygen inhalation, so that the appearance is impaired, and when going out, an oxygen cylinder must be carried. This obstructs the feeling that the patient goes out and communicates with others, and as a result, the patient is forced to live in a house.

(Ii) Insufficient communication between home medical patients and their relatives When home medical patients are living alone, relatives who are separated from patients need to live their lives while having anxiety about the patient's health. There is. In addition, even if the relative of the home medical patient is living with the patient, the patient is uneasy when the patient goes out or when the relative goes out. However, even if there is a lack of communication between such home medical patients and relatives, it cannot be said that the conventional home medical support system provides sufficient measures for the relatives to be relieved.

(Iii) Insufficient communication between home medical patients and health care workers In home health care, communication between patients and medical staff such as doctors and nurses tends to be insufficient. I can't consult as I think. As a result, the anxiety of the medical patient at home cannot be preferably eliminated, and the QOL at home may be reduced.

(Iv) Insufficient communication between home medical patients and home medical device providers Home medical patients are providers of home medical devices when they do not know how to use or maintain home medical devices or when troubles occur. (Including provider providers who are in charge of the provider). However, since communication between home medical patients and home medical device providers tends to be insufficient, device providers cannot respond quickly to medical device maintenance and troubles, and implement home medical care smoothly. There is a risk that it will not be possible. Even if the patient is aware of the problem of the medical device itself, it cannot be said that the device provider has sufficiently grasped it at present.

  The conventional home healthcare support system is not enough to deal with the problem of lack of communication between home healthcare patients and other patients, healthcare professionals, equipment providers, relatives, and others. Is the current situation. An object of the present invention is to solve such a conventional problem.

  The present inventor has paid attention to the virtual reality technology that has made rapid progress in recent years, and found that the above-mentioned problems can be solved by providing a virtual space on the network where a home medical patient and another person can communicate. That is, the present invention employs the following configuration.

(1) A system for supporting home medical care, which is used by a home medical patient and connected to a network, and used by the home medical patient and connected to the first terminal or the network. A home medical device, a second terminal used by a person other than the home medical patient and connected to the network, the first terminal, the home medical device, and the second terminal connected to the network. A virtual space on the network connected to a terminal and accessible to the home medical patient and the other, a human model operable in the virtual space, and a medical device model operable in the virtual space. A home medical support system comprising: a server device to provide.
(2) The second terminal is used for at least one of another home medical patient, a relative of the home medical patient, a medical worker, and a provider of home medical equipment. Home medical support system as described in 1).
(3) The human model provided by the server device is at least one of the home medical patient, the other home medical patient, a relative of the home medical patient, the medical worker, and a provider of the home medical device. The home medical support system according to (1) or (2) above, wherein only the person can operate.
(4) The above-mentioned (1), wherein the home medical device includes means for transmitting at least one of device information of the medical device and biological information of the home medical patient to be used. The home medical care support system according to any one of to (3).
(5) The medical device model is characterized in that the medical staff can remotely operate the home medical device by operating the medical device model in the virtual space. A home medical support system according to any one of the above.
(6) The home medical support system according to (5), wherein the home medical device is an oxygen concentrator, and the setting of the oxygen supply flow rate can be changed remotely.
(7) The home medical support system according to (5), wherein the home medical device is a positive pressure respiratory therapy device, and the setting of the supply pressure can be changed remotely.
(8) The server device includes means for restricting access to the virtual space by the home medical patient and the other person, according to any one of (1) to (7) above, Home healthcare support system.
(9) At least one of the first terminal and the second terminal includes means for inserting an image into the virtual space. A home medical support system according to any one of the above.
(10) The first terminal and the second terminal are at least one of text information, audio information, and video information, and the home medical patient and the other person are in the virtual space. The home medical support system according to any one of (1) to (9) above, further comprising means for enabling transmission and reception of the information for communication.
(11) In the case where a provider of a home medical device is included in one of the persons using the second terminal, the server device uses the second terminal used by the provider of the home medical device to connect the network. The home medical support system according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the home medical support system is configured to be manageable via
(12) The first and second terminals may be configured such that when the person model used by the other person visits the person model used by the home medical patient in the virtual space, or the home medical patient The above (1) to (11) are characterized in that when the person model used visits the person model used by the other person, a means for notifying the home medical patient or the other person of this is provided. ) Home healthcare support system according to any of the above.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily perform communication between a home medical patient and another home medical patient, a medical worker, a home medical device provider, a relative, or the like, which is difficult to realize with the conventional technology. For this reason, a home medical patient can spend life at home in peace, and the relative of the patient can also live in peace. In addition, because it becomes possible to easily communicate with home medical patients and medical workers or equipment providers, by operating the medical equipment model in the virtual space, or remotely changing the prescription, or It is possible to realize further improvement of home medical service and improvement of patient QOL, such as explaining the operation method of the apparatus.

  Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. It is not a thing.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a home medical support system 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a home medical patient 110 receives medical care at a patient home 111, and a communication terminal 112 and a medical device 113 are installed in the patient home 111. Various types of information are transmitted from the communication terminal 112, and these various types of information are received by the communication terminal 132 installed in the medical institution 130 such as a hospital via the network 120. Monitoring is being conducted. Various information from the communication terminal 112 is also received by the communication terminal 142 installed in the medical device provider facility 140, and the information is managed on the medical device provider 141 side. Furthermore, a communication terminal 151 used by a patient 150 other than the home medical patient 110 and a communication terminal 161 used by a relative 160 of the home medical patient 110 are connected to the network 120. In the system 100, a server device 171 is provided in the data server center 170. The server device 71 is connected to the communication terminals 112, 132, 142, 151, 161 and the medical device 113 via the network 120, respectively. It is connected. The server device 171 provides a virtual space in which the home medical patient 110, the medical worker 131, the medical device provider 141, the other patient 150, and the relative 160 can communicate with each other.

  Here, as home medical patient 110 or other patient 150 in the present invention, for example, respiratory diseases such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae, emphysema, sleep apnea, hypertension, hyperglycemia, Examples include patients suffering from chronic diseases such as hyperlipidemia, patients with metabolic syndrome, patients with refractory fractures, patients suffering from brain disorders or neurological disorders due to stroke or accident. Examples of the network 120 include a telephone line, an internet line, a medical equipment provider dedicated line, and a wireless LAN line.

  The specific configuration of the medical device 113, the communication terminal 112 for the home medical patient 110, and the communication terminal 151 for the other patient 150 is shown on the left side of FIG. In FIG. 2, the communication terminals 112 and 151 are connected to a medical device 113 corresponding to each patient. These medical devices 113 include a control unit 1131 that controls the operation of the entire device, a drive unit 1132 that drives each unit of the device to perform home medical care, and a sensor 1133 that detects patient information related to a patient's living body. Yes. Examples of such a medical device 113 include an oxygen concentrator that supplies high-concentration oxygen, a CPAP treatment device (positive pressure respiratory therapy device), an artificial dialysis device, and a rehabilitation device. 2 exemplifies a configuration in which the communication terminals 112 and 151 are connected to the medical device 113, but the medical device 113 is not directly connected to the communication terminals 112 and 151, but is connected to the communication terminals 112 and 151 via the network 120. 151 may be connected. Further, the medical device 113 itself may be provided with the same function as the communication terminals 112 and 151 without providing the communication terminals 112 and 151. In such a configuration, the trouble of installing the communication terminal in the patient's home can be saved. , Handling can be improved.

  The communication terminals 112 and 151 include an input unit 210, a display unit 212 and an audio output unit 213 that are also notification means 211, and a control unit 220. Such communication terminals 112 and 151 can be configured using, for example, a personal computer, a television, a videophone, a mobile phone, a personal portable information terminal, or the like. The input unit 210 is preferably easy to operate even for an elderly person who is unaccustomed to device operation. For example, a personal computer mouse, a remote controller, a touch panel, a voice recognition unit, or the like can be suitably used. As the display unit 212, for example, display means such as a liquid crystal display panel can be used. As the audio output unit 213, for example, a speaker or headphones can be used.

  The control unit 220 in the communication terminals 112 and 151 includes a login unit 221, a human model selection unit 222, a human model operation unit 223, an image input unit 224, a conversation information input unit 225, a patient information input unit 226, A medical device information input unit 227, a virtual space information acquisition unit 228, a terminal-side storage unit 229, an output control unit 2210, and a medical device remote control unit 2211 are provided. The control unit 220 can be configured using, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a hard disk drive, or the like.

