JP2012033199A - Pet system introduction support method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a PET system introduction support method which can ease a burden on a medical institution when a PET system is introduced.SOLUTION: An intermediary agent 1 collects apparatus information related to an apparatus from apparatus manufacturers 3 and 4 which manufacture the apparatus used in a PET system. The intermediary agent 1 selects the apparatus satisfying a request from a hospital 2 based on the collected apparatus information when receiving the request for the PET system from the hospital 2, and presents the apparatus information on the selected apparatus to the hospital 2.

Description

  The present invention relates to a PET system introduction support method for supporting a medical institution that intends to introduce a system (hereinafter referred to as a PET system) for performing a screening by Positron Emission Tomography (PET).

  In recent years, PET using a radiopharmaceutical has attracted attention as a means for performing cancer screening. Regarding cancer screening using this PET, “PET Communication 1999 SUMMER No. 27”, page 1 of the Advanced Medical Technology Research Institute It is described in detail on page 14.

  Introduction of a PET system for cancer screening by PET is being studied in medical institutions such as hospitals, clinics, and screening facilities.

  When introducing a PET system in a medical institution such as a hospital or a medical examination facility, it is necessary to select the equipment that makes up the PET system and place an order with the equipment manufacturer. The burden on medical institutions when introducing the PET system was very large. In the case of a PET system, it is not easy for a medical institution serving as a user to select the required device by grasping the performance of each device of the PET system that makes full use of technologies such as electronics, machinery, and information processing. It was.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a PET system introduction support method capable of reducing the burden on a medical institution, a PET system rental business operator, or a PET examination business support business enterprise when a PET system is introduced.

  A feature of the present invention that achieves the above object is that device information relating to the device is collected from the device manufacturer that manufactures the device used in the PET system and stored in the storage means, and the medical institution, the PET system leasing company, and the PET examination. Upon receiving a request for a PET system from one of the business support providers, a device that satisfies the request is selected based on device information stored in the storage unit, and device information relating to the selected device is read from the storage unit To present to the medical institution.

  Based on the device information stored in the database, select a device that satisfies the request from either a medical institution, a leasing company, or a PET screening business support company, and then provide information about the selected device to the medical institution, leasing By presenting it to either the business operator or the PET screening business support business, it is possible to assist in the selection of equipment in any of the medical institution, the leasing business, and the PET screening business support business. In other words, if you are one of a medical institution, a leasing company, or a PET screening business support company, a device to be used in the PET system is selected simply by issuing a request for the PET system. Therefore, it is not necessary to select a device based on the above, and therefore, any burden on the medical institution, the leasing company, and the PET examination business support company when the PET system is introduced is reduced.

  Preferably, it is desirable to select the devices constituting the PET system based on the information on the number of examinations included in the requirements for the PET system. This further simplifies selection of each device (for example, a radioactive substance manufacturing apparatus, a PET radiopharmaceutical manufacturing apparatus, and a PET inspection apparatus) that constitutes the PET system.

  Preferably, it is desirable to select the devices that make up the PET system based on the information about the examination items and the number of people included in the requirements for the PET system. Since the information of the examination items is used, it is possible to select a PET radiopharmaceutical production apparatus that can produce the necessary PET radiopharmaceutical and a radioactive substance production apparatus that can produce the necessary radioactive substance. The particle generator is a radioactive manufacturing device. Furthermore, since the information on the number of examinations is used for selecting the equipment, it is possible to select a radiopharmaceutical production apparatus for PET and a radioactive substance production apparatus having a production capability capable of producing a necessary amount.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce a burden on a medical institution, a rental company of a PET system, or a PET examination business support company when a PET system is introduced.

It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the PET system introduction assistance method which is one Example of this invention. FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram for realizing the PET system introduction support method shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the apparatus information of the particle generator memorize | stored in the database 33 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the apparatus information of the synthetic | combination apparatus memorize | stored in the database 33 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the apparatus information of the diagnostic camera memorize | stored in the database 43 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the apparatus information of the image processing apparatus memorize | stored in the database 43 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the initial screen of the homepage which the broker 1 discloses. It is a figure which shows the condition input screen displayed when "PET system configuration proposal presentation request" is selected on the initial screen. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a condition input screen displayed when “Set conditions for entire PET system” is selected on the condition input screen of FIG. 8. It is a figure which shows the state by which conditions were input in the condition input screen of FIG. It is a figure which shows the table | surface which put together the system structure proposal. It is a figure which shows the PET system input screen displayed when "PET system order request" is selected in the initial screen of FIG. It is a figure which shows the screen for confirming the information input in the PET system input screen of FIG. It is a figure which shows the condition input screen for particle generators displayed when "Set the condition for every apparatus" is selected on the condition input screen of FIG. It is a figure which shows the state by which conditions were input in the condition input screen for particle generators of FIG. It is a figure which shows the state by which conditions were input in the condition input screen for synthesizers. It is a figure which shows the state by which conditions were input in the condition input screen for diagnostic cameras. It is a figure which shows the state by which conditions were input in the condition input screen for image processing apparatuses. It is a figure which shows the table | surface which put together the particle generator candidate, the synthesis apparatus candidate, the diagnostic camera candidate, and the image processing apparatus candidate. It is a figure which shows the maintenance information of a particle generator. It is a figure which shows the screen which displays the maintenance time of each apparatus which comprises a PET system, and estimated cost. It is a figure which shows the cost concerning the maintenance and repair of each apparatus which comprises a PET system, and the total. It is a figure which shows the screen which displays the maintenance time and estimated cost of a PET system. It is a figure which shows a part of structure of PET system. It is a figure which shows a part of structure of PET system. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a condition input screen displayed when “Set conditions for entire PET system” is selected in the condition input screen of FIG. 8 in the PET system introduction support method according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the screen for confirming the system configuration plan which the hospital determined in the PET system introduction assistance method which is another Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the maintenance of a PET system. It is a flowchart of the determination process of the maintenance of a PET system performed with the processing apparatus of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process result in step 32,34 in the flowchart of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the rationalization plan of the proposed maintenance.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a PET system introduction support method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a hospital 2 is a medical institution that plans to introduce a PET system, and device manufacturers 3 and 4 are manufacturers that manufacture devices used in the PET system. Specifically, device manufacturer 3 manufactures a particle generator for generating radioisotope (RI) and a synthesis device for generating a radiopharmaceutical from RI, and device manufacturer 4 is a patient. Is a manufacturer that produces a diagnostic camera that detects radiation from a radiopharmaceutical administered to the patient and an image processing device that generates a diagnostic image based on the measurement result of the diagnostic camera. The broker 1 is a business entity that supports the introduction of the PET system in the hospital 2. In FIG. 1, arrows between the broker 1, the hospital 2, and the equipment manufacturers 3 and 4 indicate the work each performs, and the passage of time is shown from the top to the bottom of the figure. As the particle generator, an inertial electrostatic confinement device (IEC) or a proton accelerator can be considered.

  FIG. 1 will be described in detail. First, device information (for example, money amount) relating to devices manufactured by the device manufacturers 3 and 4 is transmitted to the broker 1 ((1)), and the broker 1 stores the device information. Thereafter, when a request (for example, amount) for the PET system to be introduced from the hospital 2 is transmitted to the broker 1 ((2)), the broker 1 requests the hospital 2 based on the stored device information. A satisfactory device is selected, and the selected device is presented to the hospital 2 as a system configuration plan of the PET system ((3)). The hospital 2 determines the system configuration of the PET system based on the presented system configuration plan and informs the broker 1 ((4)). The broker 1 orders the equipment necessary for the system configuration determined by the hospital 2 from the equipment manufacturers 3 and 4 ((5)), and the equipment manufacturers 3 and 4 send the equipment according to the order contents from the broker 1 to the hospital 2. ((6)). The hospital 2 pays the broker 1 according to the delivered equipment and the service provided by the broker 1 ((7)), and the broker 1 pays the price according to the equipment from the fee paid by the hospital 2 to the machine manufacturer. Pay 3 and 4 ((8)).

