A new innovation in medical device technology for those with COPD may be able to give their physicians real-time health information to help improve treatment and monitoring — particularly in emergency situations.

Netherlands-based Royal Philips and Radboud University Medical Center (RadboudUMC) announced during the 2014 Dreamforce Conference that they will be introducing a prototype of a medical device for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. COPD is a group of debilitating, progressive diseases that can be difficult and costly to manage. Those diagnosed with the disease have few viable therapeutic options, and are constantly looking for ways to minimize costs and restore quality of life through developing self-management.

The wearable diagnostic device collects patient data remotely and transmits to attending physicians via the Philips HealthSuite Digital Platform‘s two applications: the eCareCompanion and eCareCoordinator, which were both recently granted an FDA 510(k) clearance. The device collects and transmits data such as physical activity, respiratory rate, and pulse rate and rhythm round the clock. This data is then stored using cloud technology, which is easily accessed by the healthcare team.

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Jeroen Tas, the CEO of Healthcare Informatics Solutions and Services at Philips, believes that constant remote monitoring can make a significant improvement in the management and outcome of chronic diseases, as it minimizes life threatening emergency hospital visits for when the disease is already out of hand.

Lucien Engelen, the director of the REshape Innovation Center at RadboudUMC, said their partnership with Philips strengthens their mission to more deeply involve patients in their own health care. Philips’ technology will allow this goal to grow digitally and on a global level.