WO2021028930A2

WO2021028930A2 - Infection prevention and hygienic monitoring system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2021028930A2
Application number: PCT/IL2020/050898
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hillel ROSENFELD; Rivka ROSENFELD
Original assignee: Freshchange Ltd.
Priority date: 2019-08-15
Filing date: 2020-08-13
Publication date: 2021-02-18
Also published as: WO2021028930A3

Abstract

The present invention provides systems and methods for monitoring hygienic condition and compliance of various caregivers.

Description

INFECTION PREVENTION AND HYGIENIC MONITORING SYSTEM AND

METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to the field of monitoring hygienic condition(s) of various caregivers. More specifically, a device and system for monitoring whether a caregiver has maintained adequate hygienic steps (such as washing / sanitizing the hands) during patient care, e.g. before, during and/or after handling a patient.

BACKGROUND

[002] Various environments, such as healthcare facilities and baby daycare facilities, inherently have contamination risks and often have patients with higher sensitivity to contamination. The first and most important step in improving hygienic state and reducing risk of contamination is handwashing or hand sanitation. However, caregivers often forget or deliberately refuse to perform the necessary numerous handwashing / hand sanitation steps, e.g. before and after entering a patient room and/or before-, after- and during-handling a patient.

[003] Many strict government and industry regulations have been outlined requiring employees and caregivers to wash/sanitize their hands before and after each procedure, and often such employees/caregivers are required to wash/sanitize their hands according to a schedule and/or before re-entering a “clean area” after exiting it. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued on 2010 the "5 moments" that require hand sterilization in 5 different points: (1) before patient contact; (2) before aseptic task; (3) after body fluid exposure risk; (4) after patient contact; and (5) after contact with patient surroundings - even if they happen in conjunction. For instance, if a caregiver needs to measure a patient's vital signs, take a blood sample, and replace a catheter, said caregiver needs to sanitize his/her hands six times.

[004] Numerous inventions such as touch-free, automatic soap dispensers, faucets and hand dryers attempt to address the problem of workplace hygiene by making it easier for the employees/caregivers to wash their hands. However, most of these inventions fail to actively supervise whether a certain individual actually washed/sanitized his hands, and whether the washing/sanitizing was conducted properly. [005] Other systems have been developed in attempts to monitor employees' handwashing/ sanitizing frequency and quality. However, these systems usually monitor only employees and require the use of proximity/location sensors located on each employee and at each patient location (e.g. bed). These are highly complicated and expensive systems that usually require complicated assembly and preparation, and they also lack the ability to monitor an individual that does not carry such sensor(s).

[006] Accordingly, a need exists for a system that can easily monitor the hygienic steps performed by a caregiver or any other individual that approaches a patient and alert when they do not meet a required standard.

SUMMARY

[007] The present invention provides a system 100 for monitoring and managing hygiene compliance of a caregiver, the system comprising: (a) a computerized system 103 comprising: a processor and a memory, the memory includes instructions that when executed by the processor cause the computerized system 103 to determine the hygiene compliance of said caregiver; (b) an identification system 101 configured to identify: (i) the presence of a patient and transmit to said computerized system 103 a signal indicative of the presence or absence of such a patient; (ii) the presence of said caregiver, and transmit to said computerized system 103 a signal indicative thereof; and (iii) the actions of said caregiver, and transmit to said computerized system 103 a signal indicative thereof; (c) a dispenser/sanitizer 102 designed to dispense a hygiene composition, and transmit to said computerized system 103 a signal indicative of a dispenser operation/activation; and (d) an alarm mechanism 104 associated with said computerized system 103, wherein the computerized system 103 is configured to communicate with: (1) said identification system 101, and (2) said dispenser 102; and based on data received from both, determine whether said caregiver’s hygiene compliance is positive or negative, and if negative activate said alarm mechanism 104, wherein: (i) positive hygiene compliance is determined when the identification system 101 indicates the presence of a patient and a caregiver, and the dispenser 102 was activated within a predefined time frame thereof in accordance with each one of the caregiver’s actions; and (ii) negative hygiene compliance is determined, and an alarm is turned on, when the identification system 101 indicates the presence of a patient and a caregiver, and the dispenser 102 indicates- or the computerized system 103 identifies- that the dispenser 102 was not activated within a predefined time frame thereof in accordance with the caregiver’s actions. [008] The present invention further provides a method for managing hygiene compliance of a caregiver, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a system 100 of the invention; (b) identifying the presence of a patient; (c) identifying the presence of a caregiver (in proximity to said patient); (d) identifying the actions of said caregiver and the activation of the dispenser 102; (e) based on data received from the identification system 101 and the dispenser 102, determining whether said caregiver’s hygiene compliance is positive or negative, and if negative activating the alarm mechanism 104, wherein: (i) positive hygiene compliance is determined when the identification system 101 indicates the presence of a patient and a caregiver, and the dispenser 102 was activated within a predefined time frame thereof in accordance with each one of the caregiver’s actions; and (ii) negative hygiene compliance is determined, and an alarm is turned on, when the identification system 101 indicates the presence of a patient and a caregiver, and the dispenser 102 indicates- or the computerized system 103 identifies- that the dispenser 102 was not activated within a predefined time frame thereof in accordance with the caregiver’s actions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[009] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating the main components of one possible configuration of a system of the invention.

