Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Sto. Tomas Batangas Branch, Sto. Tomas, Batangas

Organization of Electronics and Communications Engineering

Electronic Medical Recording System

Utilizing NFC Technology on Raspberry
Pi with Contact Temperature Sensor and
Graph Simulation Using MATLAB and
Data Server for Admitted Patients

By:

Christine Mae G. Fausto

Jeny Ross J. Malabanan
Romel M. Mandocdoc
Honey Gale H. Mantupar
Kimberly Mary R. Roxas
Mitzi Rose M. Villegas

March 2017
 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

The people living in this 21st-century world witness today a universal

birth of new utopian plans, dreams, and thoughts. They observe a vision of a
technologically advanced world in utopias of hope against the utopias of
degeneration; and in both utopias, wireless technology is an essential tool.
Wireless technology came into advance during the 1800s. They first ushered
the use of infrared for the purpose of allowing communication between
phones and computers or between devices of the same kind. Now that they
have emerged from Bluetooth and Wi-Fi into potent electromagnetic radio
waves, it is increasingly fit between these spectra and the burgeoning, and
the stimulated technology of the 21 st century to produce a society that runs
transactions through NFC.
Over the last decades, wireless technology gave citizenry an increased
access to the controlling circles of the society, the simple taps and swipes of
credit cards. They are all narrowed down to only one device lighter than a
coin but carries information which can weigh more than ten times its weight
when written on papers. With this world that technologically runs with time
and produces things to almost an instant, it is an edge to be future proof.
On reclaiming classical way of hoarding medical records, prescriptions,
and other related printed files and fitting it in todays hospitals with high
standard electronic medical equipment and secured cloud storage, it is fair to
say that people who work in hospital industries can now track health records
in just a tap using NFC (Near Field Communication). NFC is a healthy
successor to Wi-Fi and is a direct-line ancestry to bank cards and radio
frequency identification cards today.
It is to some extent that nurses keep the usual folder, paper, and pen
when going rounds every time period in their shifts. In contradiction, this is
prone to human error. A recent report underscores that a nurse mistakenly
gave medications to a man which were meant to be taken by the lads father
due to misidentification. Fortunately, NFC and digital lifestyle make the jobs
of nurses in their stations more precise and accurate.
This project aims to combine the best features of Raspberry Pi and the
short entry NFC, and hence to be of maximum usefulness to those who seek
to be future proof. With just a tap of NFC tags, nurses and can securely
record patients conditions and information. Hence, patients can also bring
with them their medical history and status.
This document supports facts and statements about Electronic Medical
Recording System to clarify that this is more advantageous than pen and
paper recording since it uses less time in noting records and in saving and
printing out files which are relevant for processing when the patient has been
discharged out of the hospital. Throughout the reading and studying journey,
readers will recognize the true importance of this project. It includes a large
storage which can save papers and help in the conservation of trees. It
promotes a no-editing policy which underscores the responsibility of nurses
to be wary of the information they add and tasks that they do. It provides a
graphical presentation for monitoring of blood pressure, pulse rate and body
temperature so the state of the patients can easily be recognized and
analyzed by the attending physician. And lastly, it reminds the nurses when
his/her patient is about to take medications. This ensures that they can get
the medicines they need in accordance with their schedule.
Greater economic technological and cultural advances will come to the
world today by affordable NFC tags designed for the benefits and
convenience of a common man. All these are credited from the formidable
work of technology.

Project Description
This Electronic Medical Recording System Utilizing NFC Technology on
Raspberry Pi with Contact Temperature Sensor and Graph Simulation Using
MATLAB and Data Server for Admitted Patients is equipped with Raspberry Pi
microcontroller which has a capacity depending on the external storage for
storing codes from its program application. It is paired with NFC tags with
unique serial numbers or identification of nurses and patients as well.
What led to the researchers identification of this project is the
unharmonious coexistence of the conventional way of checking and writing
the situation of the patients inside high-tech hospital premises.
Mentioned above is the device which can replace the old clipped
papers or the vital signs sheet containing chronological information of
patients while admitted to the hospital. The act of checking and examining
the patient has not changed a bit except that the temperature of the patient
can be obtained in just a tap of any patients tag and that the process of
recording is uncluttered in a microcontroller with touch-sensitive screen
which is capable of storing data or any information in a wide band of
memory.
NFC tags are available to patients who have been affirmed and
designated to rooms for confinement. These tags are serially numbered and
which when tapped to the microcontroller will display the patients identity.
Nurses also possess NFC tags for security purposes since editing of medical
records is restricted to them only.
All records and changes are updated in a database provided by the
hospital which then makes storage never a problem.

