A Conceptual Architecture for an ICT-based Personal Health System for Cardiac Rehabilitation

Traditional cardiac rehabilitation is strongly based on supervised exercise therapy. However, studies show that after leaving a rehabilitative care facility it is difficult for cardiac patients to continue with exercise therapy and overall to conduct the necessary behavioral changes for a healthier life. The novel approach for cardiac rehabilitation presented in this paper is based on including health services (e.g. exercise, support with healthy behavior, etc.) in everyday life. One goal is to foster physical activities which are not solely conducted with the goal to exercise. Another goal is to provide personalized and context-aware health services which proactively assist patients with their disease management. Therefore, a conceptual architecture of an ICT-based personal health system is presented in this paper. The goal is a better alignment with the individual needs of patients and the inclusion of life-long disease management into daily life.