[010] Fig. 2 is another diagram illustrating the components of another possible configuration of a system of the invention.

[011] Fig. 3 is yet another diagram illustrating the components of another possible configuration of a system of the invention.

[012] Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the method of monitoring hygiene compliance according to some embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[013] Lack of proper hygiene is one of the main reasons for hospital-acquired infections, but is one of the easiest to overcome by using proper sanitation and hygiene protocols when taking care of a patient(s).

[014] As such, the present invention provides a hygienic monitoring system 100 for managing the hygienic condition of caregivers. The term "caregiver" as used herein includes, but is not limited to any individual that is responsible for the wellbeing of a patient or that takes care of one, and includes, but is not limited to, employees, such as caretakers in medical facilities, caretakers in retirement homes, child-minders in kindergartens, etc., as well as any random person that needs to be hygienic in a certain situation (e.g. a parent that needs to replace his baby's diaper in the daycare facility, or someone visiting a hospitalized family member). The term "patient" as used herein refers to any person that needs to be taken care- off by another, such as a baby, an elderly person needing assistance, a patient in a medical facility, a hospitalized patient, a restrained person, etc.

[015] The invention is aimed at providing devices, systems and methods for monitoring the hygienic state of various caregivers, and to provide feedback whether a specific caregiver has performed all required steps to maintain predefined hygienic requirements or not.

[016] Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a system 100 for monitoring and managing hygiene compliance of a caregiver, the system comprising: (a) a computerized system 103 comprising: a processor and a memory, the memory includes instructions that when executed by the processor cause the computerized system 103 to determine the hygiene compliance of said caregiver; (b) an identification system 101 configured to identify: (i) the presence of a patient and transmit to said computerized system 103 a signal indicative of the presence or absence of such a patient; (ii) the presence of said caregiver; and (iii) the actions of said caregiver, and transmit to said computerized system 103 a signal indicative of any of the above; (c) a dispenser/sanitizer 102 designed to dispense a hygiene composition, and transmit to said computerized system 103 a signal indicative of a dispenser operation/activation; and (d) an alarm mechanism 104 associated with said computerized system 103, wherein the computerized system 103 is configured to communicate with: (1) said identification system 101, and (2) said dispenser 102; and based on data received from both, determine whether said caregiver’s hygiene compliance is positive or negative, and if negative activate said alarm mechanism 104, wherein: (i) positive hygiene compliance is determined when the identification system 101 indicates the presence of a patient and a caregiver, and the dispenser 102 was activated within a predefined time frame thereof in accordance with each one of the caregiver’s actions; and (ii) negative hygiene compliance is determined, and an alarm is turned on, when the identification system 101 indicates the presence of a patient and a caregiver, and the dispenser 102 indicates- or the computerized system 103 identifies- that the dispenser 102 was not activated within a predefined time frame thereof in accordance with the caregiver’s actions.

[017] In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a system 100 for managing hygiene compliance of a caregiver, the system comprising: (a) a computerized system 103 comprising: a processor and a memory, the memory includes instructions that when executed by the processor cause the computerized system 103 to determine the hygiene compliance of said caregiver; (b) an identification system 101 configured to identify the presence and actions of said caregiver, and transmit to said computerized system 103 a signal indicative thereof; (c) a dispenser/sanitizer 102 designed to dispense a hygiene composition, and transmit to said computerized system 103 a signal indicative of a dispenser operation/activation; and (d) an alarm mechanism 104 associated with said computerized system 103, wherein the computerized system 103 is configured to communicate with: (1) said identification system 101, and (2) said dispenser 102; and based on data received from both, determine whether said caregiver’s hygiene compliance is positive or negative, and if negative activate said alarm mechanism 104, wherein: (i) positive hygiene compliance is determined when the identification system 101 indicates the presence of a caregiver, and that the dispenser 102 was activated within a predefined time frame thereof in accordance with each one of the caregiver’s actions; and (ii) negative hygiene compliance is determined, and an alarm is turned on, when the identification system 101 indicates the presence of a caregiver, and the dispenser 102 indicates- or the computerized system 103 identifies- that the dispenser 102 was not activated within a predefined time frame thereof in accordance with the caregiver’s actions.

[018] The identification system 101 is designed to identify both the patient and the caregiver and the caregiver’s actions performed during the examination/treatment of the patient. The identification can be carried out using any suitable means, such as one or more cameras, proximity sensors, pressure sensors, etc.

[019] Accordingly, in certain embodiments the identification system 101 comprises a patient identification system/unit based on a pressure sensor configured to identify the presence of a patient placed thereon and the removal of a patient therefrom.

[020] The identification of the caregiver’s actions is autonomous and does not require any manual input. As such, the identification system 101 is designed to identify and determine the type of action using, e.g. artificial intelligence and/or machine -based deduction of action based on the caregiver’s movements. In specific embodiments, this can be done using one or more cameras.

[021] Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the identification system 101 comprises a camera configured to identify the presence and absence of a patient at a designated treatment area (such as a patient bed or examination chair). [022] In further embodiments of the system 100 of the invention, the identification system 101 comprises a camera configured to identify the presence and actions of a caregiver. In specific embodiments, the identification system 101 comprises a single camera configured to identify the presence and absence of a patient and the presence and actions of a caregiver. In alternative specific embodiments, the identification system 101 comprises two or more separate cameras, configured to identify the presence and absence of a patient and to identify the presence and actions of a caregiver. In specific embodiments, the identification system 101 further includes, in addition to the camera(s), a pressure sensor configured to identify the presence of a patient placed thereon and the removal of a patient therefrom. In alternative or additional specific embodiments, the identification system 101 includes two, three, four or more cameras designed to identify the presence and actions of a caregiver from multiple directions. In such configurations, the cameras can capture the front of the caregiver and hands thereof no matter where he/she stands.