Statement of the Problem

The researchers recognize the need for solutions to certain problems
that they will encounter in pursuit of this study. They are going to need a lot
of knowledge on the programming language of Python, Raspberry Pi and
MATLAB software application from the statements and equations down to the
simulation processes, and sufficient skill in circuitry regarding the
architecture of the system which involves concept design and the actual
prototyping. Experiments, observations, and system developments are the
necessary means for the researchers to create a successful paper-supported
device.
 Along the process, the researchers can specifically be able to solve the
following problems:
How will the NFC tags secure themselves from other NFC readers and
editing devices?
The researchers assume that in the process, only nurses can add
details regarding the medical history of the admitted patient. They
need to logically and technically think of ways to block third parties or
other NFC readers and editors which may maliciously interfere with the
information sent and stored, through and to these NFC tags.
Can this device provide accurate graphical representation before
adding information (provision of identity, recording of status, sensing
and monitoring of body temperature and blood pressure, reminding of
tasks) and allow changes which can be viewed again graphically?
The researchers must be able to see menus and spaces to be
filled on the screen. After all the storing and processing of information,
the screen must provide a visual feedback that new information has
been added and can be viewed on the screen.
What feature can be used to remind the nurse of the tasks that await
her regarding the schedule for monitoring and checking on her
patients?
Since this device is electronic and can be programmed for
maximum potential, the researchers provide another feature which can
help the nurse concerning the strict schedule for providing medications
and assisting the patients in their medical needs.
How accurate is the Temperature Sensor over the conventional
thermometer or those used and preferred in hospitals?
Temperature sensor was added by the researchers for extending
the applications of the device and maximizing its capabilities since
Raspberry Pi is not limited to storage and programming only. It is also
complex and can manage signal processing, specifically temperature
sensing. The researchers will be testing how accurate are the series of
 temperature given by the sensor and how precise are the data when
compared to each other. Testing the credibility of the temperature
sensor must not be set aside and must be prioritized because data
sent by it will create a medical status and cannot be edited for good.
How will this device print out the information accumulated while the
patient is admitted to the hospital?
One major drawback of recording using pen and paper is tedious
transferring of data from the handwritten information to electronically
typed information in the computers provided in the hospital. The
researchers used this as an advantage over the pen and paper and
noted that all the accumulated data from the day the patient is
admitted until his last consecutive day in the hospital can be printed
out for the purpose of documentation and for faster and uniform
transactions.
How far can the device be distant from the router to continue
operating?
What type of obstructions or unnecessary blockages will stop the NFC
tags from establishing a secure connection with the device?
Will the commands and settings and applications from NFC-enabled
phones ruin the data stored in the NFC tags?

Research Framework
Theoretical Framework
In this study, near-field communication (NFC) technology is utilized for
patients identification. Several identification systems use different
technologies for faster and accurate outcomes. NFC tags are used because it
is more convenient, safe and practical for identifying and saving a patients
status. In the study Implementation of Reliable Attendance System Using
Android and NFC Technology, Vijay Kakani (2014) created a system that will
replace old and inefficient paper-based systems. It mainly comprises of
active NFC device (Mobile Device) which is used as a reader, passive NFC
tags which are embedded in the students ID cards and server machine with
database and application server.
Near Field Communication (NFC) is an integration of
contactless smart card communication technology in mobile
devices such as mobile phones. The concept of NFC is indeed a
short-range high-frequency wireless technology which
facilitates the users to exchange data between the devices at a
certain limited range of distance (10 centimeters). This
communication in the wireless mode operates at the
reasonable radio frequencies like 13.56 MHz which indeed
dont require any sort of permissions or licenses.