  In this way, the broker 1 presents the system configuration plan of the PET system in response to the request of the hospital 2 and orders the equipment necessary for the determined system configuration. It is only necessary to convey the request for the system to the broker 1 and the burden on the hospital 2 when the PET system is introduced is reduced. In addition, for equipment manufacturers 3 and 4, the sales opportunities increase, so business opportunities are expanded.

  Further, the broker 1 obtains maintenance information of the equipment used in the PET system installed in the hospital 2 from the equipment manufacturers 3 and 4 ((9)), and introduces it in the hospital 2 based on the obtained maintenance information. A maintenance plan for the PET system (plan of maintenance time) is prepared and presented to the hospital 2 ((10)). The hospital 2 determines a maintenance plan based on the maintenance plan proposed by the broker 1 and transmits the determined maintenance plan to the broker 1 ((11)). Based on the maintenance plan transmitted from the hospital 2, the broker 1 informs the equipment manufacturers 3 and 4 that actually perform maintenance and repair ((12)). Maintenance and repair are performed on the PET system of hospital 2 at the requested time ((13)). The hospital 2 pays the broker 1 for the maintenance / repair by the equipment manufacturers 3 and 4 and the service by the broker 1 ((14)), and the broker 1 performs the maintenance / repair from the fee paid by the hospital 2 The corresponding fee is paid to the device manufacturers 3 and 4 ((15)).

  In this way, the broker 1 presents the maintenance plan plan for the PET system introduced into the hospital 2 and requests maintenance of the equipment manufacturers 3 and 4. Is reduced.

  Next, the PET system introduction support method of the first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a system for realizing the PET system introduction support method of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the broker 1, the hospital 2, and the equipment manufacturers 3 and 4 have communication devices, and each communication device is connected to a communication line 5 (the Internet in this embodiment). Information can be exchanged. In the following description, transmission of information between the broker 1, the hospital 2, and the device manufacturers 3 and 4 is performed via each communication device and the communication line 5.

  In the device manufacturer 3, device information related to the particle generation device and the synthesis device manufactured by the device manufacturer 3 is input by the input device 34 (a keyboard in the present embodiment), and the input device information is input to the database 33 via the processing device 32. Remembered. Similarly, in the device manufacturer 4, device information related to the diagnostic camera and the image processing apparatus is stored in the database 43.

  FIG. 3 shows device information related to the particle generator stored in the database 33. As shown in the figure, regarding the particle generator, the number of generated particles (per unit time), the type of RI, the power capacity, the amount of money, the installation area, and the weight are included in the plurality of particle generators A, B,. It is remembered against. 3 is information indicating a manufacturer name and a model number, and is referred to as device specifying information in this specification. 4 to 6 are diagrams showing device information related to the synthesizing device, the diagnostic camera, and the image processing device, respectively. As shown in FIG. The capacity, amount, installation area and weight are stored. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the sensitivity, resolution, signal processing time, amount, installation area and weight are stored for the diagnostic camera. Further, as shown in FIG. Memory capacity, amount, installation area and weight are stored. Thus, information such as the amount of money, processing capacity, installation area, weight, etc. is stored for each device. Note that the device information in FIGS. 3 to 6 is an example, and the items set as the device information and the contents thereof are not limited thereto.

  The processing device 32 reads the device information stored in the database 33, and the read device information is transmitted to the communication device 11 included in the broker 1 by the communication device 31 and the communication line 5. The device information stored in the database 43 is also transmitted to the communication device 11 in the same manner. Each piece of device information input to the communication device 11 is stored in the database 13 via the processing device 12. In this way, device information related to devices used in the PET system is stored in the database 13 of the broker 1.

  Hereinafter, a case where the PET system is introduced in the hospital 2 will be described. First, the hospital 2 requests the mediator 1 to present a system configuration plan for the PET system. In this embodiment, the mediator 1 has established a homepage, and the hospital 2 requests the PET system on the homepage. (Condition) is input and the broker 1 is requested to present a system configuration plan. Details will be described below.

  FIG. 7 shows an initial screen of the homepage established by the broker 1 and is displayed on the output device 23 (display in this embodiment) of the hospital 2 when the homepage of the broker 1 is accessed from the hospital 2. It is. As shown in the figure, a character “PET system configuration proposal request” is displayed on the initial screen, and a condition input screen appears when the character 71 is clicked with the cursor 71. In this embodiment, the movement of the cursor 71 and the input of characters and numbers are performed by operating the input device 24 (keyboard and mouse).

  FIG. 8 shows a condition input screen. As shown in FIG. 8, as the first stage of condition input, “Set conditions for the entire PET system” and “Set conditions for each device” are displayed, and the conditions are set for the entire PET system. Or click for each device by clicking with the cursor 71. In the screen of FIG. 8, when “Return” is clicked, the previous screen is displayed, and when “To Top” is clicked, the initial screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. The same applies to each display screen described below.

  When “Set conditions for entire PET system” is selected on the display screen of FIG. 8, the screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. As shown in the figure, on this screen, the words “budget”, “number of examinations”, “installation area” and “weight” are displayed as conditions, and input fields 91a to 91d for inputting numbers are displayed. The Next to that, there are provided input fields 92a to 92d for inputting the priority of each condition. On this screen, when an input field is clicked with the cursor 71, a number can be entered in the input field. Each condition is set and a priority order indicating which condition is to be prioritized is set. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen on which the input of conditions and priority is completed. In FIG. 10, “weight” is not set, but as will be described later, a condition in which a numerical value is not input is treated as not being requested. When the setting of the condition and the priority order is completed in this way, “decision” is clicked with the cursor 71.

  When “decision” is clicked on the condition input screen in FIG. 10, the condition and priority order information (hereinafter referred to as condition information) input at that time is transmitted to the processing device 12 of the broker 1 and the processing device. 12 stores the inputted condition information in the database 13. The processing device 12 confirms the condition with the highest priority from the condition information stored in the database 13. In the case of this example, the “number of examinations” with the priority “1” is “8 persons / day or more”. Therefore, the processing apparatus 12 first examines a PET system that satisfies this condition. The amount of radiopharmaceutical used for PET is determined by the body weight of the examinee to be examined. Here, for example, the amount of radiopharmaceutical necessary for screening eight examinees is determined assuming that the weight of the examinee is 70 kg. . Once the amount of radiopharmaceutical required to screen eight people is determined, all combinations of particle generators and synthesizers that can produce more than the determined amount of radiopharmaceutical are extracted. That is, the amount of radiopharmaceutical that can be generated per day is determined by the amount of RI that can be generated per day by the particle generator, the generation efficiency and processing time of the radiopharmaceutical in the synthesizer, and the devices stored in the database 13 Based on the number of particles generated by the particle generator, the generation efficiency of the synthesizer, and the processing time of the information, the particle generator and synthesizer capable of generating more radiopharmaceuticals than are required for screening eight people. All combinations with the device are extracted.

  Next, the processing device 12 includes a diagnostic camera and an image processing device capable of examining eight or more people per day based on the signal processing time of the diagnostic camera and the image processing time of the image processing device. Extract combinations. As an example, if 8 examinations are performed in 8 hours a day, the examination time per person is 1 hour, and therefore, a combination in which the total of the signal processing time and the image processing time is within 1 hour is extracted. Further, the processing device 12 extracts all combinations of the extracted combination of the particle generation device and the synthesis device and the combination of the signal processing device and the synthesis device, and stores each extracted combination in the database 13 as a system configuration plan. At the same time, the number of people who can be screened per day is calculated for each combination and stored together. If there is no combination that can satisfy the condition given by the hospital 2, for example, 10 combinations are stored in the database 13 as a system configuration plan in order from the condition closest to the given condition. The same applies to each condition described below.

