IL267837B1 - Hand hygiene system and method - Google Patents

Hand hygiene system and method

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Publication number
IL267837B1
IL267837B1 IL267837A IL26783719A IL267837B1 IL 267837 B1 IL267837 B1 IL 267837B1 IL 267837 A IL267837 A IL 267837A IL 26783719 A IL26783719 A IL 26783719A IL 267837 B1 IL267837 B1 IL 267837B1
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IL
Israel
Prior art keywords
dispenser
management program
health management
new
sanitizer dispenser
Prior art date
Application number
IL267837A
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Hebrew (he)
Other versions
IL267837A (en
IL267837B2 (en
Inventor
Asif-Rosenberg Ayelet
ROSENBERG Nir
Original Assignee
Ayelet Asif Rosenberg
ROSENBERG Nir
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Publication date
Application filed by Ayelet Asif Rosenberg, ROSENBERG Nir filed Critical Ayelet Asif Rosenberg
Publication of IL267837A publication Critical patent/IL267837A/en
Publication of IL267837B1 publication Critical patent/IL267837B1/en
Publication of IL267837B2 publication Critical patent/IL267837B2/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
    • A61B90/80—Implements for cleaning or washing the skin of surgeons or patients
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K5/00—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste, or the like
    • A47K5/06—Dispensers for soap
    • A47K5/12—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap
    • A47K5/122—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap using squeeze bottles or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
    • A61B90/90—Identification means for patients or instruments, e.g. tags
    • A61B90/98—Identification means for patients or instruments, e.g. tags using electromagnetic means, e.g. transponders
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/0005—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor for pharmaceuticals, biologicals or living parts
    • A61L2/0082—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor for pharmaceuticals, biologicals or living parts using chemical substances
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/24—Apparatus using programmed or automatic operation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
    • G06K7/14—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
    • G06K7/1404—Methods for optical code recognition
    • G06K7/1408—Methods for optical code recognition the method being specifically adapted for the type of code
    • G06K7/1413—1D bar codes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q50/00—Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
    • G06Q50/10—Services
    • G06Q50/22—Social work or social welfare, e.g. community support activities or counselling services
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/18—Status alarms
    • G08B21/182—Level alarms, e.g. alarms responsive to variables exceeding a threshold
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/18—Status alarms
    • G08B21/24—Reminder alarms, e.g. anti-loss alarms
    • G08B21/245—Reminder of hygiene compliance policies, e.g. of washing hands
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
    • G16H10/00—ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data
    • G16H10/60—ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
    • G16H15/00—ICT specially adapted for medical reports, e.g. generation or transmission thereof
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
    • G16H40/00—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices
    • G16H40/20—ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities, e.g. managing hospital staff or surgery rooms
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
    • A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2202/14—Means for controlling sterilisation processes, data processing, presentation and storage means, e.g. sensors, controllers, programs

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Primary Health Care (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Tourism & Hospitality (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Child & Adolescent Psychology (AREA)
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  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
  • Human Resources & Organizations (AREA)
  • Dental Tools And Instruments Or Auxiliary Dental Instruments (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)

