WO2010087795A1

WO2010087795A1 - Interactive system for physicians and healthcare professionals

Info

Publication number: WO2010087795A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/000583
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cheryl B. Kerr; Lawrence P. Kerr
Original assignee: Kerr Cheryl B; Kerr Lawrence P
Priority date: 2009-01-30
Filing date: 2009-01-30
Publication date: 2010-08-05

Abstract

An interactive, computerized system that enables physicians and other diagnostic healthcare providers to collaborate on patient's conditions. Communications are facilitated between and among providers and healthcare professionals, but do not require all parties to be using the system concurrently. Past medical cases, including multiple visits by the same party, in the form of text files, graphics, X-rays, still photographs, moving video images, sound and any combination thereof can be reviewed and used for research and study. Information can be accessed and professionals can collaborate and render multiple opinions. Participants can be educated to retrieve, assemble and share the information. A user (provider, healthcare professional or participant) first logs on to the information system. The user then searches for an entity having at least one identifier or characteristic of interest, and a result set is retrieved. The user then selects one of a group of entities if more than one result is obtained. The user can then communicate the information to professionals and participants for further analysis.

Description

INTERACTIVE SYSTEM FOR PHYSICIANS AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Field of the Invention:

The present invention pertains to interactive computerized systems and, more particularly, to an interactive computerized system for enabling physicians, nurses, students, and other diagnostic healthcare professionals to collaborate on patient conditions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Telecommunications have been used to disseminate information for some time. Telemedicine, for example, relies on communicating medical information at a distance. Historically, such communications were as primitive as using a telephone to verbally describe a patient's condition. Unfortunately, due to the limitations of the telephone technology, it was not possible to provide information to inquirers about interesting or relevant medical cases that occurred much before the inquiry was made. And, of course, it was difficult or impossible to provide information to an inquirer that occurred at a different location. The inherent limitations of telephones preempt multimedia approaches to sharing information.

The solution to inquiries of greater scope was to direct an inquirer to paper files of medical histories, test results and charts with the sometimes daunting challenge of deciphering handwritten notes. Moreover, such manual searching required physical proximity to the paper files and, even when such proximity occurred, two or more people were not always available at the same time. Unfortunately, even referring to printed records alone falls short of an ideal level of information access, collaboration among specialists and professionals, and education of students. As communications improved in the 20^th and 21^st centuries, however, especially with the use of email and worldwide communication networks, photographs were used to supplement such audio communications. Eventually, moving images in the form of video signals helped improve the quality of such communications. Unfortunately, many video telecommunications systems proved to be expensive and/or difficult to use and did not protect confidentiality.

Moreover, as with many areas of information technology, sometimes too much, unfiltered information is worse than none at all. The phenomenon of information overload has become a serious problem for researchers in medicine, as it is in other areas of scientific and technological endeavor. A simple, generalized inquiry can result in many, often contradictory results. Introducing specialists into the information transfer loop is advisable to provide experience and analysis of this information that would not otherwise be available by accessing the internet alone.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a database of medical cases, including textual and photographic information that is created and continues to be updated by credible, professional sources.

It would further be advantageous to allow healthcare professionals and participants to share information in such a database.

It would also be advantageous to provide a system to allow medical practitioners to collaborate and medical students to learn about specific medical cases and about symptoms related thereto.

It would also be advantageous to communicate information among professionals, students and other participants of the purpose, among other things, of discussion, collaboration, facilitation of diagnosis, and education.

It would also be advantageous to allow a number of medical personnel concurrently to access information residing on a database. It would also be advantageous to provide information in the form of text files, graphics, X-rays, still photographs, moving video images, sound and any combination thereof.

It would still further be advantageous to allow participants to inquire or to provide answers to inquirers at a real time session or at a session that is spread over time; in other words, the system would be usable even when all members of the discussion group would not be present to transfer information in the form of questions, answers, advice, photographs, or moving video images.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an interactive, computerized system that enables physicians and other healthcare professional to collaborate on patient's conditions. Communications are facilitated between and among physicians and healthcare professionals, but do not require all parties to be using the system concurrently. Past medical cases, including multiple visits by the same party, in the form of text files, graphics, X-rays, still photographs, moving video images, sound and any combination thereof can be reviewed and used for research and study. Information can be accessed and multiple professionals can collaborate and render opinions. Participants can be educated to retrieve, assemble and share the information. A user (physician, healthcare professional or participant) first logs on to the information system. The user then searches for an entity having at least one identifier or characteristic of interest, and a result set is retrieved. The user then selects one of a group of entities if more than one result is obtained. The user can then communicate the information to professionals and participants for further analysis.

