Detailed Description
The main embodiment of our telemedical system is formed as "The MediChair" 12 as illustrated in Figures 1-3.
​
The MediChair incorporates a reclining seat that includes an armrest 110 that is equipped with a receiver port 112 adapted to connect with a primary computer module 10, which can be a smart phone of a patient. As such, the user can transfer their identity and necessary personal information from the primary computer module to their health care practitioner. Once the patient’s identity is confirmed, either by password, passcode, or bio identification, the process of providing medical services to the patient begins.
Medical components attached to the MediChair may include a blood pressure cuff and heart rate monitor 21, a weight scale 120, and a mechanism 14 to take the temperature of a patient. These vital signs are then sent to and used by their health care practitioner to compare to previous readings to determine if any variations therebetween warrant a response, such as contacting the patient for medical instructions or to suggest immediate admission to an emergency health care facility.
​
Figure 3 shows the MediChair further including an articulating arm 29 adapted to extend from within the receiver port of the armrest to the primary computer module. The articulating arm allows the option of maintaining a particular primary computer module to be used by any patient and which can be folded and placed into a non-use configuration and unfolded when a patient sits in the chair and moves it into a position for use. Alternatively, the articulating arm and the primary computer module can be removed and a patient's smart phone inserted into the receiver port to be used as the primary computer module.
​
It should be noted that the primary computer module can also be used to initiate and transfer payments, receive prescriptions from a health care practitioner, and send and receive any other information necessary for the purposes of providing medical services to the patient.
​
Other medical devices that may be incorporated within the MediChair include a cholesterol measuring device, a glucose level measuring device, a spirometer for monitoring and diagnosing asthma symptoms, three-dimensional diagnostic cameras for up close visual inspections, and radiological devices.
​
The MediChair may also include massage rollers and other devices that are adapted to relax a patient during use.
A basic hypothesis of the instant telemedical invention is that relaxing a patient and stabilizing their vital signs will result in more accurate readings and diagnoses.
​
In use, a patient would sit in the MediChair and either place their smart phone within the receiver port or use the primary computer module already attached thereto. The primary computer module would then activate and control the seat via proprietary software applications encoded thereon. The patient would then verify their identity either through the scanner 116 on the armrest via their hand and/or fingerprints, using the MediChair primary computer module, or directly through their smart phone using saved information or a scanner on their smart phone. Once their identity is confirmed, the primary computer module signals to the patient that the MediChair and the medical devices attached thereto are ready for use.
Upon first use, the patient would enter their personal, insurance, and primary care physician information into the primary computer module. Uses thereafter would avoid reentering this information. The patient would then connect themselves to the medical devices required and instruct the primary computer module to activate them and allow their vital signs to be collected.
Once completed, the patient’s vital signs are stored within the primary computer module. At this time, or during the process of retrieving the patient’s vital signs, the primary computer module connects with a chosen health care practitioner at a remote location. The patient’s information and their current vital signs are then sent to the practitioner's computer module and stored thereon. The health care practitioner can then analyze the patient’s vital signs and compare them to any or all of the patient’s previous vital sign readings and make a determination if any variations therebetween warrant a response, such as providing medical instructions to the patient over the network. If the health care practitioner determines that the patient should obtain further or immediate medical attention, they can communicate their instructions in real time through the primary computer module or contact health care providers or emergency responders directly to aid the patient expeditiously. If necessary, the health care practitioner may also send medical prescriptions directly to the primary computer module for immediate use by the patient or patient’s assistants.