Invisible caregivers: The rise of radar in healthcare
In a world where patient safety and privacy are top priorities, radar technology is emerging as a game-changer in healthcare. This blog explores how auxiliary care radar systems are providing continuous, non-invasive monitoring, detecting falls, and tracking vital signs without compromising dignity. Dive into the future of smart healthcare and see how AI-powered Internet of Things (AIoT) is making a real difference.
Healthcare institutions have always had to confront the challenge of ensuring the safety of patients whilst respecting as much of their privacy and dignity as possible. Vulnerable patients, such as the elderly or those with chronic conditions, require close monitoring to prevent emergencies such as falls or sudden inactivity. Falls are especially concerning being, according to the WHO, the second leading cause of accidental deaths globally. In the U.S., for example, one in four adults aged over 65 falls each year, with 20% resulting in serious injuries.
Constant human supervision is, however, neither feasible nor scalable. In many hospitals, staffing shortages are a major issue, leaving nurses overburdened and unable to respond quickly to emergencies. Conducting manual patient checks on the ward is inefficient, often leading to delayed care and contributing to nurse burnout. According to the American Nurses Association, almost two-thirds of nurses in the U.S. have experienced burnout. When nurses are not at their best physically or mentally, it may potentially lead to an increase in medication errors, lower patient satisfaction, and a possible decline in the quality of care.
Although video monitoring can be effective, it can feel invasive and raise privacy concerns. Without real-time monitoring—whether due to the inefficiencies of manual checks or concerns over video monitoring—hospitals are often forced to rely on reactive measures. These approaches might not address issues promptly, which can have a negative impact on patient well-being.
To address these challenges, healthcare institutions are turning to advanced radar-based monitoring systems. Unlike traditional cameras or wearable devices, these radars provide continuous, contactless patient monitoring while preserving patient privacy.
These systems integrate seamlessly with hospital workflows, sending alerts to nurses’ stations or mobile devices. This reduces the need for constant manual checks, allowing staff to focus on critical cases while maintaining oversight of all patients.
In Romania, Smart Hospital Bacău faced many of these challenges firsthand. Instead of seeing manual checks as a mundane routine, they decided to view them as a chance to refine and an opening for technological upgrades.
Their solution was to create a smart monitoring system. Each bed has been fitted with Hikvision Auxiliary Care Radars which track vital signs and movement, while Hikvision Fall Detection Radars have been installed in bathrooms. The system integrates with touchscreen dashboards, giving nurses real-time alerts and instant access to patient profile.
The impact of the auxiliary and fall detection radars have been remarkable. Nurses have transitioned from spending a significant amount of time on routine checks to being able to focus on more critical tasks. “Before, we constantly did rounds to check on patients,” says Hospital Manager Ciprian Cojocaru. “Now, we know exactly when and where to step in. It has greatly improved our confidence and response times.”
Patient safety has also improved dramatically. Falls and emergencies are now detected instantly, even for non-responsive patients. The privacy-friendly design also has also increased patient comfort. Beyond these immediate benefits, the system has streamlined workflows, reducing staff burnout, and positioning the hospital as a leader in smart healthcare innovation.
The success of Smart Hospital Bacău demonstrates how radar technology can revolutionize patient care. By combining safety, efficiency, and privacy, Auxiliary Care and Fall Detection Radars offer a scalable solution for healthcare institutions worldwide. As the need for proactive, dignified care grows, AIoT will play an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of medicine.
To find out more about Hikvision’s Auxiliary Radar and Fall Detection Radar, please visit our official website. To read the complete story of Smart Hospital Bacău, please click here.
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