GB2417811A

GB2417811A - Hand washing detector device with module for timing the occurrence of hand washing events

Info

Publication number: GB2417811A
Application number: GB0516590A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brian Keenan; Thomas Keenan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-09-07
Filing date: 2005-08-12
Publication date: 2006-03-08
Anticipated expiration: 2025-08-12
Also published as: GB0516590D0; GB2417811B; GB2417810A; GB0419818D0

Abstract

A hand washing detector device, suitable to be fitted to a person possibly on the hand or wrist, comprises a sensor (2) for sensing a hand washing event and a timing module (12) responsive to the sensor. The device may also include an alarm system (6, 8, 10) wherein the timing module (12) activates the alarm system (6, 8, 10) when a first predetermined time limit is exceeded between hand washing events. The alarm may be audible (6), vibratory (8) and/or visual (10) and the sensor (2) may detect the presence of water or any other chemical present during hand washing. The device may help in infection control by monitoring hand washing and reminding people to wash their hands regularly.

Description

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SAFEHANDS DETECTOR DEVICE Al

The present invention relates to a detector device and a system for detecting hand washing events and for generating a reminder if too great a time elapses between hand washing events.

In many environments it is necessary for people to regularly wash their hands in order to prevent the spread of infection. Typical environments would include hospitals, care homes and hospices, where Darers, such as nurses, doctors and therapists should wash their hands regularly, in particular when moving between treating different patients. Other environments where regular hand washing is required could include catering environments where food items are being processed. It is necessary for people in such environments to take responsibility for washing their hands regularly. Sometimes people forget to wash their hands and often there is no way for managers in such environments to check this on a regular basis. This can lead to the spread of infections between patients or the spread of germs between food items.

According to the present invention there is provided a hand washing detector device suitable to be fitted to a person comprising a sensor for sensing a hand washing event and a timing module responsive to the sensor for timing when hand washing events occur. The timing module may determine when a first predetermined time limit is exceeded between hand washing events. The detector may additionally comprising an alarm system wherein the timing module activates the alarm system when the first time limit is exceeded.

In this way a person to whom the device is fitted can be alerted as to when they are required to wash their hands. Alternatively, hand washing events and their associated timings can be recorded on the detector device for subsequent monitoring.

The timing module may deactivate the alarm system in response to the sensor detecting a hand washing event. However, if a second predetermined time limit, which is longer, for example four times longer, than the first is exceeded between hand washing events, the device may close down. In this case the person to whom the device is fitted may have to approach a manager responsible for monitoring hand washing events to have the device reset. In this way a manager can monitor hand washing by their staff.

The alarm system may includes an audio alarm, a vibrating alarm and/or a visual alarm and may be controlled by the timing module to be activated periodically.

The detector device may additionally include a receiver for receiving a signal setting a time limit or for receiving a re-enabling signal reversing the closing down of the device.

The sensor may be a chemical detector for sensing the presence of water or any other chemical present during hand washing. A hand washing event includes a washing of the hands under running water using any type of soap or detergent product. A hand washing event also includes other ways of cleaning the hands which are suitable for the environment concerned. Such hand washing events may include spraying the hands with a spray, such as a gell spray or wiping the hands with a disposable wipe.

The present invention also provides a hand washing detection system incorporating: at least one detector device as described above incorporating a receiver and a control device comprising a transmitter for communicating a control signal to the or each receiver so as to control operation of the respective detector device. The control signal may includes a signal setting a time limit or a re-enabling signal for reversing a closing down of the detector device. In this way the control device can be used by a manager of staff to whom such devices are fitted so as to control the operation of the devices and so as to monitor hand washing by staff.

The present invention also provides a hand washing detection system incorporating at least one detector device as described above incorporating a sensor for sensing a marker and a hand washing formulation incorporating the marker. Then those persons to whom a device is fitted use a specially formulated soap incorporating the marker whenever they wash their hands.

