Collection and analysis of vital signs
Inventors
Reifman, Jaques • Khitrov, Maxim • Reisner, Andrew • Chen, Liangyou • McKenna, Thomas
Assignees
United States Department of the Army • US Army Medical Research and Development Command
Publication Number
US-8977349-B2
Publication Date
2015-03-10
Expiration Date
2031-08-06
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Abstract
A system is disclosed having a storage, a communications module for interacting with a medical measurement device, an analysis controller, and a test module that allows for the testing and evaluating of decision-support algorithms. A method for testing decision-support algorithms is disclosed having the steps of receiving into storage of a ruggedized, compact computer at least one decision-support algorithm; detecting with a communications module the initiation of a vital-sign monitoring session; receiving and storing vital-sign information into storage by the communications module; pushing the stored vital-sign information by an analysis controller to a test module running the stored at least one decision-support algorithm; and providing at least one output from the decision-support algorithm to at least one of a database and a display.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a system and method for developing, testing, and evaluating decision-support algorithms in a portable unit using stored data and real-time vital-sign data. This system includes components such as a storage, a communications module for receiving vital-sign data from an external source like a vital-sign monitor, an analysis controller that monitors the storage, a reliability module for determining the quality of the vital-sign data, and a test module running one or more algorithms loaded into the storage. The test module processes the vital-sign data to produce outputs in real time during monitoring sessions.
The system is designed to be ruggedized and compact, suitable for use in various environments, including field settings away from established medical facilities. It operates in real time by continuously storing and processing vital-sign information with minimal lag, supporting various data types like heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood oxygen saturation. The analysis controller manages the flow of the data from storage to the test module, which runs algorithms such as pattern recognition, quality determination, and clinical outcome prediction. The system supports easy updating of decision-support algorithms by loading new or modified algorithms into the storage for future sessions.
The technical problem addressed is that traditional decision-support algorithms are embedded within vital-sign monitors as proprietary features, limiting easy modification, refinement, and testing by end-users or manufacturers. Existing research mostly involves retrospective testing on workstations or servers rather than real-time, portable testing environments. The invention solves this by providing a compact computerized system that receives, stores, assesses data quality, and runs configurable decision-support algorithms with real-time outputs, enabling on-site and flexible algorithm testing and evaluation during patient monitoring sessions.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes multiple methods for testing decision-support algorithms, focusing on processes involving receiving, storing, assessing, and processing vital-sign data in a ruggedized, compact computer system.
Receiving decision-support algorithms into storage of a ruggedized, compact computer
The system receives at least one decision-support algorithm into its storage prior to or during operation, enabling flexible updates and additions of algorithms.
Detecting initiation and termination of vital-sign monitoring sessions
The communications module detects the start and end of monitoring sessions based on vital-sign thresholds or signals from the vital-sign monitor, such as heart rate exceeding or dropping below predetermined thresholds for specific time intervals.
Receiving, storing, and quality assessment of vital-sign information
The communications module receives and stores vital-sign information, while the analysis controller and a reliability module determine the quality of the vital-sign data and exclude non-quality data from algorithm processing.
Pushing processed vital-sign data to a test module running algorithms
The analysis controller pushes stored quality vital-sign data to the test module by retrieving and converting the data into multiple constant-frequency row vectors, including handling of missing data through data shifting and gap representation.
Providing outputs from decision-support algorithms
The test module provides at least one output from the decision-support algorithm to a database, display, or external device, allowing real-time or near real-time monitoring and recording.
The claims cover methods for receiving and testing decision-support algorithms within a ruggedized, compact computing system that collects, stores, and quality-assesses vital-sign data, detects monitoring session boundaries, processes data via loaded algorithms, and outputs results to various endpoints, emphasizing real-time functionality and flexible algorithm management.
Stated Advantages
Allows for testing and evaluating decision-support algorithms in a portable, real-time environment separate from proprietary vital-sign monitors.
Enables flexible updating and quick exchange of decision-support algorithms without requiring hardware changes.
Provides data quality assessment to ensure only reliable vital-sign data is used in decision-support algorithm processing.
Supports operation in ruggedized, compact hardware suitable for field use, including transport between medical environments.
Documented Applications
Use in ambulances, medical evacuation helicopters, and medical facilities to collect and analyze vital signs during patient transport and care.
Testing and evaluation of new or modified decision-support algorithms in real time to refine clinical decision-support tools.
Storage and later transfer or wireless transmission of vital-sign data and algorithm outputs to medical facilities for further analysis or record-keeping.
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