Improved Air Quality Aids Patient Recovery and Satisfaction

January 11, 2024

By Malou Toft, Vice President Asia Pacific, Milestone Systems

Amidst ongoing health challenges like the recurring waves of COVID-19 and the return of transboundary haze in Southeast Asia, maintaining high Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in hospitals is more crucial than ever. Studies emphasise the critical impact of clean air on reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections and improving patient recovery rates. To optimise IAQ monitoring, hospitals can leverage air quality sensors in tandem with data-driven video technology, enabling proactive monitoring to automatically mitigate risks. This enhances patient safety and satisfaction while improving health outcomes, without adding unnecessary strain on workers amid an ongoing talent shortage.

Hospitals are unique environments

Managing air quality is crucial for hospitals as it directly affects the health of patients, visitors, and healthcare workers in ways such as:

. Infection control – Poor indoor air quality in hospitals can lead to the spread of airborne illnesses like COVID, tuberculosis, and the flu, especially for immunocompromised patients.

. Respiratory health – Indoor air pollutants such as dust, mould, and chemicals can trigger respiratory issues in patients with asthma or other conditions.

. Comfort and well-being – Hospitals are stressful environments, and inadequate indoor air quality can worsen discomfort, anxiety, and stress in patients and staff.

Top air quality concerns within a hospital or healthcare facility can include the following:
Airborne Pathogens – Hospitals, with their crowded environment of patients, visitors, and staff, pose a higher risk of airborne pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can infect vulnerable patients.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – Hospitals use various chemicals for cleaning and disinfection, which can release VOCs into the air. Exposure to high levels of VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and even cancer.
Particulate Matter (PM) – Particulate matter consists of tiny inhalable particles that can lead to respiratory problems. Hospitals can generate PM during cleaning, construction, and medical procedures. Proper filtration and ventilation are necessary to control PM concentration.
Temperature and Humidity – Hospitals must maintain specific temperature and humidity conditions for patient and staff comfort and safety. High temperatures and humidity can promote mould growth and other pathogens, while low humidity can cause respiratory dryness and irritation.
Odors – Hospitals can produce unpleasant odours from food and medical waste. Effective ventilation and odour control measures are crucial for maintaining a comfortable and healthy environment.

Tools to manage air quality proactively; intelligent video at the core

In hospitals, combining air quality sensors and data-driven video technology is pivotal. While sensors detect changes in air quality and provide data on pollutant concentrations like particulate matter or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), video technology integration is essential in understanding the root causes behind these shifts. Sensors decipher the ‘what’, identifying the presence and levels of pollutants that may lead to respiratory problems or infections.

However, these sensors alone may fall short in explaining the ‘why’ behind air quality changes. This is where video comes into play. Video feeds provide the visual context necessary to interpret the data, whether it’s construction work stirring up dust, a malfunctioning heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system contributing to poor air quality, or a sudden influx of cars causing an increase in exhaust fumes. This dual approach empowers hospitals to address air quality concerns proactively and promptly, ensuring a healthy environment for patients and staff.

Data-driven video technology serves as a crucial tool for hospitals seeking to utilize integrated analytics for monitoring air quality, along with various other environmental factors, and managing a diverse array of smart edge devices and sensors. The combination of sensors and video provides real-time data that accurately monitors air quality and detects potential health hazards. This enables hospital staff to adopt a proactive approach in addressing air quality-related issues.

The integration of intelligent video technology in managing air quality in hospitals is recommended. This solution involves a system built on an open platform that seamlessly integrates various sensors and video cameras, capturing real-time data from sources such as IoT devices. The collected data is then centrally stored for easy access and analysis. The intelligent video system allows staff to visually verify alarm events and utilizes machine learning to identify patterns and anomalies, providing valuable insights into air quality trends and pollution sources. The information is presented through intuitive visualizations, facilitating informed decision-making.

Combining air quality sensors with video technology enables hospitals to improve air quality throughout the facility, thus benefiting patients, visitors, and staff alike.

Health Care Asia
Home