Smart hospital emergency system via mobile-based requesting services

In recent years, the UK’s emergency call and response has shown elements of great strain as of today. The strain on emergency call systems estimated by a 9 million calls (including both landline and mobile) made in 2014 alone. Coupled with an increasing population and cuts in government funding, this has resulted in lower percentages of emergency response vehicles at hand and longer response times. In this paper, we highlight the main challenges of emergency services and overview of previous solutions. In addition, we propose a new system call Smart Hospital Emergency System (SHES). The main aim of SHES is to save lives through improving communications between patient and emergency services. Utilising the latest of technologies and algorithms within SHES is aiming to increase emergency communication throughput, while reducing emergency call systems issues and making the process of emergency response more efficient. Utilising health data held within a personal smartphone, and internal tracked data (GPU, Accelerometer, Gyroscope etc.), SHES aims to process the mentioned data efficiently, and securely, through automatic communications with emergency services, ultimately reducing communication bottlenecks. Live video-streaming through real-time video communication protocols is also a focus of SHES to improve initial communications between emergency services and patients. A prototype of this system has been developed. The system has been evaluated by a preliminary usability, reliability, and communication performance study

M-health review: joining up healthcare in a wireless world

In recent years, there has been a huge increase in the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to deliver health and social care. This trend is bound to continue as providers (whether public or private) strive to deliver better care to more people under conditions of severe budgetary constraint

Ideas and Enhancements Related to Mobile Applications to Support Type 1 Diabetes

Background: Mobile devices have become increasingly important to young people who now use them to access a wide variety of health-related information. Research and policy related to the integration of health information and support with this technology do not effectively consider the viewpoint of a younger patient. Views of young people with type 1 diabetes are vital in developing quality services and improving their own health-related quality of life (HRQOL), yet research on their lifestyle and use of Web and mobile technology to support their condition and in non–health-related areas is sparse. Objective: To develop insight into young people with type 1 diabetes and their current use of Web and mobile technology and its potential impact on HRQOL. This can be achieved by constructing an in-depth picture of their day-to-day experiences from qualitative interviewing and exploring how they make use of technology in their lives and in relation to their condition and treatment. The goal was then to build something to help them, using the researcher’s technical expertise and seeking users’ opinions during the design and build, utilizing sociotechnical design principles. Methods: Data were collected by semistructured, in-depth qualitative interviews (N=9) of young people with type 1 diabetes aged 18-21. Interviews were transcribed and loaded onto NVivo for theme identification. Data analysis was undertaken during initial interviews (n=4) to locate potential ideas and enhancements for technical development. Latter interviews (n=5) assisted in the iterative sociotechnical design process of the development and provided additional developmental ideas. Results: Six themes were identified providing an understanding of how participants lived with and experienced their condition and how they used technology. Four technological suggestions for improvement were taken forward for prototyping. One prototype was developed as a clinically approved app. A number of ideas for new mobile apps and enhancements to currently existing apps that did not satisfactorily cater to this age group’s requirements for use in terms of design and functionality were suggested by interviewees but were not prototyped. Conclusions: This paper outlines the nonprototyped suggestions from interviewees and argues that young people with type 1 diabetes have a key role to play in the design and implementation of new technology to support them and improve HRQOL. It is vital to include and reflect on their suggestions as they have a radically different view of technology than either their parents or practitioners. We need to consider the relationship to technology that young people with type 1 diabetes have, and then reflect on how this might make a difference to them and when it might not be a suitable mechanism to use

