Remote delivery and monitoring of health care

• US 9,844,333 B2
• Filed: 03/24/2009
• Issued: 12/19/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 03/24/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Copeland, Michael Preston, Fleming, Mark Sean, Lara, Christina Ann, Sanchez, Calline Kris
• Primary Examiner(s): Natnithithadha, Navin
• Assistant Examiner(s): Reddy, Sunita
• Application Number:
  US12/409,779
• Publication Number:
  US 20100249545A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,192 Days
• Field of Search: 600306, 600437, 600300, 378 1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0045 Devices for taking samples of body liquids devices for taking blood samples A61B5/15
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/376 using X-rays, e.g. fluoroscopy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/378 using ultrasound
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0214 of power generation or supply
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0431 Portable apparatus, e.g. comprising a handle or case
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0456 Apparatus provided with a docking unit
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0475 Special features of memory means, e.g. removable memory cards
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0013 Medical image data A61B1/00011, A61B6/56, A61B8/56 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0022 Monitoring a patient using a global network, e.g. telephone networks, internet
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0059 using light, e.g. diagnosis by transillumination, diascopy, fluorescence A61B5/0093, A61B5/1455, A61B5/02416 and A61B5/0261 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/445 Evaluating skin irritation or skin trauma, e.g. rash, eczema, wound, bed sore
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6812 Orthopaedic devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7207 of noise induced by motion artifacts
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/74 Details of notification to user or communication with user or patient indicating measured values G01D7/00; user input means input or output arrangements for computers G06F3/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7445 Display arrangements, e.g. multiple display units
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 30/40 for processing medical images, e.g. editing
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation

Abstract

Various embodiments for providing remote delivery and monitoring of health care are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for providing unmanned medical care in remote areas to a patient is provided. A container is adapted for transport using a standardized shipping mechanism. The container is adapted to provide remote delivery of health care. In an additional embodiment, a portable apparatus for dermatological monitoring is provided. An imaging device is integrated into a housing. The imaging device is adapted to obtain a digital, high-resolution image of a patient. In still another embodiment, a portable apparatus for orthopedic monitoring of a patient is provided. A housing is adapted for one of positioning adjacent to and positioning within an orthopedic cast. A diagnostic biomedical device integrated into the housing. The diagnostic biomedical device is adapted for obtaining an orthopedic image of a portion of the patient treated with the orthopedic cast.

Claims

1. An automated medical apparatus for providing medical care in remote areas to a patient, comprising:

a container having corrugated steel enclosure on all sides and transportable using a standardized commercial shipping mechanism, the container having a door with a handle and lock mechanism for secure entry and a secure accommodation of the patient for treatment;

wherein the container has integrated into an inner ceiling side of the container, a plurality of automated dispensers, the dispensers configured for dispensing sterilization material upon determining by the apparatus that the door has been opened and closed, a first time and a second time respectively, such that the patient is assumed to have completed the treatment and exited the container;

and wherein the container includes a plurality of solar panels affixed to an outer top side of the container, each of the solar panels positioned for collecting solar rays and connected to a power management device housed within the container, the power management device providing power to each of a patient interface, a medical device interface, and a processor;

the patient interface housed within the container, the patient interface locally receiving a patient input from the patient during the treatment under remote supervision of a medical professional;

the medical device interface coupled to the patient interface, the medical device interface having a communications port facilitating a modular installation of a region-specific medical device to obtain medical information from the patient during the treatment; and

the processor in communication with each of the medical device interface and the patient interface, wherein the processor processes each of the patient input and the medical information obtained during the treatment in accordance with a directive of the medical professional.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power management device includes at least one of a power generator, battery, solar interface device, and power interface compatible with a local power grid.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a communications device connected to the processor, the communication device transmitting the patient input and the medical information to the medical professional.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the region-specific medical device includes one of a medical sampling device for obtaining patient data and a medical sample, a medical treatment device for administering a treatment regime to the patient, and dispensing device providing a dispensary to the patient.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the medical sampling device included in the region-specific medical device obtains at least one of temperature, weight, and blood pressure medical information and collects at least one of blood, saliva, urine, and stool, and the dispensing device dispenses at least one of a drug and a vaccine.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the medical sampling device included in the region-specific medical device, subsequent to completion of the treatment by the patient, destroys the medical sample for security and sterilization purposes.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a portion of the container providing the secure accommodation of the patient for the treatment is automatically sterilized using at least one dispenser of sterilization material upon conclusion of the treatment.