  Subsequently, the processing device 12 refers to the condition information stored in the database 13 and confirms the condition whose priority is “2”. In this embodiment, the second priority is “budget”, which is set to “1 billion yen or less”. Therefore, the processing device 12 calculates the total amount for each system configuration plan stored in the database 13 based on the device information. When the total amount of each system configuration plan is obtained, a system configuration plan whose total amount is 1 billion yen or less is extracted, and the total amount is stored in the database 13 together with the extracted system configuration plan. Conversely, a system configuration plan with a total amount exceeding 1 billion yen is deleted from the database 13.

Further, the processing device 12 refers to the condition information stored in the database 13 and confirms the condition whose priority is “3”. In the present embodiment, the third priority is “installation area”, which is “70 m ² or less”. Therefore, the processing device 12 obtains the total installation area of each system configuration plan based on the installation area of each device stored in the database 13 as device information, and the system configuration in which the obtained total installation area is 70 m ² or less. The plan is extracted, and the total installation area is stored in the database 13 together with the extracted system configuration plan. On the other hand, a system configuration plan whose total installation area exceeds 70 m ² is deleted from the database 13.

  Next, the processing device 12 confirms the condition that the priority order is “4”. However, in this embodiment, there is no condition that the priority order is fourth. End the process. At this time, the total weight of each system configuration plan is calculated based on the device information, and the determined total weight is stored in the database 13 together with each system configuration plan.

  When the extraction processing of the system configuration plan is completed, the processing device 12 summarizes the system configuration plan stored in the database 13 at that time and stores the table configuration information with the table No. in the database 13 as the table information. To the processing device 22. FIG. 11 shows a table summarizing the system configuration plan. As shown in the figure, this table has columns that display the device identification information for each selected device, the number of people that can be screened per day, the total amount, the total installation area, and the total weight. Information stored with the system configuration proposal is entered. The processing device 22 given the table information causes the output device 23 to display the table shown in FIG. 11 based on the table information. In the hospital 2, the configuration of the PET system to be introduced is examined with reference to the table displayed on the output device 23.

  When the configuration of the PET system is determined, the hospital 2 requests the broker 1 to place an order for the PET system. This order request is also made on the homepage established by the broker 1. When the “PET system order request” is clicked with the cursor 71 on the initial screen of the home page shown in FIG. 7, the PET system input screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the output device 23.

  As shown in FIG. 12, characters “Table No.” and “System No.” are displayed on the PET system input screen, and there are input fields 121a and 121b for inputting numbers next to each. Provided. As shown in FIG. 11, the table presented by the broker 1 is given a table No., and each system configuration plan shown in the table is numbered. When selecting the PET system to be introduced from the table presented from 1, enter the table No. of the table and the No. of the system configuration proposal next to “Table No.” and “System No.”. Fill in the columns 121a and 121b. For example, when the system No. 3 in the table shown in FIG. 11 is selected, “320” is input in the input field 121a and “3” is input in the input field 121b. Click “OK” when input is complete. Note that the manufacturer name and model number can be designated for each device without selecting from the table presented by the broker 1. The method of specifying the manufacturer name and model number will be described later.

  When “OK” is clicked on the PET system input screen in FIG. 12, the information input in the input field is transmitted to the processing device 12, and the processing device 12 is based on the given table No. and system No. Information relating to the corresponding system configuration plan is read from the table information stored in the database 13. Further, the processing device 12 transmits the read system configuration plan information to the processing device 22. The processing device 22 causes the output device 23 to display the input system configuration plan information together with a message “Are you sure about this system?”. FIG. 13 shows a display example. In the hospital 2, the information of the PET system displayed on the output device 23 is confirmed. If the displayed system is acceptable, the information is entered in the input fields 131a and 131b provided next to the characters “facility name” and “location”. After entering the hospital name and location, click “OK”. On the other hand, if a PET system different from the displayed system is desired, “return” is clicked to return to the PET system input screen of FIG. When “OK” is clicked on the screen of FIG. 13, information input in the input fields 131 a and 131 b is transmitted from the processing device 22 to the processing device 12 as facility name / location information.

  The processing device 12 to which the facility name / location information is input corresponds to the processing devices 32 and 42 of the device manufacturers 3 and 4 that manufacture each device based on the system configuration plan information transmitted to the processing device 22. Transmit model number information and facility name / location information. The device manufacturers 3 and 4 given the model number information and the facility name / location information manufacture the device of the model number and deliver the device to the hospital 2 indicated by the facility name / location information. The hospital 2 pays the broker 1 a service fee determined between the price of the delivered device and the broker 1 separately. The broker 1 pays the device manufacturer 3 and 4 from the fee paid by the hospital 2. The payment from the hospital 2 to the broker 1 may be made in a lump sum or in installments.

  The case where the broker 1 presents the system configuration plan based on the request for the entire PET system given from the hospital 2 has been described above. Next, the case where the request is given from the hospital 2 to each device constituting the PET system. explain. When giving a request for each device, the hospital 2 clicks “Set conditions for each device” on the screen of FIG.

  When “Set conditions for each device” is selected on the screen of FIG. 8, the condition input screen for the particle generator shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. As shown in the figure, on the particle generator condition input screen, the words “number of particles generated”, “type of RI”, “power capacity”, “money”, “installation area” and “weight” are indicated as conditions. In addition to the display, input fields 141a to 141f for inputting numbers or characters are displayed together with the above six conditions. Next to that, there are provided input fields 142a to 142f for inputting the priority of each condition. On this screen, when an input field is clicked with the cursor 71, a number or a character can be entered in the input field. Each condition can be set and a priority order indicating which condition should be prioritized can be set. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen on which the input of conditions and priority is completed. In FIG. 15, the type of RI and the power supply capacity are not set, but the condition that no numerical value or character is input is treated as not being requested. When the input of conditions and priority is completed in this way, the cursor 71 is clicked on “OK”.

  When “OK” is selected on the screen of FIG. 15, a condition input screen for the synthesis apparatus is displayed next. FIG. 16 shows a condition input screen for a synthesizer in a state where conditions are input. As shown in the figure, on this screen, the terms “drug type”, “generation efficiency”, “processing time”, “power capacity”, “money”, “installation area” and “weight” are displayed as conditions. In addition, input fields 161a to 161g for inputting numbers or characters are displayed together with the above seven conditions. Next to that, there are provided input fields 162a to 162g for inputting the priority of each condition. When the input of conditions and priority is completed as shown in FIG.

  When “Determine” is selected on the screen of FIG. 16, a condition input screen for the diagnostic camera is displayed. FIG. 17 shows a condition input screen for a diagnostic camera in a state where conditions are input. As shown in the figure, the letters “sensitivity”, “resolution”, “signal processing time”, “money”, “installation area”, and “weight” are displayed as conditions, and numbers or letters are displayed as conditions. Input fields 171a to 171f for inputting are displayed together with the above six conditions. In addition, input fields 172a to 172f for inputting the priority order of each condition are provided on the side. When the input of conditions and priority is completed as shown in FIG.

  When “OK” is selected on the screen of FIG. 17, a condition input screen of the image processing apparatus is displayed next. FIG. 18 shows a condition input screen for an image processing apparatus in a state where conditions are input. As shown in the figure, the characters "image processing time", "main memory capacity", "money", "installation area", and "weight" are displayed on this screen, and numbers or letters are entered as conditions. Input fields 181a to 181e are displayed together with the above five conditions. Further, input fields 182a to 182e for inputting the priority order of each condition are provided next to it. When the input of the conditions and the priority order is completed as shown in FIG.

  When “Determine” is selected on the screen of FIG. 18, the condition and priority information, that is, the condition information for each device input on the condition input screen for each device shown in FIGS. The processing device 12 stores the input condition information in the database 13.

  The processing device 12 confirms the highest priority condition among the conditions for the particle generator from the condition information stored in the database 13. In the case of the present embodiment, the priority is “1” under the conditions for the particle generator, “money” is “500 million yen or less”. The processing device 12 extracts a particle generator that satisfies this condition based on the device information stored in the database 13, and stores the extracted particle generator in the database 13 as a particle generator candidate. When there is no particle generator that satisfies the conditions given by the hospital 2, for example, ten particle generators are stored in the database 13 as candidate particle generators in order from the closest to the condition. The same applies to other conditions described below.