Master of Science

thesisThe 2012 Great Utah Shakeout highlighted the necessity for increased coordination in the collection and sharing of spatial data related to disaster response during an event. Multiple agencies must quickly relay scientific and damage observations between teams in the field and command centers. Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) is a framework that directly supports information discovery and access and use of the data in decision making processes. An SDI contains five core components: policies, access networks, data handling facilities, standards, and human resources needed for the effective collection, management, access, delivery, and utilization of spatial data for a specific area. Implementation of an SDI will increase communication between agencies, field-based reconnaissance teams, first responders, and individuals in the event of a disaster. The increasing popularity of location-based mobile social networks has led to spatial data from these sources being used in the context of managing disaster response and recovery. Spatial data acquired from social networks, or Volunteer Geographic Information (VGI), could potentially contribute thousands of low-cost observations to aid in damage assessment and recovery efforts that may otherwise be unreported. The objective of this research is to design and develop an SDI to allow the incorporation of VGI, professional Geographic Information System (GIS) layers, a mobile application, and scientific reports to aid in the disaster management process. A secondary goal is to assess the utility of the resulting SDI. The end result of combining the three systems (e.g., SDE, a mobile application, and VGI), along with the network of relevant users, is an SDI that improves the volume, quality, currency, accuracy, and access to vital spatial and scientific information following a hazard event

A Policy Analysis of Cybersecurity and Mobile Applications: Implications on the Media Space

This study presents discussion for several examples that illustrates the importance of having a security policy for mobile phones. The study further examines the importance of developing a national security policy created for mobile devices in order to protect sensitive, and personal data to safeguard the media space. By inspection, it was observed from the literature that smartphones are becoming a vehicle to provide an efficient and convenient way to access, find and share information; however, the availability of this information has caused an increase in cyber attacks. Currently, cyber threats range from Trojans and viruses to botnets and toolkits. Presently, 96% of smartphones do not have pre-installed security software. This lack in security is an opportunity for malicious cyber attackers to hack into the various devices that are popular (i.e. Android, iPhone and Blackberry). Traditional security software found in personal computers (PCs), such as firewalls, antivirus, and encryption, is not currently available in smartphones. Moreover, smartphones are even more vulnerable than personal computers because more people are using smartphones to do personal tasks. Nowadays, smartphone users can email, use social networking applications (Facebook and Twitter), buy and download various applications and shop. Furthermore, users can now conduct monetary transactions, such as buying goods, redeeming coupons and tickets, banking and processing point-of-sale payments. Monetary transactions are especially attractive to cyber attackers because they can gain access to bank account information after hacking a user’s smartphone. Lastly, smartphones are small and are easy to carry anywhere. Unfortunately, the convenience of using smartphones to do personal task is the loophole cyber attackers need to gain access to personal data. Keywords: Smartphones, Social Media, Cybersecurity, Computers, E-commerce, Operating Systems, Internets, Browsers DOI: 10.7176/ISDE/13-1-04 Publication date:March 31st 202

Third Revolution Digital Technology in Disaster Early Warning

Networking societies with electronic based technologies can change social morphology, where key social structures and activities are organized around electronically processed information networks. The application of information and communications technologies (ICT) has been shown to have a positive impact across the emergency or disaster lifecycle. For example, utility of mobile, internet and social network technology, commercial and amateur radio networks, television and video networks and open access technologies for processing data and distributing information can be highlighted. Early warning is the key function during an emergency. Early warning system is an interrelated set of hazard warning, risk assessment, communication and preparedness activities that enable individuals, communities, businesses and others to take timely action to reduce their risks. Third revolution digital technology with semantic features such as standard protocols can facilitate standard data exchange therefore proactive decision making. As a result, people belong to any given hierarchy can access the information simultaneously and make decisions on their own challenging the traditional power relations. Within this context, this paper attempts to explore the use of third revolution digital technology for improving early warning

