An Internet-enabled,ambulatory patient monitoring and advice system

Abstract

We have designed, built and tested a wireless patient monitoring and advice system which can continuously monitor up to eight physiological variables. Blood pressure, skin temperature and glucose concentration are measured using non-invasive ambulatory sensors. These signals are then transmitted to a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) using either a wired link, infra-red or Bluetooth. Using a wireless Internet link the PDA then transmits the clinical data to a central server for further processing. The patient data, which are stored in a relational database, are available via the Internet to authorised users both in a raw and graphical format. The system employs a model-driven analysis to provide the patient and/or doctor with appropriate clinical advice. The doctor can provide additional remote advice to the patient at any time. The results of our tests on the prototype demonstrate the feasibility of the approach in clinical situations where there is a need for a remote monitoring and advice system.