CH706634A1 - System and hand washing verification process. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a system for checking the quality of hand washing. The hand washing verification method comprises the following steps: the inclination of a soap container (2) is detected by means of a first inertial sensor (204), as well as the duration of this inclination; data (d1) dependent on said inclination and said duration are transmitted wirelessly; a bracelet (1) displays an indication (10-12) dependent on said data and representative of hand hygiene. The invention can for example be put into practice in the care of a hospital, in order to limit the incidence of nosocomial infections.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a system and a method for improving hand hygiene and the application of recommendations to good hand hygiene practices.

State of the art

[0002] A large number of patients who enter a hospital are infected with nosocomial diseases. According to some studies, in developed countries, care-associated infections affect 5 to 15% of hospitalized patients and can affect 9 to 37% of patients admitted to intensive care units. It is estimated that there are at least 5 million healthcare-associated infections in acute care hospitals in Europe annually, resulting in 135,000 deaths per year and approximately 25 million additional days of hospitalization with a financial burden of 13 and 24 billion Euros.

The transmission of pathogens occurs most often through the hands of caregivers. It has been shown that the application of strict hygiene measures by the nursing staff can significantly reduce the number of nosocomial diseases. In particular, rigorous hand hygiene reduces the risk of cross-contamination.

[0004] The adherence of the nursing staff to the recommended hand hygiene procedures is, however, insufficient, with average compliance rates sometimes of only 38%. This rate is difficult to improve because it is difficult to verify whether the strict measures that are recommended are actually applied. Even people sensitized to the problem, trained in handwashing, and who are really keen to apply the necessary strict hygiene rules often find it difficult to objectively assess the time elapsed since their last hand wash, or the level instant hygiene of their hands.

There is therefore a need for systems and methods to verify the correct application of the recommendations for washing hands and hand hygiene, and to inform the user in case of inadequate hygiene, or even him prohibit access to certain areas in case of doubts about this hand hygiene.

[0006] Different solutions have been proposed in the prior art. For example, WO10 034 125 discloses a device for verifying the washing of people's hands by means of portable sensors; these sensors identify actions, durations of these actions and the areas in which they take place and send the data remotely to be analyzed. The sensors may contain accelerometers or gyroscopes and be integrated into a bracelet. The watch further receives beacon signals to detect areas in which hand washing is required.

[0007] WO 07 129 289 relates to a device for verifying hand washing of caregivers by means of cameras and a processor analyzing the images received. The processor identifies hand movements and their analysis provides a report on the quality of hand washing performed.

[0008] US 2007 0 020 212 relates to a device for verifying the follow-up of handwashing rules are followed, by means of an infrared or ultrasonic sensor which triggers a countdown of time on a screen visible near a sink.

[0009] US 2010 0 073 162 discloses a detector comprising at least one motion sensor (accelerometer, gyroscope ...) that can be worn on the wrist or near the pectoral muscles to record the movements of a person washing his hands. This detector can be associated with chemical sensors (water, soap ...) and means of alarms to remind the user to wash their hands.

[0010] GB 2 417 811 discloses a bracelet with a sensor for detecting whether a hand washing has taken place and for generating a washing reminder signal according to the signals of a timer. A chemical sensor can detect the presence of water or soap. The sensor can be set to remind the person at defined time intervals by means of an audible, visual or vibrating alarm that they must wash their hands.

[0011] US 2009 195 385 discloses a processor inserted into a wristband of a person having to wash their hands regularly. The bracelet detects the proximity of sensors located near the sinks.

[0012] WO 2010 026 581 relates to a bracelet for checking whether people wash their hands using a sensor, for example an accelerometer or a gyroscope and then estimate the level of hygiene of the user.

Brief summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide another system and a method for improving hand hygiene and the application of recommendations to good hand hygiene practices.

[0014] Advantageously, the system should be able to be deployed in an existing hospital with a minimum of installation or infrastructure costs.

Advantageously, the system should allow deployment on a modest scale, for example with a single user or a single service, and then the progressive deployment to a number of important users in a hospital.

Advantageously, the system should be based primarily on user awareness, rather than remote control, crackdown or access control.

