SMART MEDICAL HOME RESEARCH LABORATORY

The Smart Medical Home, located within the University's Center for Future Health, is the most controlled environment available outside of a person's home in which to do research, and is our setting for research in pre-concept testing, concept testing, pilots, and prototype testing. Research for Center Members in the Smart Medical Home is conducted as a Focused Research Project. Each project has a Principal Investigator from the Center and a Project Coordinator. All projects involving human subjects will follow the RSRB (Research Subject Review Board) process and HIPAA regulations through the University. Projects are defined jointly, and project plans and budgets are agreed upon before work starts.

The Center's overall goal is to develop an integrated Personal Health System, so all technologies are integrated and work seamlessly. This technology will allow consumers, in the privacy of their own homes, to maintain health, detect the onset of disease, and manage disease. The data collected 24/7 inside the home will augment the data collected by physicians and hospitals. The data collection modules in the home will start with the measurement of traditional vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiration) and work to include measurement of "new vital signs", such as gait, behavior patterns, sleep patterns, general exercise, rehabilitation exercises, and more.

This five-room "house" is outfitted with infrared sensors, computers, biosensors, and video cameras for use by research teams to work with research subjects as they test concepts and prototype products.

Researchers observe and interact with subjects from two discreet observation rooms integrated into the home. These research teams address the technical, informational, and human issues that will form the basis for affordable health care products that can be easily used by people with varying abilities.

Concept Videos are Available for Specific Projects

Concept videos for Personal Health System research:

• Medication Advisor: Consumer view, Researcher view
• Gait Monitor: Researcher view
• Memory Assistant: Consumer view, Researcher view
• Smart Bandage: Researcher view