Stephen Intille, Kent Larson, C. Kukla

Abstract

This paper argues that there is an emerging opportunity for artificial intelligence researchers: the development of technologies that enable a new type of "proactive health care system" that continuously monitors "healthy patients" in their homes and motivates lifelong healthy behavior and health self-awareness. The components of the system, which would augment but not replace traditional health care, could be funded entirely by consumers without reliance on the financially-burdened health care industry. A research prototype of one component of such a system is described: a preventative monitoring system for congestive heart failure that uses "just-in-time," context-sensitive questioning. The system illustrates how sensors in the home used for entertainment and communication purposes might also be employed -- at a negligible additional cost -- for preventative health care applications.