  The log-in means 221 transmits this log-in information to the server device 171 when log-in information related to the log-in ID and password is input from the input unit 210. The human model selection means 222 transmits the selection information to the server device 171 when a specific human model is selected by operating the input unit 210. When there is an operation input for operating a human model in the virtual space from the input unit 210, the human model operation means 223 transmits the operation information to the server device 171. The image input unit 224 directs the image information to the server device 171 when image information regarding an image constituting a part of the virtual space or various images for communicating with others is input from the input unit 210. To send. When the conversation information is input from the input unit 210, the conversation information input unit 225 transmits the conversation information toward the server device 171. The conversation information is at least one of text information, audio information, and moving image information, and is for the operator to communicate with others in the virtual space. The patient information input unit 226 transmits the patient information to the server device 171 when patient information related to the patient living body such as body temperature and blood pressure is input via the sensor 1133 and the control unit 1131 of the medical device 113, for example. . When the medical device information is input from the drive unit 1132 of the medical device 113 via the control unit 1131, the medical device information input unit 227 transmits the medical device information to the server device 171. Examples of the medical device information include a set flow rate (prescription) and oxygen concentration for an oxygen concentrator, a set pressure (prescription) and a set mode (prescription) for a CPAP treatment device, and other general medical devices. Device management number, operation time, etc. are mentioned. The virtual space information acquisition unit 228 acquires virtual space information stored in a server-side storage unit 1711 of the server device 171 described later. The terminal-side storage unit 229 stores the virtual space information acquired by the virtual space information acquisition unit 228. Of the virtual space information stored in the terminal-side storage unit 229, the output control unit 2210 outputs an image or a video part to the display unit 212 and outputs an audio part to the audio output unit 213. The medical device remote control means 2111 will be described later. In addition, such a control part 220 can be comprised by installing the control program for performing the process by said various means.

  The specific configuration of the server device 171 is shown on the right side of FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the server device 171 includes an access restriction unit 1712, a human model information acquisition unit 1713, an image information acquisition unit 1714, a conversation information acquisition unit 1715, a patient information acquisition unit 1716, and a medical device information. An acquisition unit 1717, a virtual space information generation unit 1718, a storage control unit 1719, a server-side storage unit 1711, and a medical device model operation information acquisition unit 320 are provided. Such a server device 171 can be configured using, for example, a CPU, a large-capacity hard disk drive, or the like.

  The access restriction unit 1712 acquires the login information transmitted from the login unit 221 of the external terminal via the network 120, and is the registered ID and password (whether the user of the terminal can access the virtual space). Or). When the access restriction unit 1712 determines that the ID and the password are registered, the access restriction unit 1712 transmits the result to the server-side storage unit 1711, and the virtual space information acquisition unit 228 in the terminal thereby stores the server-side storage unit. The virtual space information stored in 1711 is allowed to be acquired. On the other hand, if the access restriction unit 1712 determines that the ID and password are not registered, the virtual space information acquisition unit 228 in the terminal cannot access the server-side storage unit 1711. The human model information acquisition unit 1713 acquires information about the human model from the human model selection unit 223 or the human model operation unit 224 in the terminal via the network 120. The image information acquisition unit 1714 acquires the image information from the image input unit 224 in the terminal via the network 120. The conversation information acquisition unit 1715 acquires the conversation information from the conversation information input unit 225 in the terminal via the network 120. The patient information acquisition unit 1716 acquires patient information from the patient information input unit 226 in the terminal via the network 120. The medical device information acquisition unit 1717 acquires the medical device information from the medical device information input unit 227 in the terminal via the network 120. The virtual space information generation unit 1718 receives various types of information from the human model information acquisition unit 1713, the image information acquisition unit 1714, the conversation information acquisition unit 1715, the patient information acquisition unit 1716, and the medical device information acquisition unit 1717. Virtual space information is generated based on the information. The storage control unit 1719 stores the virtual space information from the virtual space information generation unit 1718 in the server side storage unit 1711. The medical device model operation information acquisition unit 320 will be described later. Such a server device 171 can be configured by installing a control program for executing processing by the various means described above.

  FIG. 3 shows a specific configuration of the communication terminal 132 for the medical worker 131. The communication terminal 132 has substantially the same configuration as the patient communication terminals 112 and 151, but does not include the patient information input unit 226, the medical device information input unit 227, and the medical device remote control unit 2211. And in the point provided with the medical device model operation means 310, the structure differs from the communication terminals 112 and 151. When the medical device model in the virtual space is operated by the operation of the input unit 210, the medical device model operation unit 310 transmits the operation information to the medical device model operation information acquisition unit 320 of the server device 171. The medical device model operation information acquisition unit 320 of the server device 171 acquires the medical device model operation information transmitted from the external terminal via the network 120. The medical device remote control unit 2111 (see FIG. 2) of the communication terminals 112 and 151 acquires the medical device model operation information from the virtual space information stored in the terminal-side storage unit 229 and uses this operation information for the medical device 113. The signal is converted into a drive signal for driving the drive unit 1132 and transmitted to the control unit 1131 of the medical device 113. With such a configuration, the medical worker 131 operates the medical device model in the virtual space, so that the operation of the medical device 113 of a specific patient can be remotely started / stopped / changed in settings. . For example, if the medical device 113 is an oxygen concentrator, the oxygen supply flow rate (prescription) can be changed remotely by operating a medical device model installed in a virtual space. If the medical device 113 is a CPAP treatment device, By operating the medical device model, the set pressure (prescription) can be changed remotely.

