Heart monitors, fitness trackers and other health bands are the most common types of wearable technology we’re seeing today. But a fitness band isn’t going to do much in an actual hospital, which is why somebody has invented the SensiumVital patches—wearable technology resembling bandages that can monitor a patient without expensive equipment or even very much effort. One patch can keep track of a patient’s vitals for up to five days.
Developed by wireless specialists Sensium Healthcare, the patches have been on trial in Michigan since the end of May, with very positive results. The patches are small (they weigh just under half an ounce), resemble a Band-Aid, and have certainly proven effective. The SensiumVitals patch is able to monitor a patient’s heart rate, respiration and temperature, once it’s been stuck to their chest.
The patch, which is disposable and has a battery life of around five days, takes readings every two minutes. Those readings are then sent wirelessly to the nearest nurse’s station, or any handheld electronic device you prefer. The patches also come with pre-set “thresholds” for the readings—if a patient’s vital signs exceed that threshold, the patch will send a warning to the nurses.
“The key advantage of the system is the frequency of the data sent automatically from the patch — it keeps nurses up to date with all their patients, so they can manage their workload more effectively,” said Lynette Awdry of Montefiore Hospital, on Discovery. Fifty patients at the UK hospital have been wearing the patches since May. “As a result, they can spend time with patients who might need more immediate attention, safe in the knowledge that if there is a sudden change with another patient, they can respond immediately.”
As the patches are wireless, and disposable, that also means that they could be used out in the field or in disaster zones. This type of wearable technology would be incredible in the medical field, should the trials continue to go well.
Source Discovery.
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