MedTech ForgeX Challenges

See all ForgeX Challenges in this category here.
If you want to submit a ForgeX Challenge contact Team Idea Forge.

Sensors and Interpretation of Breath Sounds Disorders of the lungs represent a large population of patients who require a lot of healthcare utilization. COPD is a major focus. Currently the listening and interpretation of breath sounds is a major part of monitoring progress or decline. A device that can capture this on a regular interval or as needed would improve the response to changes. Low profile and wireless, important in treatment of lung disorders(pneumonia) and progression to discharge. Could be used remotely at patients home for monitoring.

Hand Hygiene Tracker Hand hygiene is one of the best ways to help prevent hospital associated transmission of infection. While everyone is aware of the importance, there is still variable compliance with the expected opportunities for hand hygiene, which include before and after patient contact and after any exposure to bodily fluids/material. A system that track and ensure proper hand hygiene by staff members at all expected opportunities for hand hygiene.

Waiting Room Delay Currently, we have no existing system to convey expected wait times or delays to waiting patients in an automated fashion. Studies demonstrate that while waiting is never ideal, being communicated with and aware of what the expected additional wait time will be, improves patient experience. Create a system, potentially using patient smartphones, to communicate in real time notifications about expected wait times, how many patients may be ahead of them and ability to move about a waiting room without fear they may miss when they are called.

ER Patient Test Tracking System Currently there is no real time tracking information available to patients or providers on the lab test, radiology etc. Potential to save time and increase patient satisfaction. Create a system to inform patient and providers a real time view of progress similar to a Fed Ex Tracking of a package. Improve patient experience and timeliness of provider interaction and discharge.

In-patient Wireless Vitals Tracking Currently vitals need staff to perform and record usually on a regular interval. Utilizes multiple pieces of equipment and then is documented via computer into electronic health record. Using a low profile wireless technology that can collect this data and put directly into the patient record will save time and can improve information for treatment decision making. Low profile wireless vitals tracking and connection to EHR- improve patient monitoring and could help discharge process.

Sensors and Interpretation of Breath Sounds Disorders of the lungs represent a large population of patients who require a lot of healthcare utilization. COPD is a major focus. Currently the listening and interpretation of breath sounds is a major part of monitoring progress or decline. A device that can capture this on a regular interval or as needed would improve the response to changes. Low profile and wireless, important in treatment of lung disorders(pneumonia) and progression to discharge. Could be used remotely at patients home for monitoring.

Sensors and Interpretation of Bowel Sounds Currently bowel sounds are only accomplished by listening directly by a provider. Improved collection and utilization of this information would aid in their progress after surgery. Sensors for bowel sounds and interpretations to determine progress in diet after surgery, improve length of stay.

Ultrasound Transducer Patch Current technology is a unit with a handheld transducer that needs a technician to operate. Device is transported throughout facility to collect the test data. Ultrasound transducer patch that can transmit info wirelessly-provide real time looks at tests like abdominal organs and echocardiograms and follow ups without having to bring portable unit around hospital and room to room. Improve workflow and diagnostic utility.

Sensors for Specific Muscles Stroke is a significant healthcare issue. Currently we have only visual and provider direct testing that can indicate changes in condition. Sensors for specific muscles that can be put on patients to detect changes related to stroke. Work as an early warning to deteriorating neurological status. Could also be combined with other sensors to be used as neuro checks for inpatients, could decrease nurse time.

Identification of Responsible Physician One of the challenges in the hospital is identifying who the physician responsible for a patient is at any given time. With varying shifts within 24 hours, handoffs and coverage assignments, it is an ever evolving puzzle. Current efforts to identify the physician responsible are dependent on the individual physicians remembering to update their assignments. This relies too heavily on human behavior and we need a more robust solution that is somewhat automated. An ideal system would integrate physician schedules, patients assignments, coverage assignments during call responsibility and allow staff to be able to know exactly which physician is responsible at any given time.

Waiting Room Delay Currently, we have no existing system to convey expected wait times or delays to waiting patients in an automated fashion. Studies demonstrate that while waiting is never ideal, being communicated with and aware of what the expected additional wait time will be, improves patient experience. Create a system, potentially using patient smartphones, to communicate in real time notifications about expected wait times, how many patients may be ahead of them and ability to move about a waiting room without fear they may miss when they are called.