Ubiquitous Interoperable Emergency Response System

In the United States, there is an emergency dispatch for fire department services more than once every second - 31,854,000 incidents in 2012. While large scale disasters present enormous response complexity, even the most common emergencies require a better way to communicate information between personnel. Through real-time location and status updates using integrated sensors, this system can significantly decrease emergency response times and improve the overall effectiveness of emergency responses. Aside from face-to-face communication, radio transmissions are the most common medium for transferring information during emergency incidents. However, this type of information sharing is riddled with issues that are nearly impossible to overcome on a scene. Poor sound quality, the failure to hear transmissions, the inability to reach a radio microphone, and the transient nature of radio messages illustrate just a few of the problems. Proprietary and closed systems that collect and present response data have been implemented, but lack interoperability and do not provide a full array of necessary services. Furthermore, the software and hardware that run the systems are generally poorly designed for emergency response scenarios. Pervasive devices, which can transmit data without human interaction, and software using open communication standards designed for multiple platforms and form factors are two essential components. This thesis explores the issues, history, design, and implementation of a ubiquitous interoperable emergency response system by taking advantage of the latest in hardware and software, including Google Glass, Android powered mobile devices, and a cloud based architecture that can automatically scale to 7 billion requests per day. Implementing this pervasive system that transcends physical barriers by allowing disparate devices to communicate and operate harmoniously without human interaction is a step towards a practical solution for emergency response management

Homeless and connected: mobile phones and the Internet in the lives of homeless Australians