According to an article in NFC-Forum.Org, NFC technology can be used

to provide a safer and better quality of care.
NFC applications have the potential to revolutionize the
way healthcare is delivered around the world, by creating new
ways of carrying out tasks, accessing information and
connecting with people and information. By simplifying the
exchange of digital content between patients, providers, and
organizations, NFC can help transform the healthcare system,
while reducing costs and improving care.
These concepts were used as a basis for developing the project since
both projects are in the same field. The Same principle was used since the
statements have a basis and have undergone profound experimentation.
In order to maximize the full potential of the study, a device made of
Raspberry Pi microcontroller is used to perform data processing and storage.
It is programmed in a way where it works as an electronic data recording
system. Electronic recording systems are proved to be beneficial for many
reasons especially if fastness and accessibility are the issues. In the United
Kingdom, they have a policy for keeping medical records.
 medical record is considered a legal document used to
protect the legal interest of a patient as well as the health care
provider. Information maintained within the record serves as a
basis for review, study and evaluation of the care rendered to
the patient. Essentially, medical records must be neat, legible,
accurate and readily accessible for purposes of service
delivery, audit and possible litigation proceedings. (County
Health Department, United Kingdom, 2013)

Conceptual Framework

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of the Project

Electronic Medical Recording System Utilizing NFC Technology on
Raspberry Pi with Contact Temperature Sensor and Graph Simulation Using
MATLAB and Data Server for Admitted Patients is a form of recording,
viewing, and reminding system which uses NFC tags as identification and
access to the reader/writer which is the microcontroller equipped with
essential modules and temperature sensor.
Figure 1 illustrates the conceptual framework of the device in recording
data. The microcontroller processes and controls these data. It compares the
read data to the existing database. The results of the analysis are then
interpreted and the microcontroller updates the database subsequently. The
updated measures and history will be viewed on screen and server.
 Block Diagram
This block diagram shows the connection of the components with each
other and how these parts interact to work as a system.
The NFC Tag serves as the key identification in order to use the device.
This tag contains information about the patient that will be read by the
reader through near field communication. The NFC module reads the data
confined in the NFC tag and sends the information to the microcontroller. The
microcontroller processes the received data and sends signal to the TFT
Screen. The screen will view the information depending on the signal it
obtains.

Figure 2. Block Diagram of Electronic Medical Recording System

Utilizing NFC Technology on Raspberry Pi with Contact Temperature
Sensor and Graph Simulation Using MATLAB and Data Server for
Admitted Patients
Project Objectives
The researchers modernized the usual paper and folder to provide
remote monitoring and controlling using the two-way communication
between NFC tags and the microcontroller for a fully-polished and convenient
way of technically viewing and editing medical records (vital signs) and
personal information.

General Objective:
 to incorporate the following tasks and applications (identity provision,
status recording, task reminding, temperature sensing, temperature
and BP monitoring, medical records printing, and graph generation of
vital signs status using MATLAB) in a device which utilizes NFC
technology and uses a portable microcontroller Raspberry Pi

