Invented by Thomas E. Kaib, Shane S. Volpe, John G. Clark, Zoll Medical Corp

The market for System and Method for Adapting Alarms in a Wearable Medical Device is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing adoption of wearable devices in the healthcare industry. These devices are designed to monitor and track various health parameters, allowing individuals to manage their health more effectively. The ability to adapt alarms in these devices further enhances their usability and effectiveness, making them a valuable tool for both patients and healthcare professionals. Wearable medical devices have gained immense popularity in recent years, thanks to advancements in technology and the growing demand for personalized healthcare solutions. These devices, such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and medical patches, offer real-time monitoring of vital signs, medication reminders, and emergency alerts. However, the constant stream of notifications and alarms can sometimes be overwhelming for users, leading to alarm fatigue and decreased compliance. To address this issue, the market for System and Method for Adapting Alarms in a Wearable Medical Device has emerged. This technology allows the customization of alarms based on individual preferences, health conditions, and specific needs. By adapting the alarms to the user’s unique requirements, these devices can provide more relevant and timely notifications, improving user experience and overall health outcomes. One of the key drivers of this market is the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and respiratory conditions. Wearable medical devices equipped with adaptive alarm systems can help individuals manage their conditions more effectively by providing timely reminders for medication intake, glucose monitoring, or breathing exercises. This proactive approach to healthcare empowers patients to take control of their health and reduces the risk of complications. Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms in wearable medical devices has further propelled the market growth. These advanced technologies enable the devices to learn from user behavior, analyze data patterns, and adapt the alarm settings accordingly. For instance, if a user consistently ignores a certain type of alarm, the device can learn to prioritize or modify the alarm to increase its effectiveness. The market for System and Method for Adapting Alarms in a Wearable Medical Device is also driven by the increasing focus on remote patient monitoring and telehealth services. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the need for social distancing, healthcare providers are increasingly relying on wearable devices to remotely monitor patients’ health and provide timely interventions. The ability to adapt alarms in these devices ensures that healthcare professionals receive accurate and relevant information, enabling them to make informed decisions and provide timely care. However, the market for System and Method for Adapting Alarms in a Wearable Medical Device is not without its challenges. Privacy and security concerns surrounding the collection and storage of sensitive health data remain a significant barrier to widespread adoption. Manufacturers and developers need to prioritize data protection measures and comply with stringent regulations to gain consumer trust. In conclusion, the market for System and Method for Adapting Alarms in a Wearable Medical Device is witnessing rapid growth due to the increasing demand for personalized healthcare solutions. The ability to customize alarms based on individual needs and health conditions enhances the usability and effectiveness of wearable devices, making them an invaluable tool in managing chronic diseases and improving overall health outcomes. As technology continues to advance, the market is expected to expand further, revolutionizing the way healthcare is delivered and empowering individuals to take control of their health.

The Zoll Medical Corp invention works as follows

The wearable external defibrillator includes an electrode system that delivers therapy and is integrated into a garment. It also contains electrodes for sensing electrocardiograms (ECGs). The at least processor is configured for a first instance alarm to be issued in response to an indication that a cardiac abnormality or an event affecting one or more system components has occurred. The first instance includes a visual alert. The at least processor is configured to determine if a response to the initial instance of alarm has not been received within the target response time. It then adapts at least a characteristic of the alert and issues a second alarm with the at least adapted characteristic. The second instance includes an auditory alert.

Background for System and Method for Adapting Alarms in a Wearable Medical Device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to medical devices and, more specifically, to apparatuses and methods for adapting alerts in medical device.

Discussion of Related Art

Some wearable medical devices inform patients who are wearing the device about events that may be of interest to them. Wearable medical devices can receive patient responses in certain circumstances. Wearable defibrillators, for example, can generate an alarm when the electrocardiogram (ECG), which is a signal of a patient’s heart condition, indicates an abnormality. If the ECG indicates that the cardiac anomaly is treatable with a therapeutic electric shock, then the wearable defibrillator needs to receive a response from the patient if they want to avoid administering an unnecessary therapeutic electrical shock.

Examples revealed herein adapt characteristics of an alert issued by a medical wearable device to increase efficacy while maintaining or improving the experience of the patients wearing the device. Some of the adaptations described herein can increase the likelihood that the patient will respond in an appropriate manner to the alarm. Some adaptations are tailored to the characteristics and preferences of a particular patient. “There are many examples of situations where a patient doesn’t hear the alarm, doesn’t recognize its significance, or fails to respond in accordance with established timetables.

In one example, an alarm issuing method by a wearable device that adapts the alarms is provided. The method comprises the following acts: issuing an alarm in the first instance; determining whether a predetermined response has been received by the wearable medical device within a predetermined target response period; adapting at least one alarm characteristic according to an associated adaptation path, and issuing another alarm with the adapted characteristic.

In the method the act of determining the first instance alarm was ineffective may include not receiving a response within the target response time. The act of adapting at least one feature of the alert may also include increasing the level of intensity. Adapting at least one alarm characteristic may also include changing the alarm’s conduit. The act of changing conduit may include sending the alarm to an electronic device. The method can also be used with an alarm profile which indicates that an alarm is triggered when an event occurs. The method can also include the following: storing in the alarm profile an association between an alarm and an adaptation path, upon adapting at least one of its characteristics; detecting the occurrence an event; identifying this association after detecting the occurrence; and adapting at least a characteristic of an alarm based on the identified association.

