Hand-held communicator for patient use
First Claim
1. A hand-held patient communicator, comprising:
- a handgrip module formed of a deformable material and housing a power source, a pressure-activated switch and an output signal path, with the pressure-activated switch coupled between the power source and the output signal path;
a display module includingan indicator panel providing a representation of an individual'"'"'s immediate medical condition, controlled by the activation of the pressure-activated switch; and
a message confirmation switch, for use by the personnel; and
a communication link coupled between the handgrip module and the display module, where the application of pressure to the pressure-activated switch indicates a patient'"'"'s immediate medical concern, the activation of the pressure-activated switch transmitting a medical condition indication signal to the display module to provide a non-verbal communication of the individual'"'"'s immediate concern to the medical personnel, and wherein upon receipt of the medical condition indication signal, the message confirmation switch is activated by the personnel to transmit a confirmation signal via the communication link to the handgrip module.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A patient communicator device provides the ability for non-verbal communication between a patient and medical personnel. The device includes a handgrip module that is held by the patient and a display unit for use by the medical personnel, with a communication link coupling the two components together. The handgrip module is formed of a deformable material and encases a power source (i.e., battery) and a pressure-activated switch. The patient squeezes the handgrip module to close the switch and transmit a signal to the display unit. For example, one squeeze may be used to indicate that everything is fine, two squeezes may be used to indicate that the patient is feeling an uncomfortable amount of pain and needs additional medication. These “squeeze” signals take the form of pulses that are passed to the display unit so that the medical personnel remains apprised of the patient'"'"'s condition, allowing the patient to communicate regarding issues such as anxiety, pain or discomfort.
-
Citations
19 Claims
-
1. A hand-held patient communicator, comprising:
-
a handgrip module formed of a deformable material and housing a power source, a pressure-activated switch and an output signal path, with the pressure-activated switch coupled between the power source and the output signal path; a display module including an indicator panel providing a representation of an individual'"'"'s immediate medical condition, controlled by the activation of the pressure-activated switch; and a message confirmation switch, for use by the personnel; and a communication link coupled between the handgrip module and the display module, where the application of pressure to the pressure-activated switch indicates a patient'"'"'s immediate medical concern, the activation of the pressure-activated switch transmitting a medical condition indication signal to the display module to provide a non-verbal communication of the individual'"'"'s immediate concern to the medical personnel, and wherein upon receipt of the medical condition indication signal, the message confirmation switch is activated by the personnel to transmit a confirmation signal via the communication link to the handgrip module. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
-
Specification