A recent heart attack victim, a young asthmatic and a pregnant woman are examples of those who can benefit from Ericsson Mobile Monitoring for healthcare. With the new system, body data such as heart rate, respiration and oxygen saturation in the blood can be assessed by a doctor via mobile networks while the patient is at home or on the move.

Based on individual needs, the patient is fitted with a mobile base unit (MBU) – a number of body sensors and a PDA or smart phone. Body data is measured and sent via Bluetooth to the phone, which then transmits the information over GPRS and presents it to the doctor in an easy-to-use format.

Henrik Linder, solution manager for healthcare at Ericsson Enterprise, says mobile monitoring targets the patient groups that put most pressure on public healthcare resources.

"The simple cases are those where the patient groups are enormous and the costs are equally high," Linder says. "Primarily it's cardiology, respiratory and diabetes patients and those who are chronically ill." Pregnant women and patients preparing for surgery can also be assessed with the system.

But the benefits are not limited to hospital patients: mobile monitoring can be used successfully in the sports arena, too. Professional athletes can ensure their condition and muscle tone are improving, keeping physiotherapy to a minimum.

Ericsson Mobile Monitoring can relay three different types of body data in the same unit. The first is streaming body data, such as heart rate and respiration – objective data that can be measured in real time.

The second is a measurement taken regularly, such as blood-sugar levels, which can be sent for assessment by the doctor as often as necessary.

The third is patient diary data – subjective information from patients about their general wellbeing, quality of life and how they are responding to prescribed drugs. This can also be used as key information for the pharmaceutical industry, helping to reduce the time and cost of clinical trials for drugs.

The system benefits patients and healthcare providers alike. While providing relief for those who would normally have to endure long periods of hospitalization, it frees up essential healthcare resources that can be used more effectively elsewhere.

As Linder says: "With this mobility factor you can save so many resources without the doctor or nurse having to be there for instruction and support while the patients still feel cared for."

However, replacing the doctor's bedside manner with technology may not be the best medicine for some patients. Working with the customers, Linder says, is the best way to strike that balance. "It's about finding the right level between saving money and resources, and ensuring the patients feel secure. But one thing is for certain: hospitals need to send more patients home."

Another consideration is the strict regulation of patient data security in most countries. Ericsson is working with authorities in individual markets to ensure the solution meets these demands.

Ericsson Mobile Monitoring for healthcare will increase its capabilities with a phase-two launch in the first half of 2006. By integrating more sensors into the unit, a wider range of patient groups will be able to benefit. 

Once the patient is mobilized, future releases will include a handheld device for the doctor. "Naturally, the next step is to mobilize the doctor as well. That's real mobility and that's our main mission," Linder says.   

Read more about M-health at:
http://www.ericsson.com/enterprise/products/mhealth_solutions.shtml

http://www.ericsson.com/about/publications/telecomreport/archive/2005/april/index.shtml