Title: Wireless networks for enhanced monitoring of patients

Authors: Upkar Varshney

Addresses: Department of Computer Information Systems, Georgia State University, Atlanta GA 30302, USA

Abstract: Patient monitoring is a major part of many healthcare services. It can reduce the number of unnecessary hospitalisations, while increasing the access to healthcare for those who really need these services. Wireless and mobile technologies are finding a role in patient monitoring in several different environments: homes, hospitals and nursing homes. However, due to several limitations, including unpredictable and spotty coverage of users by wireless networks, the quality and reliability of patient monitoring have not been highly satisfactory. In this paper, we present a patient monitoring solution using ad hoc wireless networks, which can be formed dynamically among mobile and wearable devices. This allows transmission of vital signs under normal and emergency situations. To make patient monitoring by ad hoc wireless networks a reality, we bring together many related technical and non-technical issues.

Keywords: ad hoc wireless networks; mobile networks; mobile communications; patient monitoring; wireless architecture; healthcare technology; wearable devices.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHTM.2005.007009

International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, 2005 Vol.6 No.4/5/6, pp.489 - 499

Published online: 02 May 2005 *

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