Developing Wearable Sensors for Remote Physiological Monitoring in Arduous Environments

Wearable physiological monitoring has become ubiquitous in our society. At present only a few commercially available devices provide the accuracy or spectrum of physiological monitoring necessary for the detection, prevention or treatment of disease.

The participants of the 2017-18 all-female expedition across Antarctica (Exercise Ice Maiden) were continuously monitored using a bespoke multimodal physiological monitoring device. Their physiological data was successfully transmitted back to the UK using commercially available satellite technology. This presentation follows the progress of the project which aims to develop wearable and implantable monitoring devices that could transform health and healthcare in remote austere environments.

Mike Smith is a Defence Professor of General Practise and Primary Care with a doctorate in engineering-led research into knowledge-based AI systems for modelling and simulation.

Mike has developed extensive experience and understanding of the delivery of general practice and primary care in remote, austere and often hostile environments while providing close medical support to light role combat troops. His work has involved developing clinical protocols and governance for delivering prolonged care for critically ill or injured casualties. This has included the use of TXA, blood and blood products in remote unsupported combat environments. Current research streams include developing evidence-based guidelines for the prolonged care of critically ill personnel exploiting innovations in big data and sensor technologies.

Jodie Blackadder is an RAF GP. At medical school she never considered being a GP because she didn’t understand what the job entailed, thinking it a profession for ‘cardigans’. However, after an F2 GP placement, her outlook changed, she applied for GP training and hasn’t looked back since.

Jodie is an exercise and nutrition enthusiast who is evangelical about the importance of physical activity to improving health outcomes. She has completed the Postgraduate Diploma studying in Sports medicine, Exercise and Health at UCL while working full-time and volunteers at sporting events including the London Marathon, London Triathlon and Wimbledon. An addiction to podcasts introduced her to behavioural economics and psychology in behavioural change and this has led her to complete an MSc in Primary Care at the University of Birmingham combining clinical care with social sciences and encouraged her to undertake a Masters in Public Health, also at the University of Birmingham.