The present invention represents a convenient mechanism for healthcare personnel to communicate with one another. When used as part of a global communications network, such as the internet, users need not install software, nor be responsible for updating the system, as frequent and universal updates can be achieved automatically and transparently to the users. Accordingly, the system is inexpensive to maintain. Moreover, the system is global in scope, so multiple languages and multiple cultures can be accommodated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent detailed description, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a schematic representation of a display screen in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 1a is a schematic representation of a display screen in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, detailing the process of revealing and adding subsequent visits or other visits;

FIGURE 1b is a schematic representation of a display screen in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, detailing the process of revealing and requesting other opinions;

FIGURE 2 is a schematic representation of a drop down menu for the Closest Clinical Category shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a schematic representation of an enlarged photographic image shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a schematic representation of the three images shown in FIGURE 1 ; FIGURE 4a is a schematic representation of a plurality of photographs, moving video images, graphics, or other digital media (hereafter "images") shown on a display;

FIGURE 5 is a schematic representation of a consultative report (summary) for printing that shows text and chosen photographic images;

FIGURE 6 is a schematic representation of a search criteria pop up screen;

FIGURE 7 is a schematic representation of an administrative display;

FIGURE 7a is a schematic representation of a display screen showing the privileges of certain subgroups;

FIGURE 7b is a schematic representation of a display screen showing the list of an organization's healthcare professionals and contact information of one provider within the organization's providers list;

FIGURE 7c is a schematic representation of a display screen detailing a ClickCare log revealing changes to the completed consultative report; and

FIGURE 8 is a flow chart of system operations in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Generally speaking, the invention is an interactive, computerized system that enables physicians and other healthcare professionals (herein referred to as "providers") to collaborate and facilitate patient services. Although the word

"specialist" is used herein, it should be understood that specialist is meant to indicate the most knowledgeable provider involved at a particular time. It should be understood that, while personnel in the medical profession are especially suited to take advantage of this invention, other groups of people may have need for the features presented herein. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to its use with medical professionals, but may include service areas such as, but not limited to: engineering, science, architecture, construction, financial planning, insurance, law, teaching, theater, art writing, maintenance, etc., in which security and archiving are important for collaboration and multimedia images and words. For purposes of the discussion herein, however, the medical profession and its personnel are discussed as exemplary of the types that can use these inventive concepts.

Having a wide range of experts available to collaborate on the diagnosis and treatment of unusual conditions is a great benefit to patients, especially those in areas not serviced by a large medical facility. The invention facilitates communications among providers but does not require all parties to be using the system concurrently. Furthermore, past cases can be reviewed and used for research and study.

The invention comprises a Java application and browser-based client that communicates via an encrypted channel over the Internet to a server system. The server system includes a database backend where the information is stored. The server system is located in a secure facility, thus protecting the patients' data. The client application is downloaded to a provider's computer where it provides a secure, intuitive interface that facilitates the collaboration discussed in greater detail hereinbelow.

Prior to running the client application, the provider's organization signs up with the service. An account with a login and password is created and the roles of the provider (i.e., administrator, student, physician, etc.) define, and appropriately limit, the provider's use of the application. This provider then runs the client application, which connects to the server, and authenticates the session.

Referring now to FIGURE 1 , there is shown an intuitive client application as presented to providers, not shown, where almost all of the communication (collaboration) takes place. Conceptually the display, shown generally at reference numeral 10, has four areas. Across the top 12 of display 10 are function buttons 14 and patient information 19. It should be understood that all fixed information such as the function buttons 14 can be provided in any language, as selected as a user preference. In fact, one user may access the system in one language, while another user concurrently accesses the system in another language.

On the left side 18 of display 10 is where the submitting physician provides a history of the patient 20 and makes the inquiry 22. On the left side 18 of display 10 the requesting group 16a and the requesting provider 16b must be chosen from a pull-down list. In the middle 24 of display 10 are images 26 of the patient's condition. On the right side 28 of display 10 is where the specialist proffers a diagnosis (impression) 32, along with recommendation (discussion) 30 as a starting point in facilitating care.

