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Chapter 30
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-6915-2.ch030
ABSTRACT
The management of chronic diseases requires the continuous monitoring and control of an extensive set
of medical and lifestyle parameters afecting the health status of patients. The purpose of this chapter is
to present an overview of the state of the art in wearable medical systems and mobile self-management
support interventions in the daily care of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Type 1
and Type 2 diabetes. In both cases, research and commercial approaches to the integration of specialized
sensors in a wearable smart module are presented and their ability to provide real-time estimations for
crucial parameters is emphasized. Moreover, special emphasis is placed on mobile self-monitoring ap-
plications which are progressively enhanced with decision support, pattern recognition and predictive
capabilities which can be used by the patient. The way in which mobile health technology can improve
health outcomes is discussed and future research directions are described.
INTRODUCTION
Chronic conditions are those which are long-term (lasting more than 6 months) and can have a significant
effect on a person’s life. They are generally hereditary or the result of factors such as poor diet and living
conditions, using tobacco or other harmful substances, or a sedentary lifestyle. Chronic diseases may
get worse, lead to death, be cured, remain dormant or require continual monitoring. At the same time
chronic illness has a profound effect on the physical, emotional and mental well-being of individuals,
often making it difficult to carry on with daily routines and relationships (Nuovo, 2006). However, in
mHealth Environments for
Chronic Disease Management
Eleni I. Georga
University of Ioannina, Greece
Athanasios N. Papadopoulos
University of Ioannina, Greece
Dimitrios I. Fotiadis
University of Ioannina, Greece & Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Greece