Claims:We claim:
1. A system for facilitating a medical workflow process, the system comprising an electronic device configured to:
display a plurality of symptoms with option to select one or more of the symptoms, wherein the arrangement of symptoms for display is based on ranking associated with each of the symptoms;
display a plurality of probable diagnosis with option to select one or more of the probable diagnosis, wherein arrangement of the probable diagnosis for display is based on the selected one or more symptoms; and
display one or more plans of action, with option to select one or more of the plans of action, wherein arrangement of the one or more plans of action for display is based on the selected one or more of the probable diagnosis.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to display one or more tests with an option to select one or more of the tests, wherein the one or more tests are chosen for display based on at least one of the selected one or more symptoms, or the selected one or more of the probable diagnosis.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein,
the electronic device is configured to add one or more diagnosis, which were previously absent in the display of probable diagnosis, corresponding to the selected one or more symptoms;
the system associates the added one or more diagnosis with the selected one or more symptoms; and
the system uses the association to display the added one or more diagnosis upon selection of the selected one or more symptoms during subsequent use of one or more electronic devices associated with the system.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to add one or more symptoms, which were previously absent in the display of the plurality of symptoms and edit one or more symptoms, which were previously present in the display of the plurality of symptoms.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to one or more alternative plans of action, which were previously absent in the display of the plurality of plans of action, corresponding to the selected one or more symptoms or more of the probable diagnosis and edit one or more plans of action, which were previously present in the display of the plurality of plans of action.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a master database, which comprises at least symptoms, diagnoses, plans of action, information associated with health care professionals and patients, geographical location of health care professionals and patients, area of specialization of the health care professionals and medical history of patients, wherein the master database is external and remote to the electronic device.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the electronic device comprises a local database which comprises at least symptoms, diagnoses and plans of action, information associated with health care professionals and patients, geographical location of health care professionals and patients, area of specialization of the health care professionals and medical history of patients, wherein the local database is a subset of the master database and the local database is populated from the master database, wherein the local database is in the electronic device.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein local database comprises dependency between the symptoms, diagnoses and the plans of action.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein ranking associated with each of the symptoms is based on the geographical location of a healthcare professional using the electronic device.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein ranking associated with each of the symptoms is based on specialization of a healthcare professional using the electronic device.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein ranking associated with each of the symptoms is based on frequency of selection of each of the symptoms by a healthcare professional using the electronic device.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein ranking associated with each of the symptoms is based on frequency of selection of each of the symptoms by healthcare professionals using electronic devices associated with the system.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the healthcare professionals have common specialization of practice.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the healthcare professionals practice within a locality.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein ranking associated with each of the symptoms is based on demography of a patient.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein ranking associated with each of the symptoms is based on medical history of a patient.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein ranking associated with each of the symptoms is based on the season of the year.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein ranking associated with each of the symptoms is based on a combination of specialization of a healthcare professional using the electronic device and frequency of selection of each of the symptoms by the healthcare professional using the electronic device.
19. The system of claim 1, wherein the arrangement of display of the plurality of probable diagnosis is based on relationship between the probable diagnosis and symptoms, wherein the relationship is influenced by selection history, of diagnosis corresponding to symptoms, of a health care professional using the electronic device.
20. The system of claim 1, wherein the arrangement of display of the plans of action is based on relationship between the plans of action and probable diagnosis, wherein the relationship is influenced by selection history, of plans of actions corresponding to the diagnosis, of a health care professional using the electronic device.
21. The system of claim 1, further comprising an assistant electronic device which wirelessly communicates with the electronic device, wherein the assistant electronic device communicates at least vital signs of a patient to the electronic device. , Description:BACKGROUND
[001] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.
Field
[002] The subject matter in general relates to decision facilitation system. More particularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter is directed to systems that assist healthcare professionals with decision making.
Discussion of related field
[003] In the recent past, attempts have been made to use computers or electronic medical records (EMR) systems to enhance the process of healthcare professional-patient encounter and delivery of healthcare services to patients. Such systems maintain electronic records about a patient’s conditions, medications and previous prescriptions, among others. Such systems may substantially reduce time and effort of healthcare professionals in accessing patient related data while treating patients. However, such systems in their current form of implementation may not be efficient enough while assisting healthcare professionals with decision making.
[004] Conventional process employed by healthcare professionals in decision making may include identification of symptoms exhibited by a patient, carrying out diagnosis based on the symptoms and preparing prescriptions based on the diagnosis. The efficacy of the conventional process is largely based on the healthcare professional’s horizon of experience and knowledge. The conventional processes also lack a structured support system to enable healthcare professionals make decisions by exploring experience and knowledge beyond one’s horizon. Furthermore, in conventional processes the healthcare professional typically types in key information that led to the prescription, including the prescription into a computer, which will be recorded in the EMR. The aforementioned approach takes up considerable time of the healthcare professional, which otherwise could have been used for consulting with another patient.
[005] In light of the foregoing discussion, there is a need for an improved technique to provide assistance to healthcare professionals in taking treatment related decisions, streamline the decision making process and increase efficiency in recording information related to consulting and treatment sessions.

