iOS Medical Peripherals: Convenient and Connected

iOS devices and operating systems are taking the world by storm. Whether it’s as simple as an addictive game like “Angry Birds” or something a bit more complex like “HeyTell,” the capabilities of iOS are tested all the time. The newest test comes in the form of health care and what an iOS device can do to keep a patient more informed as well as more connected with their doctor. Katie Matlack, the Medical Software Analyst at Software Advice, a startup based in Austin, Texas, contributes a guest blog today to dive into the arena of health care and iOS devices, both available and what’s to come.

The iPhone and iPad are changing the world of medical devices as we know it.

Thanks to their familiar interface, Web connectivity, and powerful processing capabilities, with the right app and plug-in these iOS devices can work as super smart medical devices that make sharing as easy as the push of a touchscreen button. Consumers can now access increasingly high-quality medical devices, making it easy to be more actively engaged in their own health. And home and rural care givers can benefit from the portability and versatility of iPad and iPhone based devices.

Below I’ll discuss three examples of powerful iOS medical devices I’ve found that already exist.

1) The Withings Blood Pressure Monitor

French company Withings developed this blood pressure monitor that features an app and a cuff that fits most average-sized people. Accurate data on your blood pressure can help you monitor hypertension, which can lead to serious consequences for your heart, brain and kidney. The Withings monitor can even work with an iPod Touch, and runs at $129. You can use the device to share your data with your doctor.

2) ECEM Pulse Oximeter

This device isn’t yet available to the masses, but given its utility I imagine it will be soon. It features a small clip that attaches to your fingertip. The clip beams a light through your fingertip to a receiver on the opposite side; the amount of light received is used to determine how much oxygen is saturated in your blood. Developed by the Electrical and Computer Engineering in Medicine research group together with the Pediatric Anesthesia Research Team at the University of British Columbia, it was originally created to help make anesthesia care safer in the developing world, but can also be useful to patients with heart of lung problems such as emphysema.

3) iBGStar Glucose Meter

From Sanofi-Aventis comes this glucose meter app and plug-in. The glucose meter is a well-known device to anyone with diabetes. Today, diabetics test blood sugar with needles and a clunky kit; the iBGStar offers a small add-on to the iPhone that’s said to give better, more accurate results. Plus, getting your data on your iPhone means you can share it easily, and you can get reminders on your iPhone when it’s time for another check.

For more discussion of the benefits of these iPhone and iPad based devices, plus commentary on two more devices not discussed here and commentary from an expert on medical devices, visit the Software Advice blog for the original article.

This post provided by INDATA.

Dragon speech software adds apps to the mix

Today, we are using our computers and phones for everything. We use them to surf the web, send e-mails, get directions, and even check our bank statements. However, if your mobility is limited or if you find typing on the keyboard/keypad to be difficult, interaction with these devices is a chore and no longer an efficient experience. With Dragon Speech Recognition, interacting with the computer or phone becomes easier and faster. Your phones and computers can once again become your connection to the outside world, just by using your voice.

Now available for iPhone, iPad, and iTouch and Android, Dragon seeks to make its technology available no matter where you are.
• Dragon Dictation – allows you to speak and instantly see your e-mail or text messages.
• Dragon Search – provides a way to search online content on your iPhone and iTouch using your voice
• Dragon for Email – email dictation application that allows you to speak and view your emails instantaneously
• FlextT9 for Android – four in one keyboard experience that allows you to Speak, Trace, Write or Tap input

Whether you are using Dragon on your computer or phone, the voice recognition and accuracy improves over time. The more you use the software, the more accurate it becomes.

Tell Dragon what you want it to do and the computer responds. For example, you could say “Open Microsoft Word” or “Close Tab” and Dragon will take care of the rest. By removing the mechanical aspects of typing or handwriting, Dragon removes the barriers that would normally keep individuals with mobility impairment from expressing their thoughts and ideas. The following video provides a demonstration on how Dragon works.

Dragon How-to Demo

In addition to dictation, Dragon can also help with articulation and pronunciation problems. Students, who have difficulties with these speech issues, can use the software to complete daily tasks, while at the same time practicing their speech and sounds. If a repetitive stress injury, for example, from typing, caused your lack of mobility, using the Dragon will help to ease the pain and discomfort of using a keyboard.

Post by INDATA

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Welcome to the AT Connects blog.  While we’re still in development we plan on posting to the blog about development progress some of the new features that we’ll be adding after launch and of course the latest news from the world of assistive technology.

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