Description

HAND HYGIENE SYSTEM & METHOD FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to hand hygiene systems and methods. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method for monitoring and controlling hand hygiene.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Health care-associated infections (HAIs) is a very prevalent and serious problem among patients. The occurrence of HAIs continues to escalate at an alarming rate. HAIs originally referred to those infections associated with admission in an acute- care hospital (formerly called a nosocomial infection), but the term now applies to any infection acquired in the continuum of setting where persons receive health care (e.g., long-term care, home care, ambulatory care). These unanticipated infections develop during the course of health care treatment and result in significant patient morbidity and mortality; prolong the duration of hospital stays; and necessitates additional diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, which generate added costs to those already incurred by the patient underlying disease.
HAIs are considered an undesirable outcome, and at some are preventable. They are considered and indicator of the quality of patient care, and adverse event, and a patient safety issue.A very disturbing fact is that although the number of hospitalizations and the average duration of inpatient admissions have decreased, the frequency of HAIs has increased.The true incidence of HAIs is likely to be underestimated as hospital stays may be shorter than the incubation period of the infecting microorganism (a developing infection), and symptoms may not manifest until days after patient discharge.The most important and frequent mode of microorganisms transmission in the health care setting is contact transmission. Organisms are transferred through l direct contact between an infected or colonized patient and a health care worker or another patient. A health care worker can transfer the infecting organism residing on his skin to a susceptible patient who develops an infection from that organism. This is called an indirect contact route of transmission from on patient to another.
Microorganisms that can be spread by contact include many of the antibiotic- resistant organisms.
Epidemiological studies continue to demonstrate the favorable cost-benefit ratio and positive effects of performing hand hygiene, including hand washing and alcohol-based hand rubs, in preventing transmission of pathogens in health-care facilities.Although the clear benefits of hand hygiene have been proven in multiple settings, the lack of consistent hand-washing practices remains a worldwide issue. The major problem in the compliance to perform regular and consistent hand hygiene originates from the voluntary rather than obligatory nature of this important task.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defined 5 important moments to perform hand hygiene, 3 of them during regular patient care.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The time interval between taking care of two patients is the most important in preventing transmission of pathogens from one patient to another.
In modern health care service, this interval is usually being utilized for patient's data recording using computerized health-care program. This data recording is done by both medical and nursing staff. The computers are positioned on mobile carts in the hospitals' departments and on the physician or nurse's desk in the ambulatory setting.
Performing hand hygiene before entering the patient's data and before touching the next patient will reduce transmission of pathogens from one patient, through the health-care provider, to the next patient. 2 Thus, a system and method in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention make the performance of hand hygiene an obligatory action in between patients.In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a hand hygiene system comprising:a health management program including a cleaning hand module implemented on a processor; anda sanitizer dispenser equipped with a sensing unit that is associated with said processor via wired communication or wireless communication; wherein the sensing unit is configured to identify every time the dispenser is used and to transmit a signal to the health management program, andwherein said health management program provides access to a new/consequent patient file only when receiving said signal.
Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the sensing unit comprises one of a touch sensor, a motion sensor, a sound sensor, an acoustic sensor and an electrical or magnetic switch.Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the health management program pops-up a window notifying that said sanitizer dispenser must be used prior to opening a new patient’s file.Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the health management program closes said window and opens a new medical file when receiving a signal from said sensing unit.
Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the health management program maintains an open new file button unresponsive until receiving a signal from said sensing unit indicating that the sanitizer dispenser is used. 3 Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the sanitizer dispenser further comprising identification means selected from a barcode or a scanner.
Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the sanitizer dispenser further comprises a module that includes an increasing counter indicating the number of times of using the sanitizer dispenser.
Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, when said counter is above a predefined threshold, the module provides an alert to replace the dispenser, and when said dispenser is replaced, said counter starts over. Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the sanitizer dispenser comprises (a) a reservoir to hold a sanitizer and (b) a dispensing mechanism selected from a mechanical, electrical, or mechanical- electrical dispensing mechanism.
Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, there is also provided a method implemented on a processor for using the hand hygiene system described above. The method is and comprises the steps of:receiving an indication from a health management program that a user is trying to access a new/consequent patient file;sending request to the user to cleanse his/her hands using a sanitizer dispenser; in case of detecting the activation of said sanitizer dispenser, transferring a signal to said processor; and recognizing the signal and opening the medical file of a new /consequent patient.Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, there is also provided a method implemented on a processor of a public remote computer for using the hand hygiene system described above. The method is and comprises the steps of: 4 receiving an indication from a health management program that a user is trying to access a new/consequent patient file;sending request to the user to identify himself/herself and to cleanse his/her hands using a sanitizer dispenser; in case of detecting the activation of said sanitizer dispenser and identifying the user, transferring a signal to the processor of the accompanied public computer, and recognizing the signal and opening the medical file of a new /consequent patient.Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the above method comprises sending request to the user to identify his/herself via identification means selected from a barcode or a scanner prior to activating said sanitizer dispenser.
Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the above methods comprising maintaining an open new file button unresponsive and/or popping up a window notifying that a sanitizer dispenser must be used prior to opening a new/consequent patient’s file.
Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the above methods further comprising implementing a counter in said sanitizer dispenser for indicating the number of times of using the sanitizer dispenser.
Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the above methods further comprising providing an alert to replace the dispenser when said counter is above a predefined threshold.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURESFig. 1A provides a first hand-hygiene system for controlling hand hygiene of one or more health-care providers; Fig. 1B provides a second hand-hygiene system for controlling hand hygiene in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention;Fig. 2 illustrates a hand-hygiene system including a sanitizer dispenser with a manual dispensing mechanism in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;Fig. 3 shows a cleaning hands and authentication module in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;Fig. 4 shows health management software in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; andFigs. 5A and 5B illustrate flowcharts of procedures to be carried out for ensuring that a medical personnel cleanses his/her hands prior to approaching a new/consequent patient in personal clinics and in multi-user departments in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. 1A provides a first hand-hygiene system 100 for controlling hand hygiene of one or more health-care providers such as physicians, nurses or other healthcare personnel when treating patients in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
Hand-hygiene system 100 of the present invention makes the performance of hand hygiene an obligatory action in between patients.Hand-hygiene system 100 comprises a sanitizer dispenser 200 equipped with a sensing unit/a miniature Arduino-based micro-controller 300, and a computer (a processor and associated memory) 500 equipped with a health management program 600 with a cleaning hand & authentication module 700.
Sensing unit 300 is associated with computer 500 via wired communication or wireless communication.
Hand-hygiene system 100 may further include identification means 400 such as a barcode or a scanner. 6 In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, every time the dispenser is being used, the computer receives a signal, indicating that the dispenser is used.
In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, an existing medical file program 600 may be modified to include a cleaning hand & authentication module 700, and thus, to include commands for conditioning access to a new patient file with the use of a sanitizer dispenser 200. For instance, the medical file program 600 may be modified to pop-up a window that notifies the user that he/she has to sanitize his/her hands in order to proceed and open a new patient's file. Upon receiving a signal from sanitizer dispenser 200, such notification window will close and the software may continue with opening of the new medical file only.Alternatively, the medical file program may be modified to keep the open new file button unresponsive until the software recognizes a signal from sanitizer dispenser 200.
In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, module 700 may be either implemented in health management program 600 or compiled separately as illustrated and described in Fig. 1B.
Fig. 1B provides a second hand-hygiene system 150 for controlling hand hygiene in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention. Hand-hygiene system 150 comprises a sanitizer dispenser 200 equipped with a sensing unit 300, health management program 600, and cleaning hand & authentication module 700. Sanitizer dispenser 200 may further include identification means 400 such as a barcode or a scanner and/or a module 350 which may include an increasing counter indicating number of times of using the sanitizer dispenser 200 (i.e., the number of times pushing the lever, the number of times the motor is operated when sensing the presence of a hand below the dispenser etc..).In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, sanitizer dispenser 200 may include a module 350 including an increasing counter which 7 indicates number of times of using the sanitizer dispenser 200 (i.e., the number of time pushing the lever, the number of times the motor is operated when sensing the presence of a hand below the dispenser etc..). When the counter is above a predefined threshold, the user is alerted to replace the dispenser, and after replacing the dispenser, the counter starts over.