SUMMARY
[006] An embodiment provides a system for facilitating a medical workflow process. The system includes an electronic device. The electronic device displays a plurality of symptoms with option to select one or more of the symptoms, wherein the symptoms are arranged for display based on ranking associated with each of the symptoms. The electronic device displays a plurality of probable diagnosis with option to select one or more of the probable diagnosis. The arrangement of the probable diagnosis for display is based on the selected one or more symptoms. Further, one or more plans of action with option to select one or more of the plans of action are displayed by the electronic device. The arrangement of the one or more plans of action for display based is on the selected one or more of the probable diagnosis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[007] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the Figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:
[008] FIG. 1 is an exemplary architecture of an exemplary system 100 for facilitating a medical workflow process;
[009] FIG. 2 is another exemplary architecture of the system 100, which includes an assistant electronic device 200;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a flowchart 300 illustrating a series of steps to be executed for an enhanced medical workflow process;
[0011] FIGs. 4A and 4B illustrate an exemplary interface 400 that displays a plurality of symptoms exhibited by a patient and enables selection of one or more symptoms;
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary interface 500 that displays a plurality of probable diagnoses and enables selection of one or more probable diagnoses;
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary interface 600 that displays a plurality of clinical tests and enables selection of one or more clinical tests;
[0014] FIGs. 7A and 7B illustrate an exemplary interface 700 that displays a plurality of plans of action and enables selection of one or more plans of action; and
[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary interface 800 that displays a plurality of practices and enables selection of one or more practices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
I. Overview
II. System architecture
III. medical workflow process
IV. conclusion
[0016] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized or structural and logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken as a limiting sense.
[0017] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or,” such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated.
I. OVERVIEW
[0018] Embodiments provide a technical solution to enhance doctor-patient encounters by speeding up the process of creating prescriptions and reducing efforts on part of the doctor thereby providing an improved medical workflow process. The solution is based on a system that facilitates a medical workflow process. The solution can be integrated with existing EMR systems. The system includes an electronic device which comprises a local database. The local database may be populated with information that assists a healthcare professional while creating a plan of action or prescription for the patient. The system includes a master database, which is external and remote to the electronic device. The master database comprises at least symptoms, diagnosis, plans of action. The local database is a subset of the master database and is populated by deriving inputs from the master database. The local database also comprises symptoms, diagnosis, plans of action. The local database further includes algorithms that define dependency between the symptoms, diagnosis and the plans of action.
[0019] The electronic device is configured to display a plurality of symptoms, wherein the arrangement of symptoms for display is based on ranking associated with each of the symptoms. The electronic device further includes an option to select one or more of the symptoms displayed. The electronic device displays a plurality of probable diagnosis with option to select one or more of the probable diagnosis. The probable diagnoses are arranged for display based on the selected one or more symptoms. Further, one or more plans of action with option to select one or more of the plans of action are displayed on the electronic device. The one or more plans of action are arranged for display based on the selected one or more of the probable diagnosis. The system further includes an assistant electronic device which wirelessly communicates with the electronic device, wherein the assistant electronic device communicates at least vital signs, among other information of a patient to the electronic device. The electronic device enables communication of information related to a patient and the plans of action related to the patient to third party medical service providers, such as pharmacies and insurance companies, among others.
II. SYSTEM ARCHTECTURE
[0020] Referring to the figures, more particularly to FIG. 1, an exemplary architecture of an exemplary system 100 for facilitating a medical workflow process is provided. The system 100 includes electronic device(s) 102, local database(s) 104, master database(s) 106, application module(s) 108, a usage history database 110 and communication interfaces. In this section the system components/modules are discussed.
[0021] As an example, the system 100 may be implemented (but not limited to) in the healthcare industry. The system 100 may be implemented in industries where data storage, arrangement, data management and providing assistance to users through suggestions based on information available in the system, are of vital importance.
[0022] Communication network established between multiple electronic devices 102, the master database 106 and the usage history database 110 enables data communication between one or more devices (102, 106 and 110) connected to the network. The communication network of system 100 may be a wired or wireless communication network. Examples of wireless communication networks may include wireless LANs, wireless MANs and wireless WANs among others.
[0023] The electronic device 102 may be any handheld portable device 102 capable of connecting to the network and communicating with other devices (102, 106 and 110). Alternatively, electronic device 102 may be any non-portable device 102 capable of connecting to the network. The electronic device 102 of system 100 includes operating systems, softwares, application programs and web browsers, among others.
[0024] Examples of the electronic devices 102 of system 100 may include, smart phones, tablets, notebooks, laptop, wearable devices and desktop computers, among other such devices. Existing EMR systems may be integrated with the electronic device 102 for the purpose of medical workflow.
[0025] The electronic device 102 of the system 100 includes processors, which return output by accepting signals, such as electrical signals as input. In one embodiment, processors may include one or more processing units (CPUs). Processor(s) may be implemented as appropriate in hardware, computer-executable instructions, firmware, or combinations thereof. Computer-executable instruction or firmware implementations of the processor 102 may include computer-executable or machine-executable instructions written in any suitable programming language to perform the various functions described. The processor(s) may enable communication with other electronic device(s) 102, master database(s) 106.
