Sensing physiological information for individual patients
The e-Health Research Centre trialed two categories of monitors:
- Motion Sensors - Motion sensors record movement, measure long-term trends in activity level, and provide the means to detect falls quickly and accurately.
- Vital Signs Sensors - Incorporation of sensors to detect vital signs such as ECG, heart rate, respiration rate become necessary for patients under critical conditions and enhance the quality of personal monitoring systems. These signs can also provide important information on precursors leading to falls.
Communications Systems Options
Personal monitoring technology can use standard wireless transmission of data to a PC/Laptop/PDA when indoors or via mobile phone/conventional phone when outdoors/home. Devices can also record data to an internal memory card in situations where wireless protocol cannot be used.
Data System Possibilities
Information recorded could be accessed by carers using a standard Web browser. In an emergency, the system software could have the ability to send text messages to alert family, physicians, or other carers or emergency services directly.
Options for Applications
Use of personal monitoring systems with wireless technology will enable real-time, remote monitoring while the patient can continue with normal daily activities. Patient information can be stored in a secure database allowing access by clinicians or carers.
