An Internet of Things based COPD managing system: Its development, challenges and first experiences

Aim: In order to improve stable COPD patients’ management and reduce exacerbation, we established an Internet of Things based COPD managing system in Qingpu District Shanghai City. Methods: This system is composed of a clinical information database, a 1 M box, a handheld portable spirometer and mobile APPs. This database could collect the exacerbation treatment data from Zhongshan Hospital Qingpu Branch, the largest tertiary healthcare provider in local area, and the follow-up data of stable patients from the 11 primary hospitals through a 1 M box. The lung function data could be tested and uploaded in a real-time way by the handheld portable spirometer. Different smart-phone APPs were developed for the patients and physicians to establish direct communication to improve the disease control. Notably, the clinical data of patients was classified, transferred and stored in an anonymous and encrypted way to preserve the privacy. Results: After starting use in August 2016, 537 inpatients and 13,665 out patients’ follow-up data were recorded in this system automatically.3838 COPD patients were brought to COPD management using this system including 2857 male and 981 female patients. Physicians in Qingpu Branch and primary hospitals endeavored to provide homogenized management for those patients. Conclusions: This IOT system facilitated the collection, storage, transmission and analysis of most COPD patient’s follow-up and exacerbation data, which could be of great potential to improve the management of COPD in local area. Keywords: Internet of Things, COPD, Managing system