In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, first hand-hygiene system 100 and second hand-hygiene system 150 ensure, to a certain extent, that health management program 600 may only use sanitizer dispenser 200.
In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, when the physician/nurse opens a new patient's file (pressing the "open new file" button), the software pops-up a window notifying the physician/nurse to sanitize his/her hands by using the dispenser. Only after pressing the pump of the dispenser, this notification window will close and the software can continue with opening of the new medical file. In addition, an open new file button is unresponsive (disabled) until after the software recognizes a press on the dispenser.
In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, sanitizer dispenser 200 may include a module 350 as seen in Fig. 1B. Module 350 may include an increasing counter which indicates the number of times of using the sanitizer dispenser 200 (i.e., the number of time pushing the lever, the number of times the motor is operated when sensing the presence of a hand below the dispenser etc..). When the counter is above a predefined threshold, the user is alerted to replace the dispenser.
Thus, in accordance with some embodiments, the present invention enables the integration of a medical file program (health software) with a sensor unit of the dispenser by combining a software component (e.g., driver) related to a dispenser sensor within the program. Once the driver is incorporated, the file management application may be able to detect the operation of the connected dispenser, at the correct stage, i.e., the stage of entering a new patient file. 8 As noted earlier, after selecting a patient file, the "Open" button may be in a disabled state, so that the user cannot press it. In addition, the application may provide a notification informing the user that he/she has to use the dispenser. When the application detects that the dispenser is used, the "Open" button changes to an enabled state and the user is able to press it and open the file.To implement the above, the software may be updated by referencing the dispenser's driver (A Microsoft Windows DLL file) and using its API (Application Programming Interface). When the application starts-up, it initializes the driver, and registers with the driver to receive a software event when the dispenser is used (pressed). Then, the software is able to detect the point in time at which the dispenser is used and may consider such event whenever the user needs to open a new patient file. Thus, a dispenser usage is identified via a dispenser sensor software source files installed in the dispenser module 350, such software source files include the following: 1. Adding a reference record of the dispenser to the driver of the module 3(The reference record may be in the form of a DLL file).2. initializing the driver, which establishes communication with the dispensers' hardware, recognizes the existence of the hardware and its connection to the computer, and monitors the pressing on the dispenser. 3. a programming event is initiated by the driver in order to identify a pressing event on the dispenser.
In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, sanitizer dispenser 200 includes a reservoir to hold the sanitizer and a dispensing mechanism, i.e., a mechanical, electrical, or mechanical-electrical device for the purpose of dispensing a sanitizer.
Fig. 2 illustrates a hand-hygiene system 800 including a sanitizer dispenser 8 with a manual dispensing mechanism 803, sensing unit 300 and health management program 600 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 9 Manual dispensing mechanism 803 comprises an arm/pump 804 connected to a tube 806 that runs into the sanitizer to be dispensed. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, every time dispensing mechanism 803 is activated, e.g., every time arm/pump 804 is pressed, sensing unit 300 sends a signal indicating that dispenser 800 was in use to health management program 600, 700 via wired communication, wireless communication, e.g., via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or a combination thereof.
In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, sanitizer dispenser 200 may be an automatic dispenser and as such the sensing unit 300 may include a touch sensor, a motion sensor, a sound sensor, an acoustic sensor or any other type of electrical or magnetic switch operable to activate the motor of dispenser 200 and to send a signal to the computer via wired communication, wireless communication, e.g., via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or a combination thereof.
In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, any time sanitizer dispenser 200 is being used, sensing unit 300 detects the release of a sanitizer and sends a signal to health management program 600, 700.In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a touch sensor may be used for capturing a physical touch by a user, a motion sensor for sensing the presence of a hand below the dispenser, and a sound sensor for detecting human voices. An acoustical sensor may be associated with multiple predefined audio patterns such as (a) the audio of sanitizer drawn up the tube and (b) the audio of air drawn up the tube. Thus, an acoustic sensor provides a twofold advantage for indicating when a sanitizer is being released from the dispenser and for indicating when the dispenser is empty.Fig. 3 shows cleaning hands and authentication module 700 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.Upon receiving indication of a user trying to access a new patient file, the user is asked to cleanse his/her hands using sanitizer dispenser 200 that is connected to the computer [710]. Upon using sanitizer dispenser 200, a signal detected by sensing unit 300 is received via health management program 700 and the user is allowed to get an access to a consequent/new patient [720].In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, authenticating of said signal may include authenticating dispenser barcode or sensor ID number id="p-730" id="p-730" id="p-730" id="p-730" id="p-730" id="p-730" id="p-730"