This can enable a cheaper or more sensitive sensor to be used for detecting hand washing events depending on the marker which is selected. The sensor need not be limited to a chemical sensor. For example the marker may be a fluorescent material incorporated into the formulation and the sensor can be an optical sensor responsive to the light frequency emitted by the fluorescent marker.

The present invention also provides an item of apparel incorporating a detector device described above, preferably an item of apparel which is worn on a person's hand or wrist.

The present invention also provides a method of detecting hand washing events carried out by a person comprising the steps of sensing hand washing events and timing when hand washing events occur. The method may include the step of determining when a first predetermined time limit is exceeded between hand washing events. The method may include the additional step of setting off an alarm when it is determined that the first time limit is exceeded. Alternatively, it may include the additional step of recording the timing of hand washing events.

The method may additionally comprise the step of deactivating the alarm system in response sensing of a hand washing event and/or the step of closing down operation of the method when a second predetermined time limit, longer than the first, is exceeded between hand washing events. The method may additionally include the steps of incorporating a marker in a hand washing formulation and sensing the presence of the marker to sense a hand washing event.

The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, wherein: l Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a detector device according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a view of a wrist watch incorporating the detector device of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of the face portion of the wrist watch of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a flow diagram setting out the operational steps carried out by the device of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a hand of a person wearing a wristband incorporating the detector device of Figure 1; and Figure 6 shows a person wearing the wristband of Figure 5 washing their hands with soap and water.

The detector device of the present invention, for example as shown in Figure 1, can be incorporated into many different items of apparel, in particular, items of apparel that are wom on or near a person's hand, such as rings, wrist watches and bracelets. This ensures that when a person washes their hands wearing the apparel, the apparel comes into contact with water and/or soap.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3 the detector device of Figure 1 is incorporated into a wrist watch 16. In the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6 the detector device is incorporated into a wristband 17.

The detector device, when wom by doctors or nurses in any one of the health care industries or when worn by caterers, will detect when a person's hands have been washed, so as to deactivate three systems that are incorporated in the device. In Figure 6 a person 60 is shown undergoing a hand washing event. In Figure 6 the person 60 is washing their hands in water 62 using soap or other detergent product. The person 60 is wearing a wristband 17 of the type shown in Figure 5 which incorporates a detector arrangement of the type shown in Figure 1.

The first is a pizo buzzer 6, which generates an audio alert; the second is a built in vibration module 8, which generates a vibrating alarm; and the third is a light emiffing diode (L.E.D.) 10, which can generate a red flashing light as a visual alarm. A clock or timing module 12, which would normally be set to an interval of 15 minutes, but which could be set with an interval of, for example, between O and 60 minutes, is arranged to set off the alarms 6, 8, 10 to warn the wearer to wash their hands in order to deactivate the system of alarms.

The device of Figure 1 can be set at any time interval using an infra red pen code transmitter 26, which would normally be kept by a ward sister or other manager in charge of a set of staff each using the detector devices. The time interval U after which the detector device of Figure 1 closes down can also be set by the transmitter 26 in a similar way.

The detector device has an inbuilt chemical detector or sensor 2 for detecting water and/or soaps. When the water or soap falls directly over the sensor, the detector device will automatically deactivate the system, including the timing module 12 and/or the alarm systems 6, 8, 10, which will then go a further 15 minutes before alerting the wearer of the detector device to go and wash their hands again.

When the detector device of Figure 1 has been activated, because the wearer of the device has not washed their hands, it will be in alert mode. It will then be in alert mode for 60 seconds, if it has not detected water. It will then activate at 5 minute intervals for a period of 60 minutes, if not deactivated.

After an interval of 60 minutes, the detector device will close down with the red L.E.D 10 in constant mode. The detector device can only then be reactivated from the closed down state using the infra red pen code reader/ transmitter device 26. When the L.E.D. 10 is constantly lit it would let a patient know to remind the doctor or nurse to wash their hands before commencing treatment.