  FIG. 4 shows a specific configuration of the communication terminal 161 for the patient relative 160. The communication terminal 161 has substantially the same configuration as the communication terminals 112 and 151 for the home medical patient 110 or other patient 150, but the patient information input means 226, the medical equipment information input means 227, and the medical equipment remote The configuration differs from the communication terminals 112 and 151 in that the control means 2111 is not provided.

  FIG. 5 shows a specific configuration of the communication terminal 142 for the medical device provider 141. The communication terminal 142 has substantially the same configuration as the communication terminals 112 and 151 for the home medical patient 110 or the other patient 150, but the patient information input unit 226, the medical device information input unit 227, and the medical device remote The communication terminals 112 and 151 are different from each other in that the control unit 2111 is not provided and the medical device model operation unit 310 and the server management unit 510 are provided. The server management unit 510 is connected to the access restriction unit 1712 of the server device 171 via the network 120, and registers a new user ID and password, deletes / changes the registered user ID and password, and specifies a specific user. It is possible to remotely limit user usage. The server management unit 510 is connected to the server-side storage unit 1711 via the network 120, and newly generates virtual space information and stores it in the server-side storage unit 1711. Alternatively, the server-side storage unit 1711 The stored virtual space information can be edited and deleted. As described above, since the server device 171 can be remotely managed by the communication terminal 142 of the medical device provider 141, the medical device provider 141 always keeps up-to-date information on the home medical patient 110 and the medical worker 131. Can tell. In addition, each of the home medical patient 110, the medical worker 131, the medical device provider 141, the other patient 150, and the like can have their own ID and password, so that users who can access the virtual space are limited. By doing so, it becomes possible to protect their own privacy.

  FIG. 6 shows a procedure for each user to access the virtual space. As shown in FIG. 6, the home medical patient 110 is from the communication terminal 112 installed in the patient home 111, the medical worker 131 is from the communication terminal 132 installed in the medical institution 130, and the medical device provider 141 is the medical device provider facility. From the communication terminal 142 installed in 140, the other patient 150 accesses the server device 171 with his / her ID and password from the dedicated communication terminal 151 and the patient's relative 160 from the dedicated communication terminal 161, and logs in to the virtual space To do. After logging in, each user selects the person model that they use. Then, the selected human model is operated to move to the community in the virtual space. After moving, communicate with the desired partner and obtain necessary information (patient needs, how to use the latest products, how to determine prescriptions, how to obtain equipment and consumables, etc.). Once you have the information you need, log out of the virtual space. Log in again if necessary.

  FIG. 7 shows an example in which a community place (chair 7A, desk 7B) is installed in a three-dimensional virtual space as an example of the virtual space in the present embodiment. This space is a space where various articles can be placed. For example, an image (CAD data or the like) of a medical device can be inserted from the communication terminal 142 of the medical device provider 141. Thereby, improvement request information, such as operability improvement of medical equipment, can be grasped. It is also useful for selecting the design of medical devices. Furthermore, for example, a questionnaire image can be inserted, which is useful for grasping the actual situation in the medical field. If an operation part is provided in such a questionnaire image, the home medical patient 110, the medical worker 131, etc. operate the operation part in this image on a virtual space, and the operator's opinion is automatically medical equipment. A system transmitted to the provider 141 can also be realized.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a human model 8A to be operated in the virtual space. The various human models 8A can be operated in the virtual space by the home medical patient 110, the medical worker 131, the medical device provider 141, the other patient 150, and the patient's relative 160, and perform conversation, chat, and the like. Can be communicated with each other. In addition to the balloon 8B, it is possible to transfer predetermined text information, audio information, and image information from a specific person model to another person model. Thereby, collection of patient needs, remote inquiry, telemedicine, etc. can be easily realized. It is also possible to explain the latest medical devices and medicines to doctors.

  FIG. 9 shows an example in which a human model 9A is operated in a virtual space and is seated on a chair 9B. In this way, the human model 9A can be freely operated in the virtual space, and various communities (patient meeting places, hospitals, medical equipment provider facilities) and the like can be moved by moving in the virtual space. .

  FIG. 10 shows an example in which a hospital 10A is installed in a virtual space. In the hospital 10A in the virtual space, only the home medical patient 110, the medical worker 131, the medical device provider 141, the other patient 150, and the patient's relative 160 having a specific ID are allowed to enter the room, thereby keeping the secret. And secure private space.

