IE20080443A1 - A system for monitoring the use of a decontaminating device - Google Patents
A system for monitoring the use of a decontaminating device Download PDFInfo
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- IE20080443A1 IE20080443A1 IE20080443A IE20080443A IE20080443A1 IE 20080443 A1 IE20080443 A1 IE 20080443A1 IE 20080443 A IE20080443 A IE 20080443A IE 20080443 A IE20080443 A IE 20080443A IE 20080443 A1 IE20080443 A1 IE 20080443A1
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- individual
- zone
- decontaminating device
- detecting
- decontaminating
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
- G08B21/18—Status alarms
- G08B21/24—Reminder alarms, e.g. anti-loss alarms
- G08B21/245—Reminder of hygiene compliance policies, e.g. of washing hands
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Emergency Alarm Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A system for monitoring the use of a decontaminating device by individuals in a prescribed zone to prevent the transmission of contaminants, such as infectious pathogens, comprises means for detecting the presence of the individual in the zone, means for detecting use of the decontaminating device by the individual, and means associated with the decontaminating device which triggers an alarm if the individual fails to use the device before leaving the zone. The system assists in the adherence to strict routine hand washing procedures by hospital staff and aids in preventing harmful microbes, such as MRSA from being transported from the prescribed zone into contamination free zones such as surgical theatres, procedure rooms and ICUs. <Figure 1>
Description
This invention relates to a system for monitoring the use of a decontaminating device by individuals in order to avoid the spread of
This >r monitoring the use of a decontaminating device % 08944j contaminants, such as infectious agents.
Contaminants, such as infectious agents, may spread through a number of methods, which include contact with contaminated surfaces, food, human or other animal contact.
Types of contamination include biological, chemical or nuclear contaminants. Biological contaminants include microbes such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Chemical contaminants include carcinogens, toxic metals and pesticides. Nuclear contaminants include isotopic probes.
Pathogenic microbes in the environment can lead to severe illness and possibly death through infection of a host. Microbial contamination can cause a variety of illnesses, which include food poisoning and infectious diseases.
Decontamination is required to remove the contaminating agents and prevent their transmission. Decontamination may be accomplished by removal of these agents by physical means such as washing, by chemical neutralisation or detoxification by employing for example, anti-microbial soaps, disinfectants or cleansers.
Sanitiser dispensers are increasingly found in hospitals, universities and schools, to prevent the spread of contaminants, especially agents of infection.
It is known that infectious diseases may be transmitted to others, primarily by hand contact. Bacterial and viral infections may be prevented by thoroughly cleansing the hands at regular intervals throughout the day.
Hand hygiene can substantially reduce the incidence of potential contaminants on hands and is considered necessary for reducing the risk of transmitting infectious pathogens to patients in hospitals.
Hand sanitising agents may be used as a supplement or alternative to hand washing with soap and water.
In a hospital environment patients may be exposed to contaminants present on the hands of hospital staff or visitors. These contaminants can injure the patient or complicate their existing ailments.
The classical method of sanitising hands is to wash the hands thoroughly with soap and water or to significantly remove germs an antimicrobial soap or skin cleanser may be used. Alternatively, alcohol gel rubs are available which are capable of removing many contaminants.
These procedures are effective in the prevention of the spread of contaminants. However, they must be performed routinely.
It is known that hospital staff are required to wash their hands frequently to prevent the spread of infections, especially antibiotic resistant bacteria. This is particularly important when entering procedure rooms, isolation rooms or Intensive Care Units (ICU). However, currently the compliance with sanitisation procedures is not monitored, placing the patients at risk. Hospital staff may avoid regular hand washing to reduce the discomfort associated with undesirable reactions from irritants in sanitising products.
There is a need for a system to monitor and record the use of decontamination devices to prevent the transmission of contaminants, to protect patients and the general public.
There is also a need for a system to detect the presence of an individual in a designated decontamination zone and to monitor the use of the decontamination device by the individual to prevent the transmission of contaminants.
