PATIENT COMPLIANCE MONITOR AND METHOD FOR COLLECING COMPLIANCE DATA AND DISPLAY THEREOF OVER A COMPUTER NETWORK

摘要

A patient monitoring device includes a microprocessor controller having a clock circuit and memory coupled to one or more sensors such that as the medical appliance is properly fitted to and worn by the patient, the sensors provide an electrical signal confirming that which may be then timed to provide data which confirms a patient's compliance with a recommended protocol. Additionally, other sensors may be used to collect data relating to various operational parameters of the device including the amount of negative pressure presented under a vacuum dome, as desired. A preferred embodiment includes a controller having a microcomputer and sensor for monitoring and collecting data relating to a patient's compliance with a prescribed regimen. The controller is battery operated and is recharged by placing the controller into a cradle which has a wall plug for providing power. The cradle also has a modem and phone connection so that as the controller rests in the cradle, compliance data contained within the controller is automatically transmitted by a modem over the phone line connection to a central location. The central location includes a data network for receiving the patient compliance data, processing and storing it in virtual patient files, and one or more web servers host a web site for displaying the patient data in its processed form.