VitalChart [EKG and breathing display device]

As the Canadian population ages, the state of health care is an increasingly significant issue. The Canadian government already spends billions of dollars on health care and, in 2000-2001, the Medical Equipment Fund totaled $500 million. This represents growing market potential for medical devices that enhance the quality and improve the efficiency of health care.We propose to implement an electrocardiogram (EKG) and breathing rate monitor on a Palm™ personal digital assistant (PDA). Our product, VitalChart, will capture vitals, then record, store, and allow the manipulation of the data in an easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI). These features allow VitalChart to automate patient charting, improving the efficiency of health care professionals.The VitalChart utilizes a Palm™ m500 series PDA as a user interface. Our software will display the heart monitor waveform and the breathing rate of the patient on the Palm™ and handle data manipulation and simple charting. Future developments include a web-based database system that allows users to log in via the Internet and download patient data. Additional features being considered include a temperature sensor and blood pressure module.