The idea behind WITEC: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Transforming Elderly Care

Singapore faces a critical challenge with rising chronic diseases, especially among the ageing population and individuals with multiple long-term conditions, which demands a new approach to elderly care that current technologies simply can't provide. 

What if we could move beyond simple wellness tracking and unlock technologies that can provide real-time monitoring and personalised diagnosis? Imagine ultrasound imaging that can be done at home, or even on the move, continuously monitoring chronic conditions. This vision is the driving force behind the launch of Wearable Imaging for Transforming Elderly Care (WITEC).

Launched in 2025, WITEC is Singapore’s first centre dedicated to foundational research and development of the world’s first wearable ultrasound imaging system capable of 48-hour intermittent cardiovascular imaging for continuous and real-time monitoring and diagnosis of chronic conditions such as hypertension and heart failure. 

Find out more about the vision behind the launch of WITEC and the impact of their research from Dr Zhiyuan Shen, Scientific Director at SMART WITEC.

Dr Zhiyuan Shen, Scientific Director at SMART WITEC

What inspired the creation of the Wearable Imaging for Transforming Elderly Care (WITEC) interdisciplinary research group? How did the team of leading experts from various institutions and interdisciplinary fields come together?

The creation of the WITEC interdisciplinary research group was inspired by the pressing challenge of managing chronic cardiovascular conditions among Singapore's rapidly ageing population. With projections indicating that by 2030, about 25% of Singaporeans will be elderly, there is an urgent need for innovative technologies that facilitate continuous health monitoring and personalised care. This demographic shift poses significant healthcare and economic burdens, motivating the development of a new approach to elderly care through wearable ultrasound cardiovascular imaging.

The team of experts from various institutions and interdisciplinary fields came together by leveraging the strengths of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Singapore’s leading universities, such as Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) and the National University of Singapore (NUS), and medical institutions such as Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), as a clinical collaborator. This collaboration involves a mix of researchers specialising in soft materials, ultrasonic transducers, metamaterials, low-power electronics, medical imaging, and clinical applications. The diverse expertise within the team not only enriches the research but also ensures a comprehensive approach to developing the bioadhesive ultrasound (BAUS) platform. This initiative showcases an integration of knowledge across multiple disciplines, enhancing the potential for impactful innovations in elderly care.

Q2: Can you share more about how the wearable ultrasound imaging system will work and how it is different from current healthcare monitoring technologies?

The wearable ultrasound imaging system developed by WITEC, specifically the BAUS platform, functions by integrating a thin and rigid ultrasound probe adhered to the skin with a soft, bioadhesive couplant. This setup allows for continuous imaging of internal organs and tissues, enabling health monitoring over extended periods — up to 48 hours — without the need for manual operation by clinicians.

The BAUS probe is applied to the skin using a bioadhesive couplant, which effectively transmits ultrasound waves while maintaining strong adhesion even during movement. The system captures ultrasound data at prescribed intermissions (e.g., imaging for 10 min every 0.5 hours), providing real-time insights into various physiological functions such as heart contractions, bladder activities, and gastrointestinal motility. The device is connected to a miniaturised external control system, allowing for seamless data transmission and imaging without manual handling. An AI module may be embedded within the transducer to perform image processing at the data acquisition level of the device. The AI algorithm will assist in preliminary diagnosis and triage.

The key differences of the BAUS platform from current healthcare monitoring technologies:

1. Extended imaging duration: Unlike conventional ultrasound devices, which typically offer snapshot diagnostics lasting less than 10 minutes, the BAUS platform allows for continuous monitoring over days.

2. Dynamic movement compatibility: The BAUS platform is designed to perform well even during physical activities (e.g. jogging), whereas traditional ultrasound devices require patients to remain static.

3. Hands-free operation: The BAUS system eliminates the need for clinicians to hold the probe manually, which is advantageous in procedures that require steady imaging, like ultrasound-guided interventions.

Overall, the BAUS platform represents a significant advancement in wearable healthcare technology, poised to transform how we monitor, diagnose, and treat chronic conditions in elderly patients.

Q3: Looking ahead, how would WITEC’s research impact society and address one of its most pressing challenges?

The WITEC research aims to impact society in various aspects. Firstly, with the developed BAUS platform, we will enable continuous and real-time monitoring of vital health metrics, allowing for early intervention and personalised care. This capability will empower healthcare providers to make informed decisions, potentially reducing hospital visits and enhancing patient outcomes. 

Secondly, by facilitating effective management of chronic conditions, WITEC's research has the potential to improve the quality of life for elderly individuals. This system supports not just physical well-being, but also fosters independence, allowing seniors to maintain active and engaged lifestyles within their communities. 

Thirdly, the ability to monitor chronic conditions effectively can lead to reduced healthcare costs for individuals and the healthcare system as a whole. By preventing complications through early detection and intervention, the projected burden of healthcare costs could be alleviated, making the healthcare system more sustainable. 

Lastly, WITEC's advancements may spur the development of a new market for wearable medical imaging devices, contributing to economic growth and positioning Singapore as a leader in healthcare technology innovation. This aligns with the broader aim of enhancing the economy while addressing societal health challenges.

WITEC’s research holds the potential to significantly impact society by addressing the pressing challenge of managing chronic cardiovascular conditions — such as hypertension and heart disease — and healthcare pressures of an increasingly ageing population. By paving the way for continuous monitoring and personalised healthcare, our research aims to enhance patient health outcomes, alleviate healthcare costs, and improve overall societal well-being.