We Advance | Contactless Vital Signs Monitoring in Just 30 Seconds

Imagine measuring your blood pressure, pulse rate, and oxygen saturation in 30 seconds with just your mobile phone camera?

This is what the DeepHealthVision (DHV) Research Study is exploring at Bukit Merah Polyclinic. In this study, SingHealth Polyclinics (SHP) is assessing the feasibility, accessibility, and usability of a contactless vital signs health monitoring system. Conducted in collaboration with a MedTech company, injewelme, the study explores how DHV can support patients with chronic diseases in primary care settings.

The goal is simple: to make health monitoring easier, more comfortable, and accessible for patients and their caregivers.

 Next-Gen Health Tracking: No Wires, No Hassle

An illustration of how DHV works in this study

If you are managing chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus or hyperlipidemia, regular monitoring of your vital signs is essential. However, traditional measuring methods, such as cuff-based blood pressure assessments, often depend on trained personnel, require physical contact, and may not readily support real-time data delivery during teleconsultations. This where DHV can make a difference, by offering a quicker, more convenient way to monitor your health.

A sample analysis of vital signs

A demonstration to showcase the DHV experience

DHV uses video-based photoplethysmography (PPG) technology to analyse subtle variations in skin color captured by a standard video camera. Using ambient light as the illumination source, it detects changes in blood volume and estimates vital signs without any physical contact.

Early Experiences with DHV

The study, which involves a group of 80 participants, will compare its measurements of blood pressure, pulse rate and oxygen saturation against validated clinical instruments.

Initial feedback has been encouraging, with both patients and staff expressing a strong preference for the non-contact approach. Patients highlighted the improved comfort compared to traditional methods, while staff noted time savings from fewer routine tasks such as equipment maintenance – enabling better focus on high-value, patient-centered care.

What This Means for Our Patients

DHV could offer several meaningful benefits in primary care:

• Greater comfort and ease: Contactless monitoring helps patients feel more at ease, particularly those who may feel anxious about traditional medical equipment or frequent checks.
  
  
• Faster, more convenient checks: Measurements can be taken quickly without preparation or setup, reducing waiting times and making health checks more convenient.
  
  
• Enhanced patient engagement: The simple and non-intimidating process can motivate patients to participate more readily in screenings and routine health assessments.

A Step Towards More Patient-Centred Care

As Clinical Assistant Professor Moosa Aminath Shiwaza, Deputy Director of Research, Consultant at SHP and Principal Investigator of this study shared, “The DHV technology (remote photoplethysmography with AI) offers a paradigm shift in how vital signs are monitored in and beyond the clinics. Successful implementation of DHV could significantly enhance chronic disease management by improving patient experience, increasing healthcare efficiency, expanding access to care, and reducing overall healthcare costs.”

With the rising prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, this study marks a meaningful step forward in SHP’s journey toward more innovative and patient-centred care delivery.