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The MobiDoc Project: 
Enhance Information Reach of Doctors and Nurses

The MobiDoc Project

Introduction

Investigators

Study Site

Technical Overview

Bibliography

Research Support

 
 
 The Mobile, Digitally Connected Doctor (MobiDoc) Project explores new wireless and internet communication technology to automate data acquisition and processing, so that the information flow in healthcare is improved. Imagine when relevant information is automatically pre-selected and processed and then deliver to you when you need it; imagine when distance is no longer an obstacle for clinicians to get critical patient and logistical information. The MobiDoc Project Team is examining those imaginations and bringing them to reality. 

Health care settings are characterized by the dispersion of information sources and workers. Quality of care is frequently measured by accelerated access to the health care system as well as the ability to receive continuous up-to-date patient information. The rapid and continous advances in wireless and internet technology provide potential solutions to overcoming obstacles in obtaining and processing data.

Currently, the MobiDoc project is focused on passive data acquisition based on location and related sensors to automate data processing and data delivery during the transfer of critically ill patients between healthcare facilities. We believe that patient care and logistic decision making can be improved by such techniques. 

A prototype system (the MobiDoc System) has been developed to test these ideas. With the partnership with an ambulance service company (Maryland ExpressCare) and a hospital unit (the Cardiac Catheterization Lab of the University of Maryland Medical Center - Dr. Herzog), we established a testbed for exploring new wireless and internet technology. Global Positioning System (GPS) and other passive sensors were installed on ambulances. The data collected from these sensors is then transmitted wirelessly to a server where intelligent software agents are then utilized to manage and coordinate the delivery and presentation of relevant information to clinicians. 

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