[0026] The electronic device 102 may include memory units/devices that may store data and program instructions that are loadable and executable on processor(s) as well as data generated during the execution of these programs. The memory may be volatile, such as random access memory and/or a disk drive or non-volatile memory. The memory units/devices in the electronic device 102 may include the local database 104.
[0027] Electronic device 102 may host the application module 108. The application module 108 includes computer-executable instructions, firmware, or combinations thereof. The application module 108 may be configured to run in a web browser. Alternatively, application module 108 may be configured to run on a smart phone. Electronic device(s) 102 run operating systems, application softwares, which support the application module 108 to run on web browsers and on smart phones.
[0028] In an embodiment, portion of the application module 108 may be present on the electronic devices 102. Another portion of the application module 104 may be available in a remote server such as a cloud based server. The application module 108 may be enabled to communicate with the master database(s) 106 through the communication network interface.
[0029] The master database 106 may be available in a remote physical server and may be capable of communicating with the electronic device(s) 102. The master database 106 may be available in a local server of a facility, such as a hospital, where the electronic device 102 is used.
[0030] The master database 106 may be configured to store information corresponding to diseases, healthcare professionals and patients. The master database 106 may include information on symptoms of diseases, diagnosis, plans of action or treatment and medicines/drugs, among others. The master database 106 may include information associated with healthcare professionals and patients, geographical location of healthcare professionals and patients, area of specialization of the health care professionals and medical history and demography of patients.
[0031] The master database 106 may be configured to communicate with a plurality of EMRs for the purpose of information sharing. The master database 106 may communicate with one or more EMRs to access at least a portion of patient related information from the EMRs, such as, previous medications, dosages and doctors consulted, among others with permission granted by the entities maintaining the EMRs. Such information may form a portion of the medical history of patients, which may be readily available to the healthcare professionals using electronic devices 102 during consultation. One or more master databases 106 may be configured to connect with a plurality of EMR systems located in a specific geography.
[0032] Alternatively, portion of patient related information may be received from patients as opposed to receiving information from the EMRs. This information may be fed into the local database 104 such that the information is readily available to the healthcare professionals using electronic devices 102 during the medical workflow process.
[0033] The usage history database 110 may communicate with the master database 106 and the electronic device 102. The usage history database 110 may be configured to store information corresponding to selections made by healthcare professionals during the workflow process. The usage history database 110 may store combinations of symptoms, diagnosis and plans of action that the healthcare professionals have selected. Such information may be used to arrange display of symptoms, diagnosis or plan of action on subsequent use of electronic devices 102. The master database 106 may be updated based on the combination of selections stored in the usage history database 110.
[0034] The local database 104 may be available in the memory units/devices of the electronic device(s) 102. The local database 104 may be a subset of the master database 106. The local database 104 may receive data from the master database 106 when the electronic device 102 and the master database 106 connect to the network and share information. The local database 104 may also store data/information that was shared with the usage history database 110 by the electronic device 102.
[0035] The local database 104 may be configured to store information corresponding to diseases, healthcare professionals and patients. The local database 104 may include information on symptoms of diseases, diagnosis, plans of action or treatment and drugs/medicines, among others. The local database 104 may include personal information associated with healthcare professional using the device 102 and patients, geographical location of healthcare professional and patients, area of specialization of the health care professional and medical history and demography of patients.
[0036] The master database 106 and the local database 104 may share information. Information update on any one of the databases may be shared or communicated with the other database, based on preconfigured rules.
[0037] A healthcare professional, who may be first time user of the electronic device 102, may be required to create an account to use the electronic device 102 for medical workflow processes. The healthcare professional may be required to provide information corresponding to the location of the healthcare professional, area of specialization, name and contact information, among others. Such information may be provided through user interfaces of the electronic device 102. Healthcare professionals, who have created accounts on the electronic devices 102, may log in on their respective electronic devices 102, by providing their credentials such as, user ids and passwords.
[0038] The local database 104 may be configured to store general information on disease symptoms, their probable diagnosis and recommended plans of action for the identified diagnosis. Such information may be retrieved from external sources of information such as literature, research papers, publications and general knowledge, among others. Further, such information may be added by the healthcare professionals by using their respective electronic devices 102 as required. Such information may also be communicated from and to the master database 106.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, the system 100 further includes one or more assistant electronic devices 200. The one or more assistant electronic devices 200 may be operated by an assistant of the healthcare professional, such as a nurse, a technologist, a laboratory assistant and a receptionist, among others.
[0040] The assistant electronic device 200 may be configured to input at least the vital signs, such as, body temperature, pulse rate, cholesterol and blood pressure, among others, of the patients for the day and communicate the vital signs to the electronic devices 102 of the healthcare professionals.
[0041] Additionally, the assistant electronic devices 200 may be configured to receive as input, patient related information, such as, the patient’s name, age, brief summary of the problem the patient seeks consultation for, medical history, current medication and previous medications, among others.
[0042] The assistant electronic devices 200 may be any handheld portable device 200 or any non-portable device 200 capable of connecting to the communication network of the electronic devices 102 and communicating with other devices of system 100. Examples of the assistant electronic devices 200 of system 100 may include, smart phones, tablets, notebooks, laptop, wearable devices and desktop computers, among other such devices.