[023] The identification of the presence of a caregiver and/or of a patient can also be obtained using designated sensors and receivers for the sensors. As such, in certain embodiments of the system 100 of the invention, the identification system 101 further comprises a caregiver sensor 105 configured to identify the presence of a caregiver and/or the caregiver’s location. In specific embodiments, the caregiver sensor 105 identifies the caregiver's location using space-location identification and optionally by comparison to fixed items/sensors present in the space. Notably, data regarding the location of such fixed items/ sensors in the space may be inputted into the computerized system during installation and/or remotely and/or using computerized algorithms (e.g. artificial intelligence).

[024] The identity of the caregiver may be of importance, e.g. to monitor the actions and hygienic compliance of specific personal for evaluation purposes and/or for future liability. Accordingly, in certain embodiments of the system 100 of the invention, the identification system 101 further comprises a personalized identification indicator, designed to identify the specific caregiver using the system. In specific embodiments, the caregiver sensor 105 also acts as such personalized identification indicator. In alternative or additional embodiments, the identification system 101 identifies the caregiver’s identity based on biometric parameters, such as face recognition and characteristic body posture and movements. Such biometric parameters may be in addition to the use of s caregiver sensor 105.

[025] As explained above, the caregiver’s actions are dependent on the type of patient, the type of caregiver and the facility. For instance, if the facility is a child day care, and the caregiver is a kindergarten teacher, the caregiver’s actions may be diaper changing or cleaning a child after using the toilet, feeding a baby, washing a baby/child, etc. This is especially important when working on multiple children/babies at once. Another example, is if the facility is a day clinic or a hospital, and the caregiver is a nurse or a doctor, the caregiver’s actions may be (1) contacting / touching the patient (e.g. for examination thereof); (2) contacting / touching the patient’s surroundings (e.g. bed or medical equipment); and (3) sanitizing his/her hands, and any combination thereof.

[026] The term “contacting / touching the patient” as used herein includes any type of contact, such as, but not limited to, measuring the patient’s temperature, blood withdrawal, measuring blood pressure, eye/ear/throat examination, and any other physical examination of the patient. The system 100 of the invention is designed to monitor all actions of the caregiver during the entire interaction with the patient, which may involve multiple examination procedures and subsequently multiple hand hygiene procedures.

[027] In order to better facilitate the hygienic compliance, it is best if all the required actions of the system 100 are performed automatically and would not require manual activation. Accordingly, in certain embodiments of the system 100 of the invention, the dispenser 102 is an automatic dispenser, e.g. it comprises a sensor and mechanism enabling automatic dispensing of the hygiene composition onto the hands of the caregiver. Such automatic dispensing mechanisms are well known and are incorporated herein.

[028] In further embodiments, the dispenser 102 further transmits a signal regarding the amount of hygiene composition being dispensed and/or the amount of remaining hygiene composition. In specific embodiments, the amount of hygiene composition being dispensed is predefined.

[029] As explained above, the system 100 of the invention is designed to send out an alert when the hygiene compliance of the caregiver is negative, i.e. does not meet predefined criteria and/or requirements as determined from time to time by the authorities. Any type of alarm can be used. Accordingly, in certain embodiments of the system 100 of the invention, the alarm mechanism 104 is visual, i.e. lights or flashing lights, or sound, or a combination of both. In further or alternative embodiments, the alarm is silent, e.g. an email or message sent to the caregiver and/or management of the facility and/or patient’s family.

[030] The alarm may be local, i.e. only at the patient’s close environment, or peripheral, i.e. sent to external location(s), such as administer/boss. Accordingly, in certain embodiments of the system 100 of the invention, the alarm mechanism 104 is further configured to send an alert to the caregiver's supervisor and/or the patient.

[031] The activation of the alarm is computer controlled. This means that the computerized system 103 of the system 100 is responsible for determining whether to activate the alarm or not based on input received from the different components of the system 100 and comparison said input, either raw or calculated, with predefined parameters stored in the computer’s memory. The determination is based on AI (artificial-intelligence) and machine-learning. Accordingly, in certain embodiments of the system 100 of the invention, the computerized system 103 is further configured to determine the time elapsed between when the caregiver met the patient, and between two different actions of the caregiver, and compare same to the time elapsed between the activation(s) of said dispenser 102, and if the time lapse exceeds a predetermined time, to activate said alarm mechanism 104.

[032] In certain embodiments, the hygiene compliance is determined according to need and/or local or municipal requirements and regulations. For instance, when there is a need to sanitize the hands only once before treating a patient, the system 100 will sound an alert only if it is identified that a caregiver has touched a patient without activation of the dispenser 102 within a predefined period of time. In other cases, when there is a need to sanitize the hands both before and after treating a patient, the system 100 will sound an alert when identified that a caregiver has finished an action (e.g. examination) and did not perform a sanitation step (i.e. no activation of the dispenser 102) within a predefined period of time before- and after performing such action.

