Research Article
Clinical Effectiveness of the “Healthwear” Wearable System in the Reduction of COPD Patients’ Hospitalization
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-642-29734-2_8, author={Alexis Milsis and Theodoros Katsaras and Nicolaos Saoulis and Evita Varoutaki and Aggelos Vontetsianos}, title={Clinical Effectiveness of the “Healthwear” Wearable System in the Reduction of COPD Patients’ Hospitalization}, proceedings={Wireless Mobile Communication and Healthcare. Second International ICST Conference, MobiHealth 2011, Kos Island, Greece, October 5-7, 2011. Revised Selected Papers}, proceedings_a={MOBIHEALTH}, year={2012}, month={10}, keywords={e-Health Remote monitoring Smart clothes Smart textiles wearable COPD RCT Early hospital discharge}, doi={10.1007/978-3-642-29734-2_8} }- Alexis Milsis
Theodoros Katsaras
Nicolaos Saoulis
Evita Varoutaki
Aggelos Vontetsianos
Year: 2012
Clinical Effectiveness of the “Healthwear” Wearable System in the Reduction of COPD Patients’ Hospitalization
MOBIHEALTH
Springer
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-29734-2_8
Abstract
Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) experience frequent exacerbations and hospital readmissions. Early hospital discharge schemes have been proved effective and safe approaches for suitable patients. Forty-eight (n=48) COPD patients were included in a randomized control trial (ratio 1:1), after their hospital admission due to an acute exacerbation. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether they could be early discharged and successfully continue their treatment at home, assisted by the use of wearable systems. Study group patients were discharged early (3-5 day) and monitored at home through the wearable “Healthwear” system while control group patients underwent conventional care. Intervention patients intensive home monitoring included ECG, heart and respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, activity and body position, combined with 3G mobile video sessions. The results indicated a significant reduction of in-hospital days, outpatient clinic and emergency room visits, as well as in readmission rates. Wearable systems that allow continuous wireless monitoring of bio-signals, can play a significant role in early hospital discharge.