What if you could monitor all your bodily functions with just the touch of a button? It may not be entirely possible now but scientists appear to be getting closer every day. With smartphone and tablet applications taking the market by storm, it pays to know how much it costs to get the latest medical technology on your various devices.
Below is a list of just a few bits of technology that the healthcare system has to offer.
Dehydration Monitor
The Dehydration Monitor consists of a ring which stays on the user’s finger and a box which acts as the system’s hard drive. The ring uses pre-set specifications to monitor the user’s hydration level. The settings include, child, adult, pregnant and senior. The user can set reminders at intervals of 1.5 and 3 hours to take water. If they fail to do so, the ring keeps flashing digital reminders like a miniature watch until they rehydrate.
Heart Rate Monitor App
Instant Heart Rate is arguably the most innovative heart rate monitor Apple has to offer. The software, developed by Azumio, works by monitoring colour changes on the users finger using the smart-phone’s lens. The readings are then used to determine the patient’s heart rate and make a preliminary diagnosis. A free trial version is available on the Apple Store.
Video Waiting Room
Stratus Video has developed a Video Call Center (VCC) which allows doctors to re-route calls to nurses and other physicians within a clinic. The device enables medical practitioners to prioritise the patients that need immediate attention while dispatching less critical patient to other members of staff until their services are available. VCC is compatible with Personal Computers, iPhones, iPads, Tablets and Android phones. All the patient needs is one of these devices and an App called ViewMe that is available on the Android Market and the iTunes store. The service is free for patients but Doctors pay a monthly fee of USD 10 (KES 840) to stay connected to the VCC platform.
Sleep Manager
The Zeo Sleep Manager is a device that can monitor your sleep patterns through a wireless headband. The headband keeps track of brainwaves, muscle tone and eye movements then sends the data to the user’s smart phone. It uses an e-mail based coaching program created by the system’s developers to ensure that the user gets better sleep. It also has an alarm that rings at the most optimal time as determined by the data collected.
You can get a Zeo Sleep Manager for as little as USD 100 (KES 8400), minus importation fees.
Robot Replacements
Imagine a robot that can attend your classes whenever you call in sick or are otherwise unable to leave the house. The VGo Robot can’t function on it’s own, but it is the next best thing. The device consist of a set of two wheels and a mounted camera. The user can control it by remote from the comfort of his bed. The camera allows the user to make video calls.
The device was initially created to help sick, injured or disabled children attend classes without having to physically be there. A VGo robot goes for about USD 6000 (KES 504,000).
X-Ray File Sharing
Tired of having to drive all the way to the hospital to get your x-ray results? If you have LifeImage then your problem is sorted. LifeImage is a cloud-based medical sharing system that allows doctors to send images to their patients from their smart phones and tablets. The application needs no hardware/ software aside from the viewing devices used by the patients and the physicians. What’s more, a surgeon can send pictures to a radiologist without having to waste time looking for the next available professional.
Even if some of these advancements are not locally available, you have to admit, it’s much better than waiting for more than an hour in line for a short and simple diagnosis.