Development of a Remote Health Monitoring System to Prevent Frailty in Elderly Home-Care Patients with COPD

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the general term used to describe respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema of the lungs. COPD is known to cause the onset of frailty due to limitations of physical activity (PA) in daily life and undernutrition. Here, we report the development process of a remote health monitoring and support system employing a tablet computer (iPad), that was created to help prevent frailty in elderly home-care patients with COPD, and the results of its use by two elderly home-care COPD patients. There was a significant increase in PA duration in one participant after use of the system, compared to before use (15.2 min (8.9) vs. 24.2 min (7.4), p < 0.001). PA duration also increased in the other participant (39.7 (8.1) vs. 42.9 (12.9) min; 8.1%), although the difference was not statistically significant. The system enabled recognition of patients’ behavior modifications to promote health. It is difficult to obtain quantitative data for health support, such as for respiratory rehabilitation in elderly COPD patients living at home. However, the present results suggest that virtually connecting patients with their support networks via information and communication technology (ICT) equipment provides support for the physical aspect of their care.