[033] In certain embodiments of the system 100 of the invention, the computerized system 103 is further configured to: (i) generate and send reports on the hand hygiene process and hygiene compliance of all caregivers that used the system 100; (ii) follow hygiene patterns of each caregiver using the system, and generate reports therefor; and/or (iii) generate reports including hand washing and hygiene compliance associated with a specific caregiver and to automatically transmit a daily electronic message/report to said caregiver and/or the caregiver's supervisor indicating his/her hygiene compliance and hand washing processes. In specific embodiments, hand washing, hygiene compliance and alerting patterns are determined according to personalized data for each caregiver using the system.

[034] In specific embodiments, the present invention provides a hygiene compliance system 100 for managing the process of hand hygiene and hygiene compliance, the system comprises: (a) a patient identification system/sensor 101 configured to identify the presence of a patient located-at or placed-on the sensor 101, and transmit a signal indicative of the placement/presence or removal/absence of the patient on the sensor 101, wherein the sensor 101 is optionally integrated within a base/placement; (b) a dispenser 102 designed to dispense an hygiene composition, and transmit a signal indicative of a dispenser 102 operation/activation; (c) an alarm 104; and (d) a computerized system 103 configured to communicate with the dispenser 102 and the sensor 101, determine the caregiver’s hygiene compliance, and activate the alarm if needed; the computer/computerized system 103 comprises a processor and a memory, the memory being configured to store instructions that when executed by the processor determine the hygiene compliance based on data received from the sensor 101 and the dispenser 102, and activate the alarm if needed, wherein: (i) positive hygiene compliance is determined when the sensor 101 indicates that a patient is located or has been placed-thereon or removed-therefrom, and the dispenser 102 or computerized system 103 indicates that it was activated within a predefined time frame thereof; and (ii) negative hygiene compliance is determined and the alarm is turned on when the sensor 101 indicates that a patient has been placed-thereon or removed-therefrom, and the dispenser 102 indicates that it was not activated within a predefined time frame thereof.

[035] The terms "hygiene compliance", "managing the process of hand hygiene" and “hygiene patterns” as used herein interchangeably, refer, in addition to a caregiver’s obedience to predefined hygiene protocols, also to a series of hygiene-associated actions and patterns thereof carried by a specific caregiver through a period of time, e.g. a day, a week, a month or more; the motivation and process of hand washing; the management of the work process; as well as to adjustment(s) to the work environment to improve caregivers’ hygiene compliance.

[036] In specific embodiments, the patient sensor 101 is located within a base/placemat, which is either an independent base that can be placed onto any surface such as a cabinet or bench, or may be an integral part of an existing device, such as a dentist chair or MRI bed. [037] The system 100 of the invention is electric and may be either connected to the main power grid or may use batteries, e.g. rechargeable batteries. The hygiene compliance system 100 may use various communication techniques, such as cable communication as well as wireless one, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.

[038] Notably, the different components of the system 100 may be connected to one another either via wires or wirelessly, or some are wired and others wirelessly. For instance, the dispenser 102 may be wirelessly connected to both the sensor 101 and the computerized system 103, while the identification system 101 is wired to the computerized system 103. Alternatively, the dispenser 102 may be wired to the identification system 101, and both are wirelessly connected to the computerized system 103. Figs. 1 and 3 illustrate two possible configurations of a system 100 according to some embodiments of the invention in which the different components of the system are associated wirelessly with one another (illustrated by the dotted lines). Fig. 2 illustrates one possible configuration of a system 100 of the invention in which the different components of the system are wirely associated to one another.

[039] The term "associated" as used herein with reference to the interactions between the different components of the system 100 refers to the transfer of data from one component to the other, e.g. from the identification system 101 to the computerized system 103. Such data transfer may be one-directional, i.e. only from one component to the other, or two-directional, i.e. that the two associated components send data to one another and back, e.g. from the identification system 101 and sensor 105 to the computerized system 103 and back. In addition, although the figures illustrate that the different components are associated directly to the computerized system 103, it should be understood that direct connection between various components is also possible, e.g. between the identification system 101 and the alarm 104; between the dispenser 102 and the alarm 104; and between the identification system 101 and the dispenser 102.

[040] In specific embodiments, the identification system 101 is a pressure sensor designed to identify the presence of a patient placed thereon and transmit a signal indicative of the placement or removal of a patient on the sensor 101. This feature stands in the base of the invention since the identification by the system that a patient has been placed on the sensor 101 (or removed therefrom) triggers the system 100 that a hand washing/sterilization step is required. In certain embodiments of the system of the invention, the pressure sensor(s) may be an integral part of a matters/surface onto which a patient is to be placed; or an independent sensor(s) that is placed underneath or on an existing matters/surface.

