Wireless Body Sensor Networks (WBSN) in Healthcare

1. Wireless Body Sensor Networks (WBSN) in Healthcare Aljoharah A. Algwaiz Computer Science & Engineering Department The University of Connecticut 371 Fairfield Road, Box U-255 Storrs, CT 06269-2155 Aljoharah.algwaiz@uconn.edu

2. Introduction • Chronic diseases are the leading cause of deaths in the U.S. with 7 out of 10 deaths each year. Heart disease, cancer and stroke account for more than 50% of all deaths each year. • In-hospital screening provide a one-time “snapshot” reading. • Advances in technology provided an opportunity to develop Wireless Body Sensor Networks for continuous monitoring.

3. Wireless Body Sensor Networks (WBSN) • It is a network that works around the human body. • The network consists of one or more body sensors used with a central management device. • It can be used not only for medical uses, but also in other fields such as in military or sports. • WBSN nodes contain sensors ,transceiver, processors, accelerometers, and batteries

4. Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) Wireless body sensors can be implanted, injected, or worn on human body.

5. Motivation • Improve diagnosis • Early Alert and Detection • Engage patient in his healthcare • Lower cost of care delivery • Automated data collection • Continuous Monitoring

6. Communication Standards • Data transfer from sensors to central managing device • IEEE 802.15.4 communication standard (basis for zigbee, MiWi) and can be used with 6LoWPAN • Bluetooth • Data transfer between central managing device and database, provider, or other system. • WLAN

7. General Architecture First Stage Second Stage Third Stage

8. Important Considerations • Materials • Weight and size • Durability • Reliability • Energy • Security

9. Security • Security Objective: • Data Confidentiality • Data Integrity • Device Authentication • User Authentication and Access Control • Service Availability

10. Application Areas • Heart Attack Detection • Heart Sensor • Wireless Insulin Pumps • Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems

11. Application Areas • Fitness and weight management • Blood Pressure • Body Movement and Position monitor

12. Processing for WBSN • Data processing and analysis is the final stage of data body sensor networks. • Data processing and data management can be done through a smartphone application such as MyFitnessPal, a dedicated device such as AlereHomeLink, or web-based platform such as HealthVault.

13. Challenges • Interoperability • Device Security • Interference • Data Management • Energy Consumption • Cost • Eligibility • User interface • Body Reaction • Accuracy and promptness

14. Potentials and Future Advances • The WBSN field is still considered in its early development and has high development potential. • Smaller in size and lower in cost. • Transmit to longer distances. • Lowering power consumption and finding other energy resources. • WBSN system will be integrated with other technical devices. • Sensors designs will focus on sending an alert even before symptoms emerge.

15. Conclusion • WBSN is a special kind of wireless sensor network that can work around the human body. • The rate of patients diagnosed that need chronic disease management is predicted to increase in the future. • WBSN will help make a shift in medical healthcare from hospitals making patient more engaged in their healthcare management.

16. Conclusion • WBSN will lower healthcare costs and provide an automated in-home health monitoring service with minimal patient interference. • Security and energy consumption still need to be further developed in WBSN and expected to see significant improvements in the future. • Smartphones and tablets are becoming more complex and technically sophisticated. They are expected to be further integrated wireless body sensors network.

17. Thank You