Electronic patient diary and patient monitoring process

Abstract

An electronic health care diary is provided for a patient logging data concerning predetermined health conditions, such as for monitoring angina attacks. Upon the onset of e.g. the angina attack the patient presses a start button whereupon a real time clock generates a data and time signal which is stored in a memory along with the fact that the episode started. When the episode is over the patient presses a 'stop' switch which generates another date and time signal from the real time clock and stores it in memory along with the fact that the episode terminated. A multi-position switch is actuated by the patient to indicate the extent of the condition, such as the severity of the attack. Optionally, a switch can be provided for correcting a previous erroneous entry, and another switch indicating the time and dosage of any medication. Data logged in the memory can be downloaded through a communications port and programming instructions can be uploaded into the device. An appropriate display provides various messages for the user.