BUDAPEST, Hungary – A new telemedicine system that puts monitoring tools in the hands of at-home patients aims to improve long-term condition management. CSC announced the eMEDlink solution in Budapest at eHealthWeek 2011.

The U.S.-based vendor said the system uses remote audio/visual consultations facilitated by a modified wireless netbook given to patients within their homes.  Patients can use the netbooks and peripheral devices to monitor vital signs, capture their own readings and communicate results to clinicians in primary and secondary care.

[See also: With telemedicine, Denmark puts patients first.]

Readmission for sufferers of certain long-term conditions is a cost driver in hospitals worldwide. The eMEDlink solution is intended to reduce readmissions, hospital wait times and costs associated with patient admissions and transport.

The system can support patients experiencing pregnancy, as well as several long-term conditions such as COPD, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, mental health, post-operative care and stroke.

CSC said eMEDlink uses standard web-based software intended to be flexible and easy to use. 

[See also: CSC to acquire iSOFT.]