From Sensors to Care: Advancing Stress Monitoring in Elderly Care

Stress monitoring in elderly care has the potential to revolutionize how healthcare systems address the needs of ageing populations. Wearable devices that detect stress levels can provide early warnings, enabling timely interventions and improving overall well-being. However, creating practical stress-sensing wearables requires innovation, compliance with regulations, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

From 2022 to 2024, Kinetic Analysis participated in the RAAK-mkb-funded project Van Sensoren naar Zorg (From Sensors to Care), where these challenges and opportunities were explored. Through a consortium of academic institutions, SMEs, and linked initiatives such as "AI for Society," the project provided valuable insights into developing wearable technology for stress detection.

Addressing the Challenges in Stress Sensing

The project aimed to develop, research and integrate wearables capable of detecting stress in real-time. Stress is a critical indicator of underlying health issues, particularly in the elderly. Early detection is essential for preventing escalation and improving quality of life. However, the development process revealed key challenges in four areas:

1. Navigating Legal and Ethical Complexities

Stress-detection wearables must comply with stringent regulatory requirements. The Medical Device Regulation (MDR) ensures that such devices are safe and reliable, while the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) mandates robust data privacy protocols. These regulations are particularly significant when working with vulnerable populations like the elderly.

The project also addressed emerging AI regulations in Europe. AI algorithms must be explainable, fair, and secure, especially for predictive healthcare. These legal and ethical considerations will heavily influence the design of the wearables, ensuring compliance while fostering trust among end users.

2. Building Robust Software Architectures

Developing a scalable and interoperable software system was central to the project. Stress detection requires data from multiple sensors, such as Electrodermal Activity (EDA) and Heatflux, to be processed and analyzed in real-time. The software frameworks created during the project are a foundation for secure data storage, seamless integration with other healthcare systems, and advanced analytics.

Interoperability was prioritized to ensure that the wearable devices could connect with existing healthcare platforms, making them adaptable for a wide range of care settings.

3. Leveraging AI for Proactive Stress Management

A significant aspect of the project was using artificial intelligence (AI) to predict stress levels. Machine learning algorithms were developed to identify early signs of rising stress, allowing caregivers to intervene before stress levels became critical.

The use of AI in healthcare wearables requires careful consideration of ethical implications. The project emphasized transparent algorithm development and unbiased data processing, aligning with societal expectations for responsible AI use.

4. Developing a Smart-Patch Prototype

One notable outcome of the project was Kinetic Analysis's development of a prototype smart patch. This first-generation device integrated an EDA and Heatflux sensor into a compact, wearable form factor. While the prototype shows promise as a tool for stress detection, extensive testing and refinement are required before it can be widely used in elderly care.

The prototype represents an important step toward creating practical, reliable solutions for stress monitoring. However, further development is needed to ensure the patch meets the specific needs of elderly users, including comfort, accuracy, and usability.

Collaborative Efforts Driving Innovation

The success of the Van Sensoren naar Zorg project was driven by a diverse consortium of contributors, including Fontys University, SMEs, and linked initiatives like "AI for Society." Kinetic Analysis was integral in developing the smart-patch prototype, applying sensor integration and wearable design expertise.

Students from various academic institutions were also instrumental, contributing to hardware development, software engineering, and data analysis through internships. This multidisciplinary collaboration ensured the project addressed challenges from multiple perspectives, fostering innovative solutions.

Looking Ahead

The Van Sensoren naar Zorg project underscores the potential of wearable technology to transform elderly care. The consortium has laid a foundation for integrating stress-sensing devices into healthcare by addressing legal, technological, and ethical challenges. The smart-patch prototype developed by Kinetic Analysis highlights the progress made, emphasizing the need for further research and testing. As the understanding of stress monitoring evolves, such devices promise to enable more proactive, personalized care for elderly individuals. This project reminds us of the value of collaboration and innovation in tackling complex healthcare challenges. As advancements continue, stress-monitoring wearables could become a cornerstone of preventive healthcare, improving outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for elderly populations.