Ubiquitous Computing: An Assistive Surveillance on In and Out Patients with Mental Illness via RFID

Abstract

Ubiquitous Computing enable users to utilise computer software and hardware to perform tasks anytime anywhere without visualising them. In other words, software and hardware are embedded in the environment making them invisible while they are effectively in use. Over the last decayed, the use of ubiquitous computing has been exploited in the healthcare sector via Radio Frequency Identification for security purposes. However, it has not been gainfully applied in mental Healthcare wards or homes for observation of patients with mental illness as one of their routine treatment. This paper present the possibility of using Ubiquitous Computing aided RFID system to enhance observation treatment on patients with mental illness in mental wards. Chronological Scientific Research Methodology, which comprise of five stages was used to actualise the research goal under study. Problems and challenges posed by existing observation treatment techniques were discussed in detail such as patient with schizophrenia are most likely to abscond from the mental hospital premises and a bridge of patient’s freedom of privacy e t c. A feasible system solution was formulated called “Real Time RFID Monitoring Middleware System” that would resolve the flaws or challenges of the existing observation treatment techniques. Also, comparative analysis was carried out between the feasible system formulated and the existing system in other to determine the validity and reliability of the feasible system solution. Recommendations were sighted persuading mental healthcare practitioners and government agencies to invest in the development of the proposed system due to its great and exciting features and end with a conclusion.