Abstract: A computer system for use in hospitals and the like to automate the referencing, locating, and retrieving of data records according to temporal descriptors. The temporal descriptors identify the date and time of creation of data records sought to be retrieved, and may do so by referring to a particular event known to have occurred at a particular date and time (e.g., a patient's admission to the hospital). The temporal descriptors may be used in a simple query for a data record, or they may be used within data records to refer to other data records. In either case, a system user can select one or more data records referred to by the temporal descriptors wherein selection criteria include information such as date and time ranges and other instructions for electing data records.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for linking a keyword phrase in a first record to a second record referenced by the keyword phrase including receiving the keyword phrase, identifying the second record and rendering the second record accessible and an apparatus and method for identifying a reference in a first record to a second record and indicating existence of the second record in the first record.

Abstract: This invention relates to an interactive medication container or console that hold or otherwise organizes one or more medication vials or containers. Each vial has a memory strip containing medication and prescription information. Each vial can also include a reminder unit that is attached to and portable with the individual vials. The console or reminder unit reads the information strip of the vial and communicates this information to or interacts with a patient to remind them to take the medication. The medication container or reminder unit also gathers or tracks information such as consumption time, quantity remaining, patient feedback, and contraindication information. The medication container or reminder unit interacts with the patient by displaying questions or receiving and recording input from the patient before, during or after a dose of medication is taken. The patient input can be used to modify the dosing regimen for future doses of medication.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring indicating configurations for containers wherein at least a subset of indicating configurations include an enhanced indicating device such as an electronic storage device, the containers to include enhanced devices being a function of whether or not the end user uses an interacting device capable of receiving information from the enhanced devices, the method and system indicating whether or not standard or enhanced containers should be used for specific prescriptions or orders and, in some cases, automatically providing the correct container and specifying (i.e., printing and writing) information to the containers.

Abstract: A method for limiting movement and copying of word processing text within a single document and among documents when the text to be moved includes hyperlinks wherein the hyperlinks link to information that is document specific, processing can be limited in any of several different ways including prohibiting movement, notifying an operator and facilitating movement, notifying an operator and allowing the operator to choose movement and so on.

Abstract: This invention relates to a medication container that organizes several vials or cassettes of different types of medication by securing the vials to a unitary lid. A machine readable memory strip is affixed to each vial. Each memory strip contains prescription information and medication information pertaining to the medication in the vial. The unitary lid is equipped with sensors that read each memory strip and transmit the information to the computer processor and its associated memory device. The processor determines when each medication is to be taken and signals the patient to take the appropriate medication from the appropriate vial at the appropriate time. Indicator lights and a display are provided for this purpose. The vials are standard or slightly modified childproof pill containers, but can take the form of a blister pack dispenser or other containers as well.

Abstract: An identification assembly for identifying a patient including a strap which can be secured around a patient's wrists or the like which cannot be removed thereafter without destroying the strap, an electronic memory means which is integrally secured to the strap and cannot be removed therefrom without destroying the memory means and a removably attachable transmitter assembly which can be attached to the strap for communication with the memory means or removed from the strap, the transmitter assembly including a processor for reading information from the memory means and a transmitter for transmitting information read from the memory means, the transmitter and processor also capable of cooperating to receive signals and provide data to the memory means.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying medical events which have not been prescribed for performance on a patient prior to performing the events which includes specifying a specified event to be performed on the patient, comparing the specified event to a valid event set indicating events which have been prescribed for the patient and, where the specified event is not a valid event, indicating that the specified event is not a valid event. In addition, where an event is not a valid event, the system may disable a medical apparatus from performing the event so as to ensure that invalid events are not performed and, where a valid event is performed, the system may update the valid event set to reflect performance. Also, the system can be used to perform a check of diagnosis and prescription.

