Automated assistive health care system for disabled patients utilizing internet of things

Abstract

The advancements in information and communication technologies have lead a way for the usage of internet and mobile in health care applications. It may give a drastic increase in the life expectancy of disabled people over the whole world especially the developing world. In order to meet the needs of elderly or disabled peoples' health care services, it is necessary to develop an effective assistive device that is cost-effective, affordable, and easy to use. The work is undertaken to develop a smart assistive device that combines sensor technology and telecommunication technology to enable the remote monitoring of disabled patients. The health care system is based on the Internet of Things (IoT) that makes disabled patients lead an independent life. When the person has whole or partial body movement impairments, they cannot express their needs to the physicians or care-takers, and moreover, they are unable to communicate like normal people. So they cannot manage their basic day-to-day activities like holding an object to eat, drink, or to do any activity. The assistive health care system thereby assists the patients as and when they receive SMS from the patient with the aid of the IoT network. Each and every slight movement of the patient fingers are converted into their corresponding needs. Also, it monitors the physiological vital parameters such as heartbeat, temperature, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. The network will send a corresponding message to the physicians and it will display the needs on their mobile phone or display gadget. Thus this system makes it possible for the health care professional to track the patient and to provide distant care in case of an emergency.