Accordingly, the invention provides a system for monitoring the use of a decontaminating device by an individual in a prescribed zone, which system comprises means for detecting the presence of the individual in the zone, means for detecting use of the decontaminating device by the individual, and means associated with the decontaminating device which triggers an alarm if the individual fails to use the device before leaving the zone.
By providing a system for monitoring the use of a decontaminating device the system according to the invention will aid in preventing transmission of contaminants, present on an individual, to other parts of their body, or to others.
An advantage of the system according to the invention is that it will aid in preventing the spread of infections between humans e.g. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), or between humans and other animals, for example, foot and mouth disease (FMD).
The system according to the invention can also help to ensure that quarantined toxic or dangerous chemicals, such as carcinogens or radioactive isotopes are restricted to a laboratory or other secure establishment.
The system according to the invention will also aid in preventing harmful microbes from being transported into contamination free zones such as surgical theatres, procedure rooms and ICUs.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the means for detecting the presence of the individual in the zone is a passive infrared sensor.
An advantage of the system according to the invention is that the individual is monitored when present in a prescribed zone designated for decontamination procedures.
80 4
4J
According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the means for detecting the presence of the individual in the zone is a sensor which detects the presence of a sensory tag carried by the individual.
By “carried” herein is meant a sensory tag worn or held by the individual, or attached to, or incorporated within an item associated with the individual.
An advantage of this aspect of the invention is that by assigning a unique sensory tag to each individual, the presence and identity of the individual is detected.
This system is able to distinguish between individuals and can identify non-compliant individuals who can be retrained in decontamination procedures, thereby preventing the speed of contaminants.
Sensory tag identification systems include smart cards, acoustomagnetic tags, barcodes, or proximity cards.
Preferably, the sensory tag is a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag.
An advantage of the system according to the invention is that
RFID tags may be incorporated into identification badges which are common in hospitals and the workplace.
In addition, the RFID tags are contactless, enabling the detection of individuals as they enter the decontamination zone.
The detection of the presence of the individual in accordance 5 with the invention can be solely by a passive infrared sensor, a sensory tag or a combination thereof.
Preferably, the decontaminating device is a dispenser for a hands sanitising agent.
An advantage of the system according to the invention is that it assists in the adherence to strict routine hand washing procedures.
In one embodiment of the invention, the dispenser is actuated 15 by a sensor.
Sensors include light sensors, photodetectors, infrared sensors, proximity sensors and motion sensors.
In another embodiment of the invention, the dispenser is actuated by a plunger.
It will be appreciated that there are many ways of detecting the use of the decontaminating device by the individual.
Preferably, the means for detecting use of the decontaminating device by the individual is a sensor.
The sensor can be used to detect the activation of the decontamination device such as the release of sanitising agent.
The sensor can also be used to detect the movement of an actuator component of the decontamination device.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the one sensor actuates the dispenser and detects the use of the decontaminating device.
An advantage of this aspect of the invention is that one sensor can actuate the dispenser and monitor the use of the decontaminating device by the individual.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the means for detecting use of the decontaminating device by the individual is an infrared sensor, which detects actuation of the plunger.
An advantage of this aspect of the system according to the invention is the ability to distinguish between use and non-use of the decontaminating device.
In one embodiment of the invention, the alarm triggering means is connected to the sensor.
In another embodiment of the invention, the alarm triggering means is connected to the infrared sensor.
In a further embodiment of the invention, failure to use the device within a pre-set time period results in the triggering of the alarm.
An advantage of the system according to the invention is that it provides an alarm for individuals who have forgotten, or are unaware, that hand washing procedures are in force.
Preferably, the alarm triggering means includes the issuance of 5 an audible reminder to use the decontaminating device.
An advantage of the system according to the invention is that the individual is actively reminded to decontaminate his hands before leaving the zone and entering a contamination free zone.
