Assessing the feasibility of non-contact vital sign monitoring
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Assessing the feasibility of non-contact vital sign monitoring
IRAS ID
182738
Contact name
Heather House
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 30 days
Research summary
Whilst in hospital a patient's condition is often assessed by measurement of their vital signs. Heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygenation, temperature and blood pressure are the standard vital signs measured. They are usually collected using sensors which are attached each time a measurement is taken. This can be a time consuming process. We therefore propose a novel, non-contact method of vital signs monitoring using a digital video camera and a thermal camera with infra-red illumination.
Researchers in the University of Oxford Institute of Biomedical Engineering have developed a reliable method of non-contact vital sign monitoring which can be used under any lighting conditions. This method uses a system of digital cameras which is positioned up to 3 metres away from the individual being monitored. Heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and pulse transit time, a recognised alternative for blood pressure, can all be derived from the data generated by the system using electronic analysis tools.
Oxehealth Ltd, a University of Oxford spin-off company, have improved this software to achieve a commercial and clinically viable level of accuracy. Motion tracking has been incorporated to automatically track subjects and reduce motion interference. Further research has shown with the addition of a thermal camera the system can also monitor temperature.
This technology enables more frequent monitoring than is normally possible with periodic manual nurse observations. Therefore it could help to recognise patient deterioration earlier and so positively affect patient safety. It may also help alleviate pressure on staffing levels.
In this study we will establish the feasibility of non-contact patient monitoring for extended periods in an acute clinical setting. We will evaluate the amount of usable data that can be collected from the thermal and digital video cameras, and compare the derived vital signs with data obtained simultaneously through traditional contact sensors.
REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
16/WA/0024
Date of REC Opinion
24 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion