Pneumonia is a deadly disease that was responsible for 43,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2019 alone. Now, after the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become a more significant complication. Pneumonia is prevalent within almost half of all patients who succumbed to death from coronavirus since the outbreak started.
This project aims to create a wearable device for pneumonia patients that will allow medical workers to remotely watch their progress and use data to predict how their condition will change. The project would significantly contribute to Patient Monitoring Device Market as it aims to merge state-of-the-art technology in wearable electronics, machine learning, and integrated circuits. In addition, the bigger goal of the project is to develop unique ways for safely monitoring patients from far away and increasing the quality of their care.
The researchers are optimistic about solving the global challenge of providing medical personnel with pervasive surveillance of patients. On the matter, if the patients are in the hospital or their houses quarantining.
The team will work towards developing a skin-soft, hair-thin wireless wearable sensor called e-tattoo or electronic tattoo. It is an integrated system-on-chip that can read out sensor signals and signal processing while consuming ultra-low power. This also ensures that patients can go uninterrupted with charging the device once a week.
The researchers also stated that a deep learning framework would be created for all of the data collected by the e-tattoo so that the clinical condition of patients could be anticipated as the disease progressed. Sickbay would manage this information –FDA- certified virtual patient monitoring system.
The reason for targeting pneumonia for the project is that it is a common illness that is hazardous for people of all ages. It can occur due to various reasons other than COVID-19, like respiratory viruses and other bacteria. Further, the cure of the disease involves customized care for each patient as it progresses differently for everyone.
The project's issue is highly complex, involving real-world health issues and technical difficulties. If it is successful, it will allow for continuous monitoring and data analysis in patients. Furthermore, medical personnel would promptly check on individuals during critical moments, potentially saving many lives. This is due to the possibility of offering appropriate treatment to suitable patients at the appropriate moment.
