Design and Development of Novel Technologies for Healthy Independent Living (R21)

This FOA encourages Exploratory/Developmental Research Project Grant (R21) applications for research and development of novel technologies that monitor health, inform clinical decisions, or deliver therapies in a real-time and minimally obtrusive way. These are technologies that enable monitoring of personal motion, vital signs, and physiological measures in a manner that minimizes disruption to an individual’s daily routine and at all times protects their privacy, dignity and comfort. These systems are expected to integrate, process, analyze, communicate, and present data so that the individuals are engaged and empowered in their own healthcare with reduced burden to care providers. Effective application of home-based and mobile technologies has the potential to increase adherence to rehabilitation and medical regimens, reduce incidence of avoidable post-acute complications, and improve self-care management of chronic conditions. Proposals to refine or enhance existing systems or to evaluate them in particular settings are referred to the companion FOA for R01s [Technologies for Healthy Independent Living (R01)].

Some examples of appropriate topics for this FOA include but are not limited to:

• Activity monitoring devices or sensors to detect personal care needs
• Activity monitoring devices or sensors to detect acute medical events
• Devices to ensure adherence to rehabilitation and medical regimens
• Real-time monitoring and management of chronic conditions
• Monitoring systems to detect progressive decline in physical and cognitive abilities
• Therapeutic or management systems to address physical or cognitive decline
• Fall detection or prevention systems
• Devices to monitor and facilitate sleep health
• Technologies aimed at helping the lay care-giver or professional provider
• Research and development for improved human-computer interfaces for home-use technologies