[041] The type, size and shape of the base/placement comprising the pressure sensor 101 are determined according to need and conditions. For instance, the surface may be a diapering high-stand or low-bench with a rectangular shape, or may be a physician treatment and examination bed or a dentist's treatment chair. In certain embodiments, the surface may be even the patient's chair at a doctors' treatment room. In specific embodiments, the surface may comprise part of a larger device, such as a lying surface for a MRI, X-ray or radiotherapy machine. [042] Accordingly, the present invention specifically provides a system 100 for managing the process of hand hygiene and hygiene compliance, the system comprises: (a) a sensor 101 comprising a pressure sensor configured to identify the presence of a patient placed thereon and transmit a signal indicative of the placement or removal of a patient on the sensor 101; (b) a dispenser 102 designed to dispense an hygiene composition, and transmit a signal indicative of a dispenser operation/activation; (c) an alarm 104; and (d) a computerized system 103 configured to communicate with the dispenser 102 and the sensor 101, determine the hygiene compliance, and activate the alarm if needed; the computerized system 103 comprises a processor and a memory, the memory being configured to store instructions that when executed by the processor determine the hygiene compliance based on data received from the sensor 101, i.e. the pressure sensor, and the dispenser 102, and activate the alarm if needed, wherein: (i) positive hygiene compliance is determined when the sensor 101 indicates that a patient has been placed-thereon or removed-therefrom, and the dispenser 102 indicates that it was activated within a predefined time frame thereof; and (ii) negative hygiene compliance is determined and the alarm is turned on when the sensor 101 indicates that a patient has been placed-thereon or removed-therefrom, and the dispenser 102 or computerized system 103 indicates that it was not activated within a predefined time frame thereof.

[043] In certain embodiments, the hygiene compliance is determined according to need and/or local or municipal requirements and regulations. For instance, when there is a need to sanitize the hands only once before treating a patient, the system 100 will be designed to sound an alert only if identified that a patient has been placed on the base/placement 101 and there is no activation of the dispenser 102 within a predefined period of time. In other cases, when there is a need to sanitize the hands both before and after treating a patient, the system 100 will be designed to sound an alert when identified that a patient was placed on the base/placement 101 and there is no activation of the dispenser 102 within a predefined period of time as well as when identified that a patient was removed from the base/placement 101 and there is no activation of the dispenser 102 within a predefined period of time.

[044] In certain embodiments, the sensor 101 is a pressure sensor or a proximity sensor, or both. In alternative or additives embodiments, the sensor 101 is based on light, for instance the placement of a patient on a base/placement comprising the sensor 101 would disrupt a light/laser beam to thereby indicate that a patient has been placed thereon. In should be noted that the term "pressure sensor" as used herein refers to any sensor or array of sensors that can identify the placement and removal of an individual on a surface. In specific embodiments, the pressure sensor is an array of the same or different sensors that enable the system to identify both the placement and removal of an individual on a surface, as well as to identify body movements that are indicative of proper hygienic procedure being conducted by the user.

[045] In certain embodiments, the dispenser 102 is a manual or automatic dispenser. In alternative embodiments, the dispenser 102 is an automatic dispenser, and further comprises a sensor that enables automatic dispensing of the hygiene composition therein onto the hands of a user. Such a dispenser 102 may comprise a proximity sensor, a touch button, an IR beam sensor, etc. for enabling the automatic dispensing of the hygiene composition.

[046] Notably, the present invention is not limited by the type of hygiene composition, which can be of any type, such as alcohol-based and other non-alcoholic disinfectant liquids. [047] In certain embodiments, the dispenser 102 further transmits a signal regarding the amount of hygiene composition being dispensed. In further embodiments, the dispenser 102 further transmits a signal regarding the amount of hygiene composition remaining within, to thereby enable the staff to re-fill the dispenser or replace a cartridge thereof.

[048] In certain embodiments, the alarm 104 is a real-time alarm providing real-time on-site indication of the hygiene compliance status of the caregiver. In specific embodiments, the indication is identified by the caregiver and/or the patient that is being treated. This provides additional incentive to the caregiver to maintain the hygiene policy so as not to be embarrassed in front of the patient.

[049] In certain embodiments, the alarm 104 is visual, e.g. flashing lights or laser; text messages, e.g., on a screen, wall or ceiling; vibrations, e.g. of the dispenser, a smartphone or a separate vibrating element associated with the system; and/or sound, e.g. by MP3 or other format; or any combination thereof. The alarm may further indicate the hygiene compliance status of the caregiver by using, e.g. a scaled light meter (e.g. green-to-red).

[050] In other embodiments, the alarm 104 further includes sending an alert to the caregiver's supervisor and/or the patient or guardian thereof so that the hygienic condition and behavior of the caregiver's is exposed and well known to the patient, patient's family, and administrative staff.

[051] In specific embodiments, the system 100 of the invention further comprises a screen, such as a LCD screen for displaying data from the computerized system 103, regarding, e.g., amount of hygiene composition, general or personal hygiene compliance data, alarm and motivation signs regarding hygiene compliance during and/or after patient's treatment, and maintenance of the system and its different components, etc.

[052] In certain embodiments, the computer/computerized system 103 is further configured to determine the time elapsed between when the patient was placed on the base/placement 101 and when he was removed therefrom, and compare same to the time elapsed between two adjacent activations of the dispenser 102.

[053] In certain embodiments, the computerized system 103 is configured to generate and send reports on the hygiene compliance of all the caregivers that used the system. In specific embodiments, the computerized system 103 further ranks the hygiene compliance of all the individual caregivers, and/or of the entire organizations.

[054] In certain embodiments, the computer's memory is configured to store activity log and hygiene compliance data obtained during usage. In specific embodiments, said memory is an external memory, e.g. in a cloud. In certain embodiments, the memory keeps a detailed log for each patient and/or caregiver from the moment the caregiver enters the patient’s room; from the moment a patient was placed on the pressure sensor and until he is removed therefrom; and/or from the moment a patient enters the caregiver’s facility/examination room.

