Patch that lets GP give you a check-up from miles away

PATIENTS suffering from 
respiratory problems are taking part in a groundbreaking and potentially life-saving project which allows doctors to monitor them remotely through a body patch.

PATIENTS suffering from 
respiratory problems are taking part in a groundbreaking and potentially life-saving project which allows doctors to monitor them remotely through a body patch.

• Device allows GPs to measure respiratory flow and rate of patients remotely

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• Patch is being piloted in community setting after successful hospital trials

The small electronic patch, worn on the patient’s chest, measures respiratory flow and rate and sends the data through wireless technology to a GP practice in Elgin, enabling the patients in Moray to be 
constantly monitored in the comfort of their own homes.

The system, developed by the Centre for Speckled Computing at Edinburgh University, has 
already been successfully tested at trials in hospitals in the city, but it is now being piloted for the first time with patients in a community setting.

In a separate development, patients at the same Moray health practice are testing another revolutionary remote healthcare system which allows them to send daily readings of their blood pressure, oxygen levels, temperature and pulse to doctors. It is hoped the two pilot schemes will lead to the early identification of problems, help reduce hospital admissions and ultimately save lives.

Ian Cameron, 58, a patient at the Maryhill practice in Elgin, has already used both devices and praised the initiative.

Mr Cameron, a former demolition worker, suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), which affects his breathing.

He said: “I was happy to try 
anything which could help me to stay well and it’s good to know I’m being so closely monitored. I wore the patch for a month. It’s only about one and half inches square. I thought it might bother me, especially at night, but I quickly stopped 
noticing it.”

He added: “I have now started using the other device. I connect up to a machine like a laptop and it takes readings of my blood pressure, oxygen levels, temperature and pulse every morning.

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“I think it’s going to be great for people in my position – especially people who live out in the country. They can be monitored without having to go to the clinic. It will be great for folk’s peace of mind.”

Lorna Bernard, telehealthcare strategy and development manager for Moray Council, said the data provided from both types of monitors allowed medical staff to intervene at the first sign of any problems, reducing the likelihood of an emergency call .

She said: “The fact that patients can remain in their home setting but still have a direct link with their GP surgery opens up a whole new potential of freedom and choice in the way we deliver services.”

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