APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PATIENT MONITORING

BACKGROUND OF THF INVENTION

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to patient monitoring. In particular, the present invention relates to the auto-escalation of critical and alarming physiological parameters on the display of a patient monitoring apparatus that are otherwise not being displayed.

[0002] Patient monitors are electronic devices designed to display physiological information about a subject. Electrocardiogram (ECG). electroencephalogram (EEG). plethysmographic signals, and signals related to blood pressure, temperature, and respiration represent physiological information typically displayed on full-size patient monitors.

[0003] Smaller portable monitors are used while moving patients between different care areas in order to achieve continuous monitoring. The monitor display screen size is reduced compared to that of a full-size patient monitors in order to increase portability through reduced size, weight and power requirements. The smaller display screen size therefore restricts the viewing of parameters that might otherwise typically be displayed on full-sized monitors. Stacking all monitored clinical parameters in the available display space becomes too cumbersome and is generally addressed by one of two methods. In the first method, there is only one screen view and a subset of parameters is selected for viewing, while other parameters are monitored, but not displayed. In the second method, there can be two different screen views: a foreground and a background with different parameters selected on each screen view. Based on the need to sec particular parameters, the view can be swapped by user input.

[0004| One problem is that in both of the methods described above, if an alarm condition arises in a non-displayed parameter, an alarm will be generated, but the numerical and waveform data for that parameter will not be displayed. The same problem might exist for non-displayed critical parameters being monitored that are outside a predefined or desired range, even if not serious enough to generate an alarm. Thus an apparatus and method are needed to auto-escalate the viewing of critical and alarming physiological parameters, including related waveform and numeric data on patient monitor displays.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The above-mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein which will be understood by reading and understanding the following specification.

[0006] In an embodiment a patient monitor is provided that includes a plurality of sensors configured to acquire a plurality of patient physiological parameters. The patient monitor further includes a processor operatively connected to the plurality of sensors, wherein the processor is configured to identify a primary view set comprising a subset of the plurality of parameters. The patient monitor also includes a display that is operatively connected to the processor and configured to operate initially in a normal display mode in which the primary view set is communicated. The processor is configured to assess the plurality of parameters and to identify a critical parameter not included within the primary view set and trigger an escalated display mode based on the identified critical parameter. The display is configured to communicate the critical parameter when the escalated display mode is triggered.

|0007] In another embodiment, a patient monitor is provided that includes a display configured to communicate a primary view set of patient physiological parameters and a processor operatively connected to the display. The processor is configured to identify a critical parameter not comprised within the primary view set and trigger the communication of the critical parameter by the display when the critical parameter is outside of a predefined range.

(0008] In another embodiment, a method of displaying patient parameter data is provided. The method includes monitoring with a processor a plurality of patient physiological parameters and communicating on a display a primary view set comprising a subset of the plurality of patient parameters. The method further includes identifying with the processor a critical parameter not comprised within the primary view set and triggering the communication of the critical parameter on the display when the critical parameter is identified.

[0009J Various other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be made apparent to those skilled in the art from the accompanying drawings and detailed description thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(0010] FIGURE 1 is a schematic diagram of a patient monitoring apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0011] FIGURE] 2 is a front view of a portable patient monitor wherein the display is in'a normal display mode in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure:

[0012] FIGURES 3, 4 and 5 are front views of the portable patient monitor showing various embodiments of the display of physiological parameters in an escalated display mode in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure; and

[0013] F1GURI: 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for displaying patient parameter data in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

|0014| In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments that may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical. electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

(0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a patient monitoring apparatus 10 for monitoring a patient 11 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The patient monitoring apparatus 10 will hereinafter be described as a portable patient monitor. It should be appreciated, however that other types of patient monitoring devices may be envisioned. The portable patient monitor 10 is configured to acquire a plurality of physiological parameters 12 from the patient 11 via a plurality of sensors 13. The plurality of physiological parameters 12 may typically comprise FCG, blood pressure, respiration, temperature, cardiac output and plethysmographic signals. It should be appreciated, however, that other physiological parameters may be envisioned to be included within the plurality of physiological parameters 12.

