Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
unobtrusive sensor systems that can, for example, be embedded in clothes or are so
small that they can be easily inserted under the skin on ambulatory medical care.
Thanks to new low-power wireless technologies, low-bandwidth networks can be used
for the exchange of data.
Context-detection algorithms combined with fixed and wearable sensors can
provide information that can trigger messages at an appropriate time, and a mobile
device can allow a message to be presented at the appropriate place. For example a
history of the user in terms of physical activity recorded on a mobile device should be
developed to create personalized feedback based upon past experiences and current
context.
While Scenario 1 is a long-term view, parts of it are already technically feasible,
e.g. an elementary set of sensors for vital signs, electronic readable emergency data on
eHealth card or USB stick and dedicated decision support systems. A lot of work still
needs to be undertaken, however, to achieve the full array in an easy-to-use fully
interoperable environment. Further, many barriers have to be overcome, which are not
only technical but also are related to business models, reimbursement, regulations, and
cultural changes in medical professions with new roles and redistribution of
responsibilities.
Scenario 1. Case study: Person-Centred health management
At some time in the future, a person (if he or she so desires and their conditions demand it) will be
surrounded by virtual, real-time, around-the-clock health and medical assistance through various
wearable, mobile, and implanted sensor devices. These devices will be connected to an intelligent
software virtual agent (Personal Health Application [PCA]) that is designed to support optimum health
and acute/chronic treatment and will probably be implemented on some mobile constantly connected
device. This mobile device contains a summary of the person's medical records, containing e.g. current
treatment, chronic diseases, allergies, current medication, which is easily accessible in emergency
situations and can easily connect to: in-body, on-body, stationary and environmental sensors giving an
up-to-date status of health and potential risks based on physiological processes, biological processes and
environmental situation within and surrounding the person; medical databases with historical patient
information as well as current diseases and treatments, which include genetic profiles, clinical
information; non-medical databases with current as well as historical information about e.g. level of
activity, performance information from fitness equipment and eating habits; analysis services, which use
patient information and information from certified medical knowledge from the different databases to
give personalized advice.
The application empowers the person with the relevant knowledge and with online support allowing him
or her to take more responsibility for their own health. Their full state of health (including historical
information) consisting of genetic, biological, physiological and environmental information as well as the
information stored at systems from professional care givers will be available and combined with access
to the relevant medical knowledge, personalized advice will be given for self-treatment or referral to
proper professional support with the adequate relevant information at hand, using decision-support tools
based on an ongoing analysis and synthesis of medical evidence. An important part of self-management
is related to the prevention of diseases which can be based on the genetic and molecular warning signs
before a disease exposes itself and also on the data collected by non-medical services such as activity
management, fitness equipment, eating habits, supporting a person in keeping to a healthy lifestyle.
Monitoring medication intake and e.g. exercise programs allows checks of adherence to treatment (and
react when this is not so), combined with monitoring their status, which provides indications on whether
the treatment needs to be adapted.
The application also acts a virtual nurse-doctor who knows the person's status and needs and is on call at
any time and in any place, to guide and support the person. This application acts as a knowledge source, a
personal decision-support system, health and fitness coach, personal dietician, and much more, giving
instantaneous feedback to the user, raising an alarm or informing professional or informal care givers
when needed. This is. important for managing people suffering from e.g. chronic diseases, detecting
relapses, before they become dangerous, based on monitoring, trend analysis, and raising the alarm and
initiating appropriate action like calling a person, or visiting when needed. This will also include the