[0017] Advantageously, the system should provide an indication of the quality of each hand wash, or instant hand hygiene.

[0018] Advantageously, the system should be as economical as possible.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved in particular by means of a hand washing verification method, comprising the following steps: the inclination of a soap container is detected by means of a first inertial sensor, as well as the duration of this inclination; data dependent on said inclination and said duration are transmitted wirelessly; a bracelet displays an indication depending on said data and representative of hand hygiene.

These goals are also achieved by means of a hand washing verification system, comprising the following elements: a soap container provided with a first inertial sensor and a clock arranged to detect the inclination of the container and the duration of this inclination; a wireless transmitter connected to said container for transmitting data dependent on said inclination and said duration; a bracelet comprising an indicator for displays an indication depending on said data and representative of hand hygiene.

This method and this system and allow to control whether soap has been used. The use of soap is detected by checking whether a soap container has been tilted, which typically indicates a pouring gesture. The amount of soap used is evaluated by means of the inclination and / or the duration of inclination, which makes it possible to control that a quantity of adapted soap has been used. In one embodiment, a flow meter may also be associated with the soap container to detect the amount of soap used. In one embodiment, a level sensor may also be associated with the container to measure the difference between the soap level before and after the pour.

The use of an inertial sensor, for example a 3D accelerometer, allows to check the use of soap poured from portable soap containers, for example bottles of soap or soft bottles. The use is therefore not limited to wall soap dispensers. The inertial sensor, the time counter and the wireless data transmission system can advantageously be housed in a plug, for example a plug-pourer, reusable. Thus a hospital or other institution wishing to deploy the solution of the invention can simply replace the plugs of existing soap containers with smart electronic plugs to control the use of soap.

The display on the wristband of the users of an indication relating to hand hygiene can raise awareness and inform them in case of lack of hygiene. For example, in one embodiment, a light indicator may change color or illuminate when a risk of poor hygiene is detected, for example when the time since hand washing exceeds a threshold, or the amount of soap is insufficient or the hand wash is too short or too light, etc. A numerical value, for example a hygiene note, or a time elapsed since the last hand wash, can also be displayed on the bracelet.

The cap of the soap container may also include an opening and closing detector that can signal the use of the container and therefore a potential disinfection and / or washing hands.

In one embodiment, the containers are filled in a soap filling station, which sends to the cap of the container a filling signal to reset the residual soap level estimate to the maximum value, corresponding to a container. full.

The bracelet advantageously comprises a second inertial sensor, for example a 3D accelerometer, a gyroscope, etc. which makes it possible to determine a hand washing movement. An indication dependent on said hand wash determination and representative of hand hygiene may be displayed on the wristband and / or transmitted to an external server. This indication may be qualitative and depend on the quality of hand washing, for example the duration of the washing, the actions performed, etc.

The system of the invention may also include one or more fixed soap dispensers, capable of determining when they are used, and wirelessly transmitting data dependent on said use, so that the bracelet can display a dependent indication. of said determination.

The data sent from a soap container provided with an accelerometer or from a fixed soap dispenser are advantageously transmitted at a short distance, for example by means of an interface of Bluetooth, NFC, Zigbee, RFID or proprietary type, so that only the bracelet of a nearby user can receive them, while minimizing the risk that the bracelet of a more distant user can receive them and display indications that do not concern him. A protocol can be put in place to ensure that only the nearest user, for example the first to receive the signal, or the one receiving the signal with the greatest intensity can not use the received data. It is also possible to identify the users for example by means of an RFID interface, a numerical code, etc.

The system of the invention may further comprise one or more access points capable of transmitting a signal interpreted by the bracelet to modify the hygiene indication. For example, a passage near a place likely to contain a number of important germs, such as a toilet, a garbage can, a patient, can generate a signal interpreted by the bracelet as a probable deterioration of the quality of hygiene of the hands . Conversely, a passage near a sink can improve the indication of hygiene. It is also possible to block access to certain sensitive areas, for example operating theaters, patients, etc. users whose bracelet indicates an insufficient probability of hand hygiene.