  FIG. 11 shows an example in which the medical device model 11B is presented on the desk 11A in the virtual space. For example, by installing a three-dimensional image of the medical device model 11B in the virtual space, the medical worker 131 can confirm an overview of the actual medical device. Further, the medical device model 11B can be operated in a virtual space, and evaluation of the function, operability, etc. of the medical device can be realized. Thereby, the improvement (improvement of an operation part, selection of an unnecessary function, a required function, etc.) of the apparatus reflecting the user's request, such as the medical worker 131 and the home medical patient 110, is realizable.

  FIG. 12 shows an example in which a patient's house is installed in a three-dimensional virtual space as an example of the virtual space in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, a door 12A and patient calling means 12B are provided outside the patient's house. A patient model operated by the home medical patient 110 is stationed inside the patient's home, and the medical worker 131, the medical device provider 141, the patient's relative 160, and other patients 151 access the virtual space. Even in a remote place, it is possible to easily visit a patient's home. When another person such as the medical worker 131 operates the human model and operates the patient calling unit 12B, the voice output unit 213 in the communication terminal 112 emits a chime sound or the like, and the visit is given to the home medical patient 110. It has come to inform. When the home medical patient 110 permits entry of another person's human model into the patient's house by an operation input, the door 12A is opened so that the other person's human model can enter the patient's house.

  FIG. 13 shows an example in which a medical worker model 13A operated by a medical worker 131 enters a patient's house in a virtual space. A patient model 13B and a medical device model 13C operated by the home medical patient 110 are displayed inside the patient's home. By operating the medical worker model 13A in the virtual space, the medical worker 131 can communicate with the patient, specifically, diagnose the patient and explain the operation method of the medical device to the patient. . If the patient's symptom has changed as a result of the diagnosis, the medical worker 131 moves the medical worker model 13A and operates the medical device model 13C, so that the actual medical device 113 is obtained. Can be remotely controlled to change patient prescriptions according to patient symptoms. As a result, the patient can receive the same treatment as if admitted to the hospital while living at home, and can spend a safe and secure medical life.

  FIG. 14 shows an example in which the provider model 14A operated by the medical device provider 141 enters the patient's house in the virtual space. Similarly, a patient model 14B and a medical device model 14C operated by the patient are displayed in the patient's house. The medical device provider 141 operates the provider model 14 </ b> A in the virtual space to operate the medical device model 14 </ b> C while communicating with the home medical patient 110, thereby remotely operating the actual medical device 113. Maintenance can be realized. Specifically, for example, if the power button 14D on the medical device model 14C is pressed, the actual power of the medical device 113 is remotely activated, and if the set value change button 14E is operated, the set value of the medical device 113 is remotely set. It has been changed. At this time, the medical device provider 141 analyzes the medical device information transmitted from the communication terminal 112 of the home medical patient 110 and confirms whether the value is correct. Accordingly, the medical device provider 141 can perform maintenance while communicating with the patient in the virtual space without actually visiting the patient's home, and can give the patient a sense of security. In communication with patients, it is possible to explain how to operate and manage medical devices, how to deal with emergencies, disasters, and device malfunctions. In addition, the time and cost required for the visit to the patient's home can be reduced, and maintenance can be performed at a high frequency, so that a more fulfilling medical service can be provided.

  FIG. 15 shows an example in which another patient model 15A operated by another patient 150 enters the patient's house in the virtual space. A patient model 15B operated by the home medical patient 110 and another patient model 15A operated by another patient 150 are displayed inside the patient's home. By operating the other patient model 15A, it becomes possible to easily realize communication with other patients living in a remote place. In addition, it is possible to share a common illness with other patients in a private virtual space, and to reduce the patient's effort.

  FIG. 16 shows an example in which a medical institution is installed in a three-dimensional virtual space as an example of the virtual space in the present embodiment. Similarly to the outside of the patient's house, a door 16A and a medical worker calling means 16B are provided outside the medical institution. A medical worker operation model operated by the medical worker 131 is stationed inside the medical institution, and the medical worker 131, the medical device provider 141, the patient's relative 160, and other patients 151 access the virtual space. This makes it possible to easily visit medical facilities even in remote locations. When the home medical patient 110 or the like operates the human model and operates the medical worker calling means 16B, the voice output unit 213 in the communication terminal 132 sounds a chime sound or the like to notify the medical worker 131 of the visit. It is supposed to be. Then, when the medical worker 131 permits the patient's human model to enter the patient's home by an operation input, the door 16A is opened so that the human model can enter the medical institution.