To enter information about a new case, the submitting provider activates the

"Add a Patient" button 14a. Patient demographics are entered into the fields: Last Name, First Name, DOB (date of birth), Age (the age is calculated automatically, in the preferred embodiment), Sex, Medical Record Number, Consultation Date (supplied by application), and Requesting Group and Requesting Provider 16. The history of the patient's condition is entered into the history field 20 by the requesting provider. The question for the consultant is entered by the requesting provider into the question field 22. A clinical category 23 is then chosen from a drop down list FIGURE 2.

Referring now to FIGURE 1a, there is shown the inventive process of adding multiple visits for the same patient. A dialogue box 15a is displayed once icon 15 is selected. The user has the ability to select past visits for care made by the same patient. The various visits may or may not be accessible by a particular provider depending on privileged involvement ("need to know"). More input can be requested by the system 15b.

FIGURE 1b details the inventive process of requesting multiple opinions on a patient's condition. In order to reveal the other opinions, the user selects icon 17, labeled "Opinions." Once selected, a drop-down menu 17a appears; the user is able to choose to see the consultation of one particular opinion and/or request the opinions of additional providers. More input can be requested by the system 17b.

Images to describe and illustrate the medical conditions are displayed in the middle portion 24 of the screen 10. The user has the ability to modify the resolution of screen 10 to better display the information, and the preferred embodiment senses the screen resolution. The submitting provider records a digital photo, a short moving video images, or sounds 26 relating to the patient's condition expected to aid the consulting provider in responding to the question. The requesting provider loads images 26 on the computer and then uploads the data by activating the "Add Images" button 14c on the top portion of display 10. A file selection box, not shown, pops up to provide navigation to the image file. A select button, not shown, is activated and the image file is transmitted to the server. Multiple image files 26 may be uploaded and attached to the case in this manner.

On the right hand side 28 of display 10, the consultant 29b from consultant group 29a is selected to collaborate on the case. Submitting a case for review is now complete.

The consulting provider, not shown, logs onto the system using substantially the same display 10 on the computer, as used by the requesting provider. The search FIGURE 6, described in greater detail hereinbelow, is used to call up cases requiring attention. The medical history 20 and question(s) 22 are reviewed on the left side 18 of the screen 10. Reduced images 26 appear in the middle 24 of the screen 10. The Archive FIGURE 4a also permits a visual search.

Referring now to FIGURE 3, there is shown an enlarged view of an image 26 that appears in FIGURE 1 , and this image can be further magnified by clicking a magnifying glass icon 40 near the image 26. Images 26 may be enlarged multiple times. After studying the images 26, the consulting provider writes recommendations and a diagnosis in the appropriate fields 30 and 32, respectively, on the right side 28 of the screen 10 (FIGURE 1). The amount of time spent working on the case is entered by the consulting provider into the appropriate field 34 on the lower right of display 10.

The consulting provider may print a copy of the consultation for his records or to substantiate an invoice. This printing operation is accomplished by activating the print button 14e on the top 12 of display 10.

Referring now to FIGURE 4, the consulting provider is given the choice of selecting an image 26 by clicking on the appropriate "Choose this image" button 36 to illustrate the printed report with selections from the images 26 in the middle portion 24 of display 10 (FIGURE 1).

Referring now to FIGURE 4a, there is shown a plurality of images 11a on display 11. This view is ideal for comparing different visits and different cases and can be advantageous over a display showing fewer forms of media, as in FIGURE 4.

Referring now to FIGURE 5, a report is shown generally at reference numeral 42 is generated and directed to the printer, not shown, of the consulting provider's choice. The report 42 can include places for the consulting provider's signature 44.

Requesting and consulting providers can search through the records in the database by activating the "Find Patient" button 14a. A search criteria screen shown generally at reference numeral 50 pops up, as shown in FIGURE 6. Specifying a value in any of the following fields 52 selects only those records from the database with the supplied values: Last Name, First Name, Date of Birth, Medical Record

Number, Consult Date, Requesting Group, Requesting Provider, Clinical Categories, Consultant Group, Consultant, Diagnosis Contains, Age span, and Teaching Case. A set of records is returned. On the far left of display 10 are arrow buttons that, when clicked, cause the data from the set to be displayed, one record at a time, in the main area.

The display 10 has a "Teaching Case" check box 35 that can be set on a case by case basis. If the Teaching Case box 35 on display 10 is checked, that case will be seen by default in the archive as long as the Teaching Case 54 is checked in display 50 of FIGURE 6. Thus the invention can be used as an instructive device to educate medical students and to remind more experienced providers.