[055] In certain embodiments, the computerized system 103 is designed to contact a remote computer/computerized system (e.g. central server) for various purposes, such as transferring all collected data; receiving software updates; customize parameters for activating an alarm, etc.

[056] In certain embodiments, the computerized system 103 is associated with a smartphone of a laptop computer that comprise a dedicated application/program serving as a communication platform between the different components of the system 100. In specific embodiments, the application further serves as a platform to receive alerts and reminders regarding the hygiene compliance. In another specific embodiment, the application further serves as a data storage server for all the data obtained from the system 100 and its components.

[057] In certain embodiments, the system 100 of the invention further comprises a personalized identification indicator, designed to identify each caregiver using the system, i.e. the caregiver taking care of the patient. In specific embodiments, the identification of the caregiver is carried out using existing identification means that are not part of the system of the invention; or using dedicated identification means that are part of the system 100 of the invention. Such indicator may be of any shape and size, such as a badge, a watch, a smartphone (e.g. an application therein), an RFID, etc. In specific embodiments, the computerized system 103 is designed to follow hygiene compliance/patterns of each caregiver using the system 100, and generate reports therefor. In further specific embodiments, the computerized system 103 is configured to generate reports including a hygiene compliance associated with a specific caregiver and to automatically transmit a daily electronic message to the caregiver and/or the caregiver's supervisor indicating his hygiene compliance. In yet further specific embodiments, the hygiene compliance and alerting patterns are determined according to personalized data of each caregiver using the system. In certain embodiments, the computer 103 is designed to generate customized reports, e.g. regarding the hygienic compliance and hand washing routines of specific team(s) and/or to the entire facility.

[058] In certain embodiments, the hygiene compliance and hand wash process are determined according to personalized data of each caregiver using the system. For instance, when the system 100 identifies that a trusted caregiver is using the system 100, i.e. a caregiver that constantly follows hygienic regulations, the system 100 may be designed to send a light reminder when the patient is placed on the sensor. However, when a less strict caregiver uses the system, the system 100 may be designed to send a reminder both when the patient is placed on the sensor and when removed therefrom.

[059] In specific embodiments, the system 100 of any of the embodiments above further comprises a caregiver sensor 105 configured to identify the location of the caregiver while the patient is located onto the patient sensor 101, wherein the computerized system 103 is configured to: communicate with the dispenser 102 and both sensors 101,105; and determine the hygiene compliance based on data received from both sensors 101,105 and said dispenser 102, and activate the alarm if needed, wherein: negative hygiene compliance is also determined and an alarm is turned on when the caregiver’s sensor 105 indicates that the caregiver reached a patient or returns to his original location without activation of the dispenser 102. In specific embodiments, the caregiver’s sensor 105 identifies the caregiver's location using space-location identification and comparison to fixed items in the space (e.g. using a camera in the room, and not a physical sensor worn by the caregiver).

[060] In alternative embodiments, the system 100 of any of the embodiments above further comprises a caregiver's indicator, in which case the caregiver sensor 105 is designed to identify the indicator for determining the caregiver location.

[061] In certain embodiments, the system 100 according to any of the embodiments above is designed to manage the hygienic compliance/condition of a caregiver(s) in baby/child-daycare institutions, wherein: (i) the identification system 101 is a pressure sensor designed to identify the placing of a baby/child thereon and removal thereof; (ii) the dispenser 102 is a sanitation dispenser; and (iii) the computerized system 103 is configured to: communicate with the dispenser 102 and the pressure sensor; determine the hygiene compliance of the caregiver(s); and activate the alarm if needed, wherein: positive hygiene compliance is determined when the pressure sensor indicates that a child/baby has been placed-thereon or removed-therefrom, and the dispenser 102 indicates that it was activated within a predefined time frame thereof; and negative hygiene compliance is determined and the alarm is turned on when the pressure sensor indicates that a child/baby has been placed-thereon or removed-therefrom, and the dispenser 102 indicates that it was not activated within a predefined time frame thereof.

[062] Other examples in which the system 100 of the invention can be used are facilities in which examination/treatment of patients is performed in a fixed location, while replacing the patient's, such as an ambulance- in which patients enter, being treated and leave in a continuous manner within short period of times (minutes), clinics, specialists examination and treatment rooms, physiotherapy and massage institutes, rehabilitation institutes, cosmetic and beauty salons, hair salons, alternative/holistic treatment facilities, blood donation beds, etc. [063] One important advantage of the system 100 of the invention is the fact that the combining of all the components of the system 100 in close proximity to one another, especially the presence of the dispenser 102 in close proximity to the patient’s location, enables the caregiver to perform all the necessary hygienic steps and hand sterilization in a single place without leaving the patient's side or bed. This is essential, e.g., when treating a baby that cannot be left alone on the treatment surface. This is also an essential characteristic of the system 100 required in the adjustment of the work environment to improve hygiene compliance and staff working habits.

[064] A method for determining the hygienic compliance/condition of a caregiver that uses the system 100 of the invention is based on identifying the arrival of a patient to a treatment/working station. This is in contradiction to most known prior art methods, in which the system is based on the identification of a caregiver reaching a patient's bed or entering into a patient's room. This assures that upon arrival of a patient to a treatment station, proper hygienic steps will be taken by the handling caregiver.

