Wireless telemedicine enhancement studied

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Sept. 18 (UPI) -- U.S. engineers launched a study designed to advance the integration of radio frequency identification technology into telemedicine.

A team of Rochester Institute of Technology scientists led by Assistant Professor Fei Hu is working to advance RFID technology in cardiac sensor networks. The scientists also want to enhance the security of the systems used in the process, thereby reducing the possibility of identity theft and cyberterrorism.

Hu, the principal investigator, will collaborate with University of Alabama Professor Yang Xiao in the research.

"Telemedicine technology can greatly increase the quality of medical care while also decreasing healthcare costs," said Hu. "Through this project we hope to increase the integration of RFID into existing cardiac sensor networks, ensure the overall security of the system and promote the implementation of the technology in nursing homes and adult-care facilities across the country."

The research is being supported by a $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Cyber Trust Program.