AU2014202468B2 - The Collection of Medical Data - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for collecting medical data includes a database server programmed to receive data in a number of different formats from respective different data sources. The database server is connectable to a communications network. A number of remote data collection arrangements are associated with respective medical operators and each is configured to permit said respective medical operators to input medical data relating to a medical condition of a patient into the data collection arrangement and to write the medical data to the database server via the communications network. The database server is configured to receive the medical data and to generate an electronic record representing a compilation of different items of the medical data. OCCl C0l 00=

Description

1 THE COLLECTION OF MEDICAL DATA FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the collection of medical data. In particular, the invention relates to a system, a method and a software product for collecting medical data. 5 The present invention has been developed primarily for use in the medical, health and fitness industries and will therefore be described in that context. It is to be appreciated, however, that the database may have other uses, including collection of visual images at accident sites and crime sites. BACKGROUND ART 10 In the medical and fitness industries, data about individual patients is increasingly being recorded electronically in computer databases rather than in paper files. The reason is that electronic records can be generated, stored and retrieved more readily than paper files. However, a disadvantage with presently available data collection systems and 15 methods is that they are not able properly to generate reports containing different types of data. For example, it can be desirable that the reports include images of an injury or an incident location where the patient is an accident or crime victim. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for 20 collecting medical data, the system comprising a database server programmed to receive data in a number of different formats from respective different data sources, the database server being connectable to a communications network; and a number of remote data collection arrangements associated with respective 25 medical operators and equipment and each configured to permit said respective medical operators to input medical data relating to a medical condition of a patient into the data collection arrangement and to write the medical data to the database server via the communications network, the database server being configured to receive the medical 2 data and to generate an electronic record representing a compilation of different items of the medical data. The database server may be connectable to the communications network via a web server, the communications network being in the form of the Internet. 5 The remote data collection arrangements may include data processors with respective memories for storing the medical data. The memories of the remote data collection arrangements may include a removable data storage device that is compatible with other data processors in the system, to enable additional medical data to be input into the removable data storage device as a patient is moved from one treatment point to 10 another. The remote data collection arrangements may include personal digital assistants (PDAs) configured to record images and text input for transmittal to the database server. The remote data collection arrangements may also include medical devices configured to record physiological characteristics of a patient. 15 The remote data collection arrangements may be configured to permit the recording of speech. For example, the PDAs may be of the type suitable for speech recording. Instead, the remote data collection arrangements may include dictation systems equipped with a headset and appropriate software to allow the dictation of notes. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for 20 collecting medical data, the method comprising the steps of inputting data relating to a medical condition of a patient to a remote data collection arrangement at an incident location; storing the data in a removable data storage device at the incident location; transferring the patient to at least one intermediate treatment location together 25 with the removable data storage device; inputting further data relating to the medical condition of the patient to a further data collection arrangement at the at least one further intermediate treatment location; storing the further data in the removable data storage device; transferring the patient to a final treatment location together with the removable 30 storage device; and compiling an electronic record relating to the medical condition of the patient from the data.

3 According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for collecting medical data, the method comprising the steps of: inputting medical data relating to a medical condition of a patient to at least one remote data collection arrangement; 5 writing the medical data to a database server via a communications network; and compiling the medical data to generate an electronic record of the medical condition of the patient. The steps of inputting and writing the medical data may be carried out with respect to the same patient at an incident location and, thereafter, at at least one further 10 treatment location. The steps of inputting and writing the medical data at the incident location may be carried out with a personal communications device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) capable of capturing both image and text data. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a software product 15 which is configured so that, when executed by a data processing device, is configured to carry out a method comprising the following steps: establishing a communications link between the data processing device and a data collection arrangement at an incident location; generating an interface on the remote data collection arrangement to facilitate the 20 input of medical data relating to a medical condition of a patient at the incident location; associating the medical data with sensor data captured at the incident location; writing the medical and sensor data to a database stored in the data processing device; and generating an electronic record from the database containing the medical and 25 sensor data. The software product may be configured so that the medical data and the sensor data can be associated with each other on the data processing device. The medical data can be associated with the sensor data in the form of at least one of: still image data, video data, sound data, and analytical data from a connected analytical device. 30 The software product may be configured so that, when executed, the data processing device generates the database in the form of a relational database with the medical and sensor data.

