Recognizing the dangers presented by COVID-19 to the elderly and immunocompromised in particular, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has partnered with VitalConnect to create a wearable monitor that could provide early warning signs and improve patient outcomes.
The device, known as the Vista Solution, consists of four primary components: the VitalPatch clinical-grade biosensor, a Vista Tablet, the VitalCloud, and the VistaCenter central monitoring station. Together, they work to chart changes in health deterioration, relying on such elements as respiratory rate, body temperature, blood oxygen levels, and heart arrhythmias. Nursing homes, in particular, will be targeted for the devices, granted continuous monitoring to guarantee early indications of health changes — or at least, to inform on COVID-19 changes remotely.
Clinicians will be able to monitor up to 11 different patients simultaneously as part of the Vista Solution. Such monitoring will be in real-time, and beyond factors charted by the device’s components, will also have the ability to incorporate data from some third-party devices, including blood oxygen, weight, and blood pressure. Common symptoms for COVID-19 patients include respiratory distress, low blood oxygen levels, and cardiac arrhythmia.
Clinical studies will be conducted with the device accordingly. This will include a separate cohort of COVID-19 patients, who will be monitored for any changes in health, including those which may demand greater care. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that early indication of patient deterioration or cardiac arrhythmia will give healthcare professionals the ability to intervene earlier and improve the clinical management of patients and health.