Abstract: A method and apparatus used with an automatic voice messaging system to allow at least one user to formulate a plurality of questions to be posed to system users requiring specific response types, as questions are posed, a response table for subsequently received responses automatically generated. When responses are received and the question initiator accesses the system, the responses are automatically displayed on a screen in the response table for easy viewing. The response table can also be manually manipulated to add additional information or modify presentation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for administering prescribed medication to a patient. The prescribed medication administration system and apparatus dispense prescribed medication, verify the medication is given to a correct patient by an authorized healthcare worker and tracks and records the administration of the medication. The system utilizes a workstation connected to a database containing prescribed medication dose information for various patients. A healthcare worker uses the workstation to manually or automatically dispenses the medication the portable container. An information device is secured to the portable container during transport and administration of the medication to the intended patient. The information device prevents access to the medication or warns the healthcare worker of a potential error if the medication is delivered to the wrong patient or administered by an unauthorized healthcare worker.

Abstract: A system utilizing a personal identification badge to collect data and to provide access to a computer terminal. The personal identification badge includes circuitry and transceiver components for transmitting identification information and exchanging other digital information with a computer terminal and other compatible devices. The personal identification badge establishes a wireless communication link with a computer terminal to allow a user to logon to the terminal. When a user leaves the computer terminal, the communication link is terminated, causing the computer terminal to lock the keyboard, blank the monitor, and/or logoff the user if the communication link is not restored within a sufficient time period. The personal identification badge includes means for encrypting and signing digital information.

Abstract: A system for retrieving, modifying, and collecting data records having a plurality of formats and distributed on a plurality of databases on a computer network. The system includes means for detecting various types, relationships, and classifications of data records and modifying them accordingly to support interactive, hypertext-linked display of, and organized access to, the data records. The system further includes means to store a related set of data records on a mass storage device such as a CD-ROM to provide non-network access to the data records. Adapted for use in a hospital environment, the invention facilitates access by care providers, administrators, and insurance company agents to a patient's cumulative, and possibly extensive, record.

Abstract: A computer system wherein data records are created, stored and retrieved from predetermined addresses on a plurality of databases using a specialized word processor that recognizes keywords entered by the user and associates those keywords with the unique addresses of the data records to which they refer. Each data record created for storing on the system is automatically stored at a predetermined, unique address by a word processor according to keywords entered into the data record by a user. Users creating data records may reference other data records by the use of keywords which uniquely identify those other records. References to other data records cause a word processor to create hypertext links to those other data records so that users may retrieve them without knowing where they are stored on the computer system.

Abstract: An identification assembly for identifying a patient including a strap which can be secured around a patient's wrists or the like which cannot be removed thereafter without destroying the strap, an electronic memory means which is integrally secured to the strap and cannot be removed therefrom without destroying the memory means and a removably attachable transmitter assembly which can be attached to the strap for communication with the memory means or removed from the strap, the transmitter assembly including a processor for reading information from the memory means and a transmitter for transmitting information read from the memory means, the transmitter and processor also capable of cooperating to receive signals and provide data to the memory means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-piece, automated medication container having a first piece with an interactive label and a machine readable and writable electronic memory strip. The memory strip contains prescription information, medication information and program codes that are downloaded to a second piece having a computer processor. In one embodiment of the invention, the interactive label is affixed to a vial of a standard childproof container. The vial is sealed by an automated cap. The automated cap includes sensors for reading the information and codes on the memory strip and a memory for storing the information and codes. The automated cap also includes a display for visually or audibly indicating desired information to the patient, such as when to take the next dose of medication. A computer controlled locking assembly in the cap presents its removal before the prescribed time for taking the next dose of medication.

Abstract: A monitoring system for providing continuous monitoring of a patient, including periods of transport, includes a data acquisition and processing module receiving physiological data from the patient. The module may be inserted in a bedside display unit to display the physiological condition data being monitored. The module may also be inserted in a portable display unit that can accompany the patient during transport. Connectors permit the module to simultaneously drive both the display units so that no data is lost when the module is removed from the bedside unit and placed in the portable unit and vice versa.

Abstract: A monitoring system for providing continuous monitoring of a patient, including periods of transport, includes a data acquisition and processing module receiving physiological data from the patient. The module may be inserted in a bedside display unit to display the physiological condition data being monitored. The module may also be inserted in a portable display unit that can accompany the patient during transport. Connectors permit the module to simultaneously drive both the display units so that no data is lost when the module is removed from the bedside unit and placed in the portable unit and vice versa.