A suitable audible reminder would be “Please return and use 10 hand wash provided”.
The issuance of clear audible instructions informs the individual of the required procedures.
By issuing an audible reminder, an individual who may have forgotten or who may be unaware of the necessaty decontamination protocol, is provided with an opportunity to adhere to the hand sanitisation procedures before leaving the prescribed zone.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system provides an audible acknowledgement once the decontaminating device is used.
you”.
An appropriate audible acknowledgement would be “Thank 9
By acknowledging the use of the decontamination device the system indicates to the individual that no further actions are required, and that he may proceed to the contamination free zone.
Preferably, the means for detecting the presence of an 5 individual and the means for detecting use of the decontaminating device by the individual reset after a pre-set time period, following detection of the presence of the individual.
The system according to the invention will reset the detecting means, after a pre-set time period, in order that it can detect the presence, and use or non-use of the decontaminating device by a subsequent individual.
It will be appreciated that the individual may ignore or refuse the use of the decontaminating device. In these cases, the device will reset after a period of time so that it may detect the use by a subsequent individual.
In a further aspect of the invention, the system includes memory means for recording the use or non-use of the decontaminating device.
By providing a detailed log of the use and non-use of the decontaminating device, strict hand washing procedures can be monitored and non compliant individuals can be identified at an early stage.
An advantage of the system according to the invention is that the record of use or non-use of the decontamination device will aid in tracing infection outbreaks to their origin.
Preferably, the system is located in a zone where it is essential 5 that individuals decontaminate their hands before leaving said zone, so as to minimise the spread of contaminant.
An advantage of the system according to the invention is that an individual removes contaminants from his hands in the prescribed zone before entering the contaminant free zone, thereby preventing the spread of contaminant
Preferably, the zone is the entrance and/or exit of a hospital, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), isolation room or procedure room.
The zone may be an anteroom leading onto a surgical theatre, procedure room or ICU.
The zone may also be the entrance and/or exit of a laboratory, classroom, or storage area of restricted harmful materials.
The invention will be further illustrated by the following description of embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a system for monitoring the use of a decontaminating device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a flowchart diagram for the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a system for monitoring the use of a decontaminating device in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; and
Fig. 4 is a flowchart diagram for the embodiment of Fig. 3.
Referring to the Fig. 1 there is indicated, generally at 10, a system for monitoring the use of a decontaminating device, by an individual in a prescribed zone. For the purpose of this description the decontaminating device is a dispenser for a hands sanitising agent (not shown), operated by a plunger (not shown).
The system 10 has a passive infrared detection unit 11, for detecting the presence of the individual in the zone, and an infrared proximity unit 12, for detecting use of the dispenser by the individual. The system also has a microcontroller 13 connected to an MP3 playback unit 14, which microcontroller 13 triggers an alarm if the individual fails to use the dispenser before leaving the zone. The system 10, which is contained in a double insulated casing, also has a power control and battery management unit 15, and a flash MP3 file storage unit 16.
In use, the presence of an individual in the prescribed zone is detected by the passive infrared detection unit 11. This signal is
8 ο 4 transmitted to the microcontroller 13, which records the event in the flash MP3 file storage unit 16. The microcontroller 13 monitors the time elapsed since detection of the individual. If the infrared proximity unit 12, which monitors the dispenser, detects actuation of the plunger by the individual within a pre-set time period of 5 seconds, the microcontroller 13 resets the system 10 after a further delay of 14 seconds.
If the infrared proximity unit 12, which monitors the dispenser, does not detect the actuation of the plunger by the individual within the pre-set time period of 5 seconds, a signal is sent from the microcontroller 13 to the MP3 playback unit 14. The MP3 playback unit 14 issues a prerecorded audible reminder “Please return and use hand wash provided**. The microcontroller 13 then monitors the time elapsed following the issuance of the audible reminder by the MP3 playback unit 14. If the individual complies with the command within 10 seconds, the MP3 playback unit 14, issues an acknowledgement “Thank you**. After a preset time period of 10 seconds the microcontroller 13 records either use or non-use of the decontamination device, on the flash MP3 file storage unit 16, and resets the system 10 after a further delay of 14 seconds. The microcontroller 13 is also connected to a power control and battery management unit 15, to maximise power efficiency from a 9V battery and conserve battery life.
