Clinical effectiveness of the "healthwear" wearable system in the reduction of COPD patients' hospitalization

Abstract

Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) experience frequent exacerbations and hospital readmissions. Early hospital discharge schemes have been proved effective and safe approaches for suitable patients. Forty-eight (n=48) COPD patients were included in a randomized control trial (ratio 1:1), after their hospital admission due to an acute exacerbation. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether they could be early discharged and successfully continue their treatment at home, assisted by the use of wearable systems. Study group patients were discharged early (3rd-5 th day) and monitored at home through the wearable "Healthwear" system while control group patients underwent conventional care. Intervention patients intensive home monitoring included ECG, heart and respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, activity and body position, combined with 3G mobile video sessions. The results indicated a significant reduction of in-hospital days, outpatient clinic and emergency room visits, as well as in readmission rates. Wearable systems that allow continuous wireless monitoring of bio-signals, can play a significant role in early hospital discharge. © 2012 ICST Institute for Computer Science, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering.