4.1.6(c) Uses of ICT in Healthcare/ 2 Scanning, life support and computer-controlled equipment

1. 4.1.6(c) Uses of ICT in Healthcare/2Scanning, life support and computer-controlled equipment

2. You will find out: About sensors (Analogue and Digital) About data measured by sensors and its uses About the advantages of using sensors for patient monitoring About the monitoring and controlling of a patients condition About scanning devices (MRI and CAT) About the advantages and disadvantages of scanning devices About backup and recovery procedures About new and future developments and limitations

3. Starter: Question How are ICT systems used to diagnose a patients condition?

4. Sensors (analogue and digital) Routine recording of data can be performed automatically by sensors which frees up time for medical staff. Sensors are devices used to detect physical, chemical and biological signals and provide a method of measuring and recording them using processors or computers. Two different types of sensor: • Analogue – used to measure analogue quantity which is a quantity that can have an almost infinite set of values such as temperature, pressure etc. • Digital – can detect digital quantities. E.g. a switch can only have two positions (on and off or 0 or 1) and so can be represented as digital quantity. If an analogue sensor is connected to a computer then the signal will need to be converted into a digital signal before it can be processed or stored by the computer.

5. Sensors are used in medicine to measure what?

6. Data measured by sensors and its uses Example Intensive care units are used for seriously ill patients who need continual care. In order to reduce the Burdon on staff, measurements are made using sensors. Sensors are used in medicine to measure: • Temperature • Blood pressure • Central venous pressure (the amount of blood returning to the heart and the capacity of the heart to pump blood to the arteries) • Pulse • Blood gasses (concentration of dissolved oxygen) • Blood sugar • Brain activity • Electrical activity of the heart (ECG) • Intra cranial pressure (pressure inside the skull) • Breakdown of gases from a patient’s breath • Respiratory rate. ICT systems are used to constantly monitor a patients well-being and if any of the measurements go out of a certain range then the medical staff are alerted.

7. Advantages of using sensors for patient monitoring

8. Monitoring & control of a patient’s condition The data from monitoring a patient can also be used to control medical equipment that takes over the function of some of the organs of the patient. Life support systems use the data from sensors to control medical equipment and assists or replaces important bodily functions and so enables a patient to live who otherwise might not survive. Data from sensors can be used to control: • Respiration (a ventilator that pumps air in and out of the lungs) • Excretion • Heart function • Kidney function (dialysis machines) • Intravenous drips containing fluids.

9. Scanning Devices Scanning Devices are used to build up a model of the internal structures of a patient which aids diagnosis and ensures patients get the correct treatment.

10. Scanning Devices MRI (magnetic resonance image) An MRI scanner uses magnetic and radio waves to build up a picture of the inside of a patient. They do not use X-rays therefore they do not cause any damage to the patient. The hydrogen atoms in the patient’s body emit radio waves of their own and the scanner picks these up and turns them into a picture. A computer is needed to analyse the data from these radio waves and produce an image on the screen. It is the best technique for doctors to use when they are checking for tumours. They can also be used for: • Examining the heart and its blood vessels for damage • Examining joints and the spine for damage • Checking the function of certain organs such as the liver, kidneys and spleen.

11. Scanning Devices CAT (computerised axial tomography) A CT scanner is a more complicated type of X-ray machine. Ordinary X-ray machines only send out a single X-ray, CT scans send out several and at different angles to the body. The X-rays are then detected after they have passed through the patients body where their strength is measured. The beams that have passed through the denser parts of the body will be weaker than those which have passed through the soft tissue. The scanner can assemble a picture based on signal strength and after processing these on a computer the system produces a 2 dimensional picture on a screen. Some of the latest CT scanners produce 3D images. They allow virtual images to be produced, enabling doctors to see what a surgeon would see during an operation. Mainly used for pinpointing tumours in the body and planning the use of radiotherapy for the treatment of tumours. However they can cause side effects and so are not performed unless necessary.

12. Scanning Devices Advantages: • Higher cure rate (early detection of tumours). • Reduces unnecessary operations (thus reducing costs for the NHS). • Helps surgeons plan operations • Faster diagnosis • Scanning can be done routinely (treatment can be started before symptoms appear). • Safe in the case of MRI scans (CT scans are not as safe as they involve X-rays). • Can look at internal organs in 3D. Disadvantages: • Expensive equipment • Can break down • Can be dangerous for staff to use (especially CT scans) • MRI the patient needs to keep still for long periods of time.

13. Backup and recovery procedures Sensors need to give correct readings in order to monitor a patient’s condition correctly. Sensors have a self-test facility where they are able to check their own readings. This is important in intensive care units where incorrect readings from sensors can cause a critical change in the patient not to be recorded correctly. Scans recorded are kept with the patient records so they can be consulted using any terminal in the hospital. All this data is backed up in real time – there is no downtime for this crucial system. The hospital has a backup recover plan should any of the data be lost or hardware fail to work. The plan makes use of: • Mirrored hard drives • Backup tapes which use a tape rotation system • Off-site archiving of data. All scanners and ICT systems in hospitals have an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) which keeps power running when the supply to the hospital has been cut.

14. New and future developments New Modern medicine has focused on patient care outside of the hospital and prevention. E.g. more routine testing is planned so that diseases can be detected early and cured. Sensor and communication technology enables tasks usually performed at a GPs to be performed in people’s homes. Intelligent sensors have been developed that are put on a diabetes patient. One glucose sensor sits on the patients are like a watch and a small electric current is sent out and this opens up pores in the skin which can be used by the sensor to measure the glucose concentration. A glucose reservoir can be implanted in the patient so that the system automatically gives them glucose if the sensor detects it is needed. Removing the need for patients to inject themselves. A Japanese toilet analyses urine for glucose, registers weight and send a daily report to the user’s doctor. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM3Ac08fNNU

15. New and future developments Future Advances in sensor technology will create a series of smart sensors which have a small computer chip incorporated into them enabling data to be not only collected but processed as well. This data from a processor will be used to work an actuator which will allow a measured amount of drug to be administered into the patient’s body only when the system recognises that it is needed. New sensors are being developed that will detect certain bacteria without a sample needing to be sent to the lab. Smart blood pressure sensors will manage the drugs for patients with high blood pressure. Home healthcare – videoconferencing and sensor technology will enable patients to talk to doctors and consultants from their own homes. Huge cost savings. Special hospital beds may be developed which include sensors that can monitor vital signs and blood chemistries and are also equipped to control mechanical ventilation, suction, intravascular infusion and cardiac defibrillation.

16. Limitations of Scanning, Life support and other computer controlled equipment • Bandwidth is limited which means scans cannot be stored with other patient record details • Life support malfunctions can cause the death of seriously ill patients. • Ethical problems (when should life support systems be turned off). • Expensive equipment and could be better used for prevention rather than cure.

17. Revision Piece Mini site on this topic: http://www.teach-ict.com/gcse/theory/medicine/student/shome_medicine.htm And Notes

18. Exam QuestionsWork in a group of 3 to answer the exam questions

19. PlenaryMatch up the facts and words for today's lesson.