Abstract
To test if the developed ubiquitous health care devices working well and vital information could be collected and monitored systematically through internet and to test if the devices and services could be used further. Kyungwon University, KT Co., Gil Medical Center, LIG Nex1 Co., and Sujeong Health Center conducted an ubiquitous health care demonstration project in Sujeong-Gu, Sungnam, Korea from Mar. 5 to May 16. We developed and applied several medical devices to monitor health of the elderly in their houses through internet. The devices were sphygmomanometer, glucometer, body fat scale, Health Pad, and activity sensor. We distributed the devices to 20 recipients of home care and 7 diabetes patients. After received the devices and were explained how to use them, they used the devices in their houses. The vital signs of the residents were monitored through internet. A nurse monitored and consulted their vital signs in the monitoring center in Kyungwon University during the demonstration period. The consultant called them and consulted on their blood pressure, blood sugar level, and body fat after a few seconds they used the devices as well as provision of recommended contents such as diets and activities through Health Pad. To investigate cognition and satisfaction of the participants for the devices, we surveyed the participants at the end of the demonstration period. For the change in blood pressure, blood sugar level, and activities, we conducted statistical test. After the demonstration period. cognition and satisfaction for the devices and change in blood pressure, blood sugar level, and activities were evaluated. Most of the participants were acknowledged how to use the device and satisfied with the use of the devices. The internet monitoring and services are considered to be promising because most of the participants were satisfied especially because somebody was monitoring their health status. However some weaknesses such as short battery life of the activity sensor, lack of connection of consultations with hospitals, and low understanding on usage of some of the devices need to be complemented.
