Cybernet Medical's Medstar Device Selected for Pilot Study of Congestive Heart Failure Patients in Rural Alabama.Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers/High-Tech Writers ANN ARBOR, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 25, 2003 Alabama Department of Public Health Now Using Cybernet's Home-based Monitoring Device to Collect Physiological Data For Use in Evaluating Patient Progress Cybernet Medical, a leading developer of biometric monitoring technology and medical devices for outpatient care, today announced that its MedStar(TM) data transmission device is being used in a pilot study of congestive heart failure congestive heart failure, inability of the heart to expel sufficient blood to keep pace with the metabolic demands of the body. In the healthy individual the heart can tolerate large increases of workload for a considerable length of time. (CHF CHF In currencies, this is the abbreviation for the Swiss Franc. Notes: The currency market, also known as the Foreign Exchange market, is the largest financial market in the world, with a daily average volume of over US $1 trillion. ) patients in Geneva County, Alabama Geneva County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. Henry Yonge, who founded the city of Geneva, AL, named it after his wife's hometown in Geneva, New York. When the county was formed years later, it simply took the name of the largest settlement in that county. . Managed by the University of South Alabama The University of South Alabama is a public, doctoral-level university in Mobile, Alabama, USA. It was created by the Alabama Legislature in 1963, and replaced existing extension programs operated in Mobile by the University of Alabama. College of Medicine's Office of Emerging Health Technologies for the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH ADPH Alabama Department of Public Health ), the six-month study is evaluating the effectiveness of monitoring daily weight and blood pressure readings for patients diagnosed with CHF or with hypertension that may lead to CHF. The program is using Cybernet Medical's MedStar transmission device to capture and forward physiological data to the home health division of the Geneva Geneva, canton and city, Switzerland Geneva (jənē`və), Fr. Genève, canton (1990 pop. 373,019), 109 sq mi (282 sq km), SW Switzerland, surrounding the southwest tip of the Lake of Geneva. County Health Department in real-time, enabling healthcare providers to take corrective action for those patients experiencing changes in blood pressure or weight readings. "Since weight and blood pressure levels directly impact the risk of CHF and its progression, treatment protocols usually include a medication such as a diuretic or ACE inhibitor combined with diet and exercise programs," explained Carl W. Taylor, the interim director of the Office of Emerging Health Technologies. "A patient's strict adherence to the prescribed regimen is an important part of the treatment's success, especially since it depends greatly on lifestyle modifications. The best method for evaluating patient progress is through a daily monitoring program; however, in rural areas such as Geneva, Alabama, the distance between patients and physicians has posed a significant problem in the past. Cybernet Medical's MedStar device is eliminating this barrier." Alabama ranks the highest in the country for deaths from CHF, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), agency of the U.S. Public Health Service since 1973, with headquarters in Atlanta; it was established in 1946 as the Communicable Disease Center. . The CDC's Center for Health Statistics used population estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Census Bureau of Census A division of the federal government of the United States Bureau of Commerce that is responsible for conducting the national census at least once every 10 years, in which the population of the United States is counted. to calculate the age-adjusted death rates from CHF between 1980-1990, and Alabama had the highest incidence rate in both the under and over age 65 categories. "We're taking aggressive steps to combat CHF in Alabama," said area homecare director Cindy Lawford, R.N., B.S.N., who is directing the pilot study for the Geneva County Health Department. "As part of our overall plan, we needed a simple, easy-to-understand program that would give our patients daily contact with a healthcare provider. We also wanted the program to give them a sense of empowerment in taking charge of their diseases. Through this pilot, we hope to show that we've found a way we can improve the patients' quality of life and overall patient outcomes." Twenty patients with CHF or hypertension that may lead to CHF are participating in the pilot study, with the majority having been hospitalized at least once in the last 12 months. Each patient is using the hand-held MedStar data transmission device to capture physiological data from connected measurement tools, such as blood pressure cuffs and weight scales. The data is transferred via standard telephone lines to a collection server, where it is checked daily against parameters determined by the patient's caregiver. Any problems with weight or blood pressure are immediately noted and addressed, resulting in better and more immediate care. "Cybernet's MedStar is repeatedly showing its value over other products on the market through its low price point, user-friendliness and its ability to transmit data over standard phone lines," said Cybernet Medical CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. Chuck Jacobus. "Its transmission capabilities take on an even greater importance in rural areas, where access to the Internet may be limited. It's an ideal tool to facilitate daily interaction between healthcare providers and chronic disease patients who would benefit from closer monitoring." The Geneva, Alabama study is being funded by a grant from the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth, Health Resources and Services Administration The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is an agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services whose goal is to improve access to health care for those without insurance. and is part of the University's ongoing biomonitoring program. About the MedStar(TM) System The MedStar interface device and accompanying collection server, together called the MedStar System, is designed to improve in-home patient chronic disease management. Purpose-built for home care, hospitals and disease management companies, the battery-powered and portable MedStar device, supported by Cybernet's web-based electronic patient physiological data record management systems, is the low cost solution for moving physiological data acquired in the patient's home to remotely located caregivers. Home and heath care providers can deliver better care at lower cost when they can focus efforts on their more seriously ill patients. About Cybernet Medical Cybernet Medical is an innovative, technology-based company focused on changing the way chronic care patients are monitored and diagnosed. Through research funded by NASA NASA: see National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA in full National Aeronautics and Space Administration Independent U.S. , National Institute of Health and Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA ARPA - Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency ), Cybernet Medical has developed and patented electronic devices, networked databases, and web-based user interfaces for the collection and management of physiological data. Cybernet Medical, visit the company's web site at www.cybernetmedical.com or call 734/668-2567. MedStar(TM) meets all current, applicable FDA FDA abbr. Food and Drug Administration FDA, n.pr See Food and Drug Administration. FDA, n.pr the abbreviation for the Food and Drug Administration. requirements. The current MedStar device is not intended for ECG ECG electrocardiogram. ECG abbr. 1. electrocardiogram 2. electrocardiograph ECG Also called an electrocardiogram, it records the electrical activity of the heart. or pacemaker monitoring, or diabetes management. |
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