Mobile Phones to Monitor Health on the Move

A case study from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) archives which looks at how downloadable software for your mobile phone could help doctors monitor asthma, diabetes, and other chronic conditions remotely. The system was developed by Oxford University engineers and clinicians and healthcare company t+ Medical. The technology is based on EPSRC-supported research. Professor Lionel Tarassenko led the team developing the t+ Medical system. Patients can easily send data, including blood pressure readings, blood sugar levels and notes about side effects, to the health service computer system, which will give them instant feedback on the state of their health. The new system allows patients to monitor their own condition and send blood pressure readings via their mobile phone to a healthcare server. The server would then provide instant medical feedback alerting them to any problems, advising on whether they need to increase or decrease medication or see their GP. EPSRC is a part of the Research Councils UK (RCUK) partnership of research councils.