University Of Ulster

Stephen McComb, who runs the Connected Health Innovation Centre, CHIC, based at the University of Ulster at Jordanstown has cycled from Mizen Head in County Cork  to Malin Head in County Donegal for charity, with the Kilbride Cycling Club from Doagh. The ride started on  June 1, finished on June 4 and covers 350 miles.

Stephen and his three cyclist colleagues were raising money for "Connie's Cause" which supports the NI Children's Hospice and Helping Hand (Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children - Children's MRI scanner appeal).

Intelesens, the vital signs remote monitoring company based in Belfast, provided Stephen with a V-Patch device which he wore for the duration of the marathon cycle ride. The device securely clips using magnetic studs to a patch-based, adhesive electrode worn on the chest. This remote event monitoring device then monitors the heart’s activity and utilises wireless technology to send ecg data to Intelesens’s remote patient database. A report can then be produced for a clinician to review heart rate, ecg and ecg arrhythmias, on a daily or a weekly basis. What is unique about V-Patch is that it detects and identifies the arrhythmia on the body-worn device and only transmits irregularities. To date, available technology will record or transmit all information. This is expensive, reduces battery life and requires specialised software to analyse post-monitoring. This new approach is regarded by clinicians as a significant advance in coronary care.

Intelesens is at the forefront of developing vital signs remote monitoring technology in both hospital and home settings. By tracking a patient’s vital signs remotely healthcare professionals have the opportunity to intervene earlier and can intervene earlier with faster diagnosis and treatment. The company will launch their new zensor monitorin January 2013, a device measuring ecg, respiration rate, heart rate, arrhythmias and motion and which can be worn outside of hospital at home, on the move or at work, using wi-fi to get the information to the doctor.

Stephen commented “Mobile patient monitoring is a key element of ensuring more patients can be treated in the community rather than in hospital and helping Intelesens "road test" their devices is interesting as a cyclist and also assists the company with elements such as usability of their technology.”

Stephen was delighted to have completed to the challenge and said “The V-patch was developed to create mobility for patients who need to be monitored so cycling the length of Ireland is true stress testing!”

Intelesens is one of a number of Northern Ireland companies who can make a significant difference in Connected Health and can be contacted through their website  at www.intelesens.com.