Monitoring infants in the NICU is critical to the care of the tiniest of newborns, but all of those wires can get in the way of new parents who just want to get close to their babies. Revolutionary new research into wireless monitoring for NICU patients could be a complete game changer.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new sensor that is both wireless and made with flexible, skin-like material. The device is equally as accurate as traditional sensors, but without all the intrusive wires.
Not only does the sensor make it easier for doctors and nurses to care for babies in the NICU, but it serves possibly a greater purpose in allowing parents more opportunity for close contact and skin-to-skin bonding with their babies during those critical early days. Hopefully this new technology will become the norm in all NICUs soon.
—Shahrzad Warkentin
Featured photo: Rawpixel via Unsplash
RELATED STORIES
This Innovative Pacifier Could Shorten NICU Stays for Preemies, Study Finds
What Do Preemie Babies Need Most? Coffee, New Research Suggests