Subsequently, the processing device 12 refers to the condition information stored in the database 13 and confirms the condition for which the priority is “2” in the condition for the particle generating device. The second priority in the conditions for the particle generator is “installation area”, which is set to “40 m ² or less”. Therefore, the processing device 12 extracts particle generators having an installation area exceeding 40 m ² from the particle generator candidates stored in the database 13 and deletes them from the particle generator candidates in the database 13.

  Next, the processing apparatus 12 refers to the condition information stored in the database 13 and confirms the condition for which the priority is “3” in the condition for the particle generating apparatus. The third priority in the conditions for the particle generator is “weight” and is set to “60 t or less”. Therefore, the processing device 12 extracts particle generators having a weight exceeding 60 t from the particle generator candidates stored in the database 13 and deletes them from the particle generator candidates in the database 13.

Further, the processing device 12 refers to the condition information stored in the database 13 and confirms the condition for which the priority is “4” in the condition for the particle generating device. In the conditions for the particle generator, the fourth priority is “number of particles generated”, which is set to “10 ¹⁴ particles / s or more”. Therefore, the processing device 12 extracts particle generation devices having a particle generation number of less than 10 ¹⁴ particles / s from the particle generation device candidates stored in the database 13 and deletes them from the particle generation device candidates in the database 13. .

  Next, the processing device 12 confirms the condition that the priority order is “5” in the conditions for the particle generator, but in the present embodiment, there is no condition that the priority order is fifth. The particle generator candidate extraction process ends here.

  Similarly to the case of the particle generator described above, the processing device 12 extracts devices that satisfy each condition according to the priority order for the synthesis device, the diagnostic camera, and the image processing device, and performs the synthesis that satisfies the conditions given by the hospital 2. Device candidates, diagnostic camera candidates, and image processing device candidates are extracted and stored in the database 13.

  When the extraction processing of the particle generation device candidate, the synthesis device candidate, the diagnostic camera candidate, and the image processing device candidate is completed, the processing device 12 summarizes each extracted device candidate and its device information into a table, and the database 13 as table information. And transmitted to the processing device 22 of the hospital 2. FIG. 19 shows an example of a table summarizing each device candidate and its device information. As shown in the figure, this table includes a column for displaying device identification information and device information of the selected device. The processing device 22 given the table information causes the output device 23 to display the table shown in FIG. 19 based on the table information. In the hospital 2, referring to the table displayed on the output device 23, the devices constituting the PET system to be introduced are selected.

  When the devices constituting the PET system are determined, the hospital 2 requests the broker 1 to manufacture each device through the PET system input screen shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, characters “maker name” and “model number” are displayed for each device on the PET system input screen, and an input field 122a for inputting characters and numbers is adjacent to each. -D and input fields 123a-d are provided. As shown in FIG. 19, since the device specific information (device manufacturer name and model number) is attached to the table presented by the broker 1, the device is selected from the table presented by the broker 1. When doing so, the device specifying information in the table is entered in the input fields 122a to d and 123a to d. If a device not listed in the table presented by the broker 1 is desired and the manufacturer name and model number are known, it may be entered in the input field.

  When “OK” is clicked on the PET system input screen of FIG. 12, the information input in the input field is transmitted to the processing device 12, and the processing device 12 is based on the given manufacturer name and model number. The device information stored in the database 13 is read out. Further, the processing device 12 calculates the number of persons that can be examined, the total amount, the total installation area, and the total weight when the PET system is configured based on the read device information, and the device identification information of each device together with the calculation result. 22 is transmitted. The processing device 22 causes the output device 23 to display the input information together with a message “Are you sure you want to use this system?”. FIG. 13 shows a display example. In the hospital 2, the information of the PET system displayed on the output device 23 is confirmed. If the displayed system is acceptable, the information is entered in the input fields 131a and 131b provided next to the characters “facility name” and “location”. After entering the hospital name and location, click “OK”. On the other hand, if a PET system different from the displayed system is desired, “return” is clicked to return to the PET system input screen of FIG. When “OK” is clicked on the screen of FIG. 13, information input in the input fields 131 a and 131 b is transmitted from the processing device 22 to the processing device 12 as facility name / location information. The subsequent processing is the same as the case where the broker 1 presents a system configuration plan based on the above-described request for the entire PET system.

  As described above, the broker 1 selects a device that satisfies the request from the hospital 2 based on the device information stored in the database 13, and presents the device information regarding the selected device to the hospital 2. 2 can assist in the selection of equipment. That is, in the case of the hospital 2, since a device to be used for the PET system is selected simply by issuing a request for the entire PET system or a request for each device, it is not necessary to collect device information and select a device based on the information. Therefore, the burden on the hospital 2 when the PET system is introduced is reduced. Further, since the broker 1 also places an order with the device manufacturers 3 and 4, the burden on the hospital 2 is further reduced. In particular, since the information on the “number of examinations” input by the hospital 2 is used for selecting a device to be used in the PET system to be introduced into the hospital 2, the burden on the medical institution when the PET system is introduced is reduced. As described above, it is possible to very easily select the devices constituting the PET system, that is, the particle generator, the synthesis device, the diagnostic camera, and the image processing device.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as part of the PET system introduction support, the broker 1 supports the maintenance of the PET system introduced into the hospital 2. Details will be described below. The broker 1 collects maintenance information of each device introduced into the hospital 2 from the device manufacturers 3 and 4. FIG. 20 shows maintenance information of the particle generator. As shown in FIG. 20, the maintenance fee increases as the number of maintenance increases, but the failure of the device can be reduced as the maintenance is performed more frequently. Therefore, the repair fee decreases as the number of maintenance increases. The number of maintenance needs to be determined in consideration of both the maintenance fee and the repair fee. The total cost in the figure is a graph obtained by adding the maintenance fee and the repair fee, and the maintenance cost of the equipment is reduced by selecting the number of maintenance times at which the total cost is the smallest. The broker 1 obtains the number of maintenance times with the smallest total cost for each device based on the maintenance information collected from the device manufacturers 3 and 4, and determines the maintenance time of each device according to the number of times. In the case of FIG. 20, if the number of maintenance is set to 3 times in 10 years, the total cost becomes the smallest. Therefore, maintenance is performed every 3 years and 4 months. As for the synthesis apparatus, diagnostic camera, and image processing apparatus, the maintenance time is determined based on the maintenance information obtained from the device manufacturers 3 and 4 as in the case of the particle generator.

  Information on the determined maintenance time and information on the total cost in that case are transmitted from the processing device 12 to the processing device 22. The processing device 22 displays the screen shown in FIG. 21 on the output device 23 based on the input maintenance time information and total cost information. In FIG. 21, the maintenance time displayed in association with each device represents the year and month when the maintenance is performed. For example, “′04 .4” means April of 2004. On the other hand, the total cost information displays the amount as “expected cost”. Note that the “expected cost” is because the total cost is only a standard obtained based on standard maintenance information, and the actual cost may exceed the total cost. In the hospital 2, the maintenance time and cost are confirmed on the screen shown in FIG. 21. If there is no problem with the maintenance time, “OK” is clicked. If it is desired to change the maintenance time, a desired maintenance time may be input after clicking the column in which the maintenance time is entered with the cursor 71. By clicking “decision”, information input at the maintenance time of each device is transmitted from the processing device 22 to the processing device 12 as maintenance time information. The processing device 12 stores the given maintenance time information in the database 13, and when the time set in the maintenance time information comes, it requests the equipment manufacturers 3 and 4 that manufactured the corresponding equipment to perform maintenance.

  The equipment manufacturers 3 and 4 that have received the maintenance request perform maintenance and repair of the equipment installed in the hospital 2. The hospital 2 pays to the broker 1 a fee according to the maintenance / repair by the device manufacturers 3 and 4 and a fee according to the service by the broker 1. The broker 1 pays to the device manufacturers 3 and 4 a fee corresponding to maintenance / repair by the device manufacturers 3 and 4 from the fee paid by the hospital 2.