[0016] The portable patient monitor 10 comprises a processor 14 which is operatively connected to the sensors 13. Processor 14 is also operatively connected to a memory 15. a user interface 16 and a display 18. Processor 14 is configured to analyze the physiological parameters 12 acquired from the plurality of sensors 13 via instructions contained in memory 15. Memory 15 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store the plurality of physiological parameters 12, as well as any other additional data, instructions or programs. Processor 14 may also be configured to control the display 18.

[0017] A user, such as a clinician, may supply information to the processor 14 and/or memory 15 as well as control the portable patient monitor 10 through the user interface 16. The user interface 16 may be a "trim" knob (which allows the user to select and focus on a particular menu), a scries of hard buttons, a plurality of keys forming a keyboard, a touch screen, or some combination thereof. It should be appreciated that additional embodiments of the user interface 16 may be envisioned.

[0018] Display 18 is configured to display and convey information to a user. For example, in one embodiment, the display 18 is configured to communicate to the user physiological parameters in the form of numeric and waveform data. In another embodiment, the display 18 is configured to convey patient information, such as name or identification, and/or situational information, such as date, time or location.

[0019 J Figure 2 is a front view of the portable patient monitor 10 wherein the display 18 is in a normal display mode in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. As described with respect to Figure 1, the portable patient monitor 10 comprises the user interface 16 and the display 18.

[0020] When the display 18 is in normal mode, a primary view set 26 is communicated. In one embodiment, the primary view set 26 comprises a subset A. B. C. and D of the plurality of parameters 12 acquired from the plurality of sensors 13. It should be appreciated, however, that the primary view set 26 may comprise fewer parameters or more parameters. For example, in another embodiment, the primary view set comprises three parameters.

[0021) In the depicted embodiment, each of the parameters A. B, C. and D, comprises a waveform (A\ B\ C\ D") and a corresponding numeric value (A". B", C". D"). It should be appreciated, however, that the display 18 may communicate only one of the waveform (A'. B", C", D') or numeric value (A"". B", C" I)"") rather than both types of data. Additionally, it is envisioned that data representative of the parameter may be communicated, such as a predefined range, desirable limits, or an associated alarm.

[0022] In a yet another embodiment, the normal display mode may comprise a secondary view set 28, as depicted in Figure 5. The secondary view set 28 may comprise a subset of the plurality of parameters 12 acquired from the plurality of sensors 13 that may be distinct from the primary view set 26. For example, the primary view set 26 may comprise parameters A. B. C. and D. while the secondary view set 28 comprises parameters F. F. G and II, in which case the two sets are disjoint or non-overlapping. A user can manually, selectively toggle between the primary view set 26 and the secondary view set 28 via the user interface 16, to display the view set comprising the desired parameters.

[0023] In one embodiment, the processor 14 may pre-define the composition of parameters in the primary view set 26 and secondary view set 28 and a user may modify the preset selection using the user interface 16. In another embodiment, the user may define the composition of parameters in the primary view set 26 and secondary view set 28 using the user interface 16.

[0024] Figures 3. 4. and 5 are front views of a portable patient monitor 10 showing various embodiments of the display 18 in an escalated display mode in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure. Processor 14 is configured to monitor the plurality of parameters 12 and identify a critical parameter. A critical parameter may be defined as a parameter that is outside a predefined or desired range or limit for the patient being monitored and which may. but not necessarily, also generate an alarm. In Figures 3. 4. and 5. the critical parameter will hereinafter be referred to by way of example as parameter E.

[0025] In an embodiment depicted in Figure 3. the display 18 is shown in the escalated display mode wherein the critical parameter E replaces at least one non-critical parameter (in this example, parameter C) of the primary view set. in which case the two sets are substantially overlapping. Specifically, critical parameter E. comprising waveform E" and numeric data E", replaces non-critical parameter C comprising waveform C and numeric data C". In this example, parameter C is within the predefined or desired range specific for that parameter. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that a range of alternate view sets may be created between the disjoint and substantially overlapping examples provided above.