As part of a security system, this invention provides roles (privileges) defined by a series of elections using check boxes, such roles including but not limited to provider accounts, nurse accounts, student accounts, and administrative accounts. The description of a role is defined by the local organization's administrator. Provider and nurse accounts may be given access to submit (request) and consult on cases. Some roles can be restrictive, such as student accounts that are limited to viewing teaching cases. Best practice, regulatory standards, or administrative decision can dictate the extent to which a user has access to confidential patient data. Finally, the administrative account is used to configure aspects of the system. Of course it should be understood that not all of these roles need be provided. Conversely, additional roles may be provided, as desired.

Referring now to FIGURE 7, the administrative display 60 is activated via the Admin button 62 at the top of the consulting display 10 (FIGURE 1 ). The administrative display 60 has eight tabbed sub-screens 64 that control administrative aspects of the system.

The Organization List" tab 64a is the list of organizations. This tab permits new organizations to be added and existing organizations to be deleted.

The Organization Prefs" tab 64b permits each organization to select various preferences specific to its needs.

The "Provider Groups" tab 64c is the list of provider groups. This tab permits new groups to be added and existing groups to be deleted. The underlying business rules determine which records can be shared with other users.

The "Login Group" tab 64d is a matrix (FIGURE 7a) of account types (login group) name and functions. A check indicates that the group has a function or attribute. Current functions/attributes are: Delete Photos, Can Edit, Can Insert, Teach Only, Teach Readonly, Teach Randomly Across Groups, Consult Group Full Record Access, Admin, No Patient Data, Save Images, and Logging. The organization's administrator chooses the appropriate permissions and functionality appropriate to each professional's role in the organization.

The "Providers List" tab 64e displayed in FIGURE 7 manages the user accounts in the system. As shown in Figure 7b, fields are provided for specifying: Provider Name, Age Filter, Organization ID, Login Name, Login Group, Address, Password, Email, Phone, Fax, Skype address, and Tax ID. The Provider Groups designated by selection boxes enable the user account to see the cases that he is appropriately involved with (privileges delineating the "need to know").

The "Clinical Categories" tab 64f in FIGURES 7 and 7a manages the category drop down menu FIGURE 2 referred to above on the consulting display 10.

Categories can be added and deleted from this screen upon the selection of tab 64f by an organization administrator. Any of the categories 23a can be highlighted, double-clicked and then displayed on box 23 of FIGURE 1.

The "Environmental Preferences" tab 64g contains assorted application configuration items such as, but not limited to: Web conference link, number of login tries, minimum password length, license text, and login timeout amount.

The "Document Icons" tab 64h manages the mapping of file extensions to the various digital formats.

Referring now to FIGURE 7a, there is shown a plurality of the aforementioned login groups 65, each having additional group specific privileges 65b. The organization related to the group is displayed in column 65a. The administrator has the ability to check boxes 65c to add and remove specific privileges from different groups. These privileges include but are not limited to the ability to delete or modify certain media such as photos or video. When the data pertaining to each group is modified, that change is logged, using the logging function 65e. More groups can be added or current groups can be deleted using buttons 65f.

FIGURE 7b shows the list of providers in an organization, overlaid with contact information, privileges, etc. of one selected provider.

FIGURE 7c shows display 63a, displaying the information contained in an example of a ClickCare log when ClickCare log button 63 (FIGURE 1) is clicked on.

The administrator of the system has access to the ClickCare log containing information regarding any changes occurring within the system to ensure no unauthorized access of the system.

Referring now to FIGURE 8, there is shown a flow chart of operations generally at reference numeral 100. The steps in this flow chart correspond to display screens hereinabove described.

Once a browser is initiated, step 102, a web page is accessed, step 104. For purposes of discussion, the web site of the present assignee is used: http://www.clickcare.com. The inventive program is then accessed from the web site, step 106, which allows store and forward technology to shift time and location, so that users need not be simultaneously present in order to collaborate in the transfer and analysis of information. After the user is prompted to log in to the web page, step 108, the system establishes a secure, single socket layer connection. If the user is not authorized (i.e., is not enrolled, credentialed to practice and assigned to a group) or decides to terminate the session at this point, the system exits, step 110, as shown. Members of a group have access only to their own records or records of others in their group but not records of all those in their organization. Moreover, different levels of usage are provided, based on different levels (roles) of participation. Providers typically have one role, whereas nurses have another and aides may have a third role. When an archive or teaching database is constructed, such a database appears to the individual user to be that of that individual and the group to which the individual belongs. In this way, the resulting database is personalized for the individual user.

