Almost 20% of U.S. consumers who care for an ill family member are willing to pay out-of-pocket for a home health monitoring service, almost double the number who would purchase the service for themselves, according to Parks Associates.
Imagine: a glucose monitor for diabetics directly on the eye. Cholesterol checking or infection detection. Blood screening available anytime. Even a computer display. That's the vision of Babak Parvis, innovation professor from the University of Washington.
Twendy-One is designed to be a robotic helper to assist with everything from exercise and independent living to shopping.
By adopting new e-health technologies the U.S. government aims to reduce the cost of medicare by changing the way it pays doctors who would be allowed to bill for internet based visits with patients in addition to in-person visits.
During the year-long study 200 high-risk patients over the age of 60 with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart failure, lung disease, will use a medical monitoring device to take their vitals: blood pressure, weight, sugar levels and peak air flow. This information is collected in a central database at the Mayo Clinic where the patient's primary medical team will have secure web access. Clinicians will also be able to use the videoconferencing system to observe and communicate with their patients.
Microsoft thinks so and is looking for new ways to use technology to improve personal health care using X-Box, computers and cell phones.
“New developments in technology promise to help transition healthcare from expensive clinical settings into private residences, encourage behavioral modifications that emphasize prevention rather than treatment of illnesses, and make it easier for family caregivers to monitor loved ones and take action in case of an emergency,” says Athan Bezaitis,
