Smart Pain Assesment Tool Based on Internet of Things

The aim of this "smart pain assessment tool based on internet of things" SPA-research project is to develop an automatic and versatile pain assessment tool algorithm for detection and assessment of pain in a reliable and objective way in non-communicative patients. The final objective of the research project is to develop a smart pain assessment tool to detect and assess pain employing behavioural and physiologic indicators for a wide range of users/patients from infants to elderly people who are unable to communicate normally. The research project consists of three clinical phases (European Commision. Meddev 2.7/4/2010). The clinical phase I of the research project focused on developing pain assessment techniques involuntary working-age healthy study subjects. This current Clinical phase II includes the further development and research of the smart pain assessment tool in elective (non emergency) postoperative surgical patients during their stay after surgery in a recovery room.

Inclusion criteria

• Subject is scheduled for major surgery that requires general anesthesia and is likely to cause moderate to severe pain postoperatively which needs to be treated with systemic analgesics
• Ability to communicate
• Written informed consent
• Healthy facial skin

Exclusion criteria

• Subject treated with local anesthesia during surgery
• Any diagnosed condition affecting cognitive functions
• Surgery affecting hands where pulse oximetry and galvanic skin reaction are recorded or areas where facial muscle activity is measured
• Any diagnosed condition affecting central nervous system, facial nerves or muscles.
• Significant facial hair growth in the area where the sensors will be attached
• Tattoos in the area where the sensors will be attached