Functionality and Acceptability of Wireless Vital Sign Monitoring in Women after Cesarean Birth in Pakistan

It is estimated that every third child will be born by Cesarean section (CS) by 2030.

This surgery is associated with a high-risk for hemorrhage/infection and post-operative monitoring of women is critical.

However, the significant human resources required to achieve adequate monitoring is unattainable in resource-limited settings.

The purpose of this project is to demonstrate the functionality and acceptability of a wireless vital sign monitoring system in women after CS using a biosensor-CurrentHealthTM.As part of the Program of Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School,I will recruit women undergoing CS at a referral hospital in Lahore,Pakistan.

Women will wear the biosensor after their operation. Functionality will be tested by comparing traditional vital signs monitoring to results from the biosensor.

Acceptability will be measured using a brief questionnaire and conducting semi-structured interviews of both women and clinicians to explore the adoption of wireless technology in a resource-limited setting and determine potential facilitators and barriers.We aim to show that wireless monitoring can significantly reduce the total human resource burden required for post-operative monitoring whilst maintaining a high level of surveillance and allowing women more flexibility/mobility.

This project will serve as the perfect platform for our future pivotal randomized control study to test wireless monitoring in preventing maternal mortality and morbidity after CS.