4 The software product may be configured so that, when executed, the data processing device generates the interface in the form of a graphic user interface (GUI) that defines fields for inputting the medical data. The invention extends to a data processing device when programmed with a 5 software product as described above. The software product may be configured so that, when executed, there is provided a database capable of: generating an electronic record about a person or an event; storing said record; 10 retrieving and transmitting said record; enabling a user to input data about said person or event, and incorporating the data into said record; capturing sensor data relating to said person or event, and incorporating the sensor data into said record; and 15 analysing the data and incorporating an analysis of the data into said record. The software product may further be configured so that there is provided a database capable of generating, storing, retrieving and transmitting an electronic record about a person or an event, said database comprising a least one electronic record about a person or event, wherein said record: 20 incorporates data about said person or event that has been inputted by a user; incorporates captured sensor data relating to said person or event; and incorporates an analysis of the data. The database may be used in the medical and fitness industries, in which case the electronic record could contain data relating to a person's medical and performance 25 history. Alternatively, the database may be used in the racing industry, and the electronic record could contain data relating to a race horse's or greyhound's medical and performance history. Alternatively, the database may be used to contain data from an event, such as forensic data from a crime scene, and the electronic record could contain data relating to the crime scene and analyses of the crime scene as conducted by forensic 30 scientists. Preferably, the database is used in the medical and fitness industries by medical practitioners or therapists, and contains records of people's medical and performance history.

5 The software product may be configured so that the database enables the user to input data about a person or event in any suitable way. Likewise, the inputted data may be incorporated into the record in any suitable way. Typically, the software product is capable of generating GUIs that include one or more fields for inputting data relating to 5 one or more of the following: the person's name, address, date of birth, sex, height, weight, occupation, family medical history, medical history and symptoms, and current medications. The number and types of fields will depend on what data needs to be recorded. The sensor data relating to the person or event can be captured and incorporated 10 into the record in any suitable way. The sensor data may be of any suitable nature. The sensor data may be, for example, in the form of a still image (e.g. captured from a digital still camera, digital video camera, or a cell phone), a moving image (e.g. captured from a video camera) or a sound recording (e.g. captured from a digital dictaphone). Alternatively, the sensor data may be captured from a connected measurement instrument, 15 such as a balance system, CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound machine. The sensor data may be transmitted to the database via a cable or wireless connection. The user inputted data and sensor data may be analysed and incorporated into the record in any suitable way. The captured still image may be, for example, of a person's wound or posture. Analyses and measurement may be made of the size of the wound, or 20 posture. The moving image may be, for example, of a person and analyses may be made of the person's gait, joint flexibility or body shifts during certain activities. Alternatively, analyses may be made of the person's strength, agility, speed, flexibility or other abilities. The analysis may be conducted manually by the user or automatically by a function or 25 algorithm of the software product. The balance system may utilise a plurality of force plates and/or load cells to measure a person's balance over a period of time. Preferably, the person's balance is measured in two 15-60 second intervals - with their eyes open during the first interval and with their eyes closed during the second interval. The balance data can provide 30 information on numerous conditions including neurological disorders, dysfunctional posture, comparative range of motion, and balance status of aged care or injured patients.