[0026] In another embodiment, depicted in Figure 4. the display 18 is shown in the escalated display mode wherein the display 1 8 is configured to communicate the critical parameter E by semi-transparently overlaying the critical parameter E over at least a portion of the primary view set 26. For example, critical parameter E. comprising waveform E' and numeric data E". is communicated in a semi-transparent manner over a portion of parameters B and C.

(0027] Figure 5 depicts yet another embodiment of the escalated display mode wherein the critical parameter E is comprised within the secondary view set 28. When the processor 14 identifies critical parameter E. the display 18 automatically toggles from the primary view set 26 to the secondary view set 28, which comprises parameter E.

[0028] In certain cases, it becomes important to view the numerical and/or waveform data for a non-viewed parameter right away, such as when there is a critical alarm pertaining to it. This auto-escalation of viewing priority will aid the user, such as a caregiver, to obtain the necessary information about parameter indices more quickly and efficiently, thereby enabling proper care for the patient. It eliminates manual intervention and allows the caregiver to focus on interpreting the waveform and/or numerical data and responding to the patient rather than scrolling through menus and manipulating the display settings to view the data related to the critical parameter. This auto-escalation also provides an ease of use for lesser experienced caregivers or caregivers who are unfamiliar with how to operate the monitoring device to quickly view the critical parameter waveform and/or numeric data.

[0029] Having described the components of the portable patient monitor 10. an exemplary method for displaying patient parameter data 200 will now be described in connection with Figure 6. The method 200 may include a step 210 comprising monitoring with a processor a plurality of patient physiological parameters 12. such as A-F depicted in Figures 1-5. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of physiological parameters 12 may include ECG, EEC Sp02, blood pressure, temperature, and respiration; however, it should be appreciated that other physiological parameters and combinations thereof may be envisioned.

[0030] The method 200 may also include a step 220. wherein a primary view set 26 comprising a subset of the physiological parameters is communicated on a display 18. In one embodiment, the primary view set 26 may comprise four physiological parameters. such as A, B, C. and D as depicted in Figure 2. It should be appreciated, however, that the primary view set 26 may comprise fewer parameters or. alternatively, more parameters.

[0031 ] The method 200 may also include a step 230. wherein the processor 14 seeks to identify a critical parameter (such as parameter H in Figures 3-5) that is not comprised within the primary view set 26. The critical parameter is a parameter that is outside a predefined or desired range or limit for the patient and which may, but not necessarily. generate an alarm. If no such critical parameter is identified at step 230. then the display continues to operate in the normal display mode at step 220. thereby communicating in the normal display mode the primary view set 26 comprising parameters A. B, C, and D. or allowing manual, selective toggling between a primary view set 26 and secondary view set 28, comprising, for example, parameters E, F, G and H. However, once a critical parameter E is identified, the communication of the critical parameter is triggered at step 240 and the display 18 will operate in the escalated display mode. It should be understood, therefore, that a particular parameter may be considered non-critical when it is within a predefined or desired range or limit, but it will then become a critical parameter (and thus cause the processor to trigger the escalated mode) only if and when such range or limit is exceeded, either momentarily or for a predetermined length of time.

[0032J In one embodiment of step 240. as depicted in Figure 3. the critical parameter E replaces the non-alarming parameter C within the view set. In another embodiment, as depicted in Figure 4, the critical parameter E is communicated as a semi-transparent overlay over at least a portion of the primary view; set. In yet another embodiment, as depicted in Figure 5, if the critical parameter E is comprised within a secondary view set 28. the communication triggering at step 240 comprises communicating the secondary view set 28. It should be appreciated that other embodiments of the display of a critical parameter may be envisioned.

