The PNEUMONIA Times
Philips to launch pneumonia wearable to prevent child deaths in poorer countries
Philips is launching a diagnostic device that monitors and measures breath sounds of patients suspected to have pneumonia. The device is named The Children’s Automated Respiration Monitor (CARM) which is aimed to end preventable childhood deaths by 2025.
In 2005, Philips launched Philanthropy as well as sought advice from leading non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on where and how they might make the most impact. They learnt that fast breathing is a symptom of childhood pneumonia. One method of diagnosing pneumonia in less developed countries is by using an acute respiratory infection (ARI) timer and counting breaths, which is not credible enough. Hence, Philips aims to develop a device that could make diagnosing pneumonia more accurate.
Instead of listening for breaths, the CARM uses accelerators to convert chest movements into breath counts using specially developed algorithms. The device meets all guidelines outlined by the WHO’s Integrated Management of Childhood Illness.
Experts also claim that the device has the potential to reduce antibiotic waste and overuse, which can lead to the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
In February, Philips joined the United Nations’ Every Woman Every Child (EWEC) initiative to improve the lives of three billion people per year by 2025. Since the launch of EWEC in 2010, more than 100 organizations and 40 countries have joined and committed themselves in this project.
Currently, Philips’ device is undergoing consideration for a CE mark. The expected commercial availability is in the second quarter of 2016.
References: http://www.meddeviceonline.com/doc/philips-launches-wearable-diagnostic-device-to-combat-children-s-pneumonia-0001