Introduction to Smart Ehealth and Ecare Technologies

The purpose of this book is to enhance communication between the two different fields of business: technology versus health and social care. Through this, the aim is to promote new innovations. This book provides information about various technologies to people working in the care sector. It also presents vital information to the technology developers regarding the real needs for technology, as well as the requirements that need to be taken into consideration. This book will be useful for engineers developing well-being-related systems, software, or devices; for people working with people with specialist needs; for well-being and health service provides as well as for educators teaching related courses; and for upper-level undergraduate students and graduate students studying related topics.

Sari Merilampi is currently Head of Well-being Enhancing Technology research group at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences. She is also a founding member, shareholder, and board member of an electronics development company Porel Ltd in Finland. She received the M.Sc. degree in electrical engineering from Tampere University of Technology (TUT), Pori in December 2006 and D. Sc. (Tech.) degree in June 2011. Sari's current research work includes new application possibilities of RFID, especially in the field of well-being and sensing, as well as well-being enhancing technology solutions in general. She has also worked with (mobile) games as a new tool for self-activation and rehabilitation. Sari has authored numerous publications in the field of passive UHF radio frequency identification (RFID), new technological tools for care sector as well as materials and manufacturing methods of electronics. Her personal goal is to enable living to full-capacity by means of person-centered technology. Sari can be contacted by e-mail: sari.merilampi@samk.fi. Andrew Sirkka works as a Principal Lecturer on Care & Technology at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, Finland. He received his MNSc degree from the University of Tampere in 1996, and Dr.Ed. from the University of Turku in 2001. Dr. Sirkka has a long international career as an expert lecturer and senior advisor in various countries. He was nominated as doctor honoris causa in 2010 at Palacky University in Olomouc, Czech Republic. Additionally, Dr. Sirkka has been a member in numerous scientific boards, editing committees, and he has authored a number of publications in the field of healthcare. At present, Dr. Sirkka is a member in well-being enhancing technology research group at Satakunta and Turku Universities of Applied Sciences. He is also a member of the organizing committee in European Master Care and Technology consortium education. He can be contacted by e-mail: andrew.sirkka@samk.fi

Section I: Opportunities and Barriers of Smart Technology in Care. Smart eHealth and eCare Technology: What is that? Drivers and Trends in Technology Deployment in Care Services. Approaches to Smart Technology Deployment in Care. IP Strategies in eHealth and eCare Sectors. Section II: ICT -Based Platforms and Technology Examples. Introduction to ICT-Based Service Platforms and Patient Record Systems. Data Acquisition, Validation, and Processing in Smart Home Environments. Machine Vision in Smart Health and Social Care. The Possibilities and Challenges of RFID-Based Passive Wireless Components in Healthcare Applications. Acoustic-Based Technologies for Ambient Assisted Living. Section III: Case Studies and Field Trials. Information and Communication Technology Support for Stroke Care: The Relevance Dilemma. INCA Software as a Service: Sustainably Delivering Cloud-Based Integrated Care. Computerized Systems for Remote Pain Monitoring: A Case Study of Ambulatory Postoperative Patients. Simple Rehabilitation Games for Special User Groups. Home.com: Living in a Digital Environment.