Signal Analysis: Acquisition, Storage, and Analysis of Physiological Signals

Abstract

The clinical environment is filled with various types of physiological signals, and with the current rapid pace of advances in medical technology, there is a demand for an organized way to analyze these signals. Physiological signals have evolved from just periodic recording of absolute values from the patient. Signals now include predictive trends and clinical decision support, waveform analysis, and continuous monitoring. There are numerous physiological signals needing to be recorded from one patient, and just organizing how to record the data is only the first step. A meaningful physiological signal database needs to also be created and cannot contain just “data dumps” but needs to be organized in a robust manner for ease of future retrieval and clinically significant analysis. The appropriate understanding and management of physiological signals is necessary for future research purposes as well as the quality and efficiency of modern healthcare.