The detector device, incorporating the sensor 2 is the main integral part of the invention, which acts like an on/off switch, to activate or to deactivate the alarm systems, depending on whether it detects water, etc or whether it does not detect water. The L.E.D. 10 has low power consumption, and for example, can be powered by a 1-5 volt watch battery. When in non-activated mode the L.E.D. 10 will not be lit. Once the interval of 15 minutes, or whatever the pen code reader 26 was set at, have expired, the L.E.D. 10 will flash drawing current from the battery. The pen code reader 4, controls two main events, the timing of when a manager wants staff to wash their hands and the re-enabling of the detector device. A volume adjustment device 14 is provided for the audio alarm 6, for adjusting volume from 0 to 15 decibels, ie.

On or off. The volume adjustment device 24 does not affect the visual alarm 10, or the vibrating alarm 8. This is for staff when they are on night duty and do not want to disturb patients who are asleep.

The detector device can be incorporated into apparel made to fit on any finger and can be made out of rubber to fit any hand. For example, it can be incorporated into a wrist band or watch. The detector device would be a major contribution to the reduction of bacteria and viruses, such as the MRSA virus, spread from patient to patient. If the patient sees the wearer has the L.E.D. 10 permanently lit, they would request the doctor or nurse to wash their hands, thus avoiding contamination and the spread of germs.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 3, an infrared communication interface 28, 4 is provided between an infrared code pen transmitter 28 in the pen 26 and an infrared code receiver 4 incorporated into the detector device of Figure 1. The pen 26 is used by a member of management staff to set the required interval T between hand washing events, for example 15 minutes, as described above. The interval T is shown on a small screen, for example a liquid crystal display 34 provided on the pen, such that the interval T can be adjusted by activation of the adjustment button 32. To set the time interval for the detector device of Figure 1 incorporated into the apparel of Figure 2, the management staff would set the interval T on the pen 26 to the desired interval and then interface the transmitter 28 of the pen 26 with the receiver 4 on the detector device so as to communicate to the receiver 4 the required time interval. The receiver 4 then transmits the time interval T to the timing module 12 of the detector device.

When a member of staff has not washed their hands for an interval longer than time interval, U. for example four times the interval T. in the present example 60 minutes, the detector device of Figure 1 closes down. The staff member may then have to approach a manager to have their detector device re-enabled. To re-enable the detector device, the manager would interface the transmitter 28 of the pen 26 with the receiver 4 on the detector device so as to communicate to the receiver 4 a re-enabling instruction by activating the controller 30 of the pen 26. The reenabling instruction would then be transmitted by the receiver 4 to the timing module 12 to instruct the timing module to commence timing. The timing module 12 then commences timing and deactivates the alarm systems 6, 8, 10. This enables the management staff to monitor the frequency with which their staff wash their hands, and to take appropriate action if the frequency of hand washing falls below the required standard.

In the above example the interface is an infrared interface between a pen 26 and a receiver 4. Many other interfaces, and many other types of control devices other than the pen 26 can be used to enable a manager to set the interval T and to re-enable the detector device. Some examples are direct electrical connection between the detector device and the control device or a radio frequency link. The communication signals between the transmitter 28 of the control device 26 and the receiver 4 of the detector device may be coded.

With reference to all the Figures, in particular Figures 1 and 4, the detector device operates as follows. A washing event is detected [30] by the sensor 2 and the sensor 2 sends a message to the timing module 12 to reset a clock or timer to zero and then to commence timing [32]. Alternatively, the detector device is re-enabled, as described above and a re-enabling signal is received by the receiver 4 and the receiver 4 sends a message to the timing module 12 to commence timing [32]. The timing module 12 continues timing [34] and the time recorded on a clock is incremented. Periodically, the timing module 12 monitors whether the time on the clock is greater than the interval T [36]. If the time on the clock is not greater than T [38], then timing continues [34]. If the time on the clock is greater than T [40], this means that a wearer of the device has not washed their hands within the set time interval T. and the timing module 12 activates the audio alarm 6 [42], the vibrating alarm 8 [44] and the visual alarm 10 [46]. This alerts a wearer of the device of Figure 1 that they need to wash their hands. Although the alarms 6, 8, 10 have been activated, the timing module 12 continues timing [34].

