New-Tech Europe Magazine | Q2 2021

Close scrutiny of basic vital functions supports a patient’s care and recovery, but hospital resources and existing technological solutions might not be adequate to the task. VTT and its partners are developing wearable sensors, such as smart patches that are almost unnoticeable for the user, which keep track of the patient’s basic vital functions without interruption, sending the information wirelessly to a monitoring system. If it were possible to monitor the status of patients in hospital care remotely and without interruption, hospital personnel would be made aware of early warning signs of a decline in a person’s condition without delay, and they could react quickly. This would reduce the danger of complications, even potentially fatal ones, and promote recovery. For instance, early patient monitoring – light and wireless sensors capable of capturing respiration rate, oxygen saturation, heart rate, temperature and even an ECG Affordable smart patches revolutionise

reaction to changes in vital functions is extremely important in the treatment of coronavirus patients suffering from breathing difficulties, but as the burden on health care grows, intense monitoring is not always possible. VTT develops smooth and reliable remote monitoring together with hospitals, and with health technology companies. One common target for development is wearable electronics. Wearable sensors could enable remote monitoring also at home, making it possible to send patients home safely earlier than usual, which would help save health care resources. “We are developing flexible smart patches that could measure the respiration rate, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and body temperature, for example, and could even take an electrocardiogram (ECG). A smart patch

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