If, however, the user successfully logs in with a secure login, step 112, the Consult Page is displayed, step 114. Note that every keystroke is also recorded to the server's log, not shown, to provide full audit capability. If the user of the inventive system is unable to get through security and successfully login, the system locks down. The system continuously screens for specific lockdown parameters; if certain conditions are met, a lockdown will be initiated.

At this point, depending upon the preference of the user, one of six operations can occur:

Find a Patient, step 116; Add Patient, step 166;

Add Image, step 132;

View Archive, step 140;

Print, step 150;

Video Conference, step 128 (reserved and hidden); and Exit ClickCare, step 142.

Each of these aforementioned steps is discussed in greater detail hereinbelow.

If the user selects Find Patient, step 116,, a search step 118 is performed by various rows and columns (fields) and may be sorted and further narrowed, when appropriate. If no record or case history based on the search criteria is found, step 120, the system cancels the search routine, step 122. If, however, at least one record or case history is found, based on the search criteria, the system returns a result set and control returns to the top menu, step 124. At this time, the user may select "Show These" with no criteria limitations, step 126, to display all records in the result set. The full set of records is then restored. Once a patient has been selected the user has the ability to add additional visits for the same patient, step 127 via Multiple Visits box 16c (FIGURE 1 ). If the user decides to add additional visits, then the user advances to step 129. If the patient does not need the visits, then step 129 is skipped. Next, the user has the ability to request multiple opinions for one patient visit, step 131 , to allow a discourse and collaboration among the plurality of users listed under the list of opinions. If this is desired, the user advances to step 133 where the multiple opinions are requested on a blank consult area 28 (FIGURE 1), step 114. If the user does not require multiple opinions for the current patient, step 131 , then the user is returned to the already completed Consult Page, step 114.

Another option that can be made by the user from the Consult Page, step 114 is Add Images button, step 132. If a standard file browser fails to locate a file that is a binary object (i.e., a binary large object (BLOB)) whose file (any media or digital file) has been assigned, step 134, the system cancels the browser/chooser operation, step 136. If, however, the browser locates a file that is a binary object whose file has been assigned, step 134, that file is selected by the system, step 138, and placed on the record.

Another option that can be made by the user from the Consult Page, step 114 is choosing to view an archive, step 140. Every record is recorded, searchable and sortable. Unlike videoconferencing, a discrete, complete, and pictorial representation of the record is made during routine use. This permits the record itself to be referenced later for teaching or analysis. The archive function is a visual overview of selected records. The record is shown by default when the user chooses the tab or button, "Teaching Case." The archive can return control to: the Consult Page itself, step 114; or to the Find Patient routine, step 116; or to Exit, step 142.

The system can also allow the user to uncover and select a number of photos, step 144. The system provides a stacked and an unstacked view, step 146 from within the archive itself. A similar unstacked view is enabled when completing the print operation, step 152 in operation 150. Since a "top card" covers the image and media records below it, unstacking allows a quick pan of what the record shows. Stacking allows for one patient's visit to be represented in the archive as only one thumbnail image, whereas unstacking reveals different views of the same data record. If more than one image exists, clicking on the "top card" photos exposes other "cards" in the stack. Double clicking on the "top card" directly refers the user to the original complete record (consult page) and its narrative detail, thus allowing reiterative cycles of overview - and detail views. Step 165

Another option that can be made by the user from the Consult Page, step 114 is Print, step 150. This option, step 150, creates a dynamic page that includes images and text from the original record, providing a problem centered, printed electronic summary of the consultation. The user chooses a selection of one or more photographs (up to four photos in the preferred embodiment) step 152, and a Print Preview is displayed, step 154. From the Print Preview operation, step 154, the system can: Print, step 156; or close, step 164.

Another option that can be made by the user from the Consult Page, step 114, is Add Patient, step 166. In order to add a new patient, a new record or row in the database is created by the system, step 168. The demographic information, the requesting provider's description of the problem and the requesting provider's question are all created at this point. A unique record identifier is also established. The requesting provider and the consulting group and the respective individual member is then chosen. Once the new record is created, step 168, that collaborative page is the record that is subsequently amended, modified and revised by the addition of data and the consultants' responses. An email notification may also be sent automatically, if desired. The email message provides notification of the consultation, as well as feedback about completion, or need for more information. VOIP can be enabled (e.g., Skype) or a physical address may be copied for use.

