WO2013190016A1

WO2013190016A1 - System and method for checking the washing of hands

Info

Publication number: WO2013190016A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/062813
Authority: WO
Inventors: Didier PITTET; Yves Martin; René BEUCHAT; Jacques TINEMBART
Original assignee: Hopitaux Universitaires De Geneve
Priority date: 2012-06-20
Filing date: 2013-06-19
Publication date: 2013-12-27
Also published as: CH706634A1

Abstract

A method for checking the washing of hands, comprising the following steps: the tilting and the duration of said tilting of a soap container (2) is detected by means of a first inertial sensor (204); data (d1) dependent on said tilting and said duration are transmitted wirelessly; a bracelet (1) displays an indication (10-12) dependent on said data and representative of hand hygiene.

Description

Hand washing verification system and method

Technical area

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

recommendations for 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 diseases

Nosocomial. 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 rates

observance means sometimes 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 strict hygiene rules required often have difficulties in objectively assessing the time elapsed since their last hand wash, or the instantaneous hygiene level 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, WO10034125 describes 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] WO07129289 relates to a device for verifying hand washing of caregivers by means of cameras and a processor analyzing the received images. The processor identifies hand movements and their analysis provides a report on the quality of hand washing performed.

[0008] US20070020212 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] US20100073162 discloses a detector comprising at least a displacement 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. GB241781 1 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] US2009195385 describes 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] WO2010026581 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.

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

infrastructure. 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 can 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.

In one embodiment, the inertial sensor, the time counter and the wireless data transmission system may

advantageously housed in a ring, in a bracelet or in a band adapted to be fixed around the cap of the soap container or the neck of the container through which the soap passes. Thus a hospital or other institution wishing to deploy the solution of the invention can simply attach these devices to the caps of the soap containers without having to replace them with plugs

smart electronics.

The display on the wristband of the users of an indication relating to the hygiene of the hands makes it possible to sensitize them and to inform them in case of suspicion of insufficient 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 indicate 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 determines a handwashing 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 depending 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 a Bluetooth, NFC, Zigbee, RFID or proprietary interface, 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 to operating theaters, to patients, etc., to users whose bracelet indicates an insufficient probability of hand hygiene. The system of the invention may further comprise one or more objects capable of transmitting a signal interpreted by the bracelet to modify the hygiene indication. These objects may be for example medical devices equipped with tablets of

RF type communication.

The system of the invention may further comprise one or more portable devices for sending remarks and / or notations relating to the hygiene of the user of the bracelet. For example,

Observers or patients may note the performance and quality of a hand wash from a caregiver using this portable device. This device, which may be a multimedia device, for example a smartphone, a tablet, a PDA, or a fixed or portable proprietary device, is equipped with wireless transmission means (for example Bluetooth, NFC, Zigbee, RFID or owner). After establishing and confirming a connection with the carer's bracelet, the patient can send data directly to the bracelet, or to a server connected to the bracelet. This data may include a confirmation of a hand wash, the perceived quality of the hand wash, the date and time and a number identifying the portable device. 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 central server may also be arranged to receive further remarks and / or notations relating to the hand hygiene of the bracelets users. These remarks and notations can be collected by means of a website.

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:

• Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a system according to

the invention.

• Figure 2 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a bracelet according to

the invention.

• Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a soap container with a cap according to the invention.

FIG. 4 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 hospital, catering, food or pharmaceutical industry, or in any other

environment where a rigorous hand hygiene is necessary and where there is a need to check 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 expression "washing hands" should be interpreted broadly to include any operation of washing and / or disinfection of hands, inter alia by hydro-alcoholic friction, by means of soap, etc. .

In the present application the term trajectory corresponds to a sequence of data corresponding to successive positions in a plane or in a volume. Optionally, the path may also include one, two or three axis orientation in each moment. The system illustrated schematically in Figure 1 comprises a number of 2,3,4,5 sensors that detect an event that may influence the hygiene of the hands of a user, as well as the less a bracelet 1 capable of receiving data d1, d2, d3, d4 transmitted by the sensors, of itself determining other events related to hand hygiene, and displaying by means of indicators 10.1 1, 12 an indication of hand hygiene.

