IMAGINE waking up in the middle of the night with a racing heartbeat, falling oxygen levels or a sudden drop in blood pressure, yet before you even realise your condition is worsening, your doctor has already received an alert and is preparing the necessary intervention.
It may sound like a scene from a futuristic medical film, but this technology is now becoming a reality in Tanzania through the introduction of a smart patient monitoring bedsheet that enables doctors to keep track of cardiac patients even after they leave hospital.
The technology, unveiled by the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), represents a major transformation in healthcare delivery by extending specialised medical monitoring beyond hospital walls and into patients’ homes.
As the country advances its digital transformation agenda under the National Development Vision 2050, the innovation provides new hope for thousands of people living with heart disease and other serious health conditions that require continuous monitoring.
Unlike traditional monitoring equipment that requires several wires and sensors attached directly to a patient’s body, the Dozee Smart Patient Monitoring System uses a special sensor placed beneath the mattress to monitor a patient’s condition while they sleep or rest naturally.
The contactless technology tracks vital health indicators including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen levels and other physiological changes around the clock.
The collected information is transmitted through secure digital platforms to healthcare professionals, allowing doctors and nurses to identify warning signs early and respond quickly, even when patients are far away from medical facilities.
For many families caring for patients with chronic illnesses, such early detection can be lifesaving.
Speaking during the launch in Arusha, JKCI Executive Director Dr Peter Kisenge said the technology was a major breakthrough in improving patient safety after discharge.
He explained that many cardiac patients experience sudden complications at home, where immediate medical attention may not always be available.
“Sometimes after a patient is discharged, blood pressure suddenly drops, heart rate rises sharply or oxygen levels decline. With this technology, doctors receive immediate alerts and can intervene before the situation becomes critical,” he said.
The system is expected to benefit not only heart patients but also people recovering from surgery and those suffering from severe illnesses such as malaria, where vital signs can change rapidly.
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JKCI Information Technology Officer Suleiman Jaffer said Dozee is an advanced medical device powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), designed to monitor patients without physical contact while they remain in bed.
He said the technology has been installed in JKCI hospitals across Tanzania and has helped reduce risks associated with sudden deterioration among patients with heart conditions and other illnesses.
“Dozee is placed underneath a patient’s mattress at home or in hospital. Once connected to the internet, healthcare workers can monitor the patient’s health information through hospital screens,” Mr Jaffer explained.
He said the device continuously collects important medical data, including heartbeat patterns, breathing rate, oxygen levels and blood pressure trends without requiring patients to travel to hospitals frequently.
According to Mr Jaffer, one of the biggest advantages of Dozee is its ability to provide 24-hour monitoring and send early warnings through mobile applications or online platforms whenever a patient’s condition changes.
The system also reduces the workload of nurses by automatically recording patient information and reducing unnecessary routine checks, allowing healthcare workers to focus more on patients requiring immediate attention.