[730].
Fig. 4 shows Health management software 600 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.Health management program 600 may enable the user to access into data files of consequent patients only after receiving a signal from cleaning hand & authentication module 700 indicating that the sanitizer dispenser 200 has been used, i.e., that the user has been washed his hands.
Any time the sanitizer dispenser is used, health management software 600 receives an indication from either cleaning hands & authentication module 700 or sensing unit 300 that the sanitizer disperser was in use [610].
Upon receiving such indication, health management software 600 enables the user to switch between patient records or start or end session of patient record [620]. Upon receiving such indication, health management software 600 further enables the user to update information on patient file [630].
Thus, health management program 600 is programmed so that no new patient file can be accessed (opened) for writing new data unless it receives a signal from sensing unit 300 indicating usage of sanitizer dispenser 200. This way, the health­ care provider is obligated to wash his/her hands between taking care of patients in order to use the medical record software.Hand-hygiene systems 100, 150 may be easily connected to any dispenser, whether manually operated or automatic, and to any computer, both desk computer and laptop.
For this reason, hand-hygiene system 100,150 may be used in hospital departments, in which the patient's data is entered to the medical record immediately after the patient is examined, and also in an outpatient clinic or an ll ambulatory setting, in which the physician enters the data after examining the patient and before receiving another patient.In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, hand-hygiene system 100, 150 of the present invention may not only make the performance of hand hygiene an obligatory action in between patients, but may also identify the health-care provider. Such feature of hand-hygiene system 100, 150 may be highly advantageous in hospital departments where numerous personnel use same computers.
To identify the health-care provider, hand-hygiene system 100, 150 may include at least one of the following:- a voice recognition system operable to identify the health-care provider utilizing sanitizer dispenser 200. The voice recognition system may be implemented in or near by sanitizer dispenser 200 and may transmit the detected signal to the corresponding computer for identifying and approving the health-care provider; - a barcode to be scanned by a smartphone to identify the health-care provider utilizing sanitizer dispenser 200. Sanitizer dispenser 200 may include a barcode to be scanned by a smartphone. The user may capture the barcode via his/her smartphone and transmit it to the corresponding computer for identifying and approving the health-care provider; and - a scanner to scan a name tag of the health-care provider to identify the health­care provider utilizing sanitizer dispenser 200. Sanitizer dispenser 200 may include a scanner for scanning the user’s barcode. The scanner transmits the scanned name tag to the corresponding computer for identifying and approving the health-care provider. 12 In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, such sanitizers may be soaps, alcohol-based materials, or other antibacterial or germicidal materials.Figs. 5A and 5B illustrate flowcharts 900, 950 of procedures that may be carried out for ensuring that the medical personnel cleanses his/her hands prior to approaching a new/consequent patient in personal clinics and in multi-user departments, such as hospital departments where numerous personnel use same computers, respectively.
The logic of flowchart 900 may be initiated when Health management software 600 receives an indication that a user is trying to access a new patient file,according to the block designated as 902. The user is then asked to cleansehis/her hands using sanitizer dispenser 200, according to the block designated as 904. The user cleanses his/her hands, i.e., activates sanitizer dispenser 200, according to the block designated as 906. The activation is detected by sensing unit 300, according to the block designated as 908.
The detected signal is transferred to the accompanied personal computer, according to the block designated as 910, and then, upon recognizing the signal, the software opens the medical file of a new /consequent patient, according to the block designated as 912.The logic of flowchart 950 may be initiated when Health management software 600 receives an indication that a user is trying to access a new patient file,according to the block designated as 952. The user is then asked to cleanse his/her hands using sanitizer dispenser 200, according to the block designated as 954. The user cleanses his/her hands, i.e., activates sanitizer dispenser 200, according to the block designated as 956. The activation is detected by sensing unit 300, according to the block designated as 958.
The detected signal is transferred to the accompanied public computer, according to the block designated as 960, the user is being recognized via a sensor/scanner 400, according to the block designated as 962, sensor/scanner 400 transfers a 13 signal to the accompanied public computer, according to the block designated as 964, upon recognizing the signal, the software opens the medical file of a new /consequent patient, according to the block designated as 966.