III. MEDICAL WORKFLOW PROCESS
[0043] The system components/modules discussed in the previous section enable an enhanced medical workflow process. The system 100 may be integrated with existing EMR systems. The application module 108 of the system 100 along with other elements of the system 100 enables an enhanced medical workflow process on electronic devices 102. The various instructions carried out by the application module 108 to enable an enhanced medical workflow process will now be described.
[0044] The application module 108 may provide user interfaces on the electronic device 102. Plurality of user interfaces on the device 102 may display plurality of patient related information, vital signs of a patients, symptoms, diagnosis and plans of action, among others. The user interfaces of the device 102 displaying plurality of symptoms, diagnosis and plans of action may further provide options that enables selection of one or more of symptoms, diagnosis and plans of actions.
[0045] The user interface of the device 102 may enable a user, such as a healthcare professional to provide credentials such as, user name and password to log in on the electronic device 102.
[0046] A user interface displays the patients’ vital signs received from the assistant electronic device 200. Vital signs of the patient may include sugar level, blood pressure, cholesterol, pulse rate and body temperature, among others. Further, the application module 108 may provide an option, on the interface displaying the vital signs, to edit values corresponding to one or more vital signs. The application module 108 may subsequently display symptoms, diagnoses and plans of action and option to select one or more of symptoms, diagnoses and plans of action.
[0047] The application module 108 provides a user interface on the device 102, which displays symptoms based on one or more rankings associated with the symptoms. The interface displaying the symptoms may enable selection of one or more of the displayed symptoms. The application module 108 provides a user interface on the device 102, which displays diagnoses based on the selected one or more symptoms in the previous interface. The interface displaying diagnosis enables selection of one or more diagnosis. The application module 108 also displays clinical tests to be carried out and the display enables selection of one or more tests. Likewise, the application module 108 displays plan of action based on one or more diagnoses and/or the reports/results of clinical tests with option to select the one or more plans of action.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 3, the application module 108 executes a series of steps for the medical workflow process to take place. A flowchart 300 illustrates a series of steps executed in order to enable display of symptoms, diagnoses and plans of action on the electronic device 102.
[0049] At step 302, the application module 108 displays one or more symptoms based on rankings associated with each symptom, on a user interface. The application module 108 may query one or more of the master database 106 or the local database 104 to determine one or more factors on which ranking of the symptoms is based. At step 304, the selection of one or more symptoms may be enabled. At step 306, one or more diagnosis may be displayed based on the selected symptom(s). At step 308, selection of one or more diagnosis may be enabled. At step 310, the application module 108 may display one or more clinical tests to be conducted, wherein the clinical tests are associated with the selected symptoms and diagnoses. At step 312, selection of one or more of the clinical tests may be enabled. The electronic device 102 may enable communication of the clinical tests to one or more entities who are responsible for conducting the tests. The tests and hence the test results/reports may be subsequently communicated back to the electronic device 102 using which the test was ordered. The results may be saved in the electronic device 102 for future use. At step 314, one or more plans of action based on one or both of the diagnoses and clinical test results may be displayed. At step 314, selection of one or more of the plans of action may be enabled. The steps will be discussed in detail in the following embodiments.
[0050] Referring to steps 302 and 304, the application module 108 may be configured to arrange the symptoms stored in the electronic device 102 to be displayed based on the ranking associated with each symptom. The local database 104 and/or master database 106 may be queried to determine one or more factors on which ranking of the symptoms is based. The information stored in the local database 104 and the information that may be retrieved from the master database 106 influences the display of symptoms. For example, one or more symptoms that may not be present in the local database 104 may not be included as a part of the display of symptoms.
[0051] The rankings may be formulated based on selections made by healthcare professionals within a specific geography or across the world, which may be stored in the usage history database 110. Further, based on the rankings, a plurality of symptoms may be arranged for display. The factors on which the rankings may be based will be described in detail and with examples in the following embodiments.
[0052] The ranking based on which the symptoms are arranged for display may be based on the geographical location of the healthcare professionals using the electronic device 102. For example, one or more healthcare professionals within a particular locality might have consulted with more number of patients whose symptoms include burning eyes, blocked nose and throat irritation, among others. The symptoms might be stored in the local database 104 and may be subsequently updated in the master database 106. The electronic devices 102 used by other healthcare professionals within the same geography may display the above symptoms in precedence over other symptoms.
[0053] Ranking may further be based on the history of symptoms being selected by healthcare professionals belonging to a particular geographical location. For example, one or more healthcare professionals within a particular geographical location might have selected burning eyes, blocked nose and throat irritation during their consultation a number of times over a specific period of time, e.g. about a month or two. The electronic devices 102 used by other healthcare professionals within the same geography may display the above symptoms in precedence over other symptoms.
[0054] In another embodiment, ranking based upon which the symptoms are arranged for display may be based on specialization of a healthcare professional using the electronic device 102. The ranking may be based on the history of symptoms being selected by healthcare professionals belonging to an area of practice. For example, one or more healthcare professionals specialized in internal medicine might have selected symptoms such as common cold, high body temperature and blocked nose a number of times during consultation for a certain period of time. The electronic devices 102 used by other healthcare professionals who are practicing internal medicine may display the above symptoms in precedence over other symptoms.
