A post-discharge monitoring system for cesarean mothers.

Abstract

Postoperative care for discharged patients, specifically cesarean mothers, is essential for their well-being and recovery. However, traditional monitoring methods such as scheduled visits and sporadic telephone calls have proven ineffective due to the cost burden and clinician availability. This project aims to overcome these challenges by developing a wearable post-discharge monitoring system that leverages sensors to continuously measure vital signs. The system integrates a wearable device and mobile application to facilitate remote monitoring and communication between clinicians and patients. Vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse rate, and body temperature, are continuously measured and transmitted in real-time to the mobile application. This allows clinicians to monitor patients remotely, detect potential complications, and intervene proactively. A prototype of the monitoring system was successfully developed and evaluated. It demonstrated accurate measurement of vital signs, real-time data transmission without delays or loss, and a user-friendly interface. The system's measurements showed a high correlation with reference measurements, with a mean absolute error within acceptable ranges for blood pressure, pulse rate, and temperature. Healthcare professionals found the mobile application intuitive and easy to navigate, expressing high satisfaction with the clarity of the information presented. The pursued system addresses the limitations of traditional postoperative care methods by leveraging wearable technology and a mobile application. It provides continuous monitoring, timely detection of complications, and improved communication between clinicians and discharged cesarean mothers. The system's real-time data transmission and secure storage enable remote access to patient information, reducing the need for in-person visits. By enhancing post-discharge monitoring, this system has the potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance the overall quality of care. Its integration of wearable technology and mobile applications offers a promising solution for effective postoperative care in Uganda and similar healthcare settings.