6 User inputted data and/or sensor data from more than one source may be captured and combined for analysis. For example, video data and balance system data may be captured simultaneously. The record preferably provides historical comparisons so as to indicate the 5 person's progress, to allow actual progress to be compared against their goals, and to allow the user to fine-tune treatment of the person. Electronic records about persons or events may be generated, stored, retrieved and transmitted in any suitable way. Any suitable type of programming language may be used. Preferably, the data is encrypted and stored in a relational schema, and the record is 10 transmitted using electronic communication; for example, via email, computer networks, the internet, cellular networks, discs (e.g. CD's, DVD's), or using USB connected flash memory drives and physically transporting the records. The use of USB connected flash memory drives is preferable for situations where the data is confidential but not time sensitive, as it is slow to transfer but improves the security of the data and makes it 15 considerably more difficult for unauthorised parties to access the data. Additionally, the data may be committed to a paper record. Electronic records may be transmitted to authorised parties, such as medical practitioners, therapists, administrators and insurance companies. In some cases, the data may be subjected to further analyses by some of the authorised parties and the record may 20 be further updated. Different authorised parties may have different levels of authorisation, determining on which portions of the data they have been authorised to view. In another aspect, the present invention includes a system for assessing a patient's balancing ability in order to facilitate ascertaining the patient's current medical status. 25 The system includes a balance plate for measuring dynamic weight distribution data of the patient using the patient's centre of gravity, the balance plate including at least one load cell. The system further includes a local processor in operative communication with the balance plate, the local processor being configured to generate data pertaining to the ability of the patient to perform cognitive tasks in combination with the dynamic weight 30 distribution data generated by the balance plate. The system also includes an electronic database configured to receive the dynamic weight distribution data from the local processor, the electronic database being accessible over a communications network.

7 In an additional preferred aspect, the present invention includes method for assessing a patient's balancing ability in order to facilitate ascertaining the patient's current medical status. The method includes: measuring an extent of variation of the patient's centre of gravity with a balance plate over a predetermined period of time to 5 generate the patient's dynamic weight distribution data; analysing, with a processor, the patient's dynamic weight distribution data to assess the patient's balancing ability and the patient's ability to perform cognitive tasks; and transferring the patient's dynamic weight distribution data from the processor to an electronic database. It will be understood that the claims as filed herewith are incorporated by 10 reference in their entirety in the present description. In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practice, one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 15 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a system, in accordance with the invention, for collecting medical data. Figure 2 shows an overview of an embodiment of a method, in accordance with the invention, for collecting medical data. Figure 3 shows steps carried out by an embodiment of a software product and a 20 method, both in accordance with the invention, for collecting medical data. Figure 4 shows a graphic user interface (GUI) generated by the software product for inputting patient details to a medical database. Figure 5 shows a GUI generated by the software product for inputting further patient details to a medical database. 25 Figure 6 shows a GUI generated by the software product for inputting treatment details to a medical database. Figure 7 shows a GUI generated by the software product for inputting diagnostic information to a medical database. Figure 8 shows a balance/load cell system that can provide sensor data to the 30 medical database generated by the software product. Figure 9 shows a schematic layout of a load cell arrangement used with the system of Figure 8 to provide balance data to the medical database generated by the product.

