Exploring the Use of AI-Assisted Video Monitoring to Predict Accidental Events in ICU Patients

Summary

This study aims to improve the safety and care of patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) by using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze video monitoring. ICU patients often face serious risks such as delirium, accidental removal of breathing tubes or lines, and sleep problems. These events can lead to medical emergencies, longer ICU stays, higher costs, and worse outcomes.

To address these challenges, we will place a small video camera above each ICU bed. The camera will record patient movements, body activity, and sleep patterns. At the same time, routine medical monitors will record heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and other vital signs. Noise levels in the room will also be measured. All these data help us understand the patient's behavior and condition more accurately.

The video recording does not involve extra treatment or additional procedures. All data are collected passively and safely. Patient privacy is strictly protected: the system will blur faces or replace them with digital avatars, and any information that could identify the patient or the environment will be masked. All videos are stored securely inside the hospital and are processed only after privacy protection.

Using these recordings, an AI model will be trained to recognize early warning signs of dangerous situations. For example, the system may detect early movements that suggest the patient is becoming agitated, confused, or trying to remove medical tubes. It may also identify severe sleep disturbance that may lead to delirium. If the AI can recognize these early changes, medical staff can intervene sooner and prevent harm.

About 300 patients from Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital will participate. Participation is voluntary. Patients or families will sign an informed consent form before being enrolled. The study has three stages:

Screening - understanding the study and signing consent. Data collection - video and medical monitor data are collected during the ICU stay.

Follow-up - telephone or in-person follow-up at 1 month and 6 months after discharge to evaluate recovery, sleep, mental status, and overall safety.

There are no direct medical risks from participating in this study because it only collects behavioral and monitoring data. The cameras do not interfere with treatment. Privacy and data security are the main considerations, and all measures strictly follow national laws and hospital regulations.

Participants may benefit from earlier identification of dangerous situations, which may help prevent accidental tube removal, severe agitation, or other emergencies. Even if no direct benefit occurs, the information collected may help improve future ICU care by enabling safer and more accurate monitoring systems.

Taking part in the study will not affect the patient's medical care. Patients may withdraw at any time without any consequences or loss of benefits.

This study hopes to build a reliable AI tool that can assist nurses and doctors in recognizing early signs of trouble, improving safety, and enhancing the quality of care for ICU patients.

Conditions

• Behavioral Monitoring in ICU
• Prediction of Accidental Events Using AI-Assisted Video Analysis
• ICU Patient Safety and Early Warning System

Interventions

OTHER

AI-Assisted Video Monitoring

This intervention consists of continuous bedside video monitoring combined with routine physiologic data and environmental noise levels. A ceiling-mounted camera captures patient movements and posture without altering clinical care. All video is de-identified through face masking or avatar replacement, and background areas are blurred to protect privacy. Data are synchronized with vital signs and used solely for AI-based behavioral analysis to identify early patterns associated with delirium, agitation, sleep disruption, and accidental device removal. No treatments, medications, or clinical decisions are changed as part of this study. This intervention involves data collection only and does not modify standard ICU care

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital

  lead OTHER

Eligibility

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-01-01

Primary Completion

2027-12-31

Completion

2028-12-31