Specific Objectives:
to provide external storage where overwritten data can be saved and
sent to the hospitals databank
to provide isolation of NFC tags that only this device can secure their
functions
to provide graphical representation before adding information
(provision of identity, recording of status, sensing and monitoring of
body temperature and blood pressure, and reminding of tasks) and
allow changes which can be viewed again via feedback to the NFC tags
and microcontroller storage as the changes made are shown on screen
to provide a list to remind the nurse of her tasks and schedule for
monitoring and checking on her patients
to integrate a credible Thermometer in the device
to arrange and print out information in tangible files when patients are
discharged from the hospital
to determine the extent of operation between the device and the NFC
tags
to establish a connection between the NFC tags and the device with or
without obstructions in between
to isolate the tags from the commands set by NFC enabled-phones
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This project is designed specifically for maximum efficiency in lieu of
the folder and papers used by nurses when going rounds for checking on the
vital signs of patients. Other electronic media and system storage outside
the job of nurses when accommodating admitted patients are in no means
scope of this project.
NFC tags can only be read and processed by this specific device. When
tapped to other NFC readers, the NFC tags will not be identified.
Only nurses working inside the hospital premises can add information
to the medical history as the identity of the patient and other contact
information. They must tap their NFC tags to confirm themselves as nurse.
When checking on a patient, the nurse must tap the patients tag into
the microcontroller so she can then be able to view the medical history of the
patient. To add information, the nurse must tap her tag so she can provide
details regarding the status of the patient. Any additional information made
by an authorized nurse will be declared edited by the logged authority for
accountability purposes.
Records which can be added are body temperature, blood pressure,
body weight, heart rate and other remarks. No record can be edited unless
authorized people are logged in. Once information is saved, no changes can
be done to edit previous records. This is to promote responsibility towards
actions done by nurses. Any comments or side remarks can be cited in a
reserved comment box.

Significance of the Study

With the improved way of monitoring and recording of patients status,
the following will greatly benefit from this study:
Nurses. Nurses who work in hospitals are responsible for all aspects of
recording the status of patients, may it be in body temperature, blood
pressure, medicines, and etc. It is important to record those data for further
analyses. Armed with this device, nurses can ditch the old-school paper and
folder and can store collected information from their patients to the storage
allowed by this device and NFC tags as well. It can eradicate handwritten
records that are not legible; also, having this can knock down
misidentification of patients especially those in wards or in joint rooms. The
confusing flipping of papers wont be necessary since recording is as easy as
1, 2, 3 using the touch-sensitive screen and saving is done in just a
millisecond (the moment the tag is tapped).
Physicians. During rounds, physicians are aided by their nurses.
Scanning through cluttered papers can be time-consuming and can also
cause overlooking of hand notes, whilst with the aid of this, nurses can hand
over his/her device to the physician so the physician can view the medical
history of the patient himself. Data are apprehensible since they are
carefully, clearly and systematically arranged and tabulated by the device.
Patients. Having NFC tags can assure the patients who are requested
stay inside the hospital for night/s that they are secured with an identity
honored by the devices held by nurses assigned to them. Their medications,
findings and other conditions throughout their stay in the hospital are safely
recorded in their NFC tag. These tags are specially designed for the security
and convenience of the patients.
Future Researchers. The variables used in this study can be used by
other researchers who will be interested in doing the same or related
research studies. In the near future, they will be able to push the boundaries
of this device.
NFC Dealers. If given the chance to be available in the market, big
demand for NFC devices will greatly contribute since numerous hospitals are
situated in most urban areas across the globe. In addition, their income and
other economic progress will follow.
Environment. Owning NFC tags particularly for the purpose of pairing
with this device can help not only countless lives but also in saving trees as
they are equivalent to numerous cuts of logs.
Hospitals. Most hospitals in the Philippines are growing in the control
of technology. Test equipment have evolved throughout the years to less
elusive kinds of electronic test equipment. They also use cloud storage for a
more accessible way of monitoring everything that runs inside the hospital.
Electronics and communications have paved the way for hospital industry to
exhibit reasonable growth in technological advancements. Most companies
also implement No/Less Paper policy for secure monitoring of transaction.
These devices can help the hospital achieve a milestone in increasing their
technological standards. The presence of high technological remarks is a
factor to win the preference of people when choosing hospitals in entrusting
their health. Not only can this device help in the improvement of hospitals
but also in reaching heights of their money accounts.

Research Methodology
This part presents the method of research used, the data gathering
procedure, as well as the establishment of the validity and reliability of the
instruments.

