Tech & Biz

Device could send vital signs by cellphone

by Rob Peters | December 18, 2007 at 10:49 am

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I can see the iVitals commercial already: hospital patients tossing their IV drips and dancing in front of brightly coloured blue screens to the tune of U2's "It's a Beautiful Day."

CALGARY — Patients with chronic illnesses may soon be able to monitor their vital signs, such as pulse, blood pressure and glucose levels, and send the information to their doctor from a cellphone, researchers announced yesterday.

A new handheld high-tech device, dubbed the Home Health Monitoring Solution, has been developed by technology giant LG Electronics in partnership with Capital Health in Edmonton and the University of Alberta.

The prototype of what officials described as a first of its kind uses new sensing technology to allow patients to send their physiological information wirelessly to their health-care provider.

Eventually, it may be configured to be built right into a cellphone just as photography and music capabilities are today.

Neil Wilkinson, chairman of the Capital Health Board, said the gadget could potentially be used by patients with diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions that require frequent checkups.

It could be particularly useful for seniors with limited mobility, patients who live in rural areas and those on new medications who require constant monitoring.