Nova Project
We are proposing a new design, production, utilization and management philosophy - to introduce medical equipment and procedures built around mesh networking (self-organizing, direct device-to-device connectivity), distributed operation and management. We selected pulse oximeters for our case study, idea demonstration, health and business justification.
Our idea is centered around using self-organizing, dynamic mesh networking for connectivity, using Wi-Aware for device and network discovery, using Wi-Fi RTT for indoor localization, emphasis on data availability for low- and high-level management.
Problem
Difficulties in managing large-scale (hundreds/thousands) monitoring of patients in mass-treatment scenarios while using existing technologies. Expenses of keeping excessive hospital capacity ready for emergencies. Difficulties when monitoring patients in large scale field hospitals. Suboptimal medical personnel utilization and high risk of exposure to pathogens with frequent, unnecessary patient attendance due to lack of access to real-time diagnostic data for all patients by all authorized personnel. Overreliance on existing infrastructure.
Pilot's goal
Demonstrate connectivity of devices based on dynamic, self-organizing mesh network and remote management system. Provide cheap and reliable wireless pulse oximeters and software for mass monitoring of patients as a technology demonstrators (HW is not part of the Hackathon). Essentially – allow telemonitoring approach to be used locally in a hospital, on a large/massive scale.
Key points:
Existing medical equipment often requires advanced, expensive and vulnerable infrastructure for connectivity and management. An infrastructure which is not easily scalable both physically as well as from the perspective of human workforce
Equipment based on and designed with mesh networking, distributed operation and management in mind does not require anything but the most basic infrastructure (power) – it itself is all the infrastructure which it needs
During the weekend
We've added and refined functionalities to all 3 segments of the SE prototype: mobile app serving as a node; desktop manager serving as a monitoring station; simulator allowing for more efficient SW prototyping.
The solution’s impact to the crisis
We believe that our solution will ultimately result in more patients receiving proper care/aftercare and less HCP being exposed to unnecessary risks. Monitoring vital signs is a key element of hospital care and our solution makes it easier, cheaper and more efficient.
To continue
Project requires more research, additional expertise in critical areas (HW, legal, design, finances, medical), financing and support from health institutions.
Value after the crisis
Proposed solution has high longevity and is commercially self-sustaining, with strong growth perspectives. Technological framework for mesh connectivity, distributed operation and management may be integrated with a wide range of medical devices.
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