A Context-Aware System to Support Personalized Clinical Pathways Using OWL and SWRL

Abstract

The healthcare sector is crucial for the health and well-being of citizens, and many research efforts are being carried out which aim to support people's health and ultimately improve their quality of life. As a result, there is a growing need for technology-based solutions to support people in providing health services. In this chapter, research is presented which aims to develop a conceptual framework that supports personalized healthcare for pervasive computing that allows monitoring the health and wellbeing of patients anytime and anywhere. Thus, the author proposes virtual health mentor (vhMentor), an ontological and a rule-based model for the representation of knowledge and the exportation of the required interpretations. In case vhMentor detects a health problem, it will send a notification to the patient with instructions, while alternatively caregivers will be notified to investigate the problem and provide help. The system is expected to offer assisted living to long-term patients, improve their quality of life, and to reduce health costs and the caregivers' overwork.