Monitoring behavioral patterns in hospitals through activity-aware computing

Hospital nurses closely monitor patients to track their evolution and identify their needs. Based on a workplace study conducted in a hospital, we present the design of a mobile activity monitor aimed at creating a wearable ambient connection between patients and nurses. The system monitors patientspsila behavioral patterns and notifies nurses of relevant patient states through a bracelet wore by nurses. This bracelet works in pair with a cell phone to show information related to the activity being executed by patients. The results of a preliminary evaluation showed that nurses perceived the application to be useful and efficient and, the general idea seemed appealing.