  FIG. 17 shows a waiting room in a medical institution as an example of a virtual space. In this waiting room, a patient model 17A operated by a home medical patient 110, another patient model 17B operated by another patient 150, a relative model 17C operated by a patient relative 160, and a reception model 17D of a medical institution are displayed. Has been. The home medical patient 110 can make a reservation for an interview with the medical worker 131 by communicating with the reception model 17D at the reception of the waiting room. Further, a message is sent from the reception model 17D to the next interviewer to notify the waiting time until the next interview. In the waiting room, the other patient 150 and the patient's relative 160 can communicate with each other.

  FIG. 18 shows a diagnostic room in a medical institution as an example in the virtual space. In the diagnosis room, a medical device model 18A, a medical worker model 18B, and a patient model 18C are displayed. In the diagnosis room, the medical worker 131 can operate the medical worker model 18B to perform diagnosis of the home medical patient 110 who operates the patient model 18C and guidance on medical treatment at home. In addition to the diagnosis, by operating the medical device model 18A, it is possible to explain the operation / management method of the medical device 113 and change the prescription according to patient symptoms. In addition, the patient's relatives 160 can access the diagnosis room, so it is possible to meet with relatives and educate relatives (such as how to operate and manage medical devices and provide guidance on medical treatment at home). .

  FIG. 19 shows a hospital room in a medical institution as an example in the virtual space. In this hospital room, a patient model 19A, another patient model 19B, a medical worker (doctor) model 19C, a medical worker (nurse) model 19D, a medical device model 19E, and a calling unit 19F are displayed. When the patient model 19A accesses the hospital room, it is possible to receive treatment at home from an actual hospital. That is, for example, when the home medical patient 110 is being treated at a predetermined condition by the medical device 113 at home, if a symptom change such as dyspnea occurs, the patient model 19A is moved and the calling means 19F is moved. Can be immediately diagnosed by the medical staff models 19C and 19D. And if the medical worker 131 moves the medical worker model 19C, 19D and operates the medical device model 19E, the operating condition of the medical device 113 can be changed to a suitable one, so that the symptoms of the home medical patient 110 are further increased. Deterioration can be prevented. Moreover, since the home medical patient 110 can communicate with other patients like an actual hospital room, it can reveal the trouble of the disease.

  FIG. 20 shows a maintenance room in a medical equipment provider facility as an example in the virtual space. In this maintenance room, a plurality of medical device models 20A and medical device provider models 20B are displayed. The medical device model 20A in the maintenance room is connected to the medical device 113 in each patient's home via a network. The medical device provider 141 can perform maintenance of the medical device 113 at each patient's home remotely by operating the medical device model 20B and operating the medical device model 20A. The device management number 20C is described in the medical device model 20A, and the medical device provider 141 can easily grasp which medical device is installed in which patient home. In addition, since a plurality of medical device models 20A are arranged in the same maintenance room, it is possible to simultaneously monitor the operation status of the medical devices 113 in a plurality of patient houses. For this reason, when an emergency such as a disaster or a power failure occurs and the medical device 113 cannot be operated, the medical device provider 141 can grasp the emergency through the virtual space, and the home medical patient 110 actually It is possible to take measures such as rushing to the home of the person or operating the medical device 113 through the virtual space.

  By providing the virtual space as described above, it is possible to solve problems related to the lack of communication between the home medical patient 110 and others, which could not be realized until now. QOL improvement can be realized.

  In other words, for example, by accessing a patient meeting place installed in a virtual space by a plurality of patients, home medical patients 110 and other patients 150 can share their worries, anxieties, and worries, and the mental burden can be reduced. . For example, in the case of home oxygen medical care, the home medical patient 110 goes out and communicates with others because of the difficulty in breathing during operation, the time restriction of the portable oxygen cylinder, and the appearance deterioration when wearing a medical mask. Though passive, can communicate actively with others through virtual space. For this reason, the QOL of the home medical patient 110 can be improved. Furthermore, by communicating among a plurality of patients, it is possible to share a means for solving troubles known by a patient (such as troubles in operation of the medical device 113 and troubles related to symptoms) with other patients. As a result, the trouble of explaining to the patient from the medical device provider 141 or the medical staff 131 can be saved.

  If the home medical patient 110 and the relative 160 access the virtual space, it is possible to communicate with the patient in the virtual space even if the relative 160 lives in a place away from the home medical patient 110. For this reason, not only the home medical patient 110 but also the mental anxiety of the relative 160 can be resolved. Further, by adding a function that allows the relative 160 to check the access history of the home medical patient 110, the living status of the home medical patient 110 can be checked without simultaneously accessing the virtual space. As a result of confirming the history, when the access frequency of the home medical patient 110 is extremely low, it is predicted that something may have occurred, and this also prevents the occurrence of a large trouble. In addition, relatives 160 can remotely perform management assistance for medical equipment used in home medical care. As a result, it is possible to prevent out-of-stock items due to careless mistakes of single patients.

