Authors:
Rune Fensli
1
and
Egil Boisen
2
Affiliations:
1
Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Agder, Norway
;
2
Aalborg University, Denmark
Keyword(s):
Quality of life, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Ambulatory Monitoring, Telehomecare, Usability.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Biomedical Engineering
;
Biomedical Signal Processing
;
Devices
;
Health Information Systems
;
Human-Computer Interaction
;
Physiological Computing Systems
;
Wearable Sensors and Systems
Abstract:
In this paper, we highlight some important aspects of how to evaluate patient acceptance with wearable sensors recording vital signs information, used in a telehomecare environment. Questions of human factors and patient satisfaction need to be addressed, where the patient is able to carry out daily life activities in his own environment. We compare results from a preliminary clinical trial with patients using a wireless ECG sensor for three days out-of-hospital service, to available published results from telehomecare projects, and propose important aspects and plans for future investigations. It is important not only to observe the patient, but also the possible changes in the family situation when a sick patient is transferred to his own home for active treatment. At the same time, emotional barriers and stigmatisation are challenging factors where time is needed to let the patient adopt this new situation. Therefore, measures should be on an on-going basis with long-term use of t
he technological equipment in order for the patient to integrate this into his body scheme as well as daily activities. Of special importance will be the evaluation of the communication between the patient and the health professionals, as quick feedback from the doctor to the patient on his or her own measurements is of outmost importance.
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