Revolutionizing Healthcare with Advanced Tech

Improving Patient Safety

Outdated healthcare workflows often lead to inefficiencies and unnecessary strain. In the HOPE Lab, sensors are used to identify constraints and eliminate redundant steps. This not only improves staff performance but also directly impacts patient care. As Awatef Ergai emphasizes, outdated processes drive up costs and put pressure on both patients and providers. By refining these workflows, healthcare becomes more affordable, safe, and effective.

For example, eye-tracking sensors monitor healthcare workers' attention, revealing areas of potential distraction. Analyzing this data allows the team to suggest changes to workflow layouts and training protocols, enhancing concentration and reducing errors. In high-stress environments like emergency rooms, this real-time monitoring is crucial for quick decision-making and clear focus.

Reducing Costs and Burnout

Healthcare costs are on the rise, and healthcare workers often face burnout due to long hours and high-stress environments. The HOPE Lab's research focuses on addressing these issues. Wearable exoskeletons and motion capture sensors play a vital role in improving physical ergonomics.

These devices support healthcare workers by reducing the physical toll of repetitive tasks. By tracking movements and monitoring muscle and joint stress, exoskeletons provide real-time assistance, redistributing weight and preventing musculoskeletal injuries. This leads to fewer absences and turnovers due to injury, allowing workers to perform their duties more sustainably.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The lab's success depends on interdisciplinary collaboration. By partnering with Wellstar Health System, the Coles College of Business, and various colleges within the university, they gain valuable insights and test their designs in real-world clinical settings.

Collaborating with Doreen Wagner, Mark Geil, Katherine Ingram, Sweta Sneha, Adriane Randolph, Maria Valero, Yong Shi, Paola Spoletini, and Israel Sanchez-Cardona, they ensure that their solutions are technologically sound and closely aligned with real-world healthcare needs. This collaborative approach strengthens their research and leads to more effective outcomes.

As the healthcare industry evolves, KSU researchers envision a future where human-centered design and advanced technology are seamlessly integrated. They strive to create a system where technology works for the people, not the other way around.