Inspiration
In healthcare, two major problems affect patient communication: misplaced nurse call devices and staff shortages. During a recent hospital visit, it became clear that the majority of patient falls and accidents are due to patients being unable to contact a nurse when they need help. This issue is even more critical for patients who are paralyzed, nonspeaking, or significantly physically impaired. When hospitals are short-staffed, frequent rounds become necessary for the safety of these patients, adding strain to already overburdened nurses.
With further research, we realized that these communication barriers leave patients vulnerable and frustrated. According to a recent study, communication disability, specifically aphasia, apraxia of speech, dysarthria, and cognitive-communication disability, affect an estimated 64% of people with stroke. Patients with communication disability are three times more likely to experience adverse events in hospitals, including falls, when compared to patients without communication disability. SONE was created to enable these patients to communicate effortlessly using only their eyes. Our goal is to make nurse-patient communication more seamless and effective, providing an alternative solution when traditional methods fail.
What it does
SONE is an iPad and Android tablet application designed to enhance communication for patients with limited mobility. By using eye-tracking technology, patients can select options like "I need water" or "I need to use the bathroom" which then send real-time notifications directly to nurses’ mobile devices. This system allows nurses to receive immediate, clear requests without needing to manually check on every patient, leading to faster response times, increased patient satisfaction, and potentially life-saving improvements in urgent situations.
How we built it
SONE was developed using React Native for cross-platform compatibility with iPads and Android tablets. We used Firebase for real-time notifications, enabling instant communication between the patient’s device and the nurses' mobile phones. The user interface was made with a dark theme to reduce glare and enhance visibility in hospital settings while improving the accuracy of the eye-tracking functionality.
Challenges we ran into
One of our biggest challenges was setting up and configuring the push notifications on mobile devices to respond to button clicks on the tablet. Integrating FCM into the app and adding the functionality took a lot of trial and error.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We are proud of our ability to develop a functional solution that addresses critical communication gaps for patients with severe disabilities. Additionally, developing plans to integrate SONE with hospital communication systems and ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations are major milestones.
What we learned
Throughout the development of SONE, we experienced firsthand the complexities of designing for accessibility. We learned the importance of creating a user-friendly interface that balances functionality with reliability. The project also highlighted the need for innovative solutions to address real-world challenges in healthcare, emphasizing the impact of technology on patient experiences.
What's next for SONE
Our next steps involve expanding SONE's features to offer more personalized communication options and developing our own eye-tracking algorithm. We plan to conduct further trials in a variety of healthcare environments to refine the app based on real-world feedback. Additionally, we aim to establish partnerships with healthcare institutions to accelerate the development and adoption of SONE.
References
Goldsack J, Bergey M, Mascioli S, Cunningham J. Hourly rounding and patient falls: what factors boost success? Nursing. 2015 Feb;45(2):25-30. doi: 10.1097/01.NURSE.0000459798.79840.95. PMID: 25585219.
Sullivan, R., Harding, K., Skinner, I. W., & Hemsley, B. (2024). “We don’t look too much into the communication disability”: clinicians’ views and experiences on the effect of communication disability on falls in hospital patients with stroke. Disability and Rehabilitation, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2024.2324125
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