A security architecture for medical application platforms

Master of ScienceDepartment of Computing and Information SciencesEugene VassermanThe Medical Device Coordination Framework (MDCF) is an open source Medical Application Platform (MAP) that facilitates interoperability between heterogeneous medical devices. The MDCF is designed to be an open test bed for the conceptual architecture described by the Integrated Clinical Environment (ICE) interoperability standard. In contrast to existing medical device connectivity features that only provide data logging and display capabilities, a MAP such as the MDCF also allows medical devices to be controlled by apps. MAPs are predicted to enable many improvements to health care, however they also create new risks to patient safety and privacy that need to be addressed. As a result, MAPs such as the MDCF and other ICE-like systems require the integration of security features. This thesis lays the groundwork for a comprehensive security architecture within the MDCF. Specifically, we address the need for access control, device certification, communication security, and device authentication. We begin by describing a system for ensuring the trustworthiness of medical devices connecting to the MDCF. To demonstrate trustworthiness of a device, we use a chain of cryptographic certificates which uniquely identify that device and may also serve as non- forgeable proof of regulatory approval, safety testing, or compliance testing. Next, we cover the creation and integration of a pluggable, flexible authentication system into the MDCF, and evaluate the performance of proof-of-concept device authentication providers. We also discuss the design and implementation of a communication security system in the MDCF, which enables the creation and use of communication security providers which can provide data confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity. We conclude this work by presenting the requirements and a high level design for a Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) system within the MDCF

Aerospace medicine and biology: A continuing bibliography with indexes (supplement 324)

This bibliography lists 200 reports, articles and other documents introduced into the NASA Scientific and Technical Information System during May, 1989. Subject coverage includes: aerospace medicine and psychology, life support systems and controlled environments, safety equipment, exobiology and extraterrestrial life, and flight crew behavior and performance

Rationale and Architecture Principles for Medical Application Platforms

The concept of “system of systems” architecture is increasingly prevalent in many critical domains. Such systems allow information to be pulled from a variety of sources, analyzed to discover correlations and trends, stored to enable realtime and post-hoc assessment, mined to better inform decisionmaking, and leveraged to automate control of system units. In contrast, medical devices typically have been developed as monolithic stand-alone units. However, a vision is emerging of a notion of a medical application platform (MAP) that would provide device and health information systems (HIS) interoperability, safety critical network middleware, and an execution environment for clinical applications (“apps”) that offer numerous advantages for safety and effectiveness in health care delivery. In this paper, we present the clinical safety/effectiveness and economic motivations for MAPs, and describe key characteristics of MAPs that are guiding the search for appropriate technology, regulatory, and ecosystem solutions. We give an overview of the Integrated Clinical Environment (ICE) – one particular achitecture for MAPs, and the Medical Device Coordination Framework – a prototype implementation of the ICE architecture

The Medical Device Dongle: An Open-Source Standards-Based Platform for Interoperable Medical Device Connectivity

Emerging medical applications require device coordination, increasing the need to connect devices in an interoperable manner. However, many of the existing health devices in use were not originally developed for network connectivity and those devices with networking capabilities either use proprietary protocols or implementations of standard protocols that are unavailable to the end user. The first set of devices are unsuitable for device coordination applications and the second set are unsuitable for research in medical device interoperability. We propose the Medical Device Dongle (MDD), a low-cost, open-source platform that addresses both issues

Scott & White Healthcare: Opening Up and Embracing Change to Improve Performance

Offers a case study of a multispeciality system with the attributes of an ideal healthcare delivery system as defined by the Fund. Describes a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and peer accountability, and a comprehensive approach to care

On the Integration of Adaptive and Interactive Robotic Smart Spaces

© 2015 Mauro Dragone et al.. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License. (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)Enabling robots to seamlessly operate as part of smart spaces is an important and extended challenge for robotics R&D and a key enabler for a range of advanced robotic applications, such as AmbientAssisted Living (AAL) and home automation. The integration of these technologies is currently being pursued from two largely distinct view-points: On the one hand, people-centred initiatives focus on improving the user’s acceptance by tackling human-robot interaction (HRI) issues, often adopting a social robotic approach, and by giving to the designer and - in a limited degree – to the final user(s), control on personalization and product customisation features. On the other hand, technologically-driven initiatives are building impersonal but intelligent systems that are able to pro-actively and autonomously adapt their operations to fit changing requirements and evolving users’ needs,but which largely ignore and do not leverage human-robot interaction and may thus lead to poor user experience and user acceptance. In order to inform the development of a new generation of smart robotic spaces, this paper analyses and compares different research strands with a view to proposing possible integrated solutions with both advanced HRI and online adaptation capabilities.Peer reviewe

Open-Source, Open-Architecture SoftwarePlatform for Plug-InElectric Vehicle SmartCharging in California

This interdisciplinary eXtensible Building Operating System–Vehicles project focuses on controlling plug-in electric vehicle charging at residential and small commercial settings using a novel and flexible open-source, open-architecture charge communication and control platform. The platform provides smart charging functionalities and benefits to the utility, homes, and businesses.This project investigates four important areas of vehicle-grid integration research, integrating technical as well as social and behavioral dimensions: smart charging user needs assessment, advanced load control platform development and testing, smart charging impacts, benefits to the power grid, and smart charging ratepayer benefits

PT Management Of A Patient With A CVA Focusing On Functional Training With Neurodevelopmental Treatment-based Interventions In The Inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Setting: A Case Report

Background and Purpose: Patients whom have experienced a cerbrovascascular accident (CVA) commonly have difficulties with functional mobility. Rehabilitation is a common route taken by individuals who have experienced a CVA in order to regain function and independence. Neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT), a rehabilitation technique, emphasizes the integration of postural control and task performance, control of selective movement for the production of coordinated sequences of movement, and the contribution of sensory inputs to motor control and motor learning. The purpose of this case report is to describe functional training in conjunction with NDT-based interventions for a patient with a CVA during a 3-week stay at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Case Description: The patient was an 80-year-old male who experienced a large right CVA in the setting of atrial fibrillation. The patient received three weeks of daily physical therapy at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital. The examination process revealed many functional limitations and impairments in strength, sensation, balance, posture, motor function and mobility. Procedural interventions had an emphasis on task-specific training and Neurodevelopmental Treatment based interventions, including therapeutic exercise, balance and gait training, and functional training. Progression was documented through outcome measures such as the Berg Balance, Functional Independence Measure and MoCA. Interdisciplinary discharge planning occurred at weekly team meetings. Outcomes: The patient displayed significant improvements in balance, gait and functional mobility, and level of assistance required. The patient nearly doubled his score on the FIM of 34/126 to 66/126 from admission to discharge, and increased his score on the MOCA from 6/30 to 22/30. The interdisciplinary rehabilitation team recommended temporary placement at a skilled nursing facility in order to continue intensive rehabilitation. Discussion: Physical therapists within the inpatient rehabilitation environment commonly utilize the importance of functional training into daily therapeutic interventions for patients with a CVA. Dramatic improvements in the patient’s functional movement with the use of an NDT approach may warrant using it as a model for patients with similar demographics. Future research exploring the effectiveness of constraint-induced movement therapy, body weight support treadmill training, and traditional therapy versus NDT-based therapy in the rehabilitation of patients with a CVA is warranted