This is a closed-loop system which is embodied in a novel and intelligent algorithm that takes into account patients' vital signs. The system allows better and responsive titration of personalized pain relief together with non-invasive physiological monitoring that measures oxygenation, breathing and heart rate continuously.

Brief Title

Vital-signs-integrated Patient-assisted Intravenous Opioid Analgesia

Official Title

Vital-signs-integrated Patient-assisted Intravenous Opioid Analgesia for Postsurgical Pain: A Novel Modality to Improve Patient Safety by Detecting and Preventing Respiratory Depression

Brief Summary

This is a closed-loop system which is embodied in a novel and intelligent algorithm that <br /> takes into account patients' vital signs. The system allows better and responsive titration <br /> of personalized pain relief together with non-invasive physiological monitoring that measures <br /> oxygenation, breathing and heart rate continuously.

Detailed Description

A glaring safety gap in the administration of commonplace Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA)
opioids unfortunately exists. A significant proportion of patients may suffer from
respiratory depression with the use of PCA opioids and it is imperative to discover solutions
to improve the safety of PCA opioids, therein improving medication safety, enhancing quality
of postoperative care and providing economic cost savings. Currently, no continuous
monitoring system that integrates an intelligent decision making response exists.

The investigators primary aim is to develop and commercialise a Vital-signs-integrated (using
oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, heart rate) Patient-assisted Intravenous opioid
Analgesia (VPIA) that can be integrated into the hospital-wide monitoring systems is capable
of making intelligent decision making responses to bridge the PCA safety gap within 12
months.

This VPIA delivery system will be a closed-loop system for safety and efficacy. It will be
integrated with continuous vital signs monitoring, and provide appropriate response to breach
of safety parameters. It will be part of a larger surveillance system that provides tiered
medical and nursing alerts to safety parameters.

Outcome Measures

Outcome measures are the tests that investigators perform to prove whether or not a treatment being tested in a clinical trial is having any effect.