58 Int. J. Computer Applications in Technology, Vol. 21, Nos. 1/2, 2004 Copyright © 2004 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. Vital physiological signs monitoring Y.Y. Kho*, S. Hashim and C.F. Soon Faculty of Engineering, Tun Hussein Onn College, University of Technology, Locked Bag 101, 86400 Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor E-mail: khoyehyiian@hotmail.com *Corresponding author Abstract: The aim of this project is to build a virtual image and the patients’ data and signal transfer to a remote place. Patient information will be available to those who have the authority to access the information. LabVIEW (Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench) is used in displaying the signal in the computer. Virtual instruments are created in order to acquire the electrocardiograph (ECG) signal. LabVIEW gives the flexibility of a powerful programming language without the associated difficulty and complexity because its graphical programming methodology is inherently intuitive. Another signal, oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) is acquired through serial connection of the equipment to the computer. This project aspires to create links for the communication between healthcare practitioners in discussing the patients’ data and situation. Keywords: remote monitoring; vital signs; ECG with LabVIEW 6i; oxygen saturation in Visual Basic .NET; physiological signs in ICU. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Kho, Y.Y., Hashim, S. and Soon, C.F. (2004) ‘Vital physiological signs monitoring’, Int. J. Computer Applications in Technology, Vol. 21, Nos. 1/2, pp.58–64. 1 INTRODUCTION In this technology era, the integration of technology into our daily lives has become inevitable. Technology plays an important role in the sustenance of lives in the intensive care unit (ICU) or coronary care unit (CCU). Telemedicine has and will play a major role in our lives in the future. Although face-to-face consultation is fundamental to health-care, constraints in time and resources will make it increasingly expensive. Telemedicine has the potential to increase the efficiencies in the diagnostic process [1]. The internet is changing medical education and healthcare service in many significant ways. It provides a comfortable way for physicians to communicate with friends, family and colleagues [2]. Technology has been used to improve the quality of life of the people in many aspects. A well-applied technology improves efficiency and effectiveness in time and cost, and gives direct attention to the people [3]. Healthcare can be defined in various ways. It is most commonly defined as medical care and includes a wide range of activities that are carried out for the maintenance of health, in addition to the prevention and treatment of ailments. Telemedicine in Malaysia started with the creation of Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) on 1st August 1996. It is seen as the medium to the improvement of efficiency, better coordination of human service delivery and overcoming geographic and health resource inequities [4]. Malaysia is committed to create and enhance the quality of life for all Malaysians. A statement from The Minister of Health, Malaysia quoted, ‘Malaysia’s telemedicine initiative is not just point-to-point teleconsultation. It incorporates the full spectrum of multimedia technologies to bring about benefits to all players in the health sector. It will transform the healthcare services and shape new relationships between people and their healthcare providers. This will be known as telehealth [5].’ The vision of telehealth or telemedicine focuses in equity and efficiency, emphasizing on health promotion and respect for human dignity. It also promotes individual responsibility for health. Telehealth aims to provide greater access to higher quality healthcare for all Malaysians. By utilizing the existing multimedia and information technology, and also developing new technological solutions, this MSC Flagship Application will ensure Malaysians enjoy a high quality of healthcare. The government of Malaysia has helped to push the advancement of medical technologies by providing funds and giving research grants for research studies. However, the public has yet to realize the full potential of telemedicine. As many of the older generations are computer illiterates, this causes a barrier for health providers to fully