Existing monitoring systems have come a long way in their development to the multi-component and technologically sophisticated electronic structures. However, the current monitoring process is only half automated since the supervision and control of a doctor or nurse are still necessary. That is why new versions of wireless wearable systems are offered that could perform the same functions as stationary units, but with exceptional comfort for the patient.
The need for such arrangements arose not only due to difficulties in handling equipment but primarily because of its massiveness. Existing systems cannot be located in any place other than a hospital where qualified personnel exist. However, a considerable number of outpatients need a combination of mobility and efficiency (Baig, et al., 2017). In connection with this need, the so-called wearable patient monitoring (WPM) systems have appeared, which help to detect and prevent many diseases in advance, including chronic ones. The last issue is especially crucial since almost 29 per cent of the U.S. population suffers from these diseases, and up to 80% of the budget is spent on fighting them (Baig, et al., 2017). The implementation of these systems can be carried out in various ways. However, examples of the use of the ZigBee specification are widely presented in the literature (What is ZigBee? n.d.). Its advantage is low energy consumption, as well as the ability to self-healing.
These protocols may be combined with various platforms such as Arduino and Raspberry Pie. With their help, real-time transmitters of sufficient range can be obtained (Alwan & Prahald, 2017). Simultaneously, ZigBee protocols are optimized for working with small devices with little computing power. Nevertheless, the utilization of standards such as BT 5.0 allows using the maximum capabilities of the platforms, increasing the radius of communication (Clarke, et al., 2017). The positive aspects of these technologies are their small intervention in the patient’s usual lifestyle. On the other hand, the studied systems, in the long run, are often more expensive due to the need for a constant connection with 3G / 4G communication and data exchange (Baig, et al., 2017). Getting rid of wires does not lead to complete freedom of movement since the range of wireless systems is also limited (Baig, et al., 2017). However, future research and development, including Internet of Things, demonstrates the potential to address these shortcomings. Therefore, the topic and inventions in this direction continue to be relevant.
References
Alwan, O. S., & Prahald Rao, K. (2017). Dedicated real-time monitoring system for health care using ZigBee. Healthcare Technology Letters, 4(4), 142–144.
Baig, M. M., GholamHosseini, H., Moqeem, A. A., Mirza, F., & Lindén, M. (2017). A systematic review of wearable patient monitoring systems–current challenges and opportunities for clinical adoption. Journal of Medical Systems, 41(115), 1-9.
Clarke, M., de Folter, J., Verma, V., & Gokalp, H. (2017). Interoperable end-to-end remote patient monitoring platform based on IEEE 11073 PHD and ZigBee health care profile. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 65(5), 1014-1025.
What is ZigBee? (n.d.). Texas Instruments.