A Rapidly Attachable Pulse Oximeter Prototype for Enhanced Efficiency and Safety of Neonatal Monitoring in Clinical Settings

Abstract

Monitoring vital signs in neonates, particularly during resuscitation and intensive care, is critical for effective neonatal management. Accurate measurements of blood oxygen saturation and heart rate are essential for guiding therapeutic interventions and optimizing outcomes. Traditional pulse oximeters often have slow application speeds, are difficult to use, and pose a risk of skin injury, particularly in preterm infants. This study introduces a novel pulse oximeter engineered for rapid and convenient attachment, enhancing neonatal monitoring efficiency and safety. The device is compatible with standard bedside monitors and accurately measures hemoglobin oxygen saturation and heart rate. This pilot observational study, conducted in the postpartum unit, evaluates the novel device against a conventional standard device. Results demonstrate a significantly faster attachment time, reducing application duration by X seconds (p-value), while blood oxygen saturation and heart rate readings remain comparable to the conventional device, as confirmed by Bland–Altman analysis. Nursing staff reported greater satisfaction with the novel device, citing ease of use and improved workflow integration. These findings suggest that the novel pulse oximeter could significantly enhance neonatal vital sign monitoring in clinical settings.