Editorial

Innovation and Caring From a Distance

In this edition of the Indian Journal of Medical Informatics, we explore and invite you to read two contributions an innovative application that depends on distance-based monitoring and an appraisal of training needs and personnel strength in delivering telecare in India. In the first of the two articles, Kar et.al describe the building and evaluation of Gaitsense, an application that puts sensors on the body of the users that can transmit messages decoded remotely to detect fall and facilitates management of falls and injuries real time [1]. In the second paper, Zayapragrassarazan et al present results of their pilot study exploring issues around training needs of telemedicine among health workers in India [2]. Taken together, these two articles weave stories of novel applications and state of the service and show promise on the one hand of harnessing technology, and identifying areas where more training is needed to put these innovations in practice. Dario Farina et al (2012) contend that utility of wearable devices require computational and communicational support while the users physical and mental capabilities are actively engaged with the physical environment [3]. The GaitSense project offers a novel solution freeing up this requirement by moving analysis to remote locations enabling rapid response. This brings into focus operational issues such as coordinating care and business models that will enable deployment of novel technologies. While they have used sensor monitors working within a limited area, co-ordination through mobile phones and its already established networks seems a distinct possibility. In a review of wearable sensors and systems, Patel et al (2012) noted an eventual need for establishing business models for translating research toward achieving remote monitoring of older adults to practice and envisioned costs and reimbursement mechanisms in a US context [4]. In an Indian context, availability of trained personnel to effectively translating research into practice remain an issue. This was addressed in the article by Zayapragrassarazan et al (2013) where they present their findings from the pilot study. A need for bringing together diverse worlds of innovation and translational research and studies exist to look into issues around technology and their applications. References [1] Kar, S., Sarangi, S., & Bisht, A. (2013). Fall Detection and Activity Monitoring with Wireless Sensor Networks. IJMI, 7(3). [2] Zayapragassarazan, Z., & Kumar, S. (2013). Training Needs of Telemedicine Staff A Pilot Study. IJMI, 7(3). [3] Farina, D., Cianca, E., Marchetti, N., & Frattasi, S. (2012). Special issue: wearable computing and communication for e-Health. Medical & biological engineering & computing, 50(11), 11178. doi:10.1007/s11517-012-0976-7

[4] Patel, S., Park, H., Bonato, P., Chan, L., & Rodgers, M. (2012). A review of wearable sensors and systems with application in rehabilitation. Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation, 9(1), 21. doi:10.1186/1743-0003-9-21