Griffith has high hopes for patient monitor

Researchers at Griffith University have developed a new method that monitors patients' vital signs, and sends a message to doctors if there is a problem.

With the Medical Information System (MIS) system patients' vital sign indicators are monitored and recorded on a computer, which doctors will be able to access anywhere in the world via the internet or a WAP-enabled mobile phone.

After consulting practitioners at Brisbane hospitals, the device was developed by researchers at Griffith's School of Microelectric Engineering and School of Applied Psychology, in conjunction with students taking part in the university's Industrial Affiliates program.

At present, most hospitals in Australia and throughout the world use light-sensitive paper to monitor patients' vital signs and the information is not stored electronically. According to Dr Daniel James, project leader for the MIS, the system "will provide greater mobility for medical practitioners monitoring patients, assist in providing immediate results, and allow quicker analysis of a patient's vital sign history."

Since vital signs are not currently stored electronically, James said that a useful aspect with the MIS was "the ability to track a patient's vital signs over a long period of time and potentially diagnose patterns which could then be treated more effectively."

Another benefit of the system is the time saved by directly notifying doctors of an important change. James said, "Whereas currently a nurse or a doctor may have to monitor the discrepancy and then page the patient's doctor, this technology would allow them to be notified immediately, cutting down precious seconds in response time."

It is also possible with this new system for patients to be based at home or to be monitored while going about every day activities. James said, "One of the best aspects of the technology is that the monitoring system is portable, so electrodes connected to the body feed information into a small device which could be carried around by the patient. The readings monitored by this device could then be transmitted via a mobile phone or a secure internet link directly to the doctor or hospital."

James and his team have developed a working prototype of the device and are now looking to develop a miniaturised, fully functional version to be implemented into the medical industry.