Re-envisioning the STATPack
Advisor Information
Ann Fruhling
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
7-3-2014 9:00 AM
End Date
7-3-2014 12:00 PM
Abstract
Rural areas in the United States have been increasingly underserved due to a shortage of doctors electing to set up new practices in these areas. STATPack (Secure Telecommunications Application Terminal Package) was built to help address some of the diagnostic limitations in these underserved areas. STATPack enables secure remote communication and diagnosis of microbial infections. The system includes both macroscopic and microscope imaging capabilities, to enable diagnosis of a variety of pathogens. These same limitations of medical access face NASA astronauts. It isn't possible or practical to provide astronauts a full wet lab traditionally used for diagnostics work. In this project we evaluated methods for adapting the STATPack system for use in spaceflight and for diagnostic purposes on extended trips, such as a mission to Mars. A review of the literature was performed to investigate the current state of telemedicine in space. That information was used in building the foundation of our case for two NASA grants, Human Exploration Research Opportunities (HERO) and Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). Both grants target the need to address medical issues astronauts may encounter during missions. A plan was developed for methods to miniaturize the STATPack system, explore ways to add wireless components, and adapt its control to a tablet interface.
Re-envisioning the STATPack
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Rural areas in the United States have been increasingly underserved due to a shortage of doctors electing to set up new practices in these areas. STATPack (Secure Telecommunications Application Terminal Package) was built to help address some of the diagnostic limitations in these underserved areas. STATPack enables secure remote communication and diagnosis of microbial infections. The system includes both macroscopic and microscope imaging capabilities, to enable diagnosis of a variety of pathogens. These same limitations of medical access face NASA astronauts. It isn't possible or practical to provide astronauts a full wet lab traditionally used for diagnostics work. In this project we evaluated methods for adapting the STATPack system for use in spaceflight and for diagnostic purposes on extended trips, such as a mission to Mars. A review of the literature was performed to investigate the current state of telemedicine in space. That information was used in building the foundation of our case for two NASA grants, Human Exploration Research Opportunities (HERO) and Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). Both grants target the need to address medical issues astronauts may encounter during missions. A plan was developed for methods to miniaturize the STATPack system, explore ways to add wireless components, and adapt its control to a tablet interface.