Hospital-based integrated medical computer system for processing medical and patient information using specialized functional modules

Abstract

A hospital-based integrated medical computer system for processing medical and patient information and for evolving medical knowledge, diagnoses and prognoses is disclosed. The system includes a medical processor including a memory and a plurality of medical data banks connected thereto. The medical processor and the medical data banks are designed to work in tandem for executing a plurality of instructions and/or obtaining information. A plurality of separate processor hardware modules are operatively connected to the medical processor. The modules include a communication module, at least one switching module, an administrative module and a knowledge module. There is also hardware, firmware and software in the processor hardware modules to enable the modules to perform at least the following functions: for the communication module, to control data communication between the other modules, the memory and the medical processor, so that they effectively communicate with one another; for the switching module(s), to select and switch between the various medical data banks for solving a particular problem; for the administrative module, to perform housekeeping functions, including multi-tasking control with resource allocation, real-time multi-tasking and scheduling of tasks; and, for the knowledge module, to operate knowledge processing functions and to store information in the medical data banks. General patient databases, physician access point units, patient access point units, and service facilities are connected to the medical data banks and medical processor via several buses. In an alternative integrated medical computer system, a plurality of processors are included with their own memories and modules and are linked together to establish a processor net unit. This system is contemplated for use in a campus environment where several buildings comprise the hospital or where several hospitals are interlinked via an integrated services digital network (ISDN).