With recent developments in the wireless networks field, new and innovative medical applications based onthis technology are being developed in the research as well as commercial sectors. This trend has just startedand we predict wireless networks are going to become an integral part of medical solutions due to its benefitsin cutting down healthcare costs and increasing accessibility for patients as well as healthcare professionals.In this survey paper we give some background on applications of wireless networks in the medical field anddiscuss the issues and challenges. We have also tried to identify some of the standards in use. Anothercontribution due to this paper is the identification of innovative medical applications of wireless networksdeveloped or currently being developed in the research and business sectors. In the end we also talk about thefuture trends in this field.Keywords: medical applications survey, medical applications, wireless networks, sensor networks, wirelessapplications, wireless homecare, smarthomes, WBAN, patient management, CodeBlue, wireless medicalsolutions, Washington University in St. LouisBack to Raj Jain's Home Page1. Introduction1.1 Why Wireless Networks for Medical Applications?1.2 Who Benefits?2. Challenges and Issues3. Wireless Networks Technologies in Use3.1 Wireless Technologies in Use - Current and Past4. Standards5. Research Applications5.1 Code Blue5.2 MobiHealth5.3 Wireless Physiological Sensors for Ambulatory and Implantable Applications5.4 Project Connect6. Industry Applications6.1 LifeSync Wireless ECG System6.2 Airborne(TM) Embedded Wireless Device Server Modules and Radios6.3 ecgAnywhere6.4 LifeSource Products6.5 HealthTrax7. Future Trends7.1 Patient Homecare7.2 Context-Sensitive MedicineIbrahim Noorzaie - Survey Paper on "Medical Applications of wireless n... file:///F:/www/cse574-06/ftp/medical_wireless/index.html1 of 15 11/27/2013 2:01 AM7.3 iReviveSummaryReferencesList of AcronymsDate Last Modified: 4/24/2006Wireless networks technology has been consistently improving with time and increasingly finding its way intoall aspects of our daily lives. Medical applications is a field where technologies such as Wireless Networkinghave a promising future. In the healthcare field, access and cost saving are two of the hottest issues thesedays. Wireless Technologies have something to contribute towards helping with both of these issues.The healthcare system is continuously getting more complex around the world but especially in the UnitedStates. Up to 98,000 patients die each year as a result of preventable medical errors [Vawdrey03]. These areerrors that could have been avoided. The sad story is that physicians and clinicians most of the time providepatient care without knowing history of prescriptions and medical procedures, resulting both wastefulduplication and sketchy clinical decisions that do not take into account critical data related to patient health.Wireless technology offers tools that can help with such situations. These tools can help give caregiversreal-time access to accurate patient data, clinical histories, treatments, medications, tests, lab results,insurance information and etc.With all this discussion of wireless applications, healthcare providers such as hospitals, insurance agenciesand the government are becoming interested in investing in this area. Cost saving is one of the main factorsbecause medical medical errors by doctors brings in law suits. Patient and hospital management can be veryexpensive too.In this survey paper we will be talking about applications of wireless networks in the Medical field. We willstart out with some discussion on issues and challenges in the medical field. Then we will talk about some ofthe wireless technologies currently in use. Afterwards, we will present example applications of wirelessnetworks in the research and commercial sectors. In the end we will talk about future trends and end with asummary.1.1 Why Wireless Networks for Medical ApplicationsDue to advances in the wireless networks field, new and innovative applications are being thought of inmedical as well as healthcare field. In the medical field applications ranging from equipment management topatient management are being developed. Efficiency among hospital staff is increased by using some of thesenewly available applications and tools. In the healthcare field, issues such as long-term patient care, supportfor elderly people and smart homes are being discussed in the realm of wireless networks. There is alsoresearch being done on creating teletrauma systems [Chu04] using the wireless channel. This will potentiallyallow trauma specialist to be virtually on patients bed sides while they are being moved to the trauma center.In the near future homes can be designed that take care of patients or people with disabilities without thepresence of a healthcare provider. A patient who is located remotely can be cared for remotely bycommunicating his/her status in realtime to caregivers. Another issue that concerns the healthcare field is theIbrahim Noorzaie - Survey Paper on "Medical Applications of wireless n... file:///F:/www/cse574-06/ftp/medical_wireless/index.html2 of 15 11/27/2013 2:01 AMvery large number of expensive medical devices that are incompatible with each other. Tedious routines areinvolved in translating results from one machine to another. With Wireless Technology this compatibility issuecan be reduced.Another hot issue in the wireless networks field is implantable devices. These devices can be implanted onnormal day to day wearables [Malan04]. Wireless sensor implanted inside patient's body have their ownsignificant benefits [Timmons04], [Scanlon03]. Patients can wear sensors that monitor vital signs and reportthem in realtime to their doctor. This helps towards the issue of access because now the patient doesn't needto be around the hospital all the time. This improves access and quality of healthcare for patients and savesmoney for care providers.1.2 Who Benefits?Whenever a new technology or tool is introduced to public use, the first question is how will it help me orwhat can it do for me? Here we discuss who benefits from applications of wireless networks in the healthcarefield.We hear in the news everyday that there is a shortage of specialized doctors or nurses around the country.One of the benefits of these applications is that they increase doctors' and nurses' efficiency. Now they cancare for more
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