Detector devices according to the present invention need not incorporate three different alarms, such as an audio, visual and vibrating alarm. Instead they can incorporate one or more alarms, as is deemed suitable.

If the person wearing the detector device washes their hands before the time interval T expires, this is sensed by the sensor 2 [30]. The sensor 2 then sends a signal to the timing module 12, which resets the timer or clock to zero and recommences timing again [32].

The audio alarm 6 is activated for a set period x, for example 60 seconds and is then automatically deactivated. The timing module 12 continues timing [34] and when the time on the clock is equal to a time T + nt, the audio alarm is sounded, again for the set period x. The value n is an integer which is initially set by the timing module 12 to one and is incremented by 1 by the timing module each time the alarm 6 is sounded. The time interval t is the time between consecutive audio alarm activations and can be selected to be for example 5 minutes, so that the audio alarm sounds for 60 seconds every 5 minutes so long as the wearer of the device does not wash their hands. As soon as the wearer of the device washes their hands, in response to the alarm, the sensor detects a washing event [30] and sends signal to the timing module 12. Then provided that the time on the clock of the timing module 12 has not exceeded the value U (see below) the alarm is deactivated [50], [52], [54] and the timer or clock is reset to zero and timing re-commences timing [32]. In the description above the audio alarm is described as a pizo buzzer, any other kind of audio alarm suitable for mounting on an item of apparel can be used.

The vibrating alarm 8 is also activated for a set period y, which can be the same as or different from the set period x, for example 5 seconds and is then automatically deactivated. The timing module 12 continues timing [34] and when the time on the clock is equal to a time T + nt, the vibrating alarm (8) is activated, again for the set period x. The value n is an integer which is initially set by the timing module 12 to one and is incremented by 1 by the timing module each time the alarm 6 is sounded. The time interval t is the time between consecutive vibrating alarm activations and can be selected to be for example 5 minutes, so that the vibrating alarm vibrates for 5 seconds every 5 minutes so long as the wearer of the device does not wash their hands. As soon as the wearer of the device washes their hands, in response to the alarm, the sensor detects a washing event [301 and sends signal to the timing module 12. Then provided that the time on the clock of the timing module 12 has not exceeded the value U (see below) the alarm is deactivated [501, [521, [541 and the timer or clock is reset to zero and timing re-commences timing [321. Any kind of vibrating alarm suitable for mounting on an item of apparel can be used.

In the above examples the timing module 12 uses the same time interval t between alarm activations for the audio alarm 6 and the vibrating alarm 8, however a different time interval t can be used for the different alarm intervals.

The visual alarm 10, in the present example is activated continuously, either until a further washing event is detected or the detector device is re-enabled by a control device 26. As soon as the wearer of the device washes their hands, in response to the alarm, the sensor detects a washing event [301 and sends signal to the timing module 12. Then provided that the time on the clock of the timing module 12 has not exceeded the value U (see below) the alarm is deactivated [501, [521, [54] and the timer or clock is reset to zero and timing re-commences timing [321. In the description above a the visual alarm is described as a red flashing L.E.D., but any other kind of visual alarm suitable for mounting on an item of apparel can be used. The visual alarm comes on as soon as the time interval T has expired. It stays on continuously until either a hand washing event is sensed or the device is re-enabled. The continuous visual alarm provides an indication to patients or to other staff that hand washing by the person wearing the detector device is overdue.

As indicated above, even when the alarms 6, 8, 10 are activated, the timing module 12 continues timing [34] by incrementing the clock. The timing module 12 monitors periodically whether the time recorded on the clock is greater than a time interval U [50]. The time interval U is the time interval after which the detector device is closed down and has to be re-enabled, if no hand washing event has occurred during that time interval. If the time interval U is exceeded, then the detector device closes down and has to be re-set or re-enabled [56], [58] before it can be used again.