Another option that can be made by the user from the Consult Page, step

114, is a request for a video conference, step 128, which results in the display of a new browser window, step 130. A hidden button exists for which a hyperlink may be created to any commercial videoconferencing system. The advantage of the video conference capability is both to aid interpersonal relationships among participants and to provide on-the-fly transmission of sound and motion, if desired. As an alternative, video clips 24 (FIGURE 1) can be added to show clinical data with motion and sound to provide comparable functionality.

The final option that can be made by the user from Consult Page, step 114, is Exit, step 142.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for the purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by

Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating participants to retrieve, assemble and multidirectionally discuss said information, the steps comprising:

a) logging on to an information system;

b) searching for an entity having at least one predetermined characteristic and retrieving a result set therefor;

c) selecting one of a group of entities if said result set is greater than one; and

d) communicating said information to a plurality of professionals for further analysis and receiving multiple opinions therefrom.

2. The method of accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating participants in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said professionals comprise medical professionals.

3. The method of accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating participants in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said information can be accessed by a group of professionals and participants, independent of constraints of time and place.

4. The method of accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating participants in accordance with claim 3, wherein said group of professionals and participants is chosen from the group of: healthcare providers, nurses, aides, hospital employees, students and laboratory workers.

5. The method of accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating participants in accordance with claim 1, wherein any language is used for exchanging said information.

6. The method of accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating participants in accordance with claim 4, wherein said group of professionals can communicate with one another by means of at least one of the group: videoconferencing, virtual conferencing, real time communication, synchronous communication, and asynchronous communication.

7. The method of accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating participants in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said communicating step (d) is performed by means of reports generated by one of the group: submitting providers and consulting providers.

8. The method of accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating participants in accordance with claim 7, wherein said generated reports comprise text, photographic images, and other digital data coordinated and juxtaposed with word descriptions.

9. The method of accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating participants in accordance with claim 7, wherein said generated reports are printed.

10. The method of accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating participants in accordance with claim 1 , the steps further comprising:

e) archiving said information; and

f) educating participants.

11. A system for accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating participants to retrieve, assemble and multidirectionally discuss said information, comprising:

a) means for storing records representative of entities having at least one predetermined characteristic;

b) means for searching for an entity in said means for storing records; and

c) means for communicating information relating to said entity to a plurality of professionals and participants for further comprehension, processing analysis, and opinions thereof.

12. The system for accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating participants in accordance with claim 11 , wherein said professionals comprise medical professionals.

13. The method of accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating participants in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said means for storing records comprises means for storing records representative of data obtained for a single entity during a plurality of visits.

14. The system for accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating participants in accordance with claim 12, wherein said professionals and participants is chosen from the group of: healthcare providers, nurses, aides, hospital employees, students and laboratory workers.

15. The system for accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating participants in accordance with claim 12, further comprising:

d) means for communicating among said professionals and participants, said means being at least one of the group: videoconferencing, virtual conferencing, real time communication, synchronous communication, and asynchronous communication.

16. The system for accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating participants in accordance with claim 11 , wherein said means for communicating comprises means for generating reports created by one of the group: submitting providers and consulting providers.

17. The system for accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating participants in accordance with claim 16, wherein said generated reports comprise text and photographic images.

18. The system for accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating participants in accordance with claim 11 , further comprising:

d) means for archiving said information.

19. A method of accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating participants to retrieve, assemble and multidirectionally discuss said information, the steps comprising:

a) logging on to an information system;

b) searching for an entity having data associated therewith representative of a plurality of visits of said entity;

d) communicating said information to professionals and participants for further analysis thereof.

20. The method of accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating participants to retrieve, assemble and share said information, the steps further comprising:

e) obtaining a plurality of opinions from said professionals.

21. The method of accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating in accordance with claim 19, the steps further comprising:

e) reviewing said information and recommending actions based thereon to establish a discussion while the participants are separated from one another by distance and time.

22. The method of accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating participants in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said information is partitioned for use by each of said plurality of professionals in accordance with the confidential involvement of each of said respective professional.

23. The method of accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating participants in accordance with claim 11 , wherein said information is partitioned for use by each of said plurality of professionals in accordance with the confidential involvement of each of said respective professional.

24. The method of accessing specialists, collaborating among professionals, and educating participants in accordance with claim 19, wherein said information is partitioned for use by each of said plurality of professionals in accordance with the confidential involvement of each of said respective professional.