[0055] Ranking may be based on frequency of selection of each of the symptoms by a healthcare professional using the electronic device 102, belonging to an area of practice, irrespective of the geographical location. Alternatively, the ranking may be based on frequency of selection of each of the symptoms by a healthcare professional using the electronic device 102, belonging to a particular geographical location irrespective of the area of specialization. Additionally, the ranking may be based on frequency of selection of each of the symptoms by a healthcare professional using the electronic device 102, belonging to a common area of specialization and practicing within a locality.
[0056] Ranking may be based on frequency of selection of each of the symptoms by healthcare professionals using electronic devices 102 associated with the system 100. The healthcare professionals using electronic devices 102 associated with the system 100 may have common specialization of practice. The healthcare professionals using electronic devices 102 associated with the system 100 may practice within a locality.
[0057] Ranking may be based on demography of patients. For a specific diagnosis, the dosage of one particular medication for an older patient may vary from the dosage prescribed to an infant. For example, dosage of drugs for fever prescribed to infants may be lesser in weight or volume. Similarly, dosage prescribed to an adult for fever may be much higher in quantity. Even, alternative drugs may be prescribed to adults as opposed to infants. Based on such factors and specific to the demography of the patients, the electronic devices 102 may display one plan of actions in precedence over another.
[0058] Ranking may be based on medical history of a patient. For example, a patient might have been treated for one or more medical conditions earlier for which one or more symptoms were being recorded or reported in the past. Those symptoms might be shown as preceding symptoms in the display of symptoms 401 for that particular patient when the patient walks in or a subsequent visit.
[0059] Ranking may be based on the season of the year. In a country like India, diseases such as dengue, flu, jaundice and typhoid, among others may be seen during particular seasons of the year such as, monsoon and summer. For example, symptoms pertaining to typhoid may be displayed in precedence to symptoms pertaining to flu during the monsoon. Similarly, symptoms pertaining to flu may be displayed in precedence to symptoms pertaining to dengue during the winter.
[0060] Ranking may be based on a combination of specialization of a healthcare professional using the electronic device 102 and frequency of selection of each of the symptoms by the healthcare professional using the electronic device 102.
[0061] In an embodiment, on first use of an electronic device 102, the symptoms that may be displayed may be fetched from a list of symptoms initially stored in the electronic device 102. Likewise, diagnosis and plans of action may also be displayed based on the initial stored data. Subsequently, the electronic device 102 communicates with the master database 106 and the usage history database 110. The electronic device 102 may be updated with a plurality of symptoms and a plurality of arrangements of the symptoms for display. On subsequent uses of the device 102, the symptoms may be displayed based on the arrangement, wherein the arrangement is based on the rankings.
[0062] The application module 108 may also provide option to add new symptoms to be displayed. Likewise, diagnosis and plans of action may also be added manually by a healthcare professional. Subsequently, during communication with the master database 106, the local database 104 may be updated and symptoms may be displayed based on the arrangements.
[0063] Referring to FIGs. 4A-4B, interface 400 may be divided into two portions 402 and 404. Portion 402 may include a portion 401, which displays a plurality of symptoms. One or more symptoms from the display 401 of symptoms may be selected as symptoms exhibited by the patient.
[0064] In an embodiment, the display of symptoms on electronic device 102 may not include entries/symptoms that may be relevant to a patient’s exhibited symptoms. The electronic device 102 may enable addition of new symptoms to the device 102.
[0065] Portion 402 may include a field, which allows the healthcare professional to type in symptoms that may be exhibited by a patient. While typing in, suggestions may be provided based on the symptoms displayed on portion 401. Further, the typed in symptoms may be highlighted in the display of symptoms on portion 401. Alternatively, a symptom may not be suggested or highlighted in the display of symptoms on the interface 400, when a symptom may be absent from the display on portion 401.
[0066] Application module 108 may additionally enable scrolling through or swiping the display of symptoms on portion 401 in order to search for symptoms which may not be seen in the instant display but may be present in a subsequent display of portion 401.
[0067] Application module 108 enables adding one or more symptoms based on rankings, which may be absent in the display on portion 401. The added symptoms may be displayed on portion 401, thereby enabling the healthcare professional, operating the device 102, to select the added symptoms from portion 401. The new symptoms are added to the local database 104. The application module 108 may also provide options to edit one or more existing symptoms from the display 401.
[0068] The added symptoms and the edited symptoms stored in the local database 104 may be communicated to the master database 106. Subsequently, the master database 106 may communicate the updated symptoms to a plurality of electronic devices 102 across a distributed network. The added symptoms are displayed during subsequent use of one or more electronic devices 102 associated with the system 100. The edited symptoms may however be displayed only on the display of symptoms on portion 401 during subsequent use of the electronic devices 102 using which the symptoms were edited.
[0069] Interface 400 may present a pop up screen 406, which enables the healthcare professional to select the number of days for which the selected symptoms are prevalent in the patient. For example, if a patient has burning eyes for about 3 days before visiting the healthcare professional, the healthcare professional may enter the value for the prevalent symptom as 3 days during interaction with the patient.