8 Figure 10 shows the balance/load cell system of Figures 8 and 9 connected to a laptop computer programmed with the software product. Figure 11 shows a GUI generated by the laptop computer of Figure 10 programmed with the software product. 5 Figure 12 shows another GUI generated by the laptop computer of Figure 10 programmed with the software product. Figure 13 shows an image generated for measuring a characteristic of a patient as a parameter to be used by the software product. Figure 14 shows a flowchart of the initial steps of one embodiment of a method 10 for collecting medical data, in accordance with the invention, carried out by one embodiment of a software product, also in accordance with the invention. Figure 15 shows a flowchart of steps carried out when a "Capture Data" tab generated by the software product is selected. Figure 16 shows a flowchart of steps carried out when an "Analyze Data" tab 15 generated by the software product is selected. Figure 17 shows a flowchart of steps carried out when a "Deep Analysis" tab generated by the software product is selected. Figure 18 shows a flowchart of steps carried out when a "Program Setup" tab generated by the software product is selected. 20 Figure 19 shows a flowchart of steps carried out when an "Exit Program" tab generated by the software product is selected. Figure 20 shows a flowchart of steps carried out when a "Program Help" tab generated by the software product is selected. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 25 In Figure 1, reference numeral 10 generally indicates an embodiment of a system, in accordance with the invention, for collecting medical data. The system 10 includes a database server 12. The database server 12 is programmed to receive data in a number of different formats from respective different data sources 14.1 to 14.5, for example. The database server 12 is connected to a 30 communications network, in this example, the Internet indicated at 16. The different data sources 14 are generated by remote data collection arrangements, in the form of a laptop computer 18.1, a personal digital assistant (PDA) 9 18.2, a balance board and data processor arrangement 18.3, a headset 18.5 for recording and digitizing speech, and any other data collection arrangement 18.4 configured to permit a medical operator to input medical data relating to a medical condition of a patent into the data collection arrangement 18. Common to the data collection arrangements 18 5 is the ability to write the medical data to the database server 12 via the Internet 16, the database server 12 being configured to receive the medical data and to generate an electronic record representing a compilation of different items of the medical data. The database server 12 is connected to the network with a web server 20. The remote data collection arrangements 18 all include data processors with 10 respective memories for storing the medical data. For example, the laptop 18.1 is provided with a removable memory device 22 capable of being removed and delivered to a treatment centre together with the patient. In Figure 2, reference numeral 30 generally indicates a broad overview of a method, in accordance with the invention, for collecting medical data. In particular, the 15 method 30 is configured for collecting medical data relating to an incident at an incident location and to collect further medical data at intermediate treatment locations prior to the patient arriving at a final treatment location. Thus, at block 32, a medical operator records information on the removable memory device 22 at the incident location with the laptop 18.1. Instead, the medical 20 operator could use the PDA 18.2 with the removable device 22 connected to the PDA. The information is stored at block 34 and the patient is transferred at 36 together with the memory device 22 to an intermediate treatment location where further information is recorded at 38. The removable memory device 22 is programmed so that data stored at 32 cannot be over-written at 38. Furthermore, items of data recorded at 32 25 and 38 are tagged or associated with identification data, for example times, dates, medical operator identification and location to facilitate entry of that data into a suitable database, such as a relational database. At 40, the further information generated at 38 is stored and the memory device 22 is transferred at 42, together with a patient, to a final treatment location indicated at 43. 30 It will be appreciated that the information stored in the manner described above lends itself to the building of a database. In this example, a relational database is provided. However, it will be appreciated that other forms of database are also suitable.

