Infographic: Medical Remote Monitoring 
Doctors' offices may soon become much less crowded. AT&T is developing a software tool and networking platform that will use wireless devices to record a patient's health measurements at home and send the data to the doctor. AT&T's system runs on both Wi-Fi -- enabling videoconferencing -- and a second wireless technology named ZigBee, which receives data from medical sensors. ZigBee consumes considerably less power than Wi-Fi, so monitoring devices, including thermometers, pill dispensers, blood-pressure monitors, and pulse oximeters, can use small batteries to transmit data over long periods of time.
Home-based monitoring services like AT&T's -- which is approaching the trial stage -- could transform how doctors interact with their patients. "The health-care industry is under a lot of stress," says Bob Miller, executive director of AT&T's communications-technology research department, "so there's a drive to explore ways of delivering better care at lower cost." And greater convenience for both doctor and patient: If a physician notices, for instance, that a blood-pressure medication isn't working, or if the patient isn't taking the drugs regularly, she'll be able to arrange a videoconference with the patient to discuss solutions.
AT&T isn't alone in exploring telemedicine technology, and the good news is that firms in this growing niche are banding together. AT&T is a member of the Continua Health Alliance -- the group also includes Bayer, Cisco, GE, IBM, and Novartis -- which is working to make medical-monitoring devices interoperable.
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Related Stories: | Topics:Innovation, health, ZigBee, wireless, monitor, AT&T, Bob Miller, AT&T Inc., ZigBee Alliance, Science and Technology, Technology, Wireless Technology |
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Recent Comments | 31 Total
July 15, 2009 at 12:01pm by pauls simes
This is far from the i've fallen and can't get up health button I think wireless companies should be getting into health care more then ever now. At least for some monitoring I know for depression treatments the last thing you'd want around is a cell phone and have it thrown against the wall.
August 8, 2009 at 4:36am by Jill W.
This is good news especially to those who cannot walk and those who are suffering from bladder weakness which hindered them from walking to and fro.
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August 17, 2009 at 5:42am by rnges langes
Good health tips are choosen for the Employment people. There's a drive to explore ways of delivering better care at lower cost. And greater convenience for both doctor and patient. Thank,s
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August 24, 2009 at 10:52pm by Lorraine Benham
There is tremendous potential here let's hope though that the technology up-time is always there otherwise things could really go sour.
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August 27, 2009 at 3:18am by Chloe Tiana
In one respect this is very exciting news especially for those who find travelling difficult, but my worry is that with the patient not being there isn't it possible to miss vital clues that will help with early detection of certain conditions. Bead Supplier . vans
September 9, 2009 at 3:46pm by Jason Watson
This is a great system, I think lots of patients will get help by this. Thank you. Term Papers
September 23, 2009 at 6:14pm by cali dessouki
Its vital that medical facilities are improved because at one time or another its going to effect us all, as we all require medical care at some point throughout our lives.
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September 28, 2009 at 12:40am by Gary Brodley
Advances in technology including telemedicine and telepresence applications for trauma, emergency management, and intensive critical care,may be the solution to reducing and/or eliminating the gap in trauma care between rural and urban areas. Probably it could be good for remote areas where doctors are unable to travel due to their busy schedule. For example remotely administering chemotherapy for patients could become a reality.
October 13, 2009 at 3:25pm by Peter Wall
wow, its hard to keep up with technological developments these days. AT&T should be proud of themselves for such an innovation. I here they are moving into the snowboards market soon.
November 4, 2009 at 5:38am by Henry Lancer
Bit too far fetched
December 18, 2009 at 9:12am by trod hall
Hey this is an awesome post. This is very good for the people who cannot keep visiting the clinics. Thanks for the post.
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