INTRODUCTION 1

I. INTRODUCTION

This chapter presents the background of the study, statement of the problem, objective, and
significance of the study for the proposed project study “Smart Patient Temperature Monitor”.

A. Background of the study

The persistence of temperature related events in hospitals and medical clinics prompts the
`immediate attention to patients. The measurement of temperature involves several procedures
and differs with the type of measuring device, for example, the use of analog display and digital
display. In analog temperature measurements, the device needs to settle at a certain amount of
time before the temperature is read, while in digital measurements, the read-out is displayed
instantly.

The process in monitoring patients temperature during rounds is done periodically, for
example, hourly, or depending on the hospital protocol. The process in obtaining temperature
measurements starts as the doctor enters the patient’s room, and asks the patient his or her
current condition or feeling. The doctor then proceeds to take the patients temperature
measurement using the analog or digital thermometer, and then talks to the patient regarding the
measurements obtained, and possibly a talk about medication, and then proceeds to the next
patient. The cycle is repeated for every patient, depending on the current number of patients
handled by the doctor.

The project “SMART TEMPERATURE MONITOR” enables doctor to measure instantly

the temperature of patients in real-time.

B. Statement of the problem`

The proposed project Smart Patient Temperature Monitor will create a system that will give
real-time temperature measurements. The researchers aim to answer the following questions:
1. What are the system circuits for the operation of the project?
2. What are the design considerations for temperature detection of the system?
 INTRODUCTION 2

C. Objectives of the study

The objective of the study is to monitor patient temperature data from the patient to the
monitoring personnel through mobile devices.
1. To identify the system circuits that will yield a successful operation of the project.
2. To design an efficient temperature sensor for the monitoring system.

D. Review of Related literature

The Philippine Field Health Service Information System (FHSIS) is the government’s major
resource for managing public health data. FHSIS data is used for policy analysis and planning at
all levels of the public health system.
Most FHSIS data originate during patient care at barangay health stations, city health units,
rural health units (RHU) and hospitals. It is up to the doctors, nurses and other health care
providers at these facilities to treat patients, record their information and assemble clinic-wide
reports. An electronic medical record system has the potential to improve access to quality
patient records for clinicians and data to the FHSIS.

Wireless Access for Health (WAH) leverages new and innovative technologies to improve
the quality and timeliness of data at 37 health clinics in the Philippines. The technology used
include a high-speed 3G wireless data network brings fast and reliable Internet services to health
clinics. Reports that used to be delivered by people using motorcycles or jeepneys (a local mode
of transportation) can now be sent instantly via 3G directly to the people who need them most.
[1]

Medical records are important clinically for the immediate diagnosis, treatment, and welfare
ofthe patient. Likewise, these are vital to the hospital for the evaluation of its services, and in the
improvement of its effectiveness through +lowered mortality, morbidity, and better patient care.
The medical record is a written tool of communication used by the members ofthe medical
and allied medical staff the efficient and effective management ofpatients. It serves as source
material for analysis, evaluation, education, research, and studies of the quality of medical care
rendered. [2]
 INTRODUCTION 3

Revolutionary changes are underway in healthcare as the industry moves from expensive
hospital-centric sick care to more affordable proactive healthcare monitoring and management
outside the hospital. The cellular industry is working with the Continua Health Alliance to
accelerate this transition and partner with the medical device community on key considerations
in developing and operating sensors, gateways, and service platforms in the cellular
environment.

E. Significance of the study

Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order No. 2008 – 0021 dated April 28, 2008
provided for the Gradual Phased-Out of Mercury in all Philippines Health Care Facilities and
Institutions.The said Administrative Order sought to stop the procurement of mercury-containing
fever thermometers and blood pressures apparatuses by healthcare administrators and to shift to
the use of digital thermometers and aneroid and/or digital blood pressure apparatuses, to reduce
the threat of mercury to human health and the environment [4].

The proposed project conforms to the DOH Administrative Order for having a digital type
thermometer device for capturing patient’s temperature and further improve the data monitoring
using actual visual reading in mobile handsets and other devices alike.

The Philippine Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (PIDSR) aims to establish a
surveillance system that enables early detection, reporting, investigation, assessment, and prompt
response to emerging diseases, epidemics and other public health threats. This was followed by a
DOH-led Philippine Health Information Network (PHIN) in 2008 which designed and now
implements the Philippine Health Information System (PHIS)[5].

Using the project, the temperature monitoring system can provide early warning for the
patients and the doctor involved for better response and diagnosis. The system provides
enhanced data access for temperature record of the patient that gives the progress and assessment
easily inspected that it can lead to quick detection of health threats.
 INTRODUCTION 4

References

[1] wireless-reach-case-study-philippines-wireless-access-health-english-.pdf

Title: Wireless Reach By: Qualcom Created: July 23, 2013

[2] library.doh.gov.ph/doh_publication/doh017/HOSPITALMEDICALRECORDS
MANAGEMENT MANUAL.pdf

[3] www.continuaalliance.org/sites/default/files/Implementation_Guidelines_for_
Cellular_Modems_Embedded_into_Medical_Devices.pdf

By: Continua Health Alliance Created: August 2012

[4] www.noharm.org/lib/downloads/mercury/DILG_Memo_Circular.pdf

[5] http://www.wpro.who.int/philippines/areas/health_systems/financing/philippines_
health_system_review.pdf

Title: The Philippines Health Systems Review Vol. 1 No.2 2011. Written by: Romualdez,
dela Rosa, Flavier, Quimbo, Hartigan-Go, Lagrada, David.