• The Future of e-Health: Wired or Not wired, by M. Miyazaki, University of Alberta.
  (view document 545KB)

We are in a transition from wired care to wireless mobile e-health.

• Hand-held computers, such as personal digital assistants or tablet computers with a communication device will become the basic platform for home-care professionals.
• Wearable sensors and computers will provide powerful alternatives to current e-health equipment.
• In terms of basic health maintenance, embedded technologies will cover routine activities to those who only require routine check-ups and provision of supplies.

However, as well as having the convenience of embedded technologies, we need to address the issue of privacy and security. The areas of concern are eavesdropping, identity spoofing, vandalism or the redirection of data to unauthorised individuals or organisations.

In terms of individuals’ privacy, it is essential that the data is protected from improper access or modification. There is a strong need to ensure consented acquisition of data, proper storage of data, secured transmission, integrity of data and authorised access of data. It is a vital area for development of hardware or software solutions.

In conclusion, there is an urgent need to alter the way in which we deliver healthcare worldwide. Smart and wearable sensors and secured wireless communication will further enhance patients’ quality of life and collection physiological data that reflects the realtime activities of patients.

• Feasibility study and recommendation of technology and solutions for monitoring of biomedical data (2.5 MB)
• Homecare: A telemedical application (118 KB)
• Mobile e-health: The unwired Evolution (300 KB)
• The Value of home monitoring (145 KB)