New research shows high mobile and smart phone ownership among people experiencing homelessness, but staying connected is a struggle. Overview This project set out to research how a group of consumers – people experiencing homelessness – access and use mobile phones and the Internet (covering fixed and wireless Internet sources). The aim was to provide the evidence to inform the delivery of public services by community, welfare and government agencies to this group of consumers, and to develop and improve on telecommunications policies and initiatives that address the needs and challenges of consumers facing hardship, including homelessness. Traditional approaches to researching homelessness and digital technology have focused on barriers or ‘gaps’ in accessing technology, known as the ‘digital divide’. This project goes beyond this approach by recognising that many people experiencing homelessness are already mobile phone and Internet consumers that have unique patterns of ownership and use, which correspond to their homeless circumstances (Newman, Baum and Biedrzycki, 2010, 2012; Le Dantec, 2010; Yoshida, 2010). A confluence of trends – shifting patterns of connectivity, and a push to online and mobile delivery of all high volume or ‘heavy user’ government services – has made researching these patterns an urgent priority. The project involved working with the support of the national peak advocacy body for people experiencing homelessness, Homelessness Australia, and seven homelessness accommodation and support services in inner and outer metropolitan Sydney and Melbourne. In summary, it was found that for the 95 families, young people and adults who participated in the study: A mobile phone was essential – the most important uses of the mobile phone, after contacting friends and family, were: contacting emergency services (52%); support services (49%), and medical assistance (48%). Most had a mobile phone – 95% had a mobile phone and 77% reported having a smart phone. Staying connected was difficult – shortage of credit, service and power restrictions, number changes and handset loss resulted in partial or restricted access to one or a number of mobile and Internet services. Significant impacts resulted from connectivity limitations – such as not being able to contact essential support and emergency services, being at physical risk without the ability to reach help and not meeting basic eligibility requirements of some government services. Users had a wide range of connectivity and affordability strategies – using a pre-paid mobile service and alternative Internet sources such as free Wi-Fi hotspots and Internet access in public libraries and accommodation centres were key measures for keeping costs down and staying connected. Mature male adults who were single and experiencing long-term homelessness were more likely to be without a mobile phone and not use the Internet – this group made up 60% of those with no mobile phone access and of these 40% reported they didn’t use the Internet at all. Vulnerable consumers with complex needs, that is, with a set of overlapping health and support needs[1], had the most payment difficulties and debt relating to mobile phone services. For agencies in the process of, or embarking on the reform of their services, these findings point to the potential to use online and mobile platforms to deliver services to and engage clients who are experiencing homelessness. Many in this group are not laggards in technology – indeed when it comes to mobiles – they are leaders. At the same time, while having a mobile phone is commonplace for many people experiencing homelessness, staying connected is a struggle and access is not guaranteed. Moreover, within this population, there are some who are especially likely to be without any form of mobile or Internet technology and experience serious difficulties with the cost and terms of post-paid plans. It is important to recognise that the imperative to have a mobile phone is not primarily driven by a desire to own or upgrade to the latest gadget. For people experiencing homelessness this is a matter of survival – there is no ready alternative like a household telephone or broadband connection to use when homeless. A wide range of activities which constitute fundamental forms of social and economic participation, including accessing emergency services, medical help and crisis support, hinge on ready access to a phone. With large-scale patterns of changing social connectivity and the shift of government and other services to online modes of delivery, the need to have a mobile phone – with access to the Internet – is greatly magnified. This imperative comes with a cost. For online and mobile services to be accessible and beneficial to this group, the cost of access and the specific barriers and limitations facing consumers who are homeless must be addressed. There are a number of ways that providers of mobile services as well as government and support services can contribute to this goal. A set of recommendations aimed at these groups, and guided by the principles of continuity of service, affordability and flexibility of access, are detailed in the final section of this report. In summary these are: Recommendations for Mobile Service Providers: Specify homelessness in financial hardship policies adopted by mobile service providers and ensure that customer service operators are aware of the special need for people affected by homelessness to maintain continuity of service when negotiating bill extensions and payments. Ensure cost effective methods for consumers to reach staff and teams with responsibility for hardship across multiple platforms such as direct contact through 1800 number[2], web form, call back options, Live Chat, Facebook, apps and via Financial Counselling and Homelessness services. Introduce new aid and subsidy programs (or extend existing programs such as Telstra’s ‘Access for Everyone’ program) to support access to mobile and data services (for example, handsets, credit recharge, discount options and Wi-Fi access). Consider ways assistance programs can be provided that works effectively across all mobile service providers, for example a way for community agencies to recharge their clients mobile service, a card with call and data credit that can be used with any pre and post paid mobile service and provider, or a subsidised or free voicemail and inbox messaging service, again, for use with any pre and post paid mobile and service provider. Offer more widely assistance programs and available discounts through existing partnership programs (for example, the SMS/call packages for support providers through the Youth Connected Program from Vodafone Australia Foundation (VAF)) and initiate outreach programs in collaboration with homelessness services (including specialist legal clinics) to, for example, provide on the spot assistance to clients with telecommunications matters. Work in partnership with support and housing providers, libraries, local councils and users of these services to develop and promote affordable Internet access and provisioning solutions that integrate with where and how people experiencing homelessness use digital technology (for example, Internet access points and self-service terminals, Wi-Fi hotspots, options to switch to available Wi-Fi services, low cost and pay-per-use mobile broadband, power recharge stations and shelters for securely storing equipment). Recommendations for Government Agencies and Support Services: Ensure cost effective contact methods and multiple access points to services (especially for high volume services) such as 1800 numbers[3], call back options, Facebook, Live Chat, SMS and other social media, web-based platforms and apps. Build digital capacity of homelessness services through adequate funding and resourcing to integrate mobile, social media and other web-based platforms into regular contact and support activities (if any of these are considered to raise privacy concerns, these should be addressed as early as possible in development). Equip staff of homelessness services with the skills and resources to provide information and referrals on telecommunications bill, contract and debt matters, and to be able to make direct and immediate contact with the specialist hardship teams of mobile service providers on behalf of their clients. Preserve non-digital contact and service points for customers who are non-Internet users and those without access to mobile and online technologies. Work in partnership with mobile service providers, libraries, local councils and service users to develop and promote affordable Internet access and provisioning solutions that integrate with where and how people experiencing homelessness use digital technology (for example, fixed Internet access points and self-service terminals, Wi-Fi hotspots, options to switch to available Wi-Fi services, low cost and pay-per-use mobile broadband, power recharge stations and shelters for securely storing equipment).   [1] Rankin and Regan (2004) provide a definition of ‘complex needs’ as not related to individual characteristics but a “framework for understanding multiple, interlocking needs that span health and social issues” (p. 1). [2] Dependent on the implementation of the new framework for call charges from mobile phones to 1800 numbers developed by ACMA and the Telecommunications Industry. [3] As above