Data useful for the determination of hand hygiene can also be collected in a central server, and transmitted to the bracelet. This server can collect data relating to hand hygiene from many users, for example based on signals transmitted by the first inertial sensors in the stoppers of soap containers.

The plug of the invention and the bracelet of the invention can also be used to check the quality of cleaning performed by companies or cleaning employees; in this case, the stopper makes it possible to check the quantity of cleaning product used, while the bracelet equipped with an inertial sensor makes it possible, for example, to check the quality and the duration of the manual cleaning.

Brief description of the figures

Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the appended figures in which: <tb> Fig. 1 <sep> illustrates a schematic view of a system according to the invention. <tb> Fig. 2 <sep> illustrates a simplified block diagram of a bracelet according to the invention. <tb> Fig. 3 <sep> illustrates a perspective view of a soap container provided with a cap according to the invention. <tb> Fig. 4 <sep> illustrates a view in transparency of a plug according to the invention.

Example (s) of embodiment of the invention

The system of the present invention is intended to be implemented for example in hospitals, catering, food or pharmaceutical industry, or in any other environment where a rigorous hand hygiene is necessary and where it There is a need to verify the correct application of hand hygiene rules.

In the present application, the term soap must be interpreted broadly to include any liquid substance for washing hands, including soaps composed of amphiphilic molecules, detergents, disinfectants, alcohol-based products. for washing, hydro-alcoholic products, etc.

In the present application, the term washing hands must be interpreted broadly to include any operation of washing and / or disinfecting hands, including hydro-alcoholic friction, with soap, etc..

The system illustrated schematically in FIG. 1 comprises a number of sensors 2, 3, 4, 5 which detect an event likely to influence the hygiene of a user's hands, and at least one bracelet 1 capable of receiving data d1, d2 , d3, d4 transmitted by the sensors, to determine itself other events related to hand hygiene, and to display by means of indicators 10, 11, 12 an indication relating to the hygiene of the hands.

The sensor 2 includes a stopper 20 of soap container, which will be described in more detail in relation to FIGS. 3 and 4. This plug is provided with an accelerometer 204 which measures its inclination to detect the use of the soap container, as well as to evaluate the amount of soap poured. The soap container 2 may for example be a portable container, for example a bottle, a bottle or a soft bag. The plug 20 is provided with a wireless interface to send the bracelet 1 data d1 relating to the use of the container and / or the amount of soap used.

The sensor 3 includes a fixed soap dispenser 30, for example a liquid soap dispenser, solid or grated, and capable of detecting a use and sending d2 data relating to this use to the bracelet 1. The data d2 may include an assessment of the amount of soap dispensed.

The sensor 4 includes a presence detector 40 which can be placed above a door or other passage in order to detect the passage of a bracelet wearer at this location, and to send to bracelet 1 data d3 relating to this passage. In the same environment, certain presence sensors 40 may be associated with a probable deterioration of hand hygiene, for example when the person enters an area likely to have a high rate of germs, for example near toilets, bins. , patients, etc. and other sensors associated with a likely improvement in hand hygiene, for example when the user passes near a sink or shower.

The element 5 is a server capable of receiving data from the other sensors 2-4, and / or bracelet 1, and / or other data sources, including, for example, the Internet or databases, and to determine from this information other indications or data d4 transmitted to the bracelet 1 and relating to hand hygiene. The server 5 may, for example, correspond with the other sensors 2-4 by means of a wired interface, for example of the Ethernet, wireless type, for example of the WLAN type. It can also calculate or display reports and statistics on hand hygiene in a given facility. It may also, in one embodiment, control the access of users to certain sensitive areas of the establishment according to an assessment of hand hygiene obtained from signals received from the different sensors or directly from the bracelet 1 .

Other sensors capable of detecting other types of events can be used in this system, including for example one or more cameras for filming users near sinks or in other places; presence sensors based for example on RFID technology; 2D barcode or barcode readers for detecting barcodes on soap containers; etc.