10 In Figure 3, reference numeral 50 generally indicates a flowchart that represents one embodiment of a method and a software product, both in accordance with the invention, for collecting medical data in the form of a relational database. As can be seen in Figure 3, the flowchart 50 is divided into three blocks 52. Each 5 block 52 represents steps carried out at three separate locations. In particular, block 52.1 is an incident location where emergency care is carried out. Block 52.2 is an intermediate location where intermediate care is performed and 52.3 is a final treatment location where final care, such as hospital care is carried out. Such an arrangement may occur, for example, in a military situation. Thus, 52.1 10 can represent a location where a soldier is injured and becomes a patient. At that location, a number of steps are carried out. These include recordal of image data at 54, for example photographic images of wounds, patient position and incident location. The recordal of the image data can be carried out with a personal digital assistant (PDA) that is programmed to permit a medical operator to enter text data (at 56) associated with the 15 image and other medical notes related to the injury. The PDA can be programmed so that the medical operator can generate electronic images that overlie the photographic image, thereby allowing the medical operator to highlight wounds. In this particular example, the medical operator can have access to a balance board to generate balance data to be input at 58. The three forms of data 54, 56, 58 make up 20 incident data 60. The incident data 60 can be stored on the removable memory device 22 which is then sent, together with the patient, to the intermediate location 52.2, such as a battlefield clinic. Alternatively, the incident data 60 can be transmitted, in any suitable fashion, to the database server 12 to facilitate the building of a medical database at 62 by the software product. 25 At the intermediate location or battle field clinic 52.2, force/motion data can be input at 64 together with blood analysis data at 66 and blood pressure data at 68. It will readily be appreciated that other forms of electronic data can also be input at 52.2. These forms of data are collated as intermediate care data at 70. The intermediate care data 70 can be written to the device 22. As before, in an alternative embodiment, the intermediate 30 data 70 can be communicated to the database server 12 to build the relational database at 62. At the final treatment location, in this case a hospital 52.3, further data is recorded. For example, at 72, EEG data can be recorded. At 74, consultation notes can 11 be electronically generated and, at 76, indicated in the dotted lines, any other relevant medical information capable of electronic storage can be generated. At 78, the data generated or recorded at 72, 74, 76 can be stored on the device 22 as hospital care data or, alternatively, communicated to the database server 12 for building the relational database. 5 When the device 22 is used, the medical data stored on the device 22 is simply uploaded to the database 12. The software product of the invention is configured so that suitable reports can be generated at 80 from the relational database. A particular advantage of this approach is that the relational database contains 10 relevant and complete information concerning the patient and the circumstances in which the patient incurred injuries or was subjected to intermediate treatment. Such a system allows for a thorough and accurate assessment of further treatment required by the patient. Furthermore, various medical operators can be associated with treatment and consultation notes. 15 The software product of the invention is configured so that, when executed with a data processing device, such as the laptop 18.1, a graphical user interface (GUI) 90, as shown in Figure 4, is generated. The GUI 90 facilitates the input of relevant data required to build the medical database. The GUI 90 includes tabs 92 for navigating between various menus. In this 20 particular example, there is a tab 92 for each of the following forms of data entry: a) Patient profile data b) Capturing video data c) The analysis of video data 25 d) The capture of balance data from the balance board 18.3 e) The analysis of balance data f) Copying video data to storage device g) Programme setup options h) Help and demonstrations 30 i) Link back to a main menu. The GUI 90 further includes a sub menu heading 94, in this case relating to patient profile capture. The GUI 90 further defines input fields 96 so that selected details of the 12 patient can be input into various fields including name, address, city, state, zip, phone number, social security number, date of birth, sex, height, weight, and start date. The data can be manually input by the operator, or sensed data can be input from connected analytical instruments. For example, electronic scales can automatically fill in the 5 patient's weight. The software product of the invention is configured so that when the patient profile tab is executed, a GUI 100, as shown in Figure 5, is generated. The software product generates a patient information sub menu 102. The sub menu 102 allows selected details of the patient information to be input to the medical 10 database via suitable fields104. These can include such details as: Occupation, symptoms, family medical history, orthotics, prostheses/walking aids, surgery, exam results, leisure activities/sports, current medications, notes and other information, trauma and questionnaires/special tests. The software product of the invention is configured so that when a diagnostics and 15 treatment tab is executed in the sub menu 94, a GUI 106, as shown in Figure 6, is generated. The GUI 106 is configured so that an operator can input various diagnoses and treatment items of information in fields 108. For example, at 110, the operator can input information relating to the treatment provider. At 112, 114 and 116, the operator can input information relating to, respectively, treatment goals, prescribed exercise and 20 goal status. At 116, a number of fields are provided with drop down menus to permit an operator to input information relating to various body regions of the patient. The software product of the invention is configured so that one of the tabs 92 can be executed to generate a data capture GUI 117 as shown in figure 7. 25 In this particular example, the GUI 117 would be generated in, possibly, a military application. Thus, at 119, information relating to the particular event that caused the injury can be recorded. Furthermore, the name and age of the patient can also be entered. Details of whether or not the patient has had prior blast exposure can be entered together with how much time has elapsed since the blast, and the amount of time the patient has 30 suffered amnesia. At 118, a field is generated so that the medical operator can insert further injury notes. At 120, the software product generates a series of yes/no blocks relating to questions in connection with the patient. For example, these could include whether or not the patient suffers from headache, nausea, dizziness, hearing problems etc.