  Since the broker 1 makes a maintenance plan and requests maintenance to the equipment manufacturers 3 and 4 in this way, the burden on the hospital 2 regarding the maintenance of the PET system is reduced.

  In the present embodiment described above, the case where there are two device manufacturers that manufacture devices used in the PET system has been described, but it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to any number of device manufacturers. Further, in the present embodiment, the case where a broker is present separately from the device manufacturer has been described, but one of the device manufacturers may also serve as the broker. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a hospital has been described as an example of a medical institution that introduces a PET system.

  In this embodiment, the case where the hospital 2 purchases the PET system has been described. However, the broker 1 may purchase the PET system from the device manufacturers 3 and 4 and lease it to the hospital 2. In that case, a finance lease, an operating lease, etc. can be considered as a lease form. Further, the broker 1 may lease the device from the device manufacturers 3 and 4 and then lease it to the hospital 2.

  The hospital 2 leases each device from the broker 1 to reduce the burden of fund procurement at the hospital 2 and because there is no need to hold fixed assets, reducing tax benefits and administrative burdens. There are benefits.

  In the present embodiment described above, the case where the maintenance of the PET system is performed for each device has been described. However, when the maintenance is performed, the device may have to be stopped. There is a possibility that the utilization rate of will decrease. Therefore, it may be possible to perform maintenance on each device at the same time. In the following, a method for preparing a maintenance plan when maintenance of each device is performed at the same time will be described.

  As described above, the processing device 12 of the broker 1 obtains maintenance information as shown in FIG. 20 from the device manufacturers 3 and 4 for each device. Then, the processing device 12 calculates the relationship between the number of maintenance and the total cost from the acquired maintenance information of each device. FIG. 22 shows the calculated total cost of each device. As shown in FIG. 22, the number of maintenance times at which the total cost is the smallest differs for each device. By selecting the number of maintenance times that minimizes the total cost of these devices, the cost for maintaining each device at the same time can be minimized. The total cost in FIG. 22 is the total cost of each device, and the number of maintenance times that minimizes the total cost is 3 times / 10 years. Therefore, the processing apparatus 12 performs maintenance every 3 years and 4 months.

  Information on the determined maintenance time and information on the total cost in that case are transmitted from the processing device 12 to the processing device 22. The processing device 22 displays the screen shown in FIG. 23 on the output device 23 based on the input maintenance time information and total cost information. In FIG. 23, the maintenance time displayed in association with the characters “PET system maintenance time” represents the year and month when maintenance is performed. For example, “'04 .4” means April of 2004. To do. On the other hand, in the total cost information, the amount is displayed as “expected cost”. The subsequent processing is the same as in the case where the maintenance time is determined for each device described above.

  In addition, about the above-mentioned maintenance support, the medical institution which introduce | transduced the PET system can be received without going through the mediator 1. FIG. That is, when the broker 1 collects the manufacturer name and model number of each device constituting the PET system owned by the medical institution, maintenance support can be performed in the same manner as described above.

  In addition to the services described above, it is also possible to provide information on new models of each device to the hospital and provide an update purchase plan for the device. In other words, based on the increase in maintenance costs associated with the years of use of the equipment and the reduction in power consumption due to the improvement of new product technology, new purchases of equipment and costs will be required if the current system is to be used. In this case, we propose an optimal device renewal time based on a comparison with the cost required.

  It is also conceivable to provide a PET system operation plan to the hospital. For example, information on the weight of the subject to be examined tomorrow from the hospital 2 and the time for starting each examination is obtained, and the timing and amount for generating the radiopharmaceutical are calculated based on the information. Then, an operation plan for the particle generator and the synthesizer is made according to the calculated timing and amount of drug generation. In addition, the timing for administering the radiopharmaceutical and the operation plan of the diagnostic camera and the image processing apparatus are made based on the time to start the examination of each examinee. The information is collectively provided to the hospital 2.

  In the above-described embodiment, support for introducing or maintaining the PET system has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the PET system, and a medical system (for example, SPECT is performed) configured by devices manufactured by a plurality of device manufacturers. In the case of a system for the purpose, introduction support or maintenance support can be performed similarly.

  FIG. 24 shows a part of the structure of the PET system described in this embodiment. In FIG. 24, a particle generator and a synthesizer (not shown) are installed in the drug generation chamber 241 to generate a radioactive drug. The generated radiopharmaceutical is packed in a transport container 242 and transported through a transport tube 244 to a medical examination room 243 for medical examination. In the PET system of FIG. 24, the transport container 242 is transported by gas transport. The procedure is as follows. First, the radiopharmaceutical produced in the drug production chamber 241 is packed in the transport container 242, and the sealed door 245 provided between the drug production chamber 241 and the transport pipe 244 is opened to put the transport container 242 in the transport pipe 244. Arrange and close the sealed door 245. In addition, the transport pipe 244 of the present embodiment is a double pipe. Next, the blower / exhaust device 246 connected to the inner pipe of the transport pipe 244 is activated to blow gas (air in this embodiment) into the transport pipe 244 and connected to the outer pipe of the transport pipe 244. The air blower / exhaust device 247 is activated to exhaust the air in the transport pipe 244. As a result, an air flow as indicated by an arrow in the figure is formed in the transport pipe 244, so that the transport container 242 disposed in the transport pipe 244 moves through the transport pipe 244 toward the examination room 243 according to the air flow. And move. When the transport container 242 moves to the position of the sealed door 248 provided between the transport pipe 244 and the examination room 243, the blower / exhaust devices 246 and 247 are stopped and the sealed door 248 is opened to transport the transport container 242 to the transport pipe. Remove from 244. The radiopharmaceutical is taken out from the transport container 242 in the diagnosis room 243 and used for diagnosis. The transport container 242 that has been emptied by taking out the radiopharmaceutical is transported in the transport pipe 244 to the drug generation chamber 241. This is performed by blowing air from the blower / exhaust 247 and exhausting air by the blower / exhaust 246. Note that a cushion is provided on the inner side (transport pipe 242 side) of the sealed doors 245 and 248 so that the impact caused by the collision of the transport container 242 is reduced.

  As described above, in the PET system of the present embodiment, since the radioactive drug is transported from the drug generation chamber 241 to the examination room 243 by gas transport, the transport can be performed in a short time, and the radiation performance of the drug is reduced. Can be suppressed. In this embodiment, the blower / exhaust devices 245 and 248 are concentrated on one end of the transport pipe 244. However, the transport tube 244 is a single pipe and the blower / exhaust devices 245 and 248 are different from the transport pipe. Gas transport is possible even if connected to each end. However, as in the present embodiment, by concentrating the blower / exhaust devices 245 and 248 at one end of the transport pipe 244, it becomes possible to operate both of the blower / exhaust units at a single location. Will improve.

  FIG. 25 shows an example of a PET system when two examination rooms are provided for one drug generation room. As shown in the figure, the drug generation chamber 251 and the examination rooms 252 and 253 are connected to each other by a bifurcated transport pipe 254. The transport pipe 254 has three blower / exhaust devices 255a to 255c and three sealed doors 256a to 256a. 256c and two shutters 257a and 257b are provided.

  In the case of transporting the transport container 258 from the drug generation chamber 251 to the examination room 252 in the PET system of FIG. 25, the sealed door 256a is opened and the transport container 258 is installed in the transport tube 254, and then the transport tube is blown by the blower / exhaust device 255a. Air is blown into 254, and the air in the transport pipe 254 is exhausted by the blower / exhaust device 255b. At this time, the shutter 257a provided in the transport pipe 254 is opened and the shutter 257b is closed. By doing so, the transport container 242 is transported to the position of the hermetic door 256b.