[0070] Portion 404 may display the selected one or more symptoms from the plurality of symptoms from portion 402 along with the number of days for which the selected symptoms are prevalent in the patient along with the symptoms selected.
[0071] Referring to steps 306 and 308, a user interface may be presented which displays a plurality of relevant diagnosis corresponding to the selected one or more symptoms (step 302, 304). The arrangement of display of the plurality of probable diagnosis is based on dependency and relevance of the probable diagnosis on the symptoms. The dependency may be influenced by selection history of diagnosis corresponding to symptoms, made by healthcare professionals using different electronic devices 102.
[0072] The selected probable diagnosis and corresponding symptoms are stored in the usage history database 110. The usage history database 110 may receive plurality of combinations of symptoms and the relevant probable diagnosis for the combination of symptoms selected by healthcare professionals using electronic devices 102 that communicate with the usage history database 110. The master database 106 may be updated based on the information received by the usage history database 110.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 5, a user interface 500 may be divided into two portions 502 and 504. Portion 502 may include a portion 501, which displays a plurality of probable diagnosis based on the selected symptoms. Portion 502 may display the plurality of probable diagnosis for a healthcare professional thereby enabling the healthcare professionals to select one or more diagnosis from the plurality of probable diagnosis displayed.
[0074] Portion 502 may include a field, which allows the healthcare professional to type in probable diagnoses that may be relevant to the selected symptoms. While typing in, suggestions may be provided based on the diagnoses displayed on portion 501. Further, the typed in diagnoses may be highlighted in the display of diagnoses on portion 501. Alternatively, a diagnosis may not be suggested or highlighted in the display of diagnoses in the interface 500, when a diagnosis may be absent from the display on portion 501.
[0075] Application module 108 may additionally enable scrolling through or swiping the display of diagnoses on portion 501 in order to search for diagnoses which may not be seen in the instant display but may be present in a subsequent display of portion 501.
[0076] Application module 108 enables adding one or more probable diagnosis, which may be absent in the display on portion 501. The added diagnoses may be displayed on portion 501, thereby enabling the healthcare professional operating the device 102 to select the added diagnoses from portion 501.The local database 104 is updated by adding the new diagnoses. Application module 108 further provides option to edit diagnosis, which are present in the display 501 of probable diagnosis.
[0077] The added new diagnosis and the edited diagnosis may be communicated to the master database 106. Subsequently, the master database 106 may communicate the updated diagnosis to a plurality of electronic devices 102. The application module 108 associates the added one or more new diagnosis and the edited one or more diagnosis with the selected one or more symptoms. The association is used to display the added one or more new diagnosis upon selection of the selected one or more symptoms during subsequent use of one or more electronic devices 102 associated with the system 100. The association may be communicated to the usage history database 110.
[0078] The added diagnoses are displayed on the display 501 of probable diagnoses during subsequent use of one or more electronic devices 102 associated with the system 100. The edited diagnoses may however be displayed on the display 501 of probable diagnoses during subsequent use of the electronic devices 102 using which the diagnoses were edited.
[0079] It shall be noted that new diagnosis may be added and existing diagnosis may be edited as part of improvement in medical treatment processes. Additionally, new diagnosis may be added and existing diagnosis may be edited based on frequency of selection of the diagnosis by healthcare providers across geography. Further, new diagnosis may be added and existing diagnosis may be edited based on most prevalent and most reliable practice suggested by literature. Additionally, new diagnosis may be added and existing diagnosis may be edited based on most prevalent and most reliable practice suggested by healthcare service providers across the world. Furthermore, new diagnosis may be added and existing diagnosis may be edited based on results of research by the healthcare professionals across the world. Additionally, new diagnosis may be added and existing diagnosis may be edited based on demographic information and medical history of the patients.
[0080] Application module 108 may further provide an option for an image to be captured. The electronic device 102 may be configured to access cameras or other image capturing modules within the electronic devices 102. Alternatively, the electronic devices 102 may be configured to connect to and/or activate external image capturing devices, upon receiving a request for an image to be captured, from the electronic device 102. External image capturing devices may be connected to the electronic device 102 by means of wired or wireless communication interfaces.
[0081] The captured image may pertain to one or more areas of a patient’s body, which are under examination. The area under examination for this purpose may be for example, an external wound or allergy. Images captured may be stored in patient’s records in the local database 104 of electronic device 102 for future references. Two images of a wound may be captured at two different times for the purpose of comparison. For example, one of the images may be captured before any plan of action is prescribed to the patient. Another image may be captured during a follow up by the patient as prescribed by the healthcare professional. The two images may be compared to determine the results of the prescribed medication.
[0082] Referring to steps 310 and 312, a user interface may be presented which displays a plurality of clinical/laboratory tests to select from. The one or more tests are chosen for display based on at least one of the selected one or more symptoms, or the selected one or more of the probable diagnosis. The healthcare professional may select one or more tests if required from the display. The application module 108 may provide an option that enables skipping this step if no tests are desired for the patient under examination.
