An intelligent home using wireless location networks and real time messaging for patients with heart failure

Abstract

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a chronic medical condition that afflicts over three million Americans. Moderate amounts of movement and exercise have been shown to mitigate the harmful effects of the condition and improve the health of the individual's heart. This thesis proposes the technology for a healthcare oriented intelligent home that provides the vital out patient care needed by people suffering from heart failure. Wireless location networks in combination with application software are used to monitor health aspects of the patient's lifestyle. The critical metrics obtained from this infrastructure can help drive patient and physician analysis and provide feedback and recommendations. This project specifically focuses on monitoring the physical inactivity risk factor of heart failure and heart disease. Some of the technologies used in this project include Crickets, an indoor positioning device, handheld computers, and location tracking and instant messaging software. The proposed design and architecture for the intelligent home and the metrics it obtains are evaluated from both a theoretical and empirical standpoint. Based upon the results from this thesis, intelligent homes in combination with wireless location networks and instant messaging software have the potential to broaden the tools available to physicians and thereby dramatically aid in the treatment of individuals suffering from heart failure.