Remote monitoring of post-operative patients using wireless sensor networks

Author： Rajasekaran M. Pallikonda Radhakrishnan S. Subbaraj P.

ISSN： 1368-2156

Source： International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, Vol.9, Iss.3, 2008-05, pp. : 247-257

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Abstract

Patients recovering from surgery are at risk of complications due to reduced mobility as a result of post-operative pain. The ability to monitor the recovery of this group of patients and identify those at risk of developing complications is, therefore, clinically desirable and may result in an early intervention to prevent adverse outcomes. We have developed a real-time patient monitoring system that integrates a vital signs sensor, a sensor network, electronic patient records and web portal technology to allow remote monitoring of post-operative patient status in the hospital and homecare conditions and to alert medical personnel when life-threatening events occur. This system will facilitate communication among patients, medical professionals at local hospitals and specialists available for consultation from distant places through a secured web server. The most valued features of this system are to prevent the patient from re-hospitalisation and to avoid possible critical events, thus reducing global healthcare costs.