[0083] In an embodiment, the electronic device 102 using which the clinical/lab test(s) are recommended may communicate the information to one or more entities such as laboratories and diagnostic centers who may be responsible for carrying out the tests. Further, after carrying out a test, a report may be generated at the diagnostic center, which may be communicated to the electronic device 102 using which the lab test(s) are recommended. The reports may be stored in the electronic device 102.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 6, a user interface 600 may be divided into two portions 602 and 604. Portion 602 includes a portion 601, which displays plurality of clinical tests from which one or more clinical tests can be selected. Upon selection of one or more tests, the selected tests may be displayed on portion 604.
[0085] Portion 602 may include a field, which allows the healthcare professional to type in one or more clinical tests that may be required to be conducted for a patient exhibiting the selected symptoms. While typing in, suggestions may be provided based on the clinical tests displayed on portion 601. Further, the typed in clinical tests may be highlighted in the display of clinical tests on portion 601. Alternatively, a clinical test may not be suggested or highlighted in the display of clinical tests in the interface 600, when a clinical test may be absent from the display on portion 601.
[0086] Application module 108 may additionally enable scrolling through or swiping the display of clinical tests on portion 601 in order to search for clinical tests which may not be seen in the instant display but may be present in a subsequent part of the display of portion 601.
[0087] Application module 108 enables adding one or more clinical tests, which may be absent in the display on portion 601. The added clinical tests may be displayed on portion 601, thereby enabling the healthcare professional operating the device 102 to select the added clinical tests from portion 601.The local database 104 is updated with the added clinical tests. Application module 108 further provides option to edit clinical tests, which are present in the display 601 of clinical tests.
[0088] The application module 108 may provide an option to the healthcare professionals to review test reports upon generation of the test reports after the tests are/were done. An interface which presents the option to review test reports may include the names of patients for whom the tests are/were prescribed and/or completed. Upon selection of a patient’s name, the application module 108 may display the clinical test reports of the patients on a separate interface (not shown).
[0089] The application module 108 associates the selected one or more tests with the selected one or more symptoms and/or one or more diagnosis. The association is used to display the one or more selected tests upon selection of the one or more symptoms or the one or more diagnosis or the combination of the selected symptoms and diagnosis during subsequent use of one or more electronic devices 102. The combination of the selected tests, the selected symptoms and the selected diagnoses may be stored in the usage history database 110.
[0090] The electronic device 102 may share the reports or at least a portion of the reports, which might be required to associate tests with plans of action, with the master database 106 and/or other electronic devices 102.
[0091] Referring to steps 314 and 316, a user interface may be presented which displays a plurality of plans of action to select from. The one or more plans of action are arranged for display based on the selected one or more of the probable diagnosis. Further, in some instances, the one or more plans of action may be arranged for display based on the lab tests.
[0092] Plans of action may include at least one or combination of surgery, medicines and their dosages or, therapy, other medications, diet and physical exercises among others. Other medications may include at least drugs for consumption and lotions for application in affected areas (irritation, allergy, scar, itching, and pain, among others) of the patient’s body.
[0093] Referring to FIGs. 7A-7B, user interface 700 may be divided into two portions 702 and 704. Portion 702 may include a portion 701 for displaying a plurality of plan of action (for example, medicines) relevant to the selected diagnoses from which one or more plans of actions (medicines) can be selected. Portion 702 provides option to add one or more alternative plans of action, which were previously absent in the display of the plurality of plans of action.
[0094] Portion 702 may include a field, which allows the healthcare professional to type in one or more plans of action that may be relevant to the selected diagnoses and/or the clinical test results. While typing in, suggestions may be provided based on the plans of action displayed on portion 701. Further, the typed in plans of action may be highlighted in the display of plans of action on portion 701. Alternatively, a plan of action may not be suggested or highlighted in the display of plans of action, when a plan of action is absent from the display on portion 701.
[0095] Application module 108 may additionally enable scrolling through or swiping the display of plans of action on portion 701 in order to search for plans of action which may not be seen in the instant display but may be present in a subsequent part of the display of portion 701.
[0096] Application module 108 enables adding one or more plans of action, which may be absent in the display on portion 701. The added plans of action may be displayed on portion 701, thereby enabling the healthcare professional operating the device 102 to select the added plans of action from portion 701.The local database 104 is updated with the added plans of action. Application module 108 further provides option to edit plans of action, which are present in the display 701 of plans of action.
[0097] Additional or alternative medicines based on the test results may be prescribed by the healthcare professionals. Additional or alternative medicines may be selected from portion 701 upon reviewing the test reports available on the electronic device 102. Further, the healthcare professional may add one or more medicines, which may be absent in the display of plan of action on portion 701 relevant to the test results. Application module 108 provides option to edit one or more medicines, which are present in the display.
[0098] The application module 108 associates the one or more plans of action with the selected one or more diagnosis. The application module 108 associates the additional or alternative plans of action with the one or more selected one or more diagnosis. Further, plans of action may be associated with test results upon review by the healthcare professionals. The combination of selection may be stored in the usage history database 110.
[0099] Upon selection of a medicine, the application module 108 displays an interface 705 which allows the healthcare professional to set the time of consumption of the medicine and the quantity to be consumed.
[00100] Referring to FIG. 8, the application module 108 may be configured to present an interface 800, which includes a portion 802 for displaying a plurality of activities/practices to be recommended by the healthcare professionals. The healthcare professionals may select one or more of the practices as part of the plan of action.
