An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a medical test that measures brain activity and helps diagnose conditions like acute stress disorder (ASD). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stress is a state of worry or mental tension caused by challenging situations [1]. When someone experiences an especially traumatic, shocking, or terrifying event, their body can respond with ASD, which is a short-term condition that can develop into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). ASD symptoms, such as anxiety, detachment, and irritability, are similar to those of PTSD [2].
Clinicians regularly face high-stress situations, putting them at greater risk of ASD. Over time, this stress can lead to burnout, which the Mayo Clinic describes as a constant state of exhaustion, fatigue, and emotional overwhelm due to ongoing workplace stress [3]. Burnout doesn’t just affect individual clinicians—it leads many to change careers or leave the medical field entirely, worsening the nationwide healthcare worker shortage. Identifying ASD early could help prevent burnout and improve clinician well-being, making real-time stress monitoring a valuable tool.
A portable, wearable EEG with built-in heart rate monitoring was developed to address this. The prototype was improved using computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing to incorporate the heart rate sensor into an earpiece, decreasing the weight, cost, and volume of materials by 54.5%, 85.92%, and 55.95%, respectively. These updates make the device more comfortable and discreet, allowing clinicians to wear it throughout their workday without it being intrusive.
Moving forward, we aim to downsize components further, explore biocompatible 3D-printed materials, and enhance overall ergonomics. As EEG and heart rate sensors continue to get smaller, this technology could eventually be integrated into something as subtle as a pair of glasses, offering a seamless way to monitor stress levels and support clinician well-being.