  On the other hand, when the transport container 258 is transported from the drug generation chamber 251 to the examination room 253, the hermetic door 256a is opened and the transport container 242 is installed in the transport tube 254, and then the inside of the transport tube 254 by the blower / exhaust device 255a. Then, the air in the transport pipe 254 is exhausted by the blower / exhaust device 255c. At this time, the shutter 257b provided in the transport pipe 254 is opened, and the shutter 257a is closed. By doing so, the transport container 242 is transported to the position of the transport pipe sealing door 256c.

  As described above, even when a plurality of examination rooms are provided for one drug generation room, the radiopharmaceutical can be transported using gas transport. In addition, it is desirable to operate the blower / exhaust device and the shutter at one place so that they can be operated remotely.

  A PET system introduction support method according to the second embodiment which is another embodiment of the present invention will be described below. As in the first embodiment, the outline of the PET system introduction support method shown in FIG. 1 is applied to this embodiment, and the system shown in FIG. 2 is used. The equipment manufacturer 3 inputs each piece of equipment information related to the particle generator and the synthesis apparatus being manufactured through the input device 34. The input device information is stored in the database 33 via the processing device 32. The device manufacturer 4 also uses the input device 44 to input device information related to the diagnostic camera and the image processing device to the processing device 42. Such device information is stored in the database 43. For example, the device information shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is stored in the database 33, and the device information shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is stored in the database 43. The device information stored in the databases 33 and 43 is transmitted from the communication device of each device manufacturer to the communication device 11 of the broker and stored in the database 13.

  A case where the hospital 2 introduces the PET system will be described. The hospital 2 accesses the homepage established by the broker from the processing device 22, inputs a request (condition) for the PET system on the homepage, and requests the broker 1 to present a system configuration plan. Details will be described below. The employee of hospital 2 selects “PET system configuration proposal request” on the initial screen of the home page displayed on the output device 23 which is a display device (FIG. 7, displayed on the output device 23 which is a display device). To do. The output device 23 displays the screen information of FIG. When the employee of the hospital 2 selects “Set conditions for the entire PET system”, the screen information of FIG. 26 is displayed on the output device 23. Information on the homepage of the broker that the employee of the hospital 2 accesses is stored in the database 13, and is output through the processing device 12, the communication device 11, the communication line (Internet) 5, the communication device 21, and the processing device 22. 23. Information input to the processing device 22 by the employee of the hospital 2 is stored in the database 13 via the communication device 21, the communication line 5, the communication device 11, and the processing device 12, and displayed on the output device 15 as necessary.

  The screen information of FIG. 26 displayed on the output device 23 includes input fields 92a to 92d for inputting the characters “budget”, “number of people to be examined”, “installation area” and “weight” shown in FIG. In addition, there is a character entry “examination item” and an input field 91e for the priority order for “examination item”. The employee of the hospital 2 inputs necessary information to each item of the screen information shown in FIG. 26 using the input device 24 based on information on the PET system that the hospital 2 intends to introduce and gives priority to each. The rank information is input, and “OK” is clicked with the cursor 71. The priority is in the order of “examination item”, “examination number”, “budget” and “installation area”.

  The processing device 12 that has input the above information stores the input condition information in the database 13. The processing device 12 confirms the condition with the highest priority from the condition information stored in the database 13. In the case of the present example, the “examination items” having the priority “1” are “sugar metabolism” and “amino acid metabolism”. The processing apparatus 12 considers a PET system that satisfies the conditions. Database 13 is shown in Table 1.

Information indicating the correspondence between “examination items” and “radioactive drugs”, that is, “sugar metabolism” and “ ¹⁸ F-FDG”, “fatty acid metabolism” and “ ¹¹ C-palmitic acid”, and “amino acid metabolism” and “ ¹¹ Information such as “C-methionine” is stored. Since the “examination item” is “sugar metabolism” and “amino acid metabolism”, the processing device 12 selects “ ¹⁸ F-FDG” and “ ¹¹ C-methionine” from the database 13 as the corresponding radiopharmaceuticals. For this reason, a radiopharmaceutical synthesizer (simply referred to as a synthesizer) that can produce “ ¹⁸ F-FDG” and “ ¹¹ C-methionine” is required. There is a need for a particle generator that can produce ¹⁸ F and ¹¹ C, which are the radioisotopes (RI) that are the raw materials for these drugs. It is also possible to display specific examples of “examination items” shown in Table 1 so that the information of “examination items” can be easily input in the screen information 26 that is not displayed on the output device 23.

The priority “2” is “number of examinations”. Employees of hospital 2 enter the estimated number of examinees per day for each “examination item” as the “examination number”, in this case, “sugar metabolism” and “amino acid metabolism”, respectively. . For example, “number of people to be examined” is a person / day for “sugar metabolism” and b person / day for “amino acid metabolism”. For example, when the weight of the examinee is 70 kg, the processing device 12 obtains the amount of “ ¹⁸ F-FDG” and ¹⁸ F necessary for a person's examination per day, and is necessary for the examination of b persons per day. The amounts of “ ¹¹ C-methionine” and ¹¹ C are determined.

  The processing device 12 is a synthesizer capable of synthesizing a corresponding type of radiopharmaceutical for PET determined based on the information of “examination items” and a particle generator capable of producing RI as a raw material for the corresponding radiopharmaceutical for PET. Then, all of the synthesis apparatus capable of producing each amount of radiopharmaceutical obtained based on the “number of examinations” and the particle generator capable of producing each RI quantity are selected from the device information stored in the database 13. Further, the processing device 12 uses a diagnostic camera that can be used for diagnosing the total number of examinations per day, for example, (a + b) person / day, based on the signal processing time of the diagnostic camera in the device information. It selects from the apparatus information memorize | stored in the database 13, and calculates | requires the number of required diagnostic cameras collectively. Based on the image processing time of the image processing apparatus among the apparatus information, the processing apparatus 12 selects an image processing apparatus corresponding to the inputted “number of examinations” from the apparatus information stored in the database 13. The processing device 12 stores each combination of the selected particle generation device, synthesis device, diagnostic camera, and synthesis device in the database 13 as a system configuration proposal. Moreover, the processing apparatus 12 calculates the number of people who can be screened per day for each combination and stores them together. If there is no combination that can satisfy the condition given by the hospital 2, for example, 10 combinations are stored in the database 13 as a system configuration plan in order from the condition closest to the given condition. The same applies to each condition described below.

  Subsequently, the processing device 12 inputs the condition information stored in the database 13 and confirms the condition whose priority is “3”. In this example, “budget” has the third highest priority. The processing device 12 calculates the total amount of money for each system configuration plan stored in the database 13 based on the device information. The processing device 12 selects a system configuration plan in which the calculated total amount is equal to or less than the budget amount desired by the hospital 2 and stores the total amount in the database 13 together with the extracted system configuration plan. As in the first embodiment, the processing apparatus 12 selects a system configuration plan that satisfies the condition of the item with the lowest priority input (in this example, “installation area”) and stores it in the database 13.

  The processing device 12 collects information on each system configuration plan selected in the present embodiment in a table format as shown in FIG. The processing device 22 displays the information obtained via the communication line 5 on the output device 23. The employee of the hospital 2 examines the configuration of the PET system to be introduced with reference to the information of each system configuration plan displayed on the output device 23. When the hospital 2 determines the configuration of the PET system, the hospital 2 orders the PET system from the broker 1. This ordering request is made in the same manner as in the first embodiment using the system of FIG. The processing device 12 receives the order request from the hospital 2 and confirms the contents of the order. That is, the processing device 12 reads the information of the corresponding system configuration plan from the information of the plurality of system configuration plans stored in the database 13. Further, the processing device 12 transmits the read system configuration plan information to the processing device 22. The processing device 22 causes the output device 23 to display the input system configuration plan information together with a message “Are you sure about this system?”. FIG. 27 shows a display example. In the hospital 2, the PET system information displayed on the output device 23 is confirmed. If the displayed system is acceptable, the hospital name and location are input in the input fields 131 a and 131 b, and “OK” is clicked. When this “decision” is clicked, the information input in the input fields 131 a and 131 b is transmitted from the processing device 22 to the processing device 12 as facility name / location information. On the other hand, if a PET system different from the displayed system is desired, “return” is clicked to return to the PET system input screen of FIG.