The method includes receiving an alarm profile via an interface, the alarm profile indicating that the alarm will be triggered upon occurrence of an event and including a association between a adaptation path and the alert. The method includes receiving an alarm via an interface. The alarm profile indicates an alarm that will be triggered on occurrences of an event. It also contains an association between an adaption path and alarm.

Accordingly to another example, it is provided a wearable device controller. The wearable medical devices controller includes a storage memory for alarm profile information, and a processor connected to the memory. The processor is configured to send a first alarm, determine that a predetermined response has not been received in a target time period, and adapt at least one alarm characteristic according to an adaptation pathway associated with the alert. The processor can also be configured to determine the first instance alarm as not being effective if it receives no response in a target time.

The method includes detecting an inhibiting factor associated with an alarm and adapting, responsive to detecting the inhibiting factor, at least one characteristic of the alarm according to an adaptation path. The method comprises detecting an inhibiting element associated with an alert and adapting at least one alarm characteristic in response to detecting that inhibiting element.

Another example of a method to adapt alarms from a wearable device is described. The method includes detecting a relationship between the value of an independent parameter and the alarm response patterns associated with patients, determining after detecting that correlation that the independent factor has that value and adapting an alarm in response to determining the independent variables value.

Accordingly, another example is provided. The device controller comprises a memory coupled with a processor. The processor is configured for determining a correlation between an identifiable phenomenon by the wearable medical devices controller and an at least response pattern associated with the patient and the store. In response to detecting the correlative, it determines an adaptation path that addresses the at least response pattern. The at least one pattern of response may include multiple patterns of response and the adaption path may reflect the adaptations made in order to address some of these patterns.

In the device control, the processor can be configured to detect the phenomena and adapt the at least one alarm characteristic according to the path of adaptation. The processor can be configured to determine a correlation by determining the correlation between the value of an independent parameter indicative of the phenomena and the atleast one response pattern. The intensity of the alarm can be increased when adapting at least one alarm characteristic. Changes to the conduit may be required in order to adapt the alarm’s at least one feature. Transmitting the alarm via a personal electronic device may be one way to change the conduit. The phenomenon can be a deterrent in some cases.

In the device control, the memory can store an alarm profile that indicates the alarm will be triggered when an event occurs. The alarm profile can include a link between the adaptation pathway and the alarm. The processor can be configured to detect the event, and then issue the first alarm instance with the at least one adapted feature. The adaptation path can specify multiple adaptations. The processor is also configured to determine if a predetermined response has not been received to the first instance within a predetermined time frame.

The device controller can also include an interface for data communication with processor. The processor can be configured to store the alarm profiles in memory after receiving the alarm profiles via the interface. The processor can be configured to further receive a new adaption path via the interface, and store that new adaptation path within the alarm profile.

Accordingly, another example is provided. The controller for the device includes a memory coupled with a processor. The memory contains an alarm profile that indicates an alarm should be triggered on occurrence of a certain event. It also includes an association between the alarm and an adaptation path. The processor is configured for detecting an occurrence of event, issuing a first alarm instance, determining that a predetermined reply to the first alarm instance was not received within a predetermined target response period, adapting at least one alarm characteristic according to the adaptation pathway in response to determining no predetermined reaction was received.

Another example of a method to adapt alarms from a wearable device is described. The method comprises determining by a wearable medical system a correlation between an identifiable phenomenon by the device and an at least a response pattern associated with the patient, and storing an adaptation path for addressing the at least a response pattern. This adaptation path specifies an adaptation of at lease one alarm characteristic. The act of determining a correlation includes determining a correlation between a phenomenon and varying response patterns. Storing the adaptation path also includes storing an adaption path that reflects the adjustments made to address some of the plurality response patterns.

The method can also include acts of detecting a phenomenon and adapting the at least a characteristic of the alarm in response to the detection of the phenomenon according to an adaptation path. The method may include the act of determining correlation, which can be an act to determine a correlation between the value of an independent parameter indicative of the phenomena and the at-least one response pattern. Adapting at least one alarm characteristic may involve increasing the intensity. The act of adapting at least one alarm characteristic may include changing its conduit. “The act of changing conduit of the alert may include an action of transmitting alarm to a portable electronic device.

The adaptation path may specify a plurality of adaptations and the method further comprises acts of determining that no predetermined response to the first instance of alarm was received within a target response time; adapting based on determining that no predetermined reaction was received within the target reply time, a characteristic of alarm according to an adaptation from the plurality of variations. The adaptation path can specify multiple adaptations. The method also includes determining whether a predetermined response has been received to the first instance within a predetermined target response period.

Below, we discuss in more detail “Still Other Aspects, Examples, and Advantages of These Exemplary Aspects and Examples.” It is important to note that the above information, as well as the detailed description, are only illustrative of certain aspects and are meant to give a general overview of the subject matter. Referrals to “an example” ?some examples,? ?an alternate example,? ?various examples,? ?one example,? At least one example? This and other examples. Or the like do not have to be mutually exclusive. They are meant to indicate that the feature, structure or characteristic described with respect the example can also be found in other examples. These terms are not all necessarily referring to one example.

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