[00101] Interface 800 may include a field, which allows the healthcare professional to type in one or more practices. While typing in, suggestions may be provided based on the practices displayed on portion 802. Further, the typed in practices may be highlighted in the display of practices on portion 802. Alternatively, a practice may not be suggested or highlighted in the display of practices, when a practice is absent from the display on portion 802.
[00102] Application module 108 may additionally enable scrolling through or swiping the display of practices on portion 802 in order to search for practices n which may not be seen in the instant display but may be present in a subsequent part of the display of portion 802.
[00103] Application module 108 enables adding one or more additional or alternative practices, which may be absent in the display on portion 802. The added practices may be displayed on portion 802, thereby enabling the healthcare professional operating the device 102 to select the added practices from portion 802.The local database 104 is updated with the added practices. Application module 108 further provides option to edit practices, which are present in the display 802 of practices.
[00104] The above configuration of the electronic device 102 may further be implemented in treating one or more complaints of patients by capturing images and receiving information corresponding to exact positions of the complaints on the patient’s body. The electronic device 102 may further indicate the severity of the complaint. Application module 108 may provide an option for an image to be captured by the electronic device 102. The captured images, as discussed earlier may pertain to one or more areas of a patient’s body, which are under examination.
[00105] In an embodiment, electronic device 102 provides information that indicates one or more positions of the patient’s body replicated/portrayed in the one or more images captured. The information indicates the exact position where a complaint is prevalent. The complaints may include a scar, swelling, cavities(teeth) and bleeding gums, among others. The information may include codes and numbers indicating the target area and more particularly the position of interest. The information may further include marks in one or more colors. The codes and numbers may be indicated in well-known terms.
[00106] The electronic device 102 may be further configured to provide information that indicates the severity of the complaint. The severity may be indicated by predefined values and marks that may be understandable to healthcare professionals. The values indicating severity may resemble values or marks or other indicative languages currently being used in medical science. The electronic device 102 may alternatively enable healthcare professionals to manually provide external markings in the positions of interest.
[00107] The electronic device 102 may further suggest plans of action such as medicines/drugs, tests, etc. for the complaint based on the severity of the complaint as indicated by the value.
[00108] In another embodiment, additional information that indicates one or more target areas having relatively less severe complaints, that might require the healthcare professional’s attention in the future, is provided by the electronic device 102. The electronic device 102 may be further configured to at least remind healthcare professionals about the relatively less severe complaints that require attention, at predefined intervals. The electronic device may enable communication with the patient in order to remind the patient that a health check-up might be required.
[00109] The application module 108 may be configured to associate selected symptoms, diagnosis and the plan of action and clinical test reports with the name and profile of the patient. The association may occur at a backend of the application module 108. The association may additionally or alternatively occur at the usage history database 110 or the master database 106.
[00110] The application module 108 further provides option to save the records including the patients’ names and their corresponding symptoms, diagnosis and plans of action in the local database 104 for future reference. The application module 108 further provides option to save any relevant images captured during the process. The information may be present on the master database 106 or the local database 104 such that information may be shared as requirement arises. Additionally, portion of the records may also be stored on the assistant electronic devices 200.
[00111] The local database 104 may be configured to communicate the information and modification made to any data present in the local database 104 to the master database 106. Subsequently, the master database 106 distributes the information across plurality of electronic devices 102, which are further saved in the respective local databases 104 included in the electronic devices 102. The electronic devices 102 and the master databases 106 are connected through one or more network interfaces.
[00112] The electronic devices 102 may be enable the healthcare professionals to edit data within the records. The electronic devices 102 may be configured to activate a printer to take printed copies of the records. Such copies may be handed over to the patients.
[00113] Further, saving the records in the electronic device 102 may activate a tab in the interface of the electronic device 102, which is saving the records, which enables communicating the records to the patient in electronic form, through emails.
[00114] The electronic device 102 facilitates communicating the saved records to third party service providers, such as, a diagnostic center, a pharmacy and insurance companies, among others.

IV. CONCLUSION
[00115] Embodiments provide system and method for facilitating a medical workflow process. The application of the system may further extend to field of technology where data gathering, organizing and management is of vital importance.
[00116] Embodiments provide a system for assisting healthcare professionals with suggestions to speed up the healthcare professional’s decision of prescribing medicines/drugs to patients.
[00117] Embodiments provide a system that assists healthcare professionals by providing updated information on new and relevant diagnoses and plans of action while prescribing medicines /drugs to patients.
[00118] Embodiments provide a system to store patient’s medical records.
[00119] Embodiments provide a system to store information about symptoms, diagnoses and plans of action and make them readily and conveniently available to healthcare professionals while prescribing medicines/drugs to patients.
[00120] The processes described above is described as sequence of steps, this was done solely for the sake of illustration. Accordingly, it is contemplated that some steps may be added, some steps may be omitted, the order of the steps may be re-arranged, or some steps may be performed simultaneously.
[00121] The example embodiments described herein may be implemented in an operating environment comprising software installed on a computer, in hardware, or in a combination of software and hardware.
[00122] Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the system and method described herein. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
[00123] Many alterations and modifications of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. It is to be understood that the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the personally preferred embodiments of this invention.