May 22, 2005
Mobile phones to replace doctors in NHS review
Sufferers of cancer, diabetes and asthma are to have their conditions monitored at home using mobile phones in a drive by health service managers to cut down hospital visits, according to The Times Online.
"A review of the National Health Service in Scotland, to be published next week, will include a series of measures aimed at decentralising healthcare and bringing treatment closer to patients.
[...] Cancer experts are investigating the use of specially adapted mobile phones that allow patients to remain at home unless a hospital visit is absolutely necessary.
Patients enter data about their condition into the phone which is linked to an automated alarm system, which triggers a nurse's bleeper if medical intervention is required.
Mobile phones have already been used to offer support to diabetics, reminding them to attend clinics. They could now also be used to monitor blood glucose levels. Asthmatics could use the technology to ensure their symptoms are monitored and to alert their GP if their condition deteriorates".
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