[065] Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for managing hygiene compliance of a caregiver, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a system 100 according to any of the embodiments above; (b) identifying the presence of a patient; (c) identifying the presence of a caregiver (in proximity to said patient); (d) identifying the actions of said caregiver and the activation of the dispenser 102; (e) based on data received from the identification system 101 and the dispenser 102, determining whether said caregiver’s hygiene compliance is positive or negative, and if negative activating the alarm mechanism 104, wherein: (i) positive hygiene compliance is determined when the identification system 101 indicates the presence of a patient and a caregiver, and the dispenser 102 indicates that it was activated within a predefined time frame thereof in accordance with each one of the caregiver’s actions; and (ii) negative hygiene compliance is determined, and an alarm is turned on, when the identification system 101 indicates the presence of a patient and a caregiver, and the dispenser 102 indicates- or the computerized system 103 identifies- that the dispenser 102 was not activated within a predefined time frame thereof in accordance with the caregiver’s actions.

[066] In specific embodiments, the method to the invention for determining the hygienic condition and/or compliance of a caregiver, comprises the steps of: (i) providing a system 100 according to any of the embodiments above and activating same; (ii) placing a patient onto a pressure sensor; (iii) monitoring the activation of the dispenser 102 for dispensing a desirable amount of disinfectant material onto the caregiver's hand(s); (iv) treating the patient or performing any other procedure thereto; (v) removing the patient from the pressure sensor 101; and re-monitoring the activation of the dispenser 102. This specific method is based on the ability of the system to identify whether the dispenser 102 has been activated within a predefined time frame from the identification that a patient has been placed-on or removed- from the pressure sensor; and to sound an alarm if the time exceeds a predefined limit, and/or provide positive feedback indicating that the caregiver meets predefined hygienic requirements.

[067] In certain embodiments, the method of any of the embodiments above further comprises any one of the following steps: monitoring the position of the caregiver (using e.g. a caregiver sensor 105); monitoring the activation of the dispenser 102 throughout the entire time the caregiver and patient are together in the same area; monitoring the treating of the patient or any other procedure applied thereto; and monitoring the position of the caregiver during and after patient’s treatment.

[068] The method of the invention is based on the ability of the system 100 to identify whether the dispenser 102 has been activated within a predefined time frame from: (a) the identification that a patient / caregiver has entered or left the room, and (b) the end of each action/procedure and location of the caregiver relative to the patient; and to sound an alarm if the time exceeds a predefined time limit, and/or provide positive feedback indicating that the caregiver meets hygienic requirements.

[069] In certain embodiments, the method of the invention further comprises steps of: measuring hygienic compliance level of the caregiver (using the computerized system 103); and performing motivating steps to encourage a caregiver to maintain desired hygienic level. Such motivation steps may be done when the patient is still present or after his departure. Non-limiting examples of such motivation steps include sending an email to the caregiver and/or his/her supervisors, sounding music or alarm, flashing lights (red/green), etc.

[070] Notably, the system 100 of the invention enables simultaneous and on-site hand sterilization of a caregiver and monitoring thereof, including: identification of the caregiver, identification of the need to perform sterilization, reminder of a required sterilization step, performing the sterilization, and treating the patient. This is contrary to known systems, which involve large distances between the above mentioned steps, and inherently reduce hygienic compliance due to physical distractions on the way, as well as conscious distractions resulting from the separation and distance between the systems' components and the time lapsed when moving from one another.

[071] Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following invention and its various embodiments and/or by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed in above even when not initially claimed in such combinations. A teaching that two elements are combined in a claimed combination is further to be understood as also allowing for a claimed combination in which the two elements are not combined with each other, but may be used alone or combined in other combinations. The excision of any disclosed element of the invention is explicitly contemplated as within the scope of the invention.

[072] The words used in this specification to describe the invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use in a claim must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word itself.

[073] The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a sub combination or variation of a sub-combination.

[074] Various embodiments and aspects of the inventions will be described with reference to details discussed below, and the accompanying drawings will illustrate the various embodiments. Reference in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment” or "certain embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

[075] Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.

[076] The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the invention.

[077] Although the invention has been described in detail, nevertheless changes and modifications, which do not depart from the teachings of the present invention, will be evident to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are deemed to come within the purview of the present invention and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system 100 for managing hygiene compliance of a caregiver, the system comprising: a) a computerized system 103 comprising: a processor and a memory, the memory includes instructions that when executed by the processor cause the computerized system 103 to determine the hygiene compliance of said caregiver; b) an identification system 101 configured to identify: (i) the presence of a patient and transmit to said computerized system 103 a signal indicative of the presence or absence of such a patient; (ii) the presence of said caregiver, and transmit to said computerized system 103 a signal indicative thereof; and (iii) the actions of said caregiver, and transmit to said computerized system 103 a signal indicative thereof; c) a dispenser/sanitizer 102 designed to dispense a hygiene composition, and transmit to said computerized system 103 a signal indicative of a dispenser operation/activation; and d) an alarm mechanism 104 associated with said computerized system 103, wherein the computerized system 103 is configured to communicate with: (1) said identification system 101, and (2) said dispenser 102; and based on data received from both, determine whether said caregiver’s hygiene compliance is positive or negative, and if negative activate said alarm mechanism 104, wherein:

- positive hygiene compliance is determined when the identification system 101 indicates the presence of a patient and a caregiver, and the dispenser 102 was activated within a predefined time frame thereof in accordance with each one of the caregiver’s actions; and

- negative hygiene compliance is determined, and an alarm is turned on, when the identification system 101 indicates the presence of a patient and a caregiver, and the dispenser 102 was not activated within a predefined time frame thereof in accordance with the caregiver’s actions.