[0033] The critical parameter may be communicated as the escalated display mode for a preset length of time. The preset length of time may be pre-programmed and stored in the memory 15, and modifiable by the user via the user interface 16. Alternatively, the user may via the user interface 16 define the preset length of time which will be saved in the memory 15. In one embodiment, once the present length of time elapses, the display 18 returns to operating in the normal display mode wherein the primary view set 26 is communicated, or a user can manually, selectively toggle between the primary view set 26 and secondary view set 28. In another embodiment, the escalated display mode may be maintained longer than the preset length of time by a user acknowledgment via the user interlace 16. The display 18 would then operate in the escalated display mode until the user manually selects the normal display mode. In yet another embodiment, the escalated display mode may be maintained until a user acknowledgement is received via the user interface 16 and then the display 18 will return to the normal display mode of operation.

[0034] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention. including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ fiom the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

We claim:

1. A patient monitor, comprising:

a plurality of sensors configured to acquire a plurality of patient physiological parameters;

a processor operatively connected to the plurality of sensors, the processor configured to identify a primary view set comprising a subset of the plurality of parameters;

a display operatively connected to the processor, the display configured to operate initially in a normal display mode in which the primary view set is communicated;

wherein the processor is configured to assess the plurality of parameters and to identify a critical parameter not included within the primary view set;

wherein the processor is configured to trigger an escalated display mode based on the identified critical parameter;

wherein the display is configured to communicate the critical parameter when the escalated display mode is triggered.

2. The patient monitor of claim 1, wherein when the display is in the escalated display mode the display is configured to replace at least one parameter of the primary view set with the critical parameter.

3. The patient monitor of claim 3. wherein the at least one parameter of the primary view set replaced with the critical parameter is within a predefined range.

4. The patient monitor of claim 1. wherein when the display is in the escalated display mode the display is configured to communicate the critical parameter by semi-transparently overlaying the critical parameter over at least a portion of the primary view set.

5. The patient monitor of claim 1. wherein the critical parameter is comprised within a secondary view set. and when the processor triggers the escalated display mode. the display communicates the secondary view set.

6. The patient monitor of claim 1. wherein the critical parameter is communicated for a present length of time.

7. The patient monitor of claim 6, wherein the escalated display mode may be maintained longer than the preset length of time with a user acknowledgement.

8. The patient monitor of claim 1, wherein the critical parameter is communicated until a user acknowledgment is received.

9. The patient monitor of claim 1. further comprising a user interface adapted for configuration of the display in at least one of normal display mode or escalated display mode.

10. The patient monitor of claim 9, wherein the user interface is a touch screen.

11. The patient monitor of claim 1, wherein the primary view set is defined by a user input.

12. A patient monitor, comprising:

a display configured to communicate a primary view set of patient physiological parameters; and

a processor operatively connected to the display, the processor configured lo identify a critical parameter not comprised within the primary view set and to trigger the communication of the critical parameter by the display when the critical parameter is outside of a predefined range.

13. The patient monitor of claim 12, wherein the critical parameter is communicated on the display in place of a non-critical parameter within the primary view set.

14. The patient monitor of claim 12. wherein the critical parameter is communicated on the display as a semi-transparent overlay over at least a portion of the primary view set.

15. The patient monitor of claim 12. wherein the critical parameter is comprised within a secondary view set. and when the processor triggers communication of the critical parameter, the display communicates the secondary view set.

16. The patient monitor of claim 12, wherein the critical parameter is displayed for a present length of time.

17. The patient monitor of claim 16, wherein the critical parameter may be maintained longer than the preset length of time with a user acknowledgement.

18. The patient monitor of claim 12. wherein the critical parameter is communicated until a user acknowledgment is received.

19. The patient monitor of claim 12, wherein the primary view set is comprised of blood pressure. CG and respiration.

20. A method of displaying patient parameter data, comprising:

monitoring with a processor a plurality of patient physiological parameters,

communicating on a display a primary view set comprising a subset of the plurality of patient parameters.

identifying with the processor a critical parameter not comprised within the primary view set, and

triggering the communication of the critical parameter on the display when the critical parameter is identified.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the critical parameter is communicated in place of a non-alarming parameter within the primary view set.

22. The method of claim 20. wherein the critical parameter is communicated as a semi-transparent overlay over at least a portion of the primary view set.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein the critical parameter is comprised within a secondary view set. and the triggering set comprises communicating the secondary view set.