  The processing device 12 to which the facility name / location information is input corresponds to the processing devices 32 and 42 of the device manufacturers 3 and 4 that manufacture each device based on the system configuration plan information transmitted to the processing device 22. Transmit model number information and facility name / location information. The device manufacturers 3 and 4 manufacture the corresponding devices and deliver the devices to the hospital 2 indicated by the facility name / location information. Thereafter, as in the above-described embodiment, payment is made.

  The PET system introduction support method of the present embodiment can obtain the effects produced in the first embodiment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the information on “examination items” is input by the hospital 2, that is, the customer, and the necessary radiopharmaceuticals are used using the corresponding “examination items” (sugar metabolism and amino acid metabolism in this example). Can be selected as well as a particle generator capable of producing RI, which is a necessary radioactive substance. The particle generator is a radioactive manufacturing device. In the present embodiment, information on the “number of people to be examined” is further used for selecting the device. By using the information of “number of people to be examined”, it is possible to select a synthesis apparatus having a production capability capable of producing a necessary amount of the corresponding radiopharmaceutical and a particle generation apparatus having a production ability capable of producing the necessary amount of the corresponding RI. it can. An appropriate diagnostic camera and image processing apparatus can be selected by using the information of “number of people to be examined”.

  As described above, the broker 1 selects a device that satisfies the request from the hospital 2 based on the device information stored in the database 13, and presents the device information regarding the selected device to the hospital 2. Can help with the selection of equipment. Therefore, the burden on the hospital 2 when introducing the PET system is reduced. Further, since the broker 1 also places an order with the device manufacturers 3 and 4, the burden on the hospital 2 is further reduced. Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the broker 1 makes a maintenance plan for the maintenance inspection of each device of the PET system installed in the hospital 2 and requests maintenance of the device manufacturers 3 and 4. . Therefore, the burden on the hospital 2 regarding the maintenance of the PET system is reduced.

  Also in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the broker 1 may purchase the PET system from the device manufacturers 3 and 4 and lease it to the hospital 2 (finance lease, operating lease, etc.). Further, the broker 1 may lease a device from the device manufacturers 3 and 4 and then lease it to the hospital 2. The effect obtained when the broker 1 leases each device is the same as in the above-described embodiment.

  Another embodiment of the PET system maintenance inspection support method shown in FIGS. 20 to 23 will be described below with reference to FIGS. Advanced medical devices such as PET systems regularly check and adjust each of the devices that make up the PET system, using image processing devices based on the quality of the manufactured PET radiopharmaceuticals and the output of the diagnostic camera. It is necessary to always maintain the tomographic image of the subject to be obtained in the best condition. In addition, it is necessary to minimize the influence on the medical examination in the hospital 2 by prompt action even when a device constituting the PET system fails. For this reason, there are many examples in which maintenance is performed according to a full maintenance contract recommended by a device manufacturer (Company A, Company B, etc.) as shown in FIG. Full maintenance means that equipment manufacturers regularly perform maintenance and inspection of the target equipment, and equipment inspection, parts replacement, and repair when trouble occurs in the equipment. A typical example is shown in Fig. 28, but a full maintenance contract includes four regular annual inspections, on-call response at the time of failure, and comprehensive response including replacement of major parts and even major parts. However, the maintenance cost is expensive for medical institutions such as the hospital 2. On-call means that when a trouble occurs in a device, the device manufacturer responds to the trouble. As shown in FIG. 28, A0, B0... Which are estimated costs for “full maintenance” of each equipment manufacturer (A company, B company, etc.), A1, B1 which are estimated costs for “parts charged (others are free)” ... A2, B2,..., “Estimated only for periodic inspection (others are charged)” and “estimated number of times” of 4 times are stored in the database 13 for each device manufacturer. For example, “full maintenance” and “charged parts (others are free)” shown in FIG. 28 assume that “the number of inspections” is “4 times”, and “periodic inspections only (others are also charged)”. Assumes “4 times”, “3 times”, and “2 times” as the “number of inspections”. The value of “the number of inspections” assumed in “full maintenance”, “parts charged (others are free)” and “periodic inspection only (others are charged)” is stored in the database 13. In addition, “full maintenance”, “parts charged (others are free)”, “regular inspections only (others are also charged), number of inspections” for “on-call support”, “maintenance-related parts” and “replacement parts”. “Free” and “Paid” information entered for “4 times”, “Regular inspection only (others are also paid), 3 inspections” and “Periodic inspections only (others are also charged), 2 inspections” FIG. 28) is also stored in the database 13.

  The broker 1 determines the maintenance mode of the PET system installed in the hospital 2 using the processing device 12, and notifies the result to the hospital 2 as a customer via the communication line 5. In determining the maintenance mode, the processing program shown in FIG. 29 stored in the database 13 is read out to the processing device 12 when the broker 1 accesses the processing device 12. The processing device 12 performs processing according to the processing program and determines a maintenance mode. The processing executed by the processing device 12 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. In Example 2 (or Example 1), the model number and device of each device (particle generator, synthesis device, diagnostic camera, image processing device) constituting the PET system determined to be introduced into the hospital 2 were manufactured. Information on the device manufacturer is stored in the database 13. For example, it is assumed that the PET system introduced into the hospital 2 includes a particle generator manufactured by A company, a synthesis apparatus manufactured by B company, a diagnostic camera manufactured by C company, and an image processing apparatus manufactured by D company. In addition, for each manufacturing equipment of each equipment manufacturer (Company A, Company B, Company C, Company D), "Full maintenance", "Parts charged (others are free)" and "Periodic inspection only (others charged)" Information of each estimated cost (refer to the cost described in the lower part of FIG. 28) for “4 times of inspection” is stored in the database 13. The cost information is A0, A1, A2, B0,..., C2, D0, D1, D2.