13 The software product is configured to generate at 122, further yes/no blocks to permit an operator to respond to pre-session exam enquiries. In Figure 8 reference numeral 130 generally indicates a balance board or balance plate for assessing a patient's balancing ability. It will be appreciated that such an 5 assessment is a useful indication of injury suffered by the patient and, also, the patient's general well-being. The balance plate 130 has a plate 132 on which the patient stands and four load cells (see below) beneath the plate 132 to measure dynamic weight distribution on the plate 132 when a patient is standing on the plate 132. The balance plate 130 includes a 10 handrail 134 for supporting the patient. The plate 132 is demarcated into four quadrants 136 and a centre point 138. The four quadrants 136 and centre point 138 facilitate correct positioning of a patient's feet on the plate 132. The balance plate 132 can also carry demarcations 139 to assist a patient to position his or her feet correctly. Further detail of the balance plate 132 is shown in Figure 9. The balance plate 132 15 includes four load cells 133, each in the form of a low profile planar beam load cell. An example of such a load cell is the type PB load cell manufactured by Flintec (trade mark). Such load cells find application in compact scales, bench and floor scales and retail and counting scales. They also find application in the medical field. In this embodiment, the load cells 133 are oriented and configured so that the 20 balance plate defines a four-cell balance plate. As can be seen in Figure 9, the data output from the load cells 133 is sent out with suitable circuitry 135 to be read to a processor executing an embodiment of the software product of the invention. As can be seen in Figure 10, the balance plate 130 is connected to a computer 140 with a suitable interface device 142 to facilitate communication between the plate 130 and 25 the computer 140. In one example, the computer 140 can be the laptop 18.1 described earlier. In that case, the removable measuring device 22 is supplied with the laptop 18.1 so that data from the balance plate 130 can be stored on the device 22. In addition or instead of the demarcated quadrants 136, the balance plate 132 can include a pair of foot positioning guides 144 to assist the patient in correctly positioning 30 his or her feet on the balance plate 132. The purpose of the demarcated quadrants 136 or the foot positioning guides 144 or both is to ensure that a centre of gravity of the patient is vertically aligned with the centre point 138 when the patient is motionless.

14 In use, the software product of the invention is executed to generate the data capture GUI 114. The patient then stands on the balance plate 132. The patient can be stationery on the balance plate 132 or can carry out various actions depending on the type and level of analysis required. 5 The interface device 142 and the computer 140 are configured to interpret force related data generated by the load cells 133. This data can be interpreted by the computer 140 graphically as shown in the GUI of Figure 11. In particular, the software product is configured so that a graphical representation of the balance plate 132 is generated as shown at 146. Thus, a centre point 148 and four 10 quadrants 150 correspond with the centre point 138 and four quadrants 136 of the plate 132. The software product is configured to generate a trace over time of a position of a centre of gravity of the patient, as indicated by lines 152 on the representation 146. Thus, over a predetermined time period, an extent of variation of the centre of gravity can be 15 measured. Such data can be analysed in a number of different ways. For example, the software product is configured to generate a representation 153 of a trace 166 indicating forwards and backwards movement of the centre of gravity with respect to an axis 154. Likewise, the software product is configured to generate a representation 168 of a trace 170 indicating sideways movement with respect to an axis 172. 20 Furthermore, the software product, when executed, generates various quadrant ratios, shown at 158, 160. The software product can be configured so that the quadrant ratios indicate the extent of time a centre of gravity of the patient is above respective quadrants. At 162, the software product generates further information relating to the characteristics of the forces detected by the load cells 133. 25 In Figure 12, there is shown a further graphical representation generated by the software product comparing two sets of data compared side by side. With reference to Figure 10, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified. In particular, the software product can be configured to record the test and replay the test for analysis and/or comparison. 30 In Figure 13 reference numeral 174 is a GUI that is generated when an "Analyse Video" tab, being one of the tabs 92 is executed. In this case, the video is of a sports person performing a particular technique. The GUI 174 is generated so that the medical operator can overlie a line image 176 to determine relative angles between body parts of 15 the patient or sportsman. By repeating the measurements at various stages of a sportsperson's treatment, the medical operator can determine the sportsperson's progress with a prescribed treatment. In one embodiment, the software product is configured so that analysis on both the 5 balance data and video data can be performed simultaneously. Thus, detailed information on strength, range of motion, balance and the ability of the patient to perform a range of physical and cognitive tasks can be calculated. This allows for close monitoring of a patient or sportsperson's rehabilitation. In Figures 14 to 20, there are shown parts of a flowchart of one embodiment of a 10 method, in accordance with the invention, for building a medical database which is carried out when one embodiment of a software product, in accordance with the invention, is executed. In this particular example, the method and the software product are used for building a medical database from data collected from a balance-board apparatus, of the type described above. 15 The method is initiated at 202 by running an embodiment of the software product, in accordance with the invention, on a suitable computational device, such as a laptop computer or PC. At 204, the software product queries whether or not a backup has been generated of the data. If the response is negative, the product enquires, at 206, whether or not the product is being executed for the first time. 20 If the answer to the query at 204 is positive, the software product prompts the user to run a suitable backup program at 208. If the answer to the query at 206 is positive, the user is prompted to enter initial settings at 210. Otherwise, the software product continues to execute. At 212, the software product generates a number of tabs. These include a "Capture Data" tab at 214 25 (Figure 15), an "Analyse Data" tab at 216 (Figure 16), a "Deep Analysis" tab at 228 (Figure 17), a "Program Setup" tab at 218 (Figure 18), an "Exit Program" tab at 220 (Figure 19) and a "Program Help" tab at 222 (Figure 20). If the user selects the Capture Data tab at 214, the user is prompted to enter subject information at 224. That can be done by selecting from dropdown menus and 30 check boxes and also manually inputting information. At 226, the software product creates either a new patient database or adds data to an existing patient data file. That information is then saved to a database at 230. At 232 the software product enquires whether or not a weight is present on the balance plate. If the answer is positive, a 16 warning message is generated at 234 that the patient is to step off the plate. If the result of the enquiry is negative, the software product generates a number of tabs for capturing data from the plate at 236. These include a "Start New Session" tab at 238 and a "Start Test" tab at 240. 5 If the user selects the Start New Session tab at 238, the software product reverts the user to step 224 so that the user can enter the patient information. If the user selects the Start Test tab at 240, the software product initiates a first test in the form of a 30 second test during which the patient stands on the balance board for 30 seconds or, as envisaged above, performs any other test or is analysed in any other way. 10 At 244, the user is prompted to save the results of the test to a database 246 and the results of the test are displayed on the screen at 249 in the manner described previously. The product then queries whether or not the previous step was the completion of the second test at 248. If the answer to that query is positive, the product reverts to step 224. If the answer to that query is negative, the user is prompted to select the Start Test 15 tab at 250. At 252, the user is prompted to commence a second 30 second balance test. As before, this can be any other further test or analysis as previously discussed. At 254, the user is prompted to save the results to a database at 256. Again, at 258, the results are displayed on a screen, as previously described. 20 Reverting now to the block 212, if the user selects the Analyze Data tab at 216, the user is prompted to select a battalion and to select a patient or subject details at 260. At 262, the results of the selection are displayed on the screen. These would be the results of the balance test previously carried out on that particular subject. If the user selects the Deep Analysis tab at 228, a number of options are provided. 25 These include loading a new test at 264, selecting a "Compare" tab at 266, selecting an "Email" tab at 268 and selecting a "Print" tab at 270. If a new test is selected at 264, at 272, a doctor and database details are selected together with a selection of a patient name and a test name. At 274, the results of the selection are displayed on the screen. This can be a full replay of the test carried out on that particular patient. 30 If the Compare tab is selected at 266, then at 276 the software product compares two screens in the manner previously described. At 278, the user can select a doctor or a database together with a patient name and test names. This results in that selection being displayed on the screen at 280, in the manner previously described.