The data d1 to d4 are preferably transmitted to the bracelet 1 through a wireless interface, for example an interface type Bluetooth, Zigbee, NFC (Near Field Communication) or owner. A system may include a large number of bracelets 1, which may for example equip all the nursing staff in a hospital, or part of this staff. The data transmitted by one of the sensors 2 to 5 can be transmitted in broadcast with a limited range, so that only a bracelet 1 nearby can intercept it. In another embodiment, only the bracelet that receives these data first, or with the highest intensity, uses it; it then sends a signal that the other bracelets, supposedly more distant, interpret as an order not to exploit these data. In yet another embodiment, the bracelet, or the wearer of the bracelet, is identified with respect to the sensor 2 to 5, for example by means of a manually entered code, a biometric code, or a electronic identification transmitted electronically; the sensor 2-5 with which the bracelet is identified then sends data addressed to this bracelet, and interpreted only by this bracelet 1.

FIG. 2 illustrates by way of example a block diagram of the main components of the bracelet 1 according to the invention. The bracelet 1 comprises a microcontroller (or other equivalent system) 13 powered by a source of electrical energy not shown, and able to determine one or more hand hygiene indicators from data measured in the bracelet 1 or data d1 to d4 received from external sensors. The module 14 is an inertial sensor, for example a 3D accelerometer, a 3D gyroscope or an accelerometer combined with a gyroscope, which makes it possible to detect the movements of the bracelet 1 and to transmit to the microcontroller 13 sequences of acceleration or angular acceleration. The microcontroller 13 integrates one or more software modules for analyzing the acceleration data sequences transmitted by the accelerometer 14 and for checking whether they correspond to a hand washing sequence. A hand washing sequence produces a characteristic signature, generally comprising a repetition of several cycles of displacements or round-trip rotations with an amplitude and a frequency of each characteristic cycle, and which are practically not found in other gestures of everyday life. The microcontroller is thus able to detect these particular sequences and to determine that it is a hand washing sequence.

The element 15 is a radio frequency interface that allows the bracelet 1 to receive data d1 to d3 sensors 2 to 4, possibly to send messages to these sensors, and to exchange data with the optional server 5 . The element 16 designates one or more additional optional sensors, for example a hygrometry sensor, an alcohol or soap detector, etc. or other modules capable of detecting an event relating to a hand wash, or detecting the quality of this hand washing.

Other optional components may be provided in the bracelet 1, including for example a real-time clock module to determine the time and duration of use of the bottle or other event; an identification module for identifying the bracelet and distinguishing it from the other bracelets vis-à-vis the sensors 2-4 and the server 5; etc. Optionally, the bracelet 1 may also include a watch, a user identification allowing access to protected areas, etc.

Some components of the bracelet 1, including the accelerometer 14, can be arranged in a ring or other parts of the body. It is also possible to provide several accelerometers, for example one on each wrist or on several fingers.

The microcontroller 13 (or an equivalent system) determines from the signals transmitted by the inertial sensor 14, other additional sensors 16 and / or data d1 to d5 received external sensors 2-5 one or more indications representative of hand hygiene. This data is displayed on the bracelet 1 to inform the user at any time or on request of the current state of hygiene of his hands. In the illustrated embodiment, these indications are displayed by means of indicator lights 10-12, for example several light-emitting diodes, each of which corresponds to a hygiene parameter and whose color allows the user to check whether this parameter corresponds to to a sufficient hygiene or not. It is also possible to display on a matrix or segment screen numeric or alphanumeric data indicating the value of each parameter. Sound or vibration indications may also be used, for example, to warn the user when washing hands becomes imperative, or vice versa when a hand washing has been done correctly.

The various indicators 10 to 12 may therefore correspond to different parameters relating to hand hygiene. Each parameter may correspond to the feedback or data of a given sensor 2-5, 14, 16, or a value calculated from one or more data of one or more sensors. For example, the following parameters can be displayed or combined together to display indications: - Elapsed time since the last wash - Average frequency of washings during an interval, for example a week, a month, a year; Amount of soap used during the last wash - Average soap quantity used during an interval, for example a week, a month, a year; - Quality of washing, for example by checking whether the hands have been washed following the sequence of six washing procedures recommended by the WHO or the establishment; - Duration of the last hand wash; - Average time of washing hands during an interval, for example a week, a month, a year; - Use of a fixed soap dispenser 30; - Passage through a given control point 40; - Other information provided by the server 5.