First, when the broker 1 inputs “hospital 2” (name) from the input device 14, the processing device 12 uses the device manufacturers (A company, B company, C company, D) that manufactured each device introduced into the hospital 2. Information on estimated costs for “full maintenance”, “parts charged (others are free)” and “periodic inspection only (others are also charged), number of inspections 4 times” is read from the database 13 to the processing device 12. Input (step 31). Next, each cost of on-call and replacement parts is calculated for each corresponding device of each device manufacturer (step 32). FIG. 30 calculates the on-call cost and replacement part cost included in the cost of the full maintenance contract for each device of each device manufacturer. Each on-call cost for the device manufactured by each device manufacturer is calculated by (A1-A2), (B1-B2), (C1-C2), and (D1-D2), respectively. In addition, each replacement part cost for the device manufactured by each device manufacturer is calculated by (A0-A1), (B0-B1), (C0-C1), and (D0-D1). Information on the cost required for actually performing maintenance at a similar facility that does not have a full maintenance contract is input from the database 13 to the processing device 12 (step 33). The actual cost α for on-call and the actual cost β for replacement parts are extracted from the cost information (step 34). Costs α and β are different for each corresponding device, and costs α and β shown below are costs of similar devices for the introduced particle generator, synthesis device, diagnostic camera, and image processing device. Based on the costs of the on-call and replacement parts and the costs α and β, it is determined whether the contract is a full maintenance contract or the on-call and parts replacement are actual cost addition contracts (step 35). That is, taking the particle generator of Company A as an example, it is determined whether or not the expressions (1) and (2) are satisfied.
(A1-A2) <α (1)
(A0-A1) <β (2)
(A1-A2)> α (3)
(A0-A1)> β (4)
If it is determined in step 35 that the expressions (1) and (2) are satisfied, that is, that (A0−A2) <(α + β) is satisfied, in step 36, the processing device 12 determines that “full maintenance”. The information “contract proposal” is transmitted to the communication device 21 of the hospital 2 via the communication device 11 and the communication line 5. When it is determined in step 35 that the expressions (3) and (4) are satisfied, that is, (A0−A2)> (α + β) is satisfied, in step 37, the processing device 12 Information on “on-call, replacement parts proposal of actual cost addition contract” is transmitted to the communication device 21 of the hospital 2 via the communication device 11 and the communication line 5. For the synthesis apparatus of company B, if it is determined in step 35 that (B0−B2) <(α + β) is satisfied, the processing of step 36 is performed, and (B0−B2)> If it is determined that (α + β) is satisfied, the process of step 37 is executed. Similarly, for the diagnostic camera of company C, if it is determined in step 35 that (C0−C2) <(α + β) is satisfied, the processing of step 36 is performed, and (C0−C2). If it is determined that> (α + β) is satisfied, the process of step 37 is executed. For the image processing apparatus of company D, if it is determined in step 35 that (D0−D2) <(α + β) is satisfied, the processing of step 36 is performed, and (D0−D2)> ( If it is determined that [alpha] + [beta] is satisfied, the process of step 37 is executed. Similar determinations and processes are executed for the fifth and subsequent companies. In this embodiment, it is determined that (A0−A2)> (α + β), (B0−B2)> (α + β), (C0−C2)> (α + β) and (D0−D2)> (α + β) are satisfied. Was made. Each determination result in step 35 is also displayed on the output device 15. As shown in FIG. 31, the broker 1 inputs the on-call and replacement parts including the number of periodic inspections twice and inputs the actual cost addition contract plan from the input device 15 to the processing device 12 as shown in FIG. 31. An example of the cost required for maintenance based on the contract proposal is shown in “Cost for rationalization plan” in FIG. In step 37, the processing apparatus hospital 2 displays the transmitted contract proposal information on the output device 23 as information of the contract proposal “on-call, replacement parts proposal of actual cost addition contract”, and maintenance for each device. Accordingly, when the contract form of each proposal is accepted, the approval information for the proposal contract for each device is input from the input device 23 to the processing device 22 and transmitted to the communication device 11.

  The intermediary 1 is a maintenance contract for the corresponding equipment between the hospital 2 and each equipment manufacturer that has produced the relevant equipment. “On-call including two periodic inspections, replacement parts are the actual cost addition contract” (or “Full Support for concluding maintenance contracts)). Each device manufacturer performs maintenance of the devices introduced into the hospital 2 based on the concluded contract. The present embodiment can reduce the cost required for maintenance of the equipment constituting the PET system installed in the hospital 2.

  Each of the embodiments described above targets medical institutions that purchase PET systems, supports the introduction of the PET systems based on requests from medical institutions (hospitals, clinics, examination facilities, etc.), and the PET systems. The maintenance support was explained. However, in each embodiment, the introduction of the PET system and the maintenance support for the PET system are performed based on a request from a business operator (a rental business) that performs a leasing business for leasing the PET system to a medical institution. It is also applicable to. In this case, the hospital 2 is a rental company in each of the embodiments described above.

  Further, each of the above-described embodiments is also applied to the case where the PET system introduction support and the maintenance support for the PET system are performed based on the request from the PET screening business support company that supports the PET screening business of the medical institution. Is possible. In this case, in each of the above-described embodiments, the hospital 2 is a PET screening business support company. A PET examination business support company is a company that provides a PET system and provides an operation of the PET system to a medical institution performing a PET examination. The screening operation itself for PET screening is not performed by a PET screening business support company, but by a medical institution.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Broker, 2 ... Hospital, 3, 4 ... Equipment manufacturer, 5 ... Communication line, 11, 21, 31, 41 ... Communication apparatus, 12, 22, 32, 42 ... Processing apparatus, 13, 33, 43 ... Database , 14, 24, 34, 44 ... input device, 15, 23 ... output device.

Claims (14)

  Collecting device information related to the device from the device manufacturer that manufactures the device used in the PET system and storing it in the storage means, as well as a PET system from either a medical institution, a PET system rental business or a PET screening business support business A device satisfying the request is selected based on device information stored in the storage means, and device information relating to the selected device is read from the storage means and presented to the medical institution. A PET system introduction support method.   2. The PET system introduction according to claim 1, wherein the request includes at least one of an amount, a processing capacity, an installation area, and a weight as a condition, and the selection of the device is performed with reference to the condition. Support method.   3. The PET system introduction support method according to claim 2, wherein a priority is set in the condition, and the selection of the device is performed by referring to the condition in descending order of the priority.   The PET system introduction method according to claim 1, wherein the request is received via the Internet.   Collecting device information related to the device from the device manufacturer that manufactures the device used in the PET system and storing it in the storage means, as well as a PET system from either a medical institution, a PET system rental business or a PET screening business support business A device satisfying the number of examinations included in the request condition is selected based on the device information stored in the storage unit, and the device information related to the selected device is read from the storage unit and the medical device is selected. A PET system introduction support method characterized by presenting to an institution.   Collecting device information related to the device from the device manufacturer that manufactures the device used in the PET system and storing it in the storage means, as well as a PET system from either a medical institution, a PET system rental business or a PET screening business support business In response to the request for the device, a device satisfying the examination items and the number of people to be examined included in the request condition is selected based on the device information stored in the storage device, and device information relating to the selected device is read from the storage device. A PET system introduction support method, wherein the method is presented to the medical institution.   Device information related to the device is collected from the device manufacturer that manufactures the device used in the PET system and stored in the storage means, and the PET system can be obtained from either a medical institution, a PET system rental business, or a PET screening business support business. Necessary for a PET system that receives an order request and receives an order request from any one of the medical institution, the leasing business, or the PET screening business support business based on the device information stored in the storage means A PET system introduction support method, comprising: selecting an appropriate device, and instructing a device manufacturer that manufactures the selected device to deliver the device to the orderer.   The PET system introduction support method according to claim 7, wherein at least one of an examination item and the number of examinations is included as a condition of the ordering request of the ordering source, and the selection of the device is performed based on the condition.   The amount according to the device delivered to the orderer is collected from the orderer, and a part of the collected amount is paid to the device manufacturer who delivered the device to the orderer. 8. The PET system introduction support method according to 8.   Device information relating to the device is collected from a device manufacturer that manufactures the device used in the PET system and stored in the storage means, and an order request for the PET system is received from either a medical institution or a PET examination business support provider, and the storage is performed. A device necessary for the PET system that has received the order request is selected based on device information stored in the means, the selected device is purchased from a device manufacturer that manufactures the selected device, and the purchased device is purchased. The system is lent to the ordering source of either the medical institution or the PET screening business support company that has received the ordering request, and an amount corresponding to the lent equipment is collected from the ordering source. Method.   Maintenance information on equipment maintenance from equipment manufacturers that manufacture equipment used in the PET system is collected and stored in the storage means, as well as medical institutions having a PET system, rental companies of the PET system, and PET examination business support companies. The device specifying information for specifying the device constituting the PET system is received from any of the above, the maintenance time of the PET system is determined based on the device specifying information and the maintenance information stored in the storage means, and the determined maintenance A PET system maintenance support method, wherein the time is presented to any one of the medical institution, the leasing company, and the PET examination business support company.   The maintenance period is a period when the cost for maintenance and repair is expected to be the smallest, and is expected when the maintenance period is presented to any of the medical institution, the leasing company and the PET examination business support company. The method for supporting maintenance of a PET system according to claim 11, wherein the cost is also presented. A PET system maintenance support method for selecting a contract form related to maintenance of a PET system owned by any of a medical institution, a PET system leasing company, and a PET examination business support company,
Based on the maintenance cost for the equipment constituting the PET system stored in the storage means and the actual value of the maintenance cost of the corresponding equipment in the similar PET system for the PET system stored in the storage means, the contract form And presenting the selected contract form to any one of the medical institution, the leasing company, and the PET examination business support company.   The PET system maintenance support method according to claim 13, wherein the contract form is either an on-call / replacement parts actual cost addition contract or a full maintenance contract.