Biosensor
A biosensor is an electronic devices possessing advanced information processing and communications capabilities. Patients wear some sort of badge and home or facility sensors are strategically placed. Typically infrared, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi wireless technologies are used as the communication medium.
Introduction
An aging United States population is a topic that has continuously surfaced during the past few decades. 2003 CDC statistics showed the proportion of the population 65 years or older is projected to grow from 12.4% in 2000 to 19.6% in 2030. These percentages represent an increase from 35 million to 71 million. Those 80 years or older will more than double from 9.3 million to 19.5 million in the same time frame. (MMWR Weekly, 2003) Healthcare costs could cripple the economy if different approaches to treatment are not enacted. One solution involves the use of biosensors for elderly patients in their own homes.
Concepts
There are two common examples of biosensor studies. They can be employed in the context of monitoring biochemical functions to identify changes in medical state. (Ubiquitous Computing for Cognitive Decline: Findings from Intel’s Proactive Health Research, 2003) This technology facilitates prompt and appropriate treatment plans. Biosensors may also serve to detect location and activity. Medical providers may then track patient behavioral patterns.
Studies
Intel Proactive Health research, cited above, began conducting studies of needs precipitated by cognitive impairment that can potentially be addressed using home computing technologies. The company has been working jointly with the Alzheimer’s Association through the Everyday Technologies for Alzheimer Care (ETAC) cooperative research funding initiative. (Everyday Technologies for Alzheimer Care Grant, 2008) The goal is to focus on revolutionary, rather than evolutionary, ideas relative to emerging information and communication technologies. Oregon Health & Science University’s (OHSU) OGI School of Science and Engineering received $300,000 from Intel Corporation in 2007 to develop new sensing technology methods for detecting cognitive impairment and dementia in elderly adults. (Intelligent Biosensors to Monitor Seniors Movements, 2007) The three-year study involves a number of OHSU researchers who will use simple, intelligent biosensors to continuously monitor movements at two senior care facilities. The data is evaluated by a computer that determines the regular movement of all participants. The lead researcher hopes for additional funding in order to conduct field tests in single-family homes.
Conclusion
Biosensor technology is in its infancy but there is unlimited potential to reduce costs and still provide a respectable quality of care. Intel and other companies are taking steps in the right direction to provide products and services that will benefit patients and help retain their dignity. “According to the U.S. Healthcare Financing Administration, home care is the largest growing segment of health care. Experts believe that care for the elderly will increasingly be provided in homes and in low-skill care facilities as opposed to institutions.” (Intelligent Biosensors to Monitor Seniors Movements, 2007) These statements solidify the viability of biosensors and other telehealth devices.
References
- Everyday Technologies for Alzheimer Care Grant. (2008, September 24). Retrieved November 20, 2008, from Alzheimer's Association: http://www.alz.org/professionals_and_researchers_everyday_technologies_for_alzheimer_care.asp
- Intelligent Biosensors to Monitor Seniors Movements. (2007, August 7). Retrieved November 20, 2008, from Axistive: http://www.axistive.com/intelligent-biosensors-to-monitor-seniors-movements.html
- MMWR Weekly. (2003, February 14). Retrieved November 20, 2008, from CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5206a2.htm
- Ubiquitous Computing for Cognitive Decline: Findings from Intel’s Proactive Health Research. (2003). Retrieved November 20, 2008, from Alzheimer's Association: http://www.alz.org/national/documents/Intel_UbiquitousComputing.pdf
