Information and e-learning services for the efficient management of allergy and asthma, employing an integrated environment monitoring network

Abstract

In this paper we present a distributed telematic platform which is implemented to support health information management and innovative services to people suffering from allergies, asthma and rhinitis. The developed system establishes a trans-European information network offering specialized services to health professionals, patients and the public, by collecting, processing and distributing specialized data and informational content. An integrated monitoring and reporting system of aero-allergens is used to collect Pan-European environmental data and produce allergy maps, forecasting and danger level alerts. Informational content and e-learning resources are also consolidated and combined with personalized health management services. Through the created network, health information is supplied to sufferers via WWW and SMS technologies, and informational and learning resources are offered to health professionals. Sets of services were implemented in pilot form and offered to real users for testing purposes. The results were encouraging towards expansion to fully blown service at a Pan-European level.