Non-contact, non-obtrusive electrocardiography in clinical environements

Even though it might be beneficial to have continuous baseline data upfront, nowadays hospitalized patients are put on a vital signs monitor not earlier then they become bed-ridden. Aim of this study is to show the feasibility of a broader monitoring concept embracing many more subjects by monitoring contact-free vital signs with sensors embedded in clinical fitments. This work demonstrates a way to measure ECG unobtrusively by capacitive coupling in various clinical settings like hospital beds, stretcher s and wheel chairs. Contact ECG and non-contact ECG measurements by shielded textile electrodes are contrasted to each other and display the potential of contact-free monitoring.