In one embodiment, several of these parameters, or several combinations between these parameters, are displayed on the bracelet by means of the various indicators 10-12. For example, an indicator indicates by means of a color the time elapsed since the last hand wash; the color turns red when this time exceeds a threshold. The threshold can be fixed or depend on the quality of the last hand wash. Another indicator may indicate the quality of the last hand wash, or the average quality, taking into account for example the actions taken, the duration of the washing, the amount of soap used, etc. The user can easily check whether it is time to wash their hands, and if the last wash is sufficient. Different parameters can be combined in different ways to generate an indication for example, it is possible to add different parameters, to calculate their average, their weighted average, or to evaluate any other function of 1 or more parameters transmitted by the sensors 2 -5 or 14,16 to display an indication 10-12.

Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate a soap container 2 provided with a plug 20 according to the invention. The stopper 20 is advantageously a reusable electronic stopper which can be mounted, for example screwed, removably on the neck of a disposable or refillable soap container. It comprises in this example a printed circuit 200 provided with different electronic components 203, 204, 205 on the upper and lower faces of the printed circuit. The electronic components include for example a microcontroller 203 (or equivalent system), a 3D accelerometer 204, and a radio frequency circuit 205 to establish a wireless communication with the bracelet 1 and to send the data d1. The element 206 is a battery integrated in the plug and which can advantageously be wirelessly recharged by induction from a not shown charging terminal, through a coil 201. The element 202 is an antenna for the radio frequency circuit 205 There is furthermore the pouring spout opening 210 allowing the soap in the container to pass through the stopper and be poured into the hand.

The microcontroller 203 may be a low power microcontroller with an integrated memory for programs and data, for example an Icycom microcontroller developed by the CSEM. The printed circuit 205 with its various components, the battery 206 and the antenna 205 can be molded in the plug 20 of synthetic material.

Other non-illustrated components may be provided in the plug 20, for example opening and closing detection means adapted to detect the use of the container and to deduce a potential disinfection and / or hand washing. This module can for example use a magnet collaborating with a relay Reed. It can detect the opening of the cap. The cap may also include an identification to distinguish it from other plugs. The plug 20 further advantageously comprises a real-time clock module for measuring the date and time of an inclination, and its duration. The plug 20 may also preferably communicate wirelessly with a filling station to receive from this filling station data relating to the date and time of filling, and the amount of soap filled. It can also preferably communicate wirelessly with the server 5 to send it directly measured data, for example soap pouring detections including the date and time of pouring, the amount paid, and possibly a user identification concerned if it has been identified. The plug 20 may also include one or more indicators not shown to display indications such as the state of the batteries, the detection of an inclination, the data transmission, the empty state of the container, etc.

The plug 20 may preferably also communicate wirelessly with a filling station to receive from this filling station data relating to the date and time of filling, and the amount of soap filled.

The plug 20 can also communicate with other plugs 20, directly or through the server 5. The information obtained during these communications can be used to, for example, reduce the risk of cross-contamination, or to manage other problems of contamination.

The accelerometer 204 measures the inclination of the plug, which allows the microcontroller 203 of the plug 20 to detect that the container is tilted to pour soap. In order to evaluate the quantity of soap poured, the microcontroller 203 can measure the duration of the inclination, as well as the angle of inclination, and for example integrate a function of the angle of inclination during the duration of the tilt. The function of the angle of inclination may for example depend on the amount of residual soap, since it is necessary to further incline an almost empty container to obtain the same flow rate.

The soap container 2 is usually placed in the same position, for example in a vertical position. The microcontroller 203 may be arranged to detect a long period of immobility and reset the vertical direction when such a period of immobility has been detected. The microcontroller 203 can also go into standby mode during such periods of immobility, and wake up when the accelerometer sends him a modified acceleration sequence, or if the cap is opened.

Other means can be provided for estimating the amount of soap poured, including for example a finned flow meter in the flow channel, or a liquid level detector in the container itself.

