Low-Cost Wearable Sensors for Continuous Measurement of Vital Signs in Resource-Limited Settings

Wearable or noninvasive sensors capable of measuring vital signs continuously can help narrow the resource gap in rarefied environments. The challenge for adoption, though, is the cost of traditional sensors and, in particular, the need for such infrastructure in these settings. To this end, the rapid development of inexpensive wearables allows continuous monitoring of vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, and body temperature. The sensors are also lightweight, portable and non-invasive, making them useful for resource-limited settings that have limited access to medical technologies. Utilizing high-tech components like wireless communication and digital signal processing, the sensors provide fast, continuous, real-time monitoring of vital signs. They are easily operated and require little training. These sensors can wirelessly send the gathered data to smartphones or tablets, enabling healthcare workers to monitor patients remotely in real-time. This helps early identification of any unusual readings, allowing timely intervention. These low-cost, noninvasive sensors can compel a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery for resource-constrained settings. Their ability to monitor vital signs 24/7 without the time and expense of patient visits could save both lives and money at a fraction of the cost offered by traditional sensors. These can help us make an early diagnosis and intervention, thus improving the outcomes of patients. Such sensors may provide a solution for the healthcare disparity gap and achieve low-cost, accessible vital sign monitoring to target individuals who need it most.