The sensor 2 includes a stopper 20 of soap container, which will be described in more detail in relation to FIGS. 3 and 4. 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. 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, some presence sensors 40 may be associated with a likely 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 probable improvement of hand hygiene, for example when the user passes near a sink or a 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. He can also, in a embodiment, controlling the access of users to certain sensitive areas of the establishment according to a hand hygiene assessment obtained from signals received from the different sensors or directly from the bracelet 1. [0045] Other sensors capable of detecting other types

event can be used in this system, including for example one or more cameras for filming users near basins or 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 of the type

Bluetooth, Zigbee, NFC (Near Field Communication) or proprietary. 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 using a manually entered code, a code

biometric, or transmitted electronic identification

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.

[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates, by way of example, a block diagram of FIGS.

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 radiofrequency interface which allows the bracelet 1 to receive data d1 to d3 of the 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 washing, or of 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 of several diodes

electroluminescent each of which corresponds to a hygiene parameter and whose color allows the user to check whether this parameter corresponds to sufficient hygiene or not. It is also possible to display on a matrix or segment screen digital data or

alphanumeric characters 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 conversely when a hand washing has been done properly.

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, quantity of soap used during the last wash • The average amount of soap 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 WHO or the establishment;

• Duration of the last hand wash;

• Average duration of handwashing 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. The bracelet 1 can also communicate with other bracelets 1, directly or through a server 5. The information obtained during these communications can be used to, for example, reduce the risk of cross-contamination, or to manage other contamination issues.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a soap container 2 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 soap container or

fillable. 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 radiofrequency circuit 205 to establish a

wireless communication with bracelet 1 and to send data d1. The printed circuit may include other types of sensors. Element 206 is a battery built into the cap and which can

advantageously be recharged wirelessly by induction from a not shown charging terminal, through a coil 201. The element 202 is an antenna for the radiofrequency circuit 205. In addition, there is the opening 210 in the form of spout allowing the soap in the container to pass through the cap 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 an 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 by 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 poured, and possibly a

identification of the user 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 cap 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.

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 soap residual, since it is necessary to incline more a container almost empty to obtain the same flow.

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 may be provided for estimating the amount of soap dispensed, 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 time. 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. A proximity detection of the bracelets 1, which can be based on the variation of the power of the signals received, makes it possible to attribute the information to the nearest detected bracelet 1. This bracelet 1 will have a higher probability of being the bracelet in connection with the user of the container equipped with the cap.

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. by the signals of the accelerometer 14, or 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 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 bracelet 1 can also be transmitted to the server 5 in order to establish statistics on washing hands, or to control the access of users to certain restricted areas according to the hygiene. hands.

In one embodiment, the inertial sensor, the time counter and the wireless data transmission system can be housed in a ring, in a bracelet or in a band adapted to be fixed around the stopper or the neck of the cord. soap container. So a

Hospital or other institution wishing to deploy the solution of the invention can simply attach these devices to the caps of the soap containers without having to replace them with smart electronic plugs.

A printed circuit 200 includes 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 can be housed in a ring (not shown) adapted to be fixed around the stopper and / or the neck of a soap container. This ring may furthermore comprise an integrated battery 206, which may advantageously be wirelessly recharged by induction from a recharging terminal through a coil 201, as well as an antenna 202 for the radiofrequency circuit 205.

The bracelet 1 allows the detection of hand disinfection gestures and their qualities. uAn iteration with other devices allows you to acquire additional information and / or

additional information concerning hand hygiene. For example, the detection of a contact by the bracelet 1 provides information on a risk of contamination, and / or the need to disinfect the hands according to information.

complementary as well as on the basis of the sequence of gestures involving a reduction of contacts.

The bracelet 1 can be equipped with an antenna, or any other sensor, whose state changes when a hand contact with the wrist strap with any surface of an object or 'a

infrastructure. The detection of this change in the bracelet allows to detect, record and transmit the moment (day, hour, minute, second) of this contact. This information is then coupled with the other information available.

[0071] A third party can contribute to improving hand hygiene by providing information to the hand washing verification system. For example, an observer, who may be a patient in a hospital, is equipped with a mobile device to evaluate

the operation of cleaning / disinfecting the hands of the user wearing the bracelet 1.

This portable device may be a proprietary device with wireless transmission capacity (eg Bluetooth, Zigbee, NFC or owner) and having for example two buttons or buttons: one to indicate disinfection not executed (at the right time) ) and the other to indicate disinfection performed. In another embodiment, buttons may be used to indicate whether the

disinfection was correctly performed (yes / no). Preferably, the dimensions of this portable device make it suitable for wearing

discreetly in the hand and to be operated by the fingers of the hand carrying it.

