Intel just announced that thanks to a grant from the NIH, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing will conduct a study that examines whether Intel's Health Guide device can positively impact outcomes for congestive heart failure patients in Baltimore City, Maryland. The touch screen, at-home Health Guide device will allow the patients to monitor their condition, to learn about theirs and related conditions and also to connect with clinicians online.
“We need to find ways to reach the medically underserved, and I think technology is one way that we can begin to build those bridges,” Patricia Abbott, the study's lead investigator (also an associate professor in Nursing Systems and Outcomes) told JHU's Gazette.
Intel claims that this is the first study to use Health Guides in "community-dwelling African-American congestive heart failure patients." Intel said 60 patients will be a part of the study and half of them will receive Health Guides. Interestingly, it is also the first wireless health study we have heard of that will run on Clearwire's WiMAX network, which it calls a "4G" wireless technology.
“Not having to pull cables or wires into a patient’s home or require telephone lines is a critical step in the battle to reduce barriers to access to health care services, particularly in underserved populations,” Abbott said.
Patients will take their own blood pressure, weight and other measurements. Patients will use the Health Guides to connect with clinicians online via video or voice chats. The patients will also have access to educational videos about chronic diseases. The device also includes reminders for medications and appointments.