  If the home medical patient 110 and the medical worker 131 access the virtual space, it is possible to consult with the medical worker 131 about the symptoms of the home medical patient 110. Furthermore, the home medical patient 110 can notify the medical staff 131 of his / her symptom change, so that the prescription change according to the symptom can be realized quickly. Since the home medical support system 100 according to the present invention can simultaneously transmit not only biological information such as blood pressure and body temperature but also the mental state of the patient through the virtual space, the medical worker can indicate the physical and mental state of the patient. It becomes possible to grasp more accurately. If an inquiry system such as a questionnaire is installed in the virtual space, the patient state can be grasped even if the medical worker 131 does not access the virtual space.

  If the home medical patient 110 and the medical device provider 141 access the virtual space, the medical device provider 141 can communicate with the home medical patient 110 in the virtual space. The frequency of use of the medical device 113 can be confirmed, and it can be seen whether treatment is being performed as prescribed. In addition, the medical device provider 141 can predict the deterioration of the medical device 113 by remotely monitoring the state of the medical device 113, and the medical device 113 can be maintained or replaced before the performance decreases. When such deterioration prediction cannot be performed, cost increases due to excessive maintenance and time loss occurs. In addition, since the remaining number of equipment in the patient's home can be confirmed through communication in the virtual space, the equipment management cost of the medical device provider 141 can be reduced. Furthermore, by displaying the medical device 113 used by the home medical patient 110 in the virtual space, it is possible to educate the home medical patient 110 on how to operate the medical device 113. At the same time, it is possible to collect improvement request information such as inconvenience of the operation method from the home medical patient 110, which is useful for improvement development of the medical device 113. As a result, it is possible to provide better medical services.

  If the medical worker 110 and the patient's relative 160 access the virtual space, communication between the medical worker 110 and the patient's relative 160 can be realized in the virtual space, and the patient's relative 160 can be used in performing home medical care. And educate students about the things they should consider. For example, a patient with respiratory illness can educate procedures / methods such as breathing, gymnastics, expectoration, exercise therapy, devising daily movements to reduce shortness of breath, coping with acute exacerbations, meals, and infection prevention. Thereby, the risk of home medical life is reduced and it becomes possible to spend a safer life. In addition, when the patient's relative 160 has a problem in performing home medical care, the relative 160 can consult with the medical staff 31, and the mental load on the relative 160 can be reduced.

  If the medical device provider 141 and the medical worker 131 access the virtual space, communication between the medical device provider 141 and the medical worker 131 can be realized in the virtual space, and the medical device provider 141 The latest medical device information acquired and developed can be transmitted to the medical staff 131. More specifically, if the medical device provider 141 opens a medical device exhibition hall in the virtual space and inserts an image of the medical device in the medical device exhibition hall, the medical worker 131 accesses the exhibition hall. Thus, medical device information can be obtained. Usually, the medical worker 131 is busy, and it is difficult to take time to communicate with the medical device provider and the pharmaceutical provider. Therefore, it is possible to easily obtain information by accessing the medical device and the medicine exhibition hall in the virtual space at a time convenient for the medical worker 131. By arranging the exhibitors in the virtual space, detailed information exchange can be performed, and the medical worker 131 can more accurately grasp the medical device / medicine information. If it is difficult to regularly place exhibitors in the exhibition space in the virtual space, it is also possible to place medical device brochure information and medical device demonstration videos in the virtual space.

  If the medical device provider 141 and the patient's relative 160 access the virtual space, communication between the medical device provider 141 and the patient's relative 160 can be realized in the virtual space, and the operation method of the medical device 113 Can also be educated to the patient's relatives 160. As a result, the patient's relative 160 can also confirm whether the medical device operation of the home medical patient 110 is appropriate, and safer home medical care can be realized. In addition, the management method of the medical device 113 and the equipment is more likely to be appropriately performed by educating the patient relative.

With these technologies, the home medical patient 110 can meet with a medical worker at any time like a hospital while living with a family at home, for example, and can live a safe and secure life.
These technologies can be used not only as a home medical support system but also as a remote medical / diagnosis support system by providing terminals at remote clinics and core medical institutions.

