A telemonitoring architecture to support chronic disease management and acute episode monitoring.

We describe a telemonitoring architecture designed to support the dual role of chronic disease management and acute episode monitoring. In the former, measurements of parameters such as weight and blood pressure are taken periodically and are used to determine a change in the condition of a patient and thus prompt intervention in therapy. However, such patients can deteriorate rapidly and enter a phase where constant monitoring of vital signs is required. In these conditions, our system monitors ECG, SpO<inf>2</inf>and temperature continuously and transmits data on preset events or at preset times. To date such monitoring has required two systems; we have developed a single system to fulfil both roles. Transmission and control protocol are designed along principles of the 11073 standard. We show how such monitoring can manage patients with acute conditions such as unstable angina and heart failure.