The innovations in direct patient healthcare focus besides others on areas known as health-care (e-health). It’s a new model of health care, which make use of internet information technology And can improve the quality of life, especially for the older population or patients that are in programs of direct healthcare. The basis of this technology is the use of innovations and modern technology such as wireless sensor networks. Using them can monitor the health status of patients as well as their physiological parameters or their physical movement in the environment.
The main advantage is that, due to the miniaturization of the patient is not bothered by measurements that could be to a detriment of their health. For example fixed electrodes or more substantial instruments could restrict them in their movement. Basic options that simultaneously offer sensor technology include sensors on the toilet as well as sensors that measure weight, fat, blood pressure, heart rate, sugar content in urine or detect the presence of albumin in the urine. Other application are the sensors on the wrists which measure heart rate or respiration sensors that are positioned at the bedside and that measure regularity of breathing. Such sensors placed on the bed can as well measure heart rate, ECG, body temperature. Sensors can be integrated in the underwear and again can lead to heart rate measurement, ECG, measurement of body temperature, respiration regularity, or other physiological parameters according to the sensors used (Myers, 2009).
Portable sensors which an individual can carry in their pockets such as filter integrated devices, GPS accelerometers that can be used for motion detection locating a large area as well as can be useful in case of problems with orientation. In all cases, the use of wireless technology, the signal is transmitted from the sensor to computers that evaluate the information and find patterns that enable doctors to find the answers to their questions. The information is automatically evaluated and in case of abnormal situation, is sent to the appropriate medical facility.
A second innovation that can support patients in programs of a direct healthcare is the technology that moves increasingly closer to the surroundings of patients. Houses, as well as living environment and everyday items are getting smarter, ubiquitous and pervasive. In many cases, patients do not even know that such devices hide a processor and memory. In different countries there are already several smart homes that serve for medicinal purposes. The idea of the practical use of such buildings is becoming increasingly common (McDonald, 2014). The term Smart House, we understand such a house which employs subsystems, such as heating, air conditioning,lighting, security, entertainment and communication resources, which in a coordination together and reinforce their functions. One of the objectives of smart home is to increase the comfort of their inhabitants including the patients. For example, they can control the house and all devices such as consumer electronics, household appliances and other electrical equipment from the chair. Patients can easily check that the washer finished washing, can remotely turn on an electric stove, oven or microwave, can control the air conditioning or heating, adjust the intensitylighting as needed.
These are just some examples of readily realizable using standard home automation systems and home appliances. However, smart homes may have more functions.Assistive homes and environment category of smart homes and environment represents an approach to addressing the issue of independent direct patient healthcare. All important instruments and devices are interconnected via a user accessible interface that can be used to integrated control. These environments allow offset some apartment dwellers and patients and thus strengthen their independence, simplify their daily activities and reduce dependence on doctors, while constantly monitoring them.
- McDonald, K. E. (2014). Ethical Principles: Week one application. Journal of Nonexistent and Imaginary Articles, 4 (1) 19-79. doi 10.1234/b12345678ook1234_8
- Myers, E., Herr, L. (2009), “The handbook of counseling”. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
