Application of Near Field Communication for Health Monitoring in Daily Life

Abstract

We study the possibility of applying an emerging RFID-based communication technology, NFC (Near Field Communication), to health monitoring. We suggest that NFC is, compared to other competing technologies, a high-potential technology for short-range connectivity between health monitoring devices and mobile terminals. We propose practices to apply NFC to some health monitoring applications and study the benefits that are attainable with NFC. We compare NFC to other short-range communication technologies such as Bluetooth and IrDA, and study the possibility of improving the usability of health monitoring devices with NFC. We also introduce a research platform for technical evaluation, applicability study and application demonstrations of NFC.

Design and Evaluation of a Telemonitoring Concept Based on NFC-Enabled Mobile Phones and Sensor Devices

“…This physical proximity of the device to the reader gives users the reassurance of being in control of the process. These properties render NFC suitable to act as PAN/BAN interface in the field of mHealth [23]. Due to NFCs broad application area even in medical applications, the NFC forum initiated the development of a technical specification for personal health device communications based on NFC [18].…”

Multipurpose mobile platform for telemedicine applications

“…In another case, the home care patient's well-being is being monitored. Both cases require wireless and automated connection [9] between the health sensors near the patient and the remote expert. Data sharing with the expert supports the collaboration for the benefit of the patient's treatment process.…”

Classification of NFC Applications in Diverse Service Domains

“…It is seen from the literature that NFC plays significant role in health service domain due to its easy use with lower consumption property. NFC provides user-friendly remote health monitoring, controlling, and tracking systems [4]- [9], and electronic data capturing services [10]- [12]. There are also some services that aim to improve the care dependent people's quality of life such as NFC enabled prescription system [13], storage of encrypted medical data on tags [14], adverse drugs reaction and allergy detection systems in pharmaceutical and medical care [15], [16].…”