The operation of the system 10 is further illustrated with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 2.
The presence of the individual in the prescribed zone triggers the passive infrared detection unit 11, which is monitoring the zone, as shown at 20. If the individual uses the hand wash provided as indicated
080<4j by “YES” at 21, the system 10 resets after a 14 second delay as shown at
22.
If the individual who enters the zone does not use the dispenser within 5 seconds, as indicated by “NO” at 23, the MP3 playback unit 14 issues the audible message “Please return and use hand wash provided” as indicated at 24. If the individual then returns and uses the dispenser within a 10 second interval as indicated by “YES” at 25, the MP3 playback unit 14 issues the pre-recorded message “Thank you” as indicated at 26. The system then resets after a 14 second delay as shown at 22.
If on the other hand the individual ignores the audible message 24, as indicated by “NO” at 27, the system resets after 14 seconds, as shown at 22.
Referring to the Fig. 3 there is indicated, generally at 30, a 15 system for monitoring the use of a decontaminating device, by an individual in a prescribed zone. For the purpose of this description the decontaminating device is a dispenser for a hands sanitising agent (not shown), operated by a plunger (not shown).
The system 30 has a RFID reader 31, for detecting the presence 20 of the individual in the zone, and an infrared proximity unit 32, for detecting use of the dispenser by the individual. The system also has a microcontroller 33 connected to an MP3 playback unit 34, which microcontroller 33 triggers an alarm if the individual fails to use the dispenser before leaving the zone. The system 30, which is contained in
a double insulated casing, also has a power control and battery management unit 35, and a flash MP3 file storage unit 36.
In use, the detection of a RFID tag worn by the individual by the RFID reader 31 indicates the presence of an individual in the prescribed zone. This signal is transmitted to the microcontroller 33, which records the event in the flash MP3 file storage unit 36. The microcontroller 33 monitors the time elapsed since detection of the individual. If the infrared proximity unit 32, which monitors the dispenser, detects actuation of the plunger by the individual within a pre10 set time period of 5 seconds, the microcontroller 33 resets the system 30 after a further delay of 14 seconds.
If the infrared proximity unit 32, which monitors the dispenser, does not detect the actuation of the plunger by the individual within the pre-set time period of 5 seconds, a signal is sent from the microcontroller
33 to the MP3 playback unit 34. The MP3 playback unit 34 issues a prerecorded audible reminder “Please return and use hand wash provided”. The microcontroller 33 then monitors the time elapsed following the issuance of the audible reminder by the MP3 playback unit 34. If the individual complies with the command within 10 seconds, the MP3 playback unit 34, issues an acknowledgement “Thank you”. After a preset time period of 10 seconds the microcontroller 33 records either use or non-use of the decontamination device, on the flash MP3 file storage unit 36, and resets the system 30 after a further delay of 14 seconds. The microcontroller 33 is also connected to a power control and battery management unit 35, to maximise power efficiency from a 9V battery and conserve battery life.
ο β Ο 4 4 j
The operation of the system 30 is further illustrated with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 4.
The presence of the individual wearing a RFID tag in the prescribed zone triggers the RFID reader 31, which is monitoring the zone, as shown at 40. If the individual uses the hand wash provided as indicated by “YES” at 41, the system 30 resets after a 14 second delay as shown at 42.
If the individual who enters the zone does not use the dispenser within 5 seconds, as indicated by “NO” at 43, the MP3 playback unit 34 issues the audible message “Please return and use hand wash provided” as indicated at 44. If the individual then returns and uses the dispenser within a 10 second interval as indicated by “YES” at 45, the MP3 playback unit 34 issues the pre-recorded message “Thank you” as indicated at 46. The system then resets after a 14 second delay as shown at 42.
