Background
Around 130 million births take place worldwide each year (Ohuma, et al., 2023), these neonates are highly vulnerable due to their immature immune systems. Some neonates are at a higher risk of developing infections, known as early-onset neonatal infection. This occurs in 0.5–8.0 out of every 1,000 births (Tesini, 2022) and refers to bacterial infections that develop within the first 72 hours after birth. Early-onset neonatal infections could be life-threatening and must be recognized quickly. According to (WHO, 2020), 84% of neonatal deaths from infections could be prevented with early diagnosis and timely treatment. However, identifying infections early is challenging, necessitating close monitoring at the maternity ward. Currently, neonates are monitored manually through intermittent visits by care professionals. Unfortunately, gaps between monitoring visits may lead to unrecognized deterioration, delaying recognition and treatment.

Aim
This thesis emphasizes the importance of closely monitoring neonates and aims to provide a solution for introducing continuous monitoring at the maternity ward. The design goal focuses on three main areas: medical aspects, nurses, and parents, each with specific requirements identified through research and close collaboration. Based on these considerations, the design goal was: “To create a nurse- and parent-friendly way of continuous neonate monitoring at the maternity ward, to improve response time and patient outcomes. To support this, a strategic roadmap will be developed to explain the steps that should be taken to reach this way of monitoring.”

Approach
The project begins with an overview of current neonatal monitoring methods and an analysis of associated challenges and opportunities. Furthermore, this thesis explores the possibilities of continuous monitoring at the maternity ward and determines the most effective implementation approach. The collected data included stakeholder opinions, literature research, design principles, and other valuable insights. The gathered data is carefully integrated to ensure that the outcomes meet the stakeholders’ values and needs. The design process led to the development of the designed Care Cloud, with the implementation detailed in the strategic roadmap.

Results and conclusion
The Care Cloud integrates both technical and social aspects to address the needs of the stakeholders in the maternity ward. Within the Care Cloud is a patient monitor connected with the Bambi Belt to wirelessly monitor the vital signs, the monitor can alarm the nurse if needed. Key advantages of the Care Cloud include early infection detection, reassurance between visits, a parent-friendly design, seamless data access, enhanced workflow, and portability of the design. Furthermore, this project underscores the importance of integrating diverse stakeholders’ perspectives and amplifying the voice of nurses to drive innovation in the medical field.
To ensure the successful implementation of the project results, a strategic roadmap was developed. The roadmap consists of three horizons that outline specific goals, with assigned responsibilities for the necessary actions. This strategic approach helps achieve the projects’ vision and implementing continuous monitoring with the Care Cloud effectively.