By directing the mobile device to the bracelet 1 of the caregiver having performed a disinfection gesture of the hands before or after taking care of the patient, the information recorded by the patient is recorded in the bracelet 1 of this carer. This information may include the date (hour, minute, second), bracelet identity, hand washing (yes / no) and / or the quality of the hand wash.

This portable device may be a mobile and / or multimedia device, for example a smartphone, a PDA or a tablet, so as to use a computing platform offering various means of wireless transmission, which can reduce the costs of the wearable device.

The registration procedure in the bracelet 1 can be carried out as follows:

Establish a contact by a wireless / RF transmission between the portable device and the bracelet 1;

Confirmation of contact, for example by vibration of the portable device; Enabling the transmission of information by an appropriate command (button, key, etc.) of the portable device.

[0076] Admitting that an anonymous feedback can push

the user of the bracelet to improve his hand hygiene, some of the information can be made anonymous to the user of the bracelet 1. Information can also be made inaccessible for a predefined period of time.

For example, the information can be made inaccessible the same day of storage to prevent the user can know the origin of the information. For the same reason, information

concerning the dates of hand washes may be rendered inaccessible to the user. In this example, the user has access to the only data concerning his percentage of overall performance perceived by all the observers and / or patients having given an opinion on his practice. Third parties can also contribute to the improvement of hand hygiene by sponsoring a (or) bracelets, or a bracelet worn by a user who is assigned anonymously. Data reflecting the operation of the bracelet (for example the number of hours of use per day, see some cases the number of disinfections per day and their average level of quality) are available via the Internet on a dedicated website. The (anonymous) person can send a feedback to the user (anonymous in person, in place) wearing this bracelet on the use of the latter. In some cases, the feedback is not sent to the user (or to the bracelet) but to the site where the opinions are synthesized into a global feedback from the public (for example the average of the opinions or any other summary value).

This feedback is for example a notation on a scale of 1 to 5. A help grid on the site provides explanations of the results transmitted by the bracelet and the matches between them and the scale of 1 to 5 used.

This feedback may be displayed (at the request of the wearer or not) on the bracelet. The feedback of a third person is transmitted to the bracelet, either by direct RF transmission, or when the user connects the bracelet to the tracking software.

The bracelet may be permanently assigned to a user or chosen each morning by a user. In this case, the feedback transmitted to the bracelet is an average of the opinion on (for example) the last 7 days of use. The risk of contamination increases with the contact with surfaces or objects. A good sequence of care for infectious risks will therefore be, among other things, a sequence that minimizes these contacts. The detection of successions of the following sequence:

Contacts and / or proximity of a surface with the bracelet of

the user ; Use of a medical device / object by proximity with the bracelet;

Disinfection of hands;

The system of the invention makes it possible to analyze the care sequences, among others from the point of view of the risk of contamination. These analyzes offer the possibility of modifying the sequences in order to reduce the risk of contamination and thus to reduce the risks of infection. These analyzes also make it possible to improve the ergonomics of the care sequences and to save time. The bracelet 1 can thus be equipped with a reader, for example of the RFID or NFC type, in order to identify medical devices, objects, infrastructure surfaces and / or places carrying pellets detectable by the device. reader. Ideally, for hand hygiene, the bracelet should be worn on the left wrist for a right-handed person. The system of the present invention can not only be implemented to check the washing of hands for example in a hospital environment, but also to verify the application of other manual actions, for example to check the cleaning efforts. employees of

cleaning. The cleaning of the patient's environment (or, in general, the premises of the treatment centers) is one of the parameters making it possible to control the contamination and therefore to reduce the risks of infection.

Whatever the cleaning solutions used, manual cleaning is almost always practiced. Whether alone or for example in preliminary to the use of an aerosol of a disinfectant propagated in the air in order to be deposited in a homogeneous way throughout the treated room.

According to independent features of the invention, a bracelet may be equipped with an inertial sensor and programmed with a software that allows the detection of manual cleaning by friction. It is thus possible to check the cleaning of surfaces close to the patient (bed, bedside table, telephone, medical devices, etc.), as well as door handles, etc. The same wristband can be equipped with a posture detection hand washing detection system and a friction surface washing detection system. A bracelet can also be equipped only with one or the other of these two detection systems.

The use of a broom or similar system can also be recognized by the bracelet.

[0090] Ideally, the bracelet should be worn on the right wrist for a right-handed person and on the left wrist for a left-handed person.