If on the other hand the individual ignores the audible message 44, as indicated by “NO” at 47, the system resets after 14 seconds, as shown at 42.
Claims (20)
1. A system for monitoring the use of a decontaminating device by an individual in a prescribed zone, which system comprises means for detecting the presence of the individual in the zone, means for
2. A system according to Claim 1, wherein the means for detecting the presence of the individual in the zone is a passive infrared
3. A system according to Claim 1, wherein the means for detecting the presence of the individual in the zone is a sensor which detects the presence of a sensory tag carried by the individual.
4. A system according to Claim 3, wherein the sensory tag is a 15 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. 5. Individual. 5 sensor actuates the dispenser and detects the use of the decontaminating device.
5. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the decontaminating device is a dispenser for a hands sanitising agent. 5 detecting use of the decontaminating device by the individual, and means associated with the decontaminating device which triggers an alarm if the individual fails to use the device before leaving the zone.
6. A system according to Claim 5, wherein the dispenser is actuated by a sensor. 20
7. A system according to Claim 5, wherein the dispenser is actuated by a plunger. ί£< ”«<ο
8. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the means for detecting use of the decontaminating device by the individual is a sensor.
9. A system according to Claim 6 and 8, wherein the one 10. Located in a zone where it is essential that individuals decontaminate their hands before leaving said zone, so as to minimize the spread of contaminant.
10. A system according to Claim 7, wherein the means for detecting use of the decontaminating device by the individual is an infrared sensor, which detects actuation of the plunger. 10 10 sensor.
11. A system according to Claim 8, wherein the alarm triggering means is connected to the sensor.
12. A system according to Claim 10, wherein the alarm triggering means is connected to the infrared sensor.
13. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein fai lure 15 to use the device within a pre-set time period results in the triggering of the alarm.
14. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the alarm triggering means includes the issuance of an audible reminder to use the decontaminating device. 20 15. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the system provides an audible acknowledgement once the decontaminating device is used. ο 8 Ο 4 4 3
15. Room or procedure room.
16. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the means for detecting the presence of an individual and the means for detecting use of the decontaminating device by the individual reset after a pre-set time period, following detection of the presence of the
17. A system according to any preceding claim, which includes memory means for recording the use or non-use of the decontaminating device.
18. A system according to any preceding claim, which is
19. A system according to Claim 18, wherein the zone is the entrance and/or exit of a hospital, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), isolation
20. A system according to Claim 1 for monitoring the use of a decontaminating device by an individual in a prescribed zone, substantially as hereinbefore described with particular reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE20080443A IE20080443A1 (en) | 2008-02-27 | 2008-05-30 | A system for monitoring the use of a decontaminating device |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE20080152A IE20080152A1 (en) | 2008-02-27 | 2008-02-27 | A system for monitoring the use of a decontaminating device |
| IE20080443A IE20080443A1 (en) | 2008-02-27 | 2008-05-30 | A system for monitoring the use of a decontaminating device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| IE20080443A1 true IE20080443A1 (en) | 2009-12-09 |
Family
ID=41460034
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE20080152A IE20080152A1 (en) | 2008-02-27 | 2008-02-27 | A system for monitoring the use of a decontaminating device |
| IE20080443A IE20080443A1 (en) | 2008-02-27 | 2008-05-30 | A system for monitoring the use of a decontaminating device |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE20080152A IE20080152A1 (en) | 2008-02-27 | 2008-02-27 | A system for monitoring the use of a decontaminating device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| IE (2) | IE20080152A1 (en) |
-
2008
- 2008-02-27 IE IE20080152A patent/IE20080152A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2008-05-30 IE IE20080443A patent/IE20080443A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| IE20080152A1 (en) | 2009-11-25 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MM9A | Patent lapsed through non-payment of renewal fee |