When the microcontroller 203 detects from the acceleration sequences transmitted by the accelerometer 204 that the container has been tilted and so soap has been poured, it records this event, preferably associating it with the date and the date. time, as well as preferably the duration of inclination or an evaluation of the amount of soap poured. The cap may also attempt to communicate with the bracelet 1 of a nearby user in order to recover his identity and associate it with this event.

As soon as a communication can be established with a bracelet 1, the cap 2 transmits to this bracelet data d1 corresponding to the last detected pouring event, or the list of events not yet transmitted. Optionally, this transmission can also be done via the server 5. The microcontroller 13 of the bracelet 1 receives these data d1 and correlates them if possible with a hand washing detection obtained thanks to the signals of the accelerometer 14, or of Other sensors 16. It is thus able to determine the date and time of hand washing, the amount of soap used for this washing, and possibly an indication of the quality of washing determined from the signals of the accelerometer 14 The bracelet 1 can thus update the indications displayed on the indicators 10-12.

The data from the plug 2 and the bracelet 1 can also be transmitted to the server 5 to establish statistics on hand washing, or to control the access of users to certain restricted areas according to the hygiene hands.

The system of the present invention can not only be implemented to check the hand washing for example in a hospital environment, but also to verify the application of other manual actions, for example to check the cleaning efforts d 'cleaning employees.

Claims (18)

A method of hand washing verification, comprising the steps of: the inclination of a soap container (2) is detected by means of a first inertial sensor (204), as well as the duration of this inclination; data (d1) dependent on said inclination and said duration are transmitted wirelessly; a bracelet (1) displays an indication (10-12) dependent on said data and representative of hand hygiene. 2. The method of claim 1, comprising an evaluation of the amount of soap poured from said inclination and said duration. 3. The method of one of claims 1 or 2, comprising an evaluation of the amount of soap poured using a flow meter. 4. The method of one of claims 1 to 3, comprising an evaluation of the amount of soap poured using a flow meter linked to said container. 5. The method of one of claims 1 to 4, comprising detecting the opening of a plug (20) of said container (2. The method of one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising determining hand wash motion by means of a second inertial sensor (14) in said strap (1), and displaying a indication (10-12) dependent on said hand wash determination and representative of hand hygiene. The method of one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising determining the use of a fixed soap dispenser (30), the wireless data transmission (d2) dependent on said use, and the displaying on said bracelet (1) an indication depending on said determination. The method of one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising determining the passage of said strap (1) near an access control point (40). The method of one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising wirelessly transmitting to said bracelet (1) hand hygiene data determined in a server (5). The method of one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising wireless transmission from said container (2) to a server (5) of hand hygiene data and determined by said first inertial sensor. 11. Hands-washing verification system, consisting of the following: a soap container (2) provided with a first inertial sensor (204) and a clock, arranged to detect the inclination of the container and the duration of this inclination; a wireless transmitter (205) connected to said container for transmitting data (d1) dependent on said inclination and said duration; a bracelet (1) comprising an indicator (10-12) for displaying an indication dependent on said data and representative of hand hygiene. The system of claim 11, wherein said container (2) is a portable soap container provided with a flow meter for evaluating the amount of soap dispensed. 13. The system of one of claims 11 to 12, comprising a detector opening and / or closing a plug (20) of said container (2). 14. The system of one of claims 11 to 13, wherein said bracelet (1) comprises a second inertial sensor (14) and a module for detecting a hand wash movement by means of said inertial sensor. The system of one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising a fixed soap dispenser (30) including a transmission system to said data wristband (1) (d2) dependent on use of the fixed soap dispenser . The system of one of claims 11 to 15, further comprising an access control point (40) including a transmission system to said data strap (1) dependent on a passage near the point access control. 17. The system of one of claims 11 to 16, further comprising a server (5) arranged to transmit to said bracelet (1) of data (d4) relating to hand hygiene determined in said server. The system of one of claims 11 to 17, further comprising a server (5) arranged to receive hand hygiene data and determined using said first inertial sensor (204).