Philipp Urbauer

Applicability of IHE/Continua components for PHR systems

Capturing personal health data using smartphones, PCs or other devices, and the reuse of the data in personal health records (PHR) is becoming more and more attractive for modern health-conscious populations. This paper analyses interoperability specifications targeting standards-based communication of computer systems and personal health devices (e.g. blood pressure monitor) in healthcare from initiatives like Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE) and Continua Health Alliance driven by industry and healthcare professionals. Furthermore it identifies certain contradictions and gaps in the specifications and suggests possible solutions. Despite these shortcomings, the specifications allow fully functional implementations of PHR systems. Henceforth, both big business and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can actively contribute to the widespread use of large-scale interoperable PHR systems.

Development of an Android App in Compliance with the Continua Health Alliance Design Guidelines for Medical Device Connectivity in mHealth

Due to the demographic change and rising amount of people suffering from lifestyle induced chronic diseases, developed countries face a remarkable cost explosion in the health care sector. Additionally a lack of nursing workforce has been predicted [1]. mHealth solutions are seen as a chance for individuals to keep track of their health condition, to take more responsibility for their lifestyle and to improve the efficiency of care by providing high quality data to formal and informal careers and health professionals. In order to implement these mHealth solutions a high level of standardization is necessary for easy and quick integration of personal health devices (e.g. blood pressure monitor, blood glucose meter) with gateway devices (e.g. smart-phones) and electronic health record (EHR) systems. The Continua Health Alliance Design Guidelines describe a set of internationally established standards and frameworks for this purpose. This paper describes the experience gained during the development of an Android application which is capable of communicating via Bluetooth using the Health Device Profile and the ISO/IEEE 11073-20601 Optimized Exchange Protocol. The WAN interface uses the IHE DEC and XUA profiles in order to securely forward health data to health professionals. Building on existing modules from earlier project phases a Continua Health Alliance compliant Android app using commercially available components was implemented within one month by a team of two developers. Therefore it seems feasible for SMEs to build mHealth applications for these purposes from a technical point of view. Additional effort for regulatory purposes needs to be considered.

The adolescence of electronic health records: Status and perspectives for large scale implementation

Health informatics started to evolve decades ago with the intention to support healthcare using computers. Since then Electronic health records (EHRs) and personal health records (PHRs) have become available but widespread adoption was limited by lack of interoperability and security issues. This paper discusses the feasibility of interoperable standards based EHRs and PHRs drawing on experience from implementation projects. It outlines challenges and goals in education and implementation for the next years.