Problem: In the United States, the 65 and older population struggles with barriers that prevent them from getting the proper medical attention that they need. According to a study by Public Health Nursing, these barriers include lack of transportation, family support, insurance, and poor communication with their health-care providers. In 2006, almost 37.3 million people were 65+. They made up 12.4% of the U.S. population, and is predicted to double by 2030. 

As these numbers continue to grow, the American health care system will need to invest in innovative health care solutions that will alleviate the barriers preventing the elderly from seeing a doctor and further improve preventative medical practices. Implementation of these innovations will make it easier for the health and medical community to properly care for the growing elderly population, no matter where the patient is located.

Creative solution: Kinect Care is a concept application that pairs with the Xbox Kinect to enable consumers to have virtual visits with their doctor from the comfort of their own home, and allow for more regular basic check ups to help determine if further action is needed.

How it works

Pairing the Kinect's capabilities with Fitbit, doctors will have patient information readily available. With real time consultations via Kinect Care, doctors will have access to the Kinect’s infrared sensor to measure heart rate through temperature change of the skin. It also will assist in detecting fatigue in areas of the body affected by joint or muscle pain based on patient movement, while the Fitbit will provide data to help understand how active the patient is throughout the day. Virtual visits will also enable family or patient’s medical power of attorney to join with Kinect’s Skyping feature. 

Doctor Search

Search for a doctor by location, name, coverage network, and medical specialty

Check-ins & Virtual visits

Patients can have a virtual appointment with a physician's assistant to have a basic check up. Patients can view the active notes of their visit, medical history, and a list of current prescriptions. The physician can also administer a body scan with the Kinect to monitor heart rate and mobility.

Appointments

Patients can request a new visit, look over pending appointments, confirmed appointments, and even notes and recordings of their past visits to keep up to date with all of their medical information.

Profile

Kinect Care patients can update their profile, keep track of their doctors and family members, and upload their Fitbit device information for their doctors to review. At any time, with a quick upward swipe of the hand, navigation is available to the feature they need.

Educational materials

With spare time in the waiting room, patients can learn about Kinect Care with this pamphlet. This informational trifold will be featured in offices of the physicians offering virtual visits. It will establish relevance with the viewer by reminding them how much time they will save with this service. The pamphlet will also encourage readers to learn more by visiting the website or asking their doctor.