2. The system 100 of claim 1, wherein said identification system 101 comprises a patient identification system based on a pressure sensor configured to identify the presence of a patient placed thereon and the removal of a patient therefrom.

3. The system 100 of claim 1, wherein said identification system 101 comprises a camera configured to identify the presence and absence of a patient at a designated treatment area.

4. The system 100 of claim 1, wherein said identification system 101 comprises at least one camera configured to identify the presence and actions of a caregiver.

5. The system 100 of claim 4, wherein said identification system 101 comprises a single camera configured to identify the presence and absence of a patient and the presence and actions of a caregiver.

6. The system 100 of claim 4, wherein said identification system 101 comprises two or more separate cameras, one configured to identify the presence and absence of a patient and the other(s) configured to identify the presence and actions of a caregiver.

7. The system 100 of claim 1, wherein said identification system 101 further comprises a caregiver sensor 105 configured to identify the caregiver’s location.

8. The system 100 of claim 7, wherein said caregiver sensor 105 identifies the caregiver's location using space-location identification and optionally by comparison to fixed items/sensors in the space.

9. The system 100 of claim 1, further comprising a personalized identification indicator, designed to identify the specific caregiver using the system.

10. The system 100 of claim 1, wherein said caregiver’s actions are selected from: (1) contacting / touching the patient; (2) contacting / touching the patient’s surroundings; and (3) sanitizing his/her hands, and any combination thereof.

11. The system 100 of claim 1, wherein said dispenser 102 is an automatic dispenser enabling automatic dispensing of an hygiene composition onto the caregiver’s hands.

12. The system 100 of claim 1, wherein said dispenser 102 further transmits a signal regarding the amount of hygiene composition being dispensed and/or the amount of remaining hygiene composition.

13. The system 100 of claim 1, wherein said alarm mechanism 104 is visual and/or sound.

14. The system 100 of claim 1, wherein said alarm mechanism 104 is further configured to send an alert to the caregiver's supervisor and/or the patient.

15. The system 100 of claim 1, wherein said computerized system 103 is further configured to determine the time elapsed between when the caregiver met the patient, and between two different actions of the caregiver, and compare same to the time elapsed between the activation(s) of said dispenser 102.

16. The system 100 of claim 1, wherein said computerized system 103 is configured to generate and send reports on the hand hygiene process and hygiene compliance of all caregivers that used the system 100.

17. The system 100 of claim 1, wherein said computerized system 103 is designed to follow hygiene patterns of each caregiver using the system, and generate reports therefor.

18. The system 100 of claim 1, wherein said computerized system 103 is configured to generate reports including hand washing and hygiene compliance associated with a specific caregiver and to automatically transmit a daily electronic message/report to said caregiver and/or the caregiver's supervisor indicating his/her hygiene compliance and hand washing processes.

19. The system 100 of claim 18, wherein hand washing, hygiene compliance and hygiene/ alerting patterns are determined according to personalized data of each caregiver using the system 100.

20. A method for managing hygiene compliance of a caregiver, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a system 100 as defined in claim 1 ; b) identifying the presence of a patient; c) identifying the presence of a caregiver; d) identifying the actions of said caregiver and the activation of the dispenser 102; e) based on data received from the identification system 101 and the dispenser 102, determining whether said caregiver’s hygiene compliance is positive or negative, and if negative activating the alarm mechanism 104, wherein:

- positive hygiene compliance is determined when the identification system 101 indicates the presence of a patient and a caregiver, and that the dispenser 102 was activated within a predefined time frame thereof in accordance with each one of the caregiver’s actions; and

- negative hygiene compliance is determined, and an alarm is turned on, when the identification system 101 indicates the presence of a patient and a caregiver, and it is determined that the dispenser 102 was not activated within a predefined time frame thereof in accordance with the caregiver’s actions.

21. A system 100 for managing hygiene compliance of a caregiver, the system comprising: a) a computerized system 103 comprising: a processor and a memory, the memory includes instructions that when executed by the processor cause the computerized system 103 to determine the hygiene compliance of said caregiver; b) an identification system 101 configured to identify the presence and actions of said caregiver, and transmit to said computerized system 103 a signal indicative thereof; c) a dispenser/sanitizer 102 designed to dispense a hygiene composition, and transmit to said computerized system 103 a signal indicative of a dispenser operation/activation; and d) an alarm mechanism 104 associated with said computerized system 103, wherein the computerized system 103 is configured to communicate with: (1) said identification system 101, and (2) said dispenser 102; and based on data received from both, determine whether said caregiver’s hygiene compliance is positive or negative, and if negative activate said alarm mechanism 104, wherein:

- positive hygiene compliance is determined when the identification system 101 indicates the presence of a caregiver, and that the dispenser 102 was activated within a predefined time frame thereof in accordance with each one of the caregiver’s actions; and

- negative hygiene compliance is determined, and an alarm is turned on, when the identification system 101 indicates the presence of a caregiver, and the dispenser 102 indicates- or the computerized system 103 identifies- that the dispenser 102 was not activated within a predefined time frame thereof in accordance with the caregiver’s actions.