| abstract |
An apparatus and method for communication between patients and caregivers who speak different languages, or with speech deficient persons. A touch sensitive screen is provided to allow a patient to select responses to questions posed by care givers. A simple graphical user interface is provided which assists patients on respirators or otherwise unable to speak to communicate with hospital staff and family members. Combining thin profile LCD monitors with touch screen technology provides the user interface. In a preferred embodiment, a battery powered portable general purpose computer features a patient monitor on an adjustable articulated arm, and a second monitor for the care giver to view the patient's inputs and responses. Ideally, a roll-around hardware mounting configuration, with battery pack power, allows the system to be quickly moved and used in virtually any location. The software features a large vocabulary of typical words and phrases which are grouped into sets which can be selected for display. Also, an image of the human body can be used to identify the location of pain. Word buttons can be replaced with pictures to assist children who cannot read. Additionally, words and phrases can be selected from by language pairs, such as English-English, English-Spanish, so that the common phrases assist in two way communication between patients and staff of differing languages. |