Claims (14)

267837/ Listing of Claims:
1. A hand hygiene system comprising: a health management program including a cleaning hand module implemented on a processor; and a sanitizer dispenser equipped with a sensing unit that is associated with said processor via wired communication or wireless communication; wherein the sensing unit is configured to identify every time the dispenser is used and to transmit a signal to the health management program; wherein said health management program provides access to a new/consequent patient file only when receiving said signal; wherein the health management program is integrated with the sensing unit of the sanitizer dispenser by combining within the health management program a software driver related to the sensing unit, where once the software driver is incorporated, the health management program can detect operation of the sanitizer dispenser, at a stage of accessing a new patient file; and wherein the health management program is programmed so that no new patient file can be accessed for writing new data unless the health management program receives a signal from the sensing unit indicating usage of the sanitizer dispenser, the health management program identifying a health-care provider; wherein the health management program is programed to pop up a window, when a physician presses an open-new-file button to open a new patient's file, 267837. / notifying that said sanitizer dispenser must be used to sanitize hands prior to opening a new patient’s file; and wherein the health management program is programed to maintain the open-new-file button unresponsive until receiving a signal from said sensing unit indicating that the sanitizer dispenser has been used.
2. The hand hygiene system of claim 1, wherein said sensing unit comprises one of: a touch sensor, a motion sensor, a sound sensor, an acoustic sensor and an electrical or magnetic switch.
3. The hand hygiene system of claim 1, wherein said health management program closes said window and opens a new medical file when receiving a signal from said sensing unit.
4. The hand hygiene system of claim 1, wherein said sanitizer dispenser further comprising identification means selected from a barcode or a scanner.
5. The hand hygiene system of claim 1, wherein said sanitizer dispenser
6.further comprising a module that includes an increasing counter indicating the number of
7.times of using the sanitizer dispenser.
8. The hand hygiene system of claim 7, wherein when said counter is above a predefined threshold, the module provides an alert to replace the dispenser, and when said dispenser is replaced, said counter starts over.
9. The hand hygiene system of claim 1, wherein said sanitizer dispenser comprises (a) a reservoir to hold a sanitizer and (b) a dispensing mechanism selected from a mechanical, electrical, or mechanical-electrical dispensing mechanism. 267837/
10. A method for using the hand hygiene system of Claim 1 implemented on a processor comprising the steps of: receiving an indication from a health management program that a user is trying to access a new/consequent patient file; sending request to the user to cleanse his/her hands using a sanitizer dispenser; in case of detecting the activation of said sanitizer dispenser, transferring a signal to said processor; and recognizing the signal and opening the medical file of a new /consequent patient.
11. A method for using the hand hygiene system of Claim 1 implemented on a processor of a public remote computer comprising the steps of: receiving an indication from a health management program that a user is trying to access a new/consequent patient file; sending request to the user to identify himself/herself and to cleanse his/her hands using a sanitizer dispenser; in case of detecting the activation of said sanitizer dispenser and identifying the user, transferring a signal to the processor of the accompanied public computer, and recognizing the signal and opening the medical file of a new /consequent patient. 267837/
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising implementing a counter in said sanitizer dispenser for indicating the number of times of using the sanitizer dispenser.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising providing an alert to replace the dispenser when said counter is above a predefined threshold.
14. The method of claim 1 further comprising a voice recognition system operable to identify the health-care provider utilizing sanitizer dispenser, where the voice recognition system is implemented in or near by sanitizer dispenser transmitting the detected signal to the corresponding computer for identifying and approving the health- care provider.
IL267837A 2018-07-05 2019-07-03 Hand hygiene system and method IL267837B2 (en)

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Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150134357A1 (en) * 2012-09-17 2015-05-14 Sage Products, Llc Method and system for ensuring and tracking hand hygiene compliance

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150134357A1 (en) * 2012-09-17 2015-05-14 Sage Products, Llc Method and system for ensuring and tracking hand hygiene compliance

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IL267837B2 (en) 2024-02-01

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