M2M partnership aims to boost remote healthcare

Vodafone has teamed up with Boston Scientific Corporation to enable doctors and nurses to access vital patient information remotely through the use of intelligent machine-to-machine (M2M) technology.

The new mobile technologies will empower both doctors and patients, enhancing quality of care while reducing costs and inefficiency.

By jointly developing new mobile health monitoring solutions, the patient and care-giving experiences can be significantly enhanced. Specifically, the partnership will create new technology that will provide doctors with real-time information about patients' cardiac health and vital signs remotely.

Vodaphone's M2M technology will enable patients to contact doctors and send them health information via mobile devices. Patients can receive their doctors' medical guidance without ever having to leave their home, freeing up vital hospital beds for others in need of healthcare services.

The new system is expected to significantly increase the speed at which doctors can respond to early warnings of deterioration in their patients' cardiac systems.

"With long patient lists and busy schedules, doctors are always looking for solutions that improve patient care while driving clinical efficiencies," said Michael Onuscheck, Boston Scientific's senior vice president and president of Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

"Our collaboration with Vodafone allows us to use their mobile expertise and provide wireless remote patient monitoring services that appeal to both patients and healthcare providers."

Vodafone's M2M technology connects machines wirelessly via the web enabling them to deliver services and information without human intervention. Through the use of M2M technology, common devices become more intelligent and functional providing a better customer experience in a number of sectors, including healthcare.

"The mobile internet has already transformed how people work, share their lives with friends and family and learn about the world around them," said Nick Jeffrey, chief executive of Vodafone's global enterprise arm.

He added: "Wireless communications are now also set to change how we stay healthy and recover from illness. The new mobile technologies will empower both doctors and patients, enhancing quality of care while reducing costs and inefficiency."