17 Alternatively, a "Lock Data" tab can be selected at 282 with the result that two screens are locked so that data can be displayed simultaneously to the user. If the user selects the E-mail tab at 268, the software product opens an email form at 284 so that that the test results can be emailed. At 286 the completed email form is 5 completed. At 288, the product queries whether or not the email system has been configured. If the answer to that query is negative, the software product carries out a configuration process at 290. Then, at 292, the email is sent. Alternatively, if the enquiry generates a positive result, the software product passes directly to the send email step at 292. 10 If the user selects the Print tab at 270, the software product generates a suitable print command signal so that a currently open test can be printed at 293. If the user selects the Program Setup tab at 218, the product generates an enquiry as to whether or not the relevant communications port has been detected at 294. If the answer to that query is negative, the software product displays a port number at 296 and 15 prompts the user to ensure that the plate is attached and the sensor box is turned on. If the answer to the enquiry is positive, the software product selects the communications port and the plate size at 298. Then, at 300, the software product prompts the user to select English or metric units. At 302, the user is prompted to add a new battalion to the database. At 304, the product writes the data to a system configuration file. 20 If the user selects the Exit Program tab at 220, the program exits at 306. If the user selects the Program Help tab at 222, the product, at 308, generates a detailed HTML help system that is itemised with training videos, trouble shooting and set up instructions. It will be appreciated that the software product of the invention can be of 25 significant benefit to patients having a broad range of complaints, including neuromuscular or neurological disorders, Parkinson's disease, Traumatic Brain Injury, and/or amputees learning daily balancing tasks. It can also be beneficial in assessing fall risk in the elderly, as hip fracture after a fall puts a person at a very high risk for stroke, premature disability and ultimately death. 30 It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The described embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof. The 18 invention is capable of being practised with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Throughout the specification, including the claims, where the context permits, the term "comprising" and variants thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising" are to be 5 interpreted as including the state of integer or integers without necessarily excluding any other integers.

