EPA

Electronic Patient Record (EPA)

The vital parameters measured by the various sensors are transmitted to a medical service provider via mobile communication. The data is stored in a database which provides an electronic patient file (EPA). This file can be accessed by authorized clinics and physicians to support the diagnosis and therapy.

The file is used to include all medical documentation. However, the rights management, whether a medical history can be accessed or modified by a single MD or not, is controlled by the patient itself.

Besides the database, other software is going to be developed by the group.
It could be thought of a personal electronic assistant configured to the needs of the patient and providing support for a successful therapy of the patient.

A main focus is the database integration into existing medical systems. Within the project standardized data exchange formats to improve the data exchange methods between sensors of different manufacturers as well as between clinics and physicians are to be examined. As far as possible information technical standards (e.g., XML or SOAP) and medical standards (e.g., HL7, IEEE1073) will be used as the basis for such exchange formats. 

Security system

To gain a high public acceptance, high security levels has to be ensured when handling and transferring medical data. Therefore, strong authentication and encryption methods must be used in order to prevent misuse of the patient data. Authentication, confidence, and integrity of the data has to be achieved.

A main aspect when storing the patient's data is to guarantee anonymity. Nevertheless, transferring sensible information through an internet connection results in the need for additional security systems. Therefor, parts of the existing electronic patient file and secure infra structure of the project partner DGN (Deutsches Gesundheitsnetz; German Health-Net) is used. The database is accessible a via secured dial-up connections which is provided by this medical service provider. Access points via the world wide web are secured with a virtual private network (VPN) and public-key technology as well provided by the DGN. For authentication purposes, secured smart cards are provided.