Evaluation of Remote Photoplethysmography to Assist Vital Signs Measure in Pediatrics
Doctors often need to quickly check a child's vital signs, like heart rate and breathing, especially when they are unwell. Usually, this involves using different medical devices, which can be tricky if a child is upset or moves a lot. This study is testing a new technology called remote photoplethysmography (rPPG). It's like a special camera that can measure these vital signs just by looking at a child's skin, without touching them. This method has been used in adults, but not much in children. The study wants to find out if this camera-based approach is a reliable and easy way to check vital signs in children aged 3 to 17.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When a child isn't feeling well, doctors need to check their vital signs very quickly and easily. These vital signs, like heart rate, breathing rate, and oxygen levels, give doctors important clues about how healthy a child is at that moment. Right now, checking these often involves several different machines and can take time, especially if a child is scared or can't stay still. This can sometimes make it harder to get accurate readings quickly.
Researchers are looking into a new, non-touch way to measure these vital signs called remote photoplethysmography, or rPPG. Imagine a special camera that can pick up tiny changes in the colour of your skin caused by your heartbeat, even without touching you. This technology has been tested in adults and seems to be quite good at measuring things like heart rate. The exciting part is that it could make checking vital signs much simpler and less stressful for children.
The main goal of this study is to see if this rPPG camera technology works well and gives accurate readings for children aged 3 to 17. Because children are different from adults, it's important to make sure this new method is safe and reliable for them. If it works, it could mean faster, easier, and less invasive ways to monitor children's health in hospitals or clinics.
Key takeaways
- This study evaluates a camera-based system to measure children's vital signs without touch.
- It aims to make vital sign checks quicker and less stressful for children.
- Children aged 3-17 are eligible to participate.
- Participation involves having vital signs measured by camera and standard methods.
- There are minimal risks as it's a non-contact measurement.
- You can withdraw your child from the study at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for children aged 3 to 17 years old to take part. They can be involved in the study regardless of why they are seeing a doctor or if they are in hospital.
However, some children won't be able to join. This includes children who have certain brain conditions that affect their thinking, or if they are very unwell and need immediate emergency care. Children with known heart rhythm problems, a skin condition called scleroderma, or who have uncontrollable shaking or muscle spasms that would make it hard for them to stay still for the camera measurement also can't participate. Also, parents or guardians must be able to understand and speak French to give proper consent.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is your child between 3 and 17 years old?
- Does your child not have a serious brain condition affecting their thinking?
- Is your child not in immediate life-threatening danger?
- Does your child not have a known irregular heartbeat or scleroderma?
- Can your child stay reasonably still for a short camera measurement?
- Can you, as the parent or guardian, understand and speak French?
What does participation involve?
If your child takes part in this study, they will have their vital signs measured using this new camera technology. This will happen during a regular visit to the clinic or while they are in the hospital. The camera will simply record their face for a short period. At the same time, their vital signs will also be measured using the standard methods (like an oxygen sensor on the finger or sticky pads on the chest). This allows the researchers to compare the new camera method with the traditional ways. There are no new medications involved, and no extra hospital visits outside of what your child would normally have. The total duration of participation typically involves just one measurement session.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Fondation Lenval - Hôpitaux Pédiatriques de Nice CHU-LENVALVerified postcodeNice, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What exactly is "remote photoplethysmography"?
It's a way to measure your child's heart rate and other vital signs using a special camera. The camera looks at tiny changes in the colour of your child's skin caused by their blood flow.
Will this camera touch my child?
No, this method is 'non-contact'. The camera will just be pointed at your child's face from a distance, without touching them at all.
Is this a new type of treatment or medication?
No, it's not a treatment or medication. It's simply a new way to measure vital signs, like taking a picture.
How long will my child need to stay still for the measurement?
The camera recording for vital signs is usually only for a short period of time. The study aims to make it as quick and simple as possible.
Who is funding this research?
This information is not provided in the summary, but you can ask the study staff for details if you are interested.
How to find out more
Antoine TRAN, MCU-MD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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