Towards new scopes: sensor-enhanced regional health information systems
- part 1: architectural challenges
Methods Inf Med, 46 (4):
476--483 (2007)DOI: 10.1160/ME9057
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To analyze utilization of sensor technology in telemonitoring
and home care and to discuss concepts and challenges of sensor-enhanced
regional health information systems (rHIS). METHODS: The study is
based upon experience in sensor-based telemedicine and rHIS projects,
and on an analysis of HIS-related journal publications from 2003
to 2005 conducted in the context of publishing the IMIA Yearbook
of Medical Informatics. RESULTS: Health-related parameters that are
subject to sensor-based measurement in home care and telemonitoring
are identified. Publications related to telemonitoring, home care
and smart houses are analyzed concerning scope and utilization of
sensor technology. Current approaches for integrating sensor technology
in rHIS based on a corresponding eHealth infrastructure are identified.
Based on a coarse architecture of home care and telemonitoring systems
ten challenges for sensor-enhanced rHIS are identified and discussed:
integration of home and health telematic platforms towards a sensor-enhanced
telematic platform, transmission rate guarantees, ad hoc connectivity,
cascading data analysis, remote configuration, message and alert
logistic, sophisticated user interfaces, unobtrusiveness, data safety
and security, and electronic health record integration. CONCLUSIONS:
Utilization of sensor technology in health care is an active field
of research. Currently few research projects and standardization
initiatives focus on general architectural considerations towards
suitable telematic platforms for establishing sensor-enhanced rHIS.
Further research finalized by corresponding standardization is needed.
Part 2 of this paper will present experiences with a research prototype
for a sensor-enhanced rHIS telematic platform.