About a year ago we reported on a new wireless medical device interoperability system, dubbed Vena platform from Cambridge Consultants, that combines the IEEE11073 standard and the emerging Bluetooth Medical Device Profile, to link devices wirelessly to cell phone networks and the internet. At the upcoming Respiratory Drug Delivery Europe 2009 (RDD Europe) conference in Lisbon on 19-22 May 2009, the company will unveil a ‘connected’ asthma inhaler prototype that wirelessly links patients’ use of the device with their doctor and healthcare support. The protocol seems to have a bright future, thanks to its secure transfer of medical data and its reliance on a single affordable chip, specifically designed for the Vena platform.
A rep for Cambridge Consultants sent Medgadget the following talking points about the device:
– Offers patients a direct link to doctors and online applications to improve treatment and compliance, and reduce long-term healthcare costs.
-Can be programmed to remind patients when to take their treatment and can automatically record and monitor use via Web 2.0 health networks.
– Parents of children or adults caring for older people can monitor or be alerted if a therapy is not being followed.
– Insurance-funded “wellness” incentives can be given to patients complying with their treatments … the same way insurance companies reward consumers for using a health club.
Press release: Cambridge Consultants brings the ‘connected patient’ concept to life…
Flashbacks: Vena platform