Cost-effective RSSI Wi-Fi positioning solution for ambulatory patient monitoring devices

This paper presents a novel patient location solution using an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) fingerprinting method, integrated into an ambulatory patient monitoring device. Results show that patients can be located in a pedestrian-rich environment to a typical accuracy of 2m in realtime with only a basic training sequence for the system. In addition, coupled with accelerometer, ECG and respiration rate technology, medical staff can know exactly where a patient is located and what medical requirement to expect when they get there; e.g., requirement for defibrillation equipment, first aid due to a fall, etc. This offers a robust and dependable wireless system that increases patient safety and freedom, while allowing clinicians ability to meet patients' needs in a flexible way.