It is a mimetic diagram showing a schematic structure of a home medical care support system concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the communication terminal for home medical patients in the said embodiment, the communication terminal for other patients, and a server apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the communication terminal for medical workers in the said embodiment, and a server apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the communication terminal for patient relatives in the said embodiment, and a server apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the communication terminal for medical device providers in the said embodiment, and a server apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure for accessing the virtual space in the said embodiment. It is an image figure which shows an example of the virtual space in the said embodiment. It is an image figure which shows an example of the human model in the virtual space in the said embodiment. It is an image figure which shows an example (human model and chair) of the virtual space in the said embodiment. It is an image figure which shows an example (hospital) of the virtual space in the said embodiment. It is an image figure which shows an example of the medical device model in the virtual space in the said embodiment. It is an image figure which shows an example (outside of a patient's house) of the virtual space in the said embodiment. It is an image figure which shows an example (the place where the medical worker model entered the patient's house) in the said embodiment. It is an image figure which shows an example (the place where the provider model of the medical equipment entered the patient's house) in the said embodiment. It is an image figure which shows an example (the place where another patient model entered the patient's house) in the said embodiment. It is an image figure which shows an example (outside of a medical institution) of the virtual space in the said embodiment. It is an image figure which shows an example (the inside of a medical institution, a waiting room) in the virtual space in the said embodiment. It is an image figure which shows an example (the inside of a medical institution, a diagnostic room) in the said embodiment. It is an image figure which shows an example (the inside of a medical institution, a hospital room) in the virtual space in the said embodiment. It is an image figure which shows an example (medical equipment provider facility, a maintenance room) in the virtual space in the said embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

100 Home medical support system 110 Home medical patient 111 Patient home 112 Communication terminal (first terminal)
113 Medical device 120 Network 130 Medical institution 131 Medical worker 132 Communication terminal (second terminal)
140 Medical equipment provider facility 141 Medical equipment provider 142 Communication terminal (second terminal)
150 Other patient 151 Communication terminal (second terminal)
160 Patient's relative 161 Communication terminal (second terminal)
170 Data server center 171 Server device 1131 Medical device control unit 1132 Medical device drive unit 1133 Medical device sensor 210 Input unit 211 Notification unit 212 Display unit 213 Audio output unit 220 Control unit 221 Login unit 222 Human model selection unit 223 Model operation means 224 Image input means 225 Conversation information input means 226 Patient information input means 227 Medical device information input means 228 Virtual space information acquisition means 229 Terminal side storage means 2210 Output control means 2211 Medical equipment remote control means 1711 Server side storage means 1712 Access restriction means 1713 Human model information acquisition means 1714 Image information acquisition means 1715 Conversation information acquisition means 1716 Patient information acquisition means 1717 Medical device information acquisition means 1718 Virtual space information generation means 1719 Storage control means 10 medical device model operation means 320 medical equipment model operation information acquisition unit 510 server management unit

Claims (8)

A system that supports home medical care,
A first terminal used by a home medical patient and connected to a network;
A home medical device used by the home medical patient and connected to the first terminal or the network;
A second terminal used by the provider of the home medical device and connected to the network;
A third terminal used for at least one of another home medical patient, a relative of the home medical patient, and a medical worker, and connected to the network;
Connected to the first terminal, the home medical device, the second terminal, and the third terminal via the network, the home medical patient, the provider of the home medical device, and other home medical care A virtual space on the network accessible by at least one of a patient, a relative of the home medical patient, and a medical worker, a human model operable in the virtual space, and operable in the virtual space A server device that provides a medical device model,
The home medical device comprises means for transmitting at least one of the device information of the medical device and the biological information of the home medical patient to be used,
The first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal are information of at least one of text information, audio information, and video information, and the home medical patient and the other are the virtual Means for enabling transmission and reception of the information for communication in space ;
In the medical device model, when the third terminal is a medical worker, the medical worker can operate the home medical device remotely by operating the medical device model in the virtual space. Home healthcare support system. The human model provided by the server device simulates at least one of the home medical patient, the other home medical patient, a relative of the home medical patient, the medical worker, and a provider of the home medical device. The home medical support system according to claim 1, wherein only the person can operate. The home medical support system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the home medical device is an oxygen concentrator, and the setting of the oxygen supply flow rate can be changed remotely. The home medical support system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the home medical device is a positive pressure respiratory therapy device, and the setting of the supply pressure can be changed remotely. The said server apparatus is provided with the means to restrict | limit the access to the said virtual space of the said home medical patient, the provider of the said home medical device, and the said others, The one of Claims 1-4 characterized by the above-mentioned. Home healthcare support system described in 1. Said first terminal, said second terminal, and at least one of the third terminal, according to claim 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises means for inserting an image in the virtual space A home medical support system according to any one of the above. The home medical support according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the server device can be managed via the network by a second terminal used by a provider of the home medical device. system. The first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal may be configured such that the person model used by the other person visits the person model used by the home medical patient or the home medical care in the virtual space. when the human model for the patient to use has been visited human model the others to use, according to claim 1-7, characterized in that it comprises a means for informing the home care patient or the others this A home medical support system according to any one of the above.