Feasibility of monitoring heart and respiratory rates using non-wearable devices and consistency of the measured parameters: A pilot feasibility study (Preprint)

Abstract

As Japan is the world’s fastest-aging society with a declining population, it is challenging to secure human resources for care providers. Therefore, the Japanese government is promoting digital transformation (DX) and the use of nursing care equipment, including non-wearable devices that monitor heart and respiratory rates. However, the feasibility of monitoring heart and respiratory rates with non-wearable devices and the consistency of the rates measured have not been reported.

In this study, we focus on a sheet-type non-wearable device (Safety Sheep Sensor) that has been introduced in many nursing homes. We evaluated the feasibility of monitoring heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) continuously using non-wearable devices and the consistency of the HR and RR measured.

A sheet-type non-wearable device (Safety Sheep Sensor) that measured HR and RR every minute through body vibrations was placed under the mattress of each participant. The participants in Study 1 were healthy individuals aged 20–60 years (N=21), while those in Study 2 were older individuals living in multi-dwelling houses and required nursing care (N=20). The HR was measured using standard methods by the nurse and using the wearable device (WD; Silmee Bar type Lite sensor), and RR was measured by the nurse. The primary outcome was the mean difference in HR and RR between non-wearable devices and standard methods.

The mean difference in HR was -0.32 (standard deviation (SD): 3.12) in Study 1 and 0.04 (SD: 3.98) in Study 2; both differences were within the predefined accepted discrepancies (< 5 beats). The mean difference in RR was -0.98 (SD: 3.01) in Study 1 and -0.49 (SD: 2.40) in Study 2; both differences were within the predefined accepted discrepancies (3 breaths).

HR and RR measurements obtained using the non-wearable devices and the standard method were similar. Continuous monitoring of vital signs using non-wearable devices can aid in the early detection of abnormal conditions in older people.