The
Medical College of Georgia (MCG), the Georgia Institute of Technology (GIT)
and the Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC) collaborated to develop and
evaluate a proof-of-concept system capable of delivering medical care to
patients in their residences. Computer based monitoring units were installed
in 25 homes and one skilled nursing home. The residential units were linked
to hospital-based units at MCG and EAMC using a bi-directional coaxial cable
connection supplied by Jones InterCable, Inc. The system combines
interactive audio/video conferencing between patients and care givers with
residence-based monitoring equipment to assess physiologic parameters (e.g.
pulse, blood pressure, temperature, blood oxygenation, weight, stethoscope
for heart and lung sounds, electrocardiogram, blood glucose, spirometry,
fetal heart rate and uterine activity). The goal is to improve the
management of chronic medical conditions through the application of low cost
telemonitoring and telesurveillance in combination with a reduced need for
on-site care. This integration of telecommunication and human resources
should promote wellness and medical stability. In turn, a reduced
utilization of high cost in-hospital and emergency resources would be
anticipated. Proof-of-concept funding came from the Georgia Research
Alliance, the Army Medical Research and Development Command, and MCG, with
in-kind contributions from Jones InterCable, Inc. The one year feasibility
project's success led to a second level of development implemented by a
partnership between MCG's Telemedicine Center and GIT's Biomedical
Interactive Technology Center, funded by MCG. In parallel with this new
development activity, the two academic institutions sought a business
partner with whom the concept and the product could be commercialized. The
latter efforts culminated in a lease agreement with the Willow Group and the
creation of a new Georgia company, CyberCare, Inc., which will carry the
project forward.
Copyright 2005
Medical College of Georgia
All rights reserved.
The
Medical College of Georgia (MCG), the Georgia Institute of Technology (GIT)
and the Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC) collaborated to develop and
evaluate a proof-of-concept system capable of delivering medical care to
patients in their residences. Computer based monitoring units were installed
in 25 homes and one skilled nursing home. The residential units were linked
to hospital-based units at MCG and EAMC using a bi-directional coaxial cable
connection supplied by Jones InterCable, Inc. The system combines
interactive audio/video conferencing between patients and care givers with
residence-based monitoring equipment to assess physiologic parameters (e.g.
pulse, blood pressure, temperature, blood oxygenation, weight, stethoscope
for heart and lung sounds, electrocardiogram, blood glucose, spirometry,
fetal heart rate and uterine activity). The goal is to improve the
management of chronic medical conditions through the application of low cost
telemonitoring and telesurveillance in combination with a reduced need for
on-site care. This integration of telecommunication and human resources
should promote wellness and medical stability. In turn, a reduced
utilization of high cost in-hospital and emergency resources would be
anticipated. Proof-of-concept funding came from the Georgia Research
Alliance, the Army Medical Research and Development Command, and MCG, with
in-kind contributions from Jones InterCable, Inc. The one year feasibility
project's success led to a second level of development implemented by a
partnership between MCG's Telemedicine Center and GIT's Biomedical
Interactive Technology Center, funded by MCG. In parallel with this new
development activity, the two academic institutions sought a business
partner with whom the concept and the product could be commercialized. The
latter efforts culminated in a lease agreement with the Willow Group and the
creation of a new Georgia company, CyberCare, Inc., which will carry the
project forward.