Research Design
This study uses descriptive, correlational, experimental and evaluative
research method in accordance with the approach of the researchers towards
achieving the objectives.
Specifically, the descriptive approach of the researchers was used towards
attaining a detailed tabular form for editing medical records.
Regarding correlational approach, the researchers determined the
relationships between and among the variables presented by the
Thermometer, NFC tag, NFC Module, Raspberry Pi, and TFT Screen.
Experimentally, the researchers conducted several trials which will
validate the efficiency of the device as well as its margins of error. Data were
carefully gathered and tabulated to evaluate its performance in a
quantitative manner.

Sources of Data
First-hand data were collected from interviews with nurses from
selected hospitals. Instructions and certain recommendations were given
which the researchers consider as primary information. Second-hand data
were collected from several theses, books, articles, and other posts which
can be viewed from the internet and relatively important in the making of
this study.
Also in preparation for testing the Thermometer, respondents of the
study were selected students from the Polytechnic University of the
Philippines, Sto. Tomas Branch. Likewise, selected students on the said
university will serve as the subject of this test.
Research Instruments
The study made use of structured questionnaires as the tool in
gathering the data needed for the study. The set of questionnaires was used
in the interview and was composed of the following parts:
Part I Software clarifications
Part II Hardware clarifications
Part III Process clarifications
These instruments were prepared and sequentially used to inquire
information orally to nurses of certain hospitals. The organizations of data
collected and analyses of records were made immediately after the
administering the interview. Online libraries and downloaded books were also
considered by the researchers as their portal to collecting second-hand data.

Data Gathering Procedure

In preparing the instruments for this study, the researchers read and
noted relevant materials like books, studies made by other researchers, and
other references which are significantly related to the organization of data.
The researchers scanned through books from the library of different
institutions, conducted interviews, and performed experiments and tests for
the technical aspects.

Validation of the Instruments

The assistance of the research adviser was used in this study. The draft
was first presented to the adviser for general comments. Afterward, the
same material was presented to the panelists during the proposal defense to
verify the need for the project as well as the supporting details. Grammar
and construction were carefully checked. Comments were considered by the
researchers for the improvement of the material. The prepared
questionnaires were administered personally to people who work in hospitals
to ensure confidentiality of the results. Also, the temperatures of subjects
were tallied and tabulated carefully and properly.

Definition of Terms
Electronic Medical Recording System. It involves the use of an
electronic device in storing medical records in pursuit of eradicating
medication errors as when paper and pen are present. This is only used by
the by nurses when checking on their patients. It uses a touch-sensitive
screen with detailed and simple graphics where data are typed on and saved
at the storage provided by the microcontroller and NFC tag.
Temperature Sensor. A sensor connected to the device that
measures the temperature of the patient. The temperature is displayed on
the screen.
Medical Record. It consists of the patients vital status, medication,
complaints, physicians findings, results of diagnostic tests and procedures
and anything that is recorded chronologically by the nurse whenever he/she
checks the patient.
Medication Errors. Errors that are preventable and may cause or
lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm while the medication is
in the control of the health care professional, patient, or consumer.
Near Field Connection (NFC). A two-way communication between
the NFC tag and NFC reader.
NFC Reader. It consists of the Raspberry Pi, TFT screen, and
temperature sensor all assembled. This device reads, edits, and saves
information coming from the NFC Tag.
 NFC Tag. This tag is in a form of bracelet wearable by patients and
serves as the identification of the nurse and the patient. Personal data,
medical record and history, and other information will be stored in the
patients NFC tag.
Nurses. Specifically, they go for rounds and check on their patients
from time-to-time. They are in charge of aiding the patients in their stay in
the hospital as they constantly check on the patients vitals, provide
scheduled medication, and assist them in their medical needs as they report
on the attending physicians.
Patients. Only confined patients are accommodated by the said
electronic medical recording system.
Screen. It displays all the information generated by the NFC reader.
Patient Monitoring Server. A computer program that serves as the
database that stores and archives data extracted from the Electronic Medical
Recording device.
Raspberry Pi. It is a card-sized single board computer that is used to
read, write, manipulate and store data. It features a processor, RAM, and
typical hardware ports that are found on most computers.
Tag N. It represents the tag of the Nurse of the hospital.
Tag P. It represents the tag of the Patient of the hospital.