College students invent remote health monitoring system

WICHITA, Kan. — Wichita State University biomedical engineering students have invented a remote health monitoring system called Mobile HealthLink, which allows physicians to check on patients with a programmable smartwatch.

The team, which consists of Linh Vu, Brandon Bartlett and Travis Vo, won third place in the university’s Shocker NewVenture Competition in May. Sponsored by Via Christi HOPE, the product facilitates communication between physicians and patients, and is customized for particular ailments.

"Patients with chronic illnesses often need to be constantly monitored regarding their health status," Vu said. "They benefit from the convenience of decreased frequent doctor visits and ultimately experience better health and increased quality of life."

The system allows patients to limit unnecessary visits to doctors, while remaining communication with them, and also reduces costs for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly organizations, Wichita State University said.

"Through our product, we hope to tear down the barrier between physicians and technology and enable physicians to practice medicine using technology," Vu said.

The team is currently seeking investors and are beta testing their prototype at Via Christi HOPE and Advanced Orthopedic Associates, according to Wichita State University.

The software only works with Pebble smartwatches, but the team hopes to expand its compatibility to other smartwatches