Applications of Smartphones for Ubiquitous Health Monitoring and Wellbeing Management

Abstract

Advances in smartphone technology and data communications facilitate the use of ubiquitous health monitoring and mobile health application as a solution of choice for the overwhelming problems of the healthcare system. In addition to easier management and seamless access to historical records, ubiquitous technology has the potential to motivate users to take an active role and manage their own conditions. In this paper we present capabilities of the current generation of smartphones and possible applications for ubiquitous health monitoring and wellness management. We describe the architecture and organization of ubiquitous health monitoring systems, Body Sensor Networks, and integration of wearable and environmental sensors. We also describe mainstream mobile health related applications in today’s mobile marketplaces such as Apple App Store and Google Android Marketplace. Finally, we present the development of UAHealth - our integrated mobile health monitoring system for wellness management, designed to monitor physical activity, weight, and heart activity.