Mobile health monitoring

Mobile phones are being used in research to help manage certain health conditions, such as asthma and diabetes.

During the last two years we have funded the development of special O2 Xda handheld computer devices to measure the breathing of asthma and cystic fibrosis patients remotely.

Working on trials with the National Health Service through our partner E-San, we are exploring these applications, using mobile data connections between patients and their medical supervisors. Our trials include asthma monitoring in the Isle of Man and cystic fibrosis monitoring trials in the Bristol area. 

We successfully completed a first trial with asthma patients in the Thames Valley area in 2005. By recording both the patients’ symptoms and peak flow, the aim was to reduce the number of asthma attacks through increased self-monitoring.

Results showed extensive benefits: patients monitored their breathing more regularly than with conventional methods:

• It alerted doctors to adverse readings.
  
• Allowed patients to accurately self treat.
  
• Provided regular reminders, via text, for patients to take their readings.

Our cystic fibrosis trials were designed to help lessen the number of patient hospital visits and reduce pressure on the National Health Service, increasing the likelihood of timely intervention when needed.

We are working on further research with the British Lung Foundation to explore the attitudes of medical professionals and patients to remote asthma monitoring. We expect the results in late 2006.