Technology for Health Care

Posted by Kathy Quan Jan 14, 2008

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the International CES, (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas. It was thrilling to see many more health care products available.

In years past, the primary health related products seemed limited to (some amazing) massage chairs, pedometers, weight scales, TENS units and devices to measure body mass index.

This year there were some great products showcased. These included some of the winners of the 2008 Best of CES such as a home monitoring product. This application allows family or other caregivers (from a remote location) to visually monitor their elderly parents in several key locations throughout their home. This can help them to continue to live independently at far less cost than assisted living.

At least two new products in the category of medication compliance monitoring were represented. These devices remind patients when to take their medications, how to take them, and report to a variety of options such as doctor's home health nurses, and/or family members whether or not the medications have been taken.

There were also some new innovative devices to assist with hearing disorders and low vision devices for patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa or Macular Degeneration.

Another device which was invented by a nurse and her engineer husband is a USB drive in a waterproof, shockproof metal capsule that can be worn on a chain around your neck. It contains as much vital information as you want to provide including identification, medical records, etc. It can be used for adults, children and even pets. The software is contained on the USB drive and the templates provided can be customized. This would be excellent for emergencies and for anyone with a tendency to wander such as Alzheimer's patients.