Addressing Biases in Neurological and Respiratory Monitoring Technologies

Addressing Biases in Neurological and Respiratory Monitoring Technologies

Table of Contents

  1. Project Overview
  2. Objectives
  3. Relevant Training and Resources
  4. Current Progress
  5. Team and Collaborators
  6. Resources
  7. Bibliography

Project Overview

This project seeks to address critical biases in the design of EEG (Electroencephalography) and Pulse Oximetry (SpO2) technologies that fail to provide accurate readings for African populations. By developing novel solutions, such as the Sevo Clip for EEG and algorithmic adjustments for SpO2, this research aims to ensure reliable and equitable healthcare technologies for all populations, regardless of hair type or skin tone.

Key Areas:

  • EEG Bias: African hair types (curly, coarse hair) impede the electrode-scalp contact necessary for reliable EEG readings.
  • SpO2 Bias: Pulse oximeters are often inaccurate for patients with heavily melanated skin due to light absorption characteristics not accounted for in their design.

Objectives

Primary Objectives:

  1. Address Bias in EEG Technologies: Develop and test the Sevo Clip, a novel EEG electrode attachment to improve signal quality for individuals with African hair types.
  2. Improve Pulse Oximetry Accuracy: Modify SpO2 readings by adjusting algorithms to account for variations in skin tone, improving accuracy in darker-skinned populations.
  3. Collaboration with Research Institutions: Conduct real-world testing and refinement of these technologies in collaboration with hospitals and research centers in Africa.

Specific Goals:

  • Conduct clinical trials to validate the Sevo Clip and Pulse Oximeter solutions.
  • Collaborate with hospitals in Rwanda and across Africa to gather diverse data.
  • Establish educational workshops for EEG technicians and healthcare workers on the new methodologies and technologies.

Relevant Training and Resources

This project is supported by specialized training programs and collaborations:

TReND-CaMINa Computational Neuroscience Course

  • Covered neural models, systems neuroscience, neurobiology, and data analysis.
  • Data manipulation tutorials were provided by the Allen Institute for Brain Science.

Workshops and Conferences

  • EEG technical training for healthcare professionals is being prepared.
  • Collaborations with CMU Pittsburgh and CMU-Africa are ongoing to share knowledge and best practices for using the Sevo Clip.

Current Progress

Task Status Timeline
Literature review ✔️ In Progress July 2024
Data collection setup ⌛ Awaiting IRB approval 2024
SpO2 algorithm testing 🔄 Under study TBA
Initial Sevo Clip tests Planned TBA
EEG workshops for technicians 📅 Planning Phase TBA

Key Milestones:

  • IRB Submission: The project is currently awaiting final approval to begin data collection at study locations in Rwanda.
  • Preliminary Analysis: Initial testing of handheld pulse oximeters and EEG devices has been completed.
  • Sevo Clip Prototype: The prototype for the Sevo Clip, designed to improve electrode placement in braided or cornrowed hair, has been developed and is ready for field testing.

Team and Collaborators

The project is a collaborative effort involving experts from multiple institutions:

Collaborating Institutions:

  • Carnegie Mellon University Africa (Kigali, Rwanda)
  • Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA, USA)
  • Ndera Psychiatric Hospital (Rwanda)

Resources

Images

Sevo Clip Prototype

Sevo Clip A prototype of the Sevo Clip designed to improve EEG signal quality in African populations.

Videos

Project Introduction Video

A short video introduction to the project’s goals and innovations in the field of neurological and respiratory monitoring technologies.

Project Report Downloads

Bibliography

  1. Etienne, A., Laroia, T., Weigle, H., & Grover, P. (2020). Novel Electrodes for Reliable EEG Recordings on Coarse and Curly Hair. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Available here
  2. Loussouarn, G., Garcel, A-L., Lozano, I., et al. (2007). Worldwide Diversity of Hair Curliness. International Journal of Dermatology. Available here
  3. Sjoding, M. W., Dickson, R. P., Iwashyna, T. J., et al. (2020). Racial Bias in Pulse Oximetry Measurement. New England Journal of Medicine. Available here
  4. Cabanas, A. M., Fuentes-Guajardo, M., Latorre, K., et al. (2022). Skin Pigmentation Influence on Pulse Oximetry Accuracy: A Systematic Review. Sensors. Available here
  5. Gottlieb, E. R., Ziegler, J., Morley, K., et al. (2022). Assessment of Racial and Ethnic Differences in Oxygen Supplementation. JAMA Internal Medicine. Available here

For more detailed information, check out the full Team Report and Summer Presentation.

Contact Information For inquiries or collaboration opportunities, please email Isaac Thani - itmoses at andrew.cmu.edu.