Method and apparatus for configuring a medical device

#The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining and/or configuring the function of a medical apparatus, and in particular although not limited a breathing assistance apparatus, such as a CPAP apparatus or high flow therapy apparatus.

#When a patient (user) requires a CPAP apparatus to assist with their obstructive sleep apnoea, they visit a dealer who provides a consultation, who then selects a device with a suitable function and prescription to treat the patient's breathing disorder.

#It is an object of the present invention to provide a method, system and/or apparatus to allow for configuration of a CPAP apparatus or other breathing apparatus (or more generally “medical device”)

#Embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings, of which:

#FIG. 1A is a flow diagram of showing the actions of a patient, provider, medical device and cloud based environment to enable configuration of the medical device according to a first exemplary embodiment.

#FIG. 1B is a flow diagram of showing the actions of a patient, provider, medical device and cloud based environment to enable configuration of the medical device according to another exemplary embodiment.

#Overview

#FIG. 1A shows a flow diagram of a method of configuring a medical device, and FIG. 2A shows an associated system for configuring a medical device. The medical device 20 could be for example a breathing assistance apparatus such as a CPAP, Bilevel, high flow therapy or other similar breathing assistance apparatus. The method and apparatus described could also relate to other types a breathing assistance apparatus, or more generally other types of medical device. The remaining description will describe embodiments in relation to a CPAP breathing assistance apparatus 20, but this is by way of example only, and should not be considered limiting. The method described comprises actions from a patient, CPAP apparatus provider, computer system/cloud environment and CPAP apparatus. This is provided for context and it will be appreciated that it is not essential for the invention to encompass all the actions and parties/hardware that implement those actions. The invention is defined by way of the claims.

#A patient (user) who requires a CPAP breathing assistance apparatus 20 (hereinafter: CPAP apparatus or CPAP device) to treat a breathing disorder visits a provider of such a CPAP apparatus, such as a dealer (DME). The patient receives a user entry device 21 from the provider, step 10, for use in entering information that helps build a profile of the patient (patient profile) and helps assist the CPAP apparatus provider to determine which type of CPAP apparatus is required, and what its configuration should be, to treat the patient. It also provides information to the dealer to help them advise the patient on the CPAP apparatus use and provide support. The user entry device 21 could be any suitable device, such as a computer, a tablet, such as an iPad or similar, a mobile telephone or other mobile device. Optionally, the user entry device could be a manual form of capturing profile information, such as a paper questionnaire, which is filled in by hand or similar. The user entry device provides a questionnaire to the patient, the response to which assist with building the patient profile.