The recognition of the frequency and the duration of the cleanings can be transmitted to the staff by a direct feedback made by the bracelet, by means of a display in a software on a support such as a computer, a tablet, a smartphone or any other media.

The information can also be transmitted to a server, by e-mail to the persons concerned, be the subject of a summary

transmitted by different media. [0093] The hypothesis is that this feedback improves the quality of the

cleaning, decreases environmental contamination and reduces infections.

The information provided by the bracelet (cleaning time, frequency of cleaning, moments of cleaning, nature of cleaning, quality of cleaning) are correlated with the results of microbiological samples validating the microbiological quality of the cleaning, marking records with substances such as fluorescine to estimate where cleaning has been done. [0095] Information on the quality of hand hygiene and the quality of cleaning can estimate the influence of the latter on nosocomial infections. This makes it possible to strengthen the means and the measures to be taken to strengthen one or the other of these elements, or both.

Claims

claims

1. 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.

The method of claim 1, wherein said first inertial sensor (204) is housed in a plug (20) of said container (2).

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said first inertial sensor (204) is housed in a ring adapted to be fixed around a plug (20) of said container (2) or a neck of said container (2). .

4. The method of one of claims 1 to 3, comprising an evaluation of the amount of soap poured from said inclination and said duration.

5. The method of one of claims 1 to 4, comprising an evaluation of the amount of soap poured using a flow meter.

6. The method of one of claims 1 to 5, comprising an evaluation of the amount of soap poured using a flow meter linked to said container.

7. The method of one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the opening detection of said plug (20) of said container (2).

The method of one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising determining hand wash motion by means of a second inertial sensor (14) in said strap (1), and displaying an indication (10-12) dependent on said

Hand wash determination and representative of hand hygiene.

The method of one of claims 1 to 8, 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 9, further comprising determining the passage of said bracelet (1) near an access control point (40).

1 1. The method of one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising wirelessly transmitting to said bracelet (1) data relating to a note and / or notation concerning hand hygiene by a mobile device.

The method of claim 11, wherein said data relating to said remark and / or notation includes a confirmation of the completion of a hand wash, the perceived quality of said hand wash, the date and time. said washing and / or a number identifying said portable device.

13. The method of one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising detecting a contact of said bracelet 1 with a surface of an object by a contact sensor.

14. The method of one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising wireless transmission from said bracelet (1) to a server (5) of data relating to hand hygiene.

The method of one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising wirelessly transmitting from said container (2) to a hand hygiene data server (5) and determined by said first inertial sensor. .

The method of one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising wirelessly transmitting to said bracelet (1) hand hygiene data determined in a server (5).

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said server (5) is arranged to receive a note and / or notation relating to hygiene by means of a website.

18. Hands-washing verification system, comprising the following elements:

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 18, wherein said first inertial sensor (204) is housed in a plug (20) of said soap container (2).

20. The system of claim 18, wherein said first inertial sensor (204) is housed in a ring adapted to be fixed around a plug (20) or neck of said container (2).

21. The system of one of claims 18 to 20, wherein said container (2) is a portable soap container provided with a flow meter for evaluating the amount of soap dispensed.

22. The system of one of claims 18 to 21, comprising a detector opening and / or closing said cap (20) of said container (2).

23. The system of one of claims 18 to 22, 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.

24. The system of one of claims 18 to 23, further comprising a fixed soap dispenser (30) including a transmission system to said data wristband (1) (d2) dependent on the use of the fixed soap dispenser .

The system of one of claims 18 to 24, 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.

26. The system of one of claims 18 to 25, further comprising a portable device arranged to transmit to said bracelet (1) data relating to a remark and / or notation relating to hand hygiene.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein said data relating to said remark and / or notation include a confirmation of the completion of a hand wash, the perceived quality of said hand wash, the date and time of said washing and / or a number identifying said portable device.

28. The system of one of claims 18 to 27, wherein said bracelet (1) further comprising a contact sensor.

29. The system of one of claims 18 to 28, further comprising a server (5) arranged to receive data relating to hand hygiene and determined using said first inertial sensor (204), said device portable and / or said contact sensor.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein said server (5) is arranged to further receive a note and / or notation relating to hygiene by means of a website.

31. The system of one of claims 18 to 30, further comprising a server (5) arranged to transmit to said bracelet (1) hand hygiene data (d4) determined in said server.