Once the time period U has been exceeded a hand washing event will not deactivate the alarms 6, 8, 10 [50], [52], [54]. Once the time period U has been exceeded [56], [58], re-enabling of the detector device is required before the alarms 6, 8, 10 can be deactivated. Alternatively, once the time period U has been exceeded all but the visual alarm 10 may be deactivated, but the visual alarm cannot be deactivated and no other alarms can be set off until the detector device has been re-enabled.

At the end of a shift the wearer of the detector device would switch off the device or would pass the device to management staff for the device to be switched off, for example using the communication interface between the transmitter 28 of the control device 26 and the receiver 4 of the detector device.

The sensor 2 may be any sensor which is capable of detecting a washing event. For example, the sensor 2 may be a chemical sensor which can detect the presence of water, soap, detergents or disinfectant. Alternatively, a specially formulated soap product can be provided for use with the detector device, which soap is formulated with a marker, such as a chemical or optical marker, which the sensor 2 is designed to detect.

A detection device according to the present invention may include a recording module 14 which records hand washing events and the timings with which they occur. This provides a record which can be subsequently interrogated by a manager, for example via a control device 26, to ensure that hand washing is occurring at appropriate intervals. In some cases only the sensor 2, timing module 12 and recording module 14 would be required to make a record of hand washing events, without requiring the alarms systems 6, 8, 10 or the parts of the timing module 12 described above for activating and/or deactivating the alarms.

Claims

I CLAIMS

1. A hand washing detector device suitable to be fitted to a person comprising: a sensor for sensing a hand washing event; and a timing module responsive to the sensor for timing when hand washing events occur.

2. A detector according to claim 1 wherein the timing module determines when a first predetermined time limit is exceeded between hand washing events.

3. A detector according to claim 2 additionally comprising an alarm system wherein the timing module activates the alarm system when the first time limit is exceeded.

4. A detector device according to claim 3 wherein the timing module deactivates the alarm system in response to the sensor detecting a hand washing event.

5. A detector device according to any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the timing module closes down the device when a second predetermined time limit, longer than the first, is exceeded between hand washing events.

6. A detector device according to claim 3 wherein the alarm system includes an audio alarm, a vibrating alarm and/or a visual alarm.

7. A detector device according to claim 3 wherein the alarm system is controlled by the timing module to be activated periodically.

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8. A detector device according to any one of claims 2 to 7 additionally including a receiver for receiving a signal setting a time limit.

9. A detector device according to claim 5 additionally including a receiver for receiving a re-enabling signal reversing the closing down of the device.

10. A detector according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the sensor is a chemical sensor for sensing the presence of water or any other chemical present during hand washing.

11. A hand washing detection system incorporating: at least one detector device according to any one of the preceding claims incorporating a receiver; and a control device comprising a transmitter for communicating a control signal to the or each receiver so as to control operation of the respective detector device.

12. A hand washing detection system according to claim 11 wherein the control signal includes one of the following: a signal setting a time limit; and/or a re-enabling signal for reversing a closing down of the detector device.

13. A hand washing detection system incorporating: at least one detector device according to any one of claims 1 to incorporating a sensor for sensing a marker; and a hand washing formulation incorporating the marker.

14. An item of apparel incorporating a detector device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

15. An item of apparel according to claim 14 which is worn on a r person's hand or wrist.

16. A method of detecting hand washing events carried out by a person comprising the steps of: sensing hand washing events; and timing when hand washing events occur.

17. A method according to claim 16 comprising the additional step of determining when a first predetermined time limit is exceeded between hand washing events.

18. A method according to claim 17 comprising the additional step of setting off an alarm when it is determined that the first time limit is exceeded.

19. A method according to claim 18 additionally comprising the step of deactivating the alarm system in response to sensing of a hand washing event.

20. A method according to any one of claims 17 to 19 additionally comprising the step of closing down operation of the method when a second predetermined time limit, longer than the first, is exceeded between hand washing events.

21. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 20 additionally comprising the steps of incorporating a marker in a hand washing formulation and sensing the presence of the marker to sense a hand washing event.