Claims (22)

1. A system for assessing a patient's balancing ability in order to facilitate ascertaining the patient's current medical status, the system including: a balance plate for measuring dynamic weight distribution data of the patient 5 using the patient's centre of gravity, said balance plate including at least one load cell; a local processor in operative communication with said balance plate, said local processor being configured to generate data pertaining to the ability of the patient to perform cognitive tasks in combination with the dynamic weight distribution data generated by said balance plate; and 10 an electronic database configured to receive the dynamic weight distribution data from said local processor, said electronic database being accessible over a communications network.

2. The system of claim 1, further including a removable memory storage device configured to store the patient's data from said local processor for delivery to said 15 electronic database.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said removable memory storage device is a USB flash drive.

4. The system of any one of the above claims, wherein said local processor is a laptop computer. 20

5. The system of any one of the above claims, wherein said balance plate includes four load cells.

6. The system of any one of the above claims, wherein said balance plate is configured to measure an extent of variation of the centre of gravity of the patient over a predetermined time period. 25

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the predetermined time period is at least 30 seconds. - 20

8. The system of any one of the above claims, wherein said local processor is configured to generate a trace over time of a position of a centre of gravity of the patient.

9. The system of any one of the above claims, wherein said electronic database is accessible over the Internet. 5

10. The system of any one of the above claims, further including a video data collection device for capturing video of the patient performing a prescribed task.

11. The system of any one of claims 1-9, wherein said local processor is configured to generate the data pertaining to the ability of the patient to perform cognitive tasks in combination with video data captured while the patient performs a prescribed task. 10

12. A method for assessing a patient's balancing ability in order to facilitate ascertaining the patient's current medical status, the method including: measuring an extent of variation of the patient's centre of gravity with a balance plate over a predetermined period of time to generate the patient's dynamic weight distribution data; 15 analysing, with a processor, the patient's dynamic weight distribution data to assess the patient's balancing ability and the patient's ability to perform cognitive tasks; and transferring the patient's dynamic weight distribution data from the processor to an electronic database. 20

13. The method of claim 12, further including utilising the patient's dynamic weight distribution data to calculate an ability of the patient to perform a range of physical tasks.

14. The method of either claim 12 or 13, further including utilising an ability of the patient to perform a range of cognitive tasks to further assess the patient's medical status.

15. The method of any one of claims 12-14, further including using a plurality of load 25 cells in the balance plate to generate a quadrant ratio to indicate the extent of time a centre of gravity of the patient is above a respective quadrant. - 21

16. The method of any one of claims 12-15, further including generating video data of the patient and using the video data in combination with the patient's dynamic weight distribution data to determine the patient's progress with a prescribed treatment.

17. The method of any one of claims 12-16, wherein the measuring the extent of 5 variation of the patient's centre of gravity is conducted while the patient is generally stationary on the balance plate.

18. The method of any one of claims 12-16, wherein the measuring the extent of variation of the patient's centre of gravity is conducted while the patient is moving on the balance plate. 10

19. The method of any one of claims 12-18, wherein the transferring of the patient's weight distribution data to the electronic database includes storing at least a portion of the patient's weight distribution data on a USB flash drive.

20. The method of any one of claims 12-19, wherein the predetermined time period is at least 30 seconds. 15

21. The method of any one of claims 12-20, further including measuring the extent of variation of the patient's centre of gravity over a second predetermined period of time.

22. The method of any one of claims 12-21, further including generating a trace indicating movement of the patient's centre of gravity with respect to an axis.