This technology is an inexpensive, disposable device that contains a sensor, microprocessor, and notification system that promotes incentive spirometer use in hospitalized patients. By improving patient compliance with respiratory therapy this device can reduce costly pulmonary complications. This device will also help clinicians identify patients who at higher risk for adverse outcomes.
Incentive spirometers are disposable devices that encourage patients to take deep, slow breaths. Patients who regularly use incentive spirometers are less likely to have costly pulmonary complications. However, patients often forget to use their incentive spirometer, limiting the efficacy of these therapies. Furthermore, clinicians are unable to track which patients have poor compliance, limiting the opportunity to identify these higher-risk patients. There is an unmet need for a simple system that reminds patients to use their incentive spirometer and that enables caregivers to track patient compliance.
This technology is a disposable device that operates on alkaline batteries (can be disposed as standard waste) that attaches to most commercial incentive spirometers. The device uses a combination of sensors and algorithms to track patient compliance with incentive spirometer use and provides audible reminders. The device can be quickly interrogated using a handheld receiver which can then transmit the data to a central server and electronic medical record.
[Alexander Kushnir, Ph.D., M.D.]
IR CU17019, CU17248
Licensing Contact: Sara Gusik