Monitoring physiological parameters

A method of monitoring a physiological parameter of an individual, the method comprising:

• applying an optical fibre assembly to an individual;
• measuring the physiological parameter using the optical fibre assembly;
• and
• measuring a contact pressure of the optical fibre assembly on the individual using a pressure sensor;
• wherein the pressure sensor comprises:
• an optical fibre comprising a transducer fibre Bragg grating;
• wherein the transducer fibre Bragg grating is embedded in a matrix, the matrix is configured to cause longitudinal strain in the transducer fibre Bragg grating in response to the matrix being subject to a transverse load;
• and
• a temperature compensation fibre Bragg grating received in a clearance fit in a cavity of a rigid support member isolating the temperature compensation fibre Bragg grating from a transverse load;
• wherein the physiological parameter is measured using the optical fibre assembly only when contact pressure of the optical fibre assembly measured by the pressure sensor is determined to be within a predefined range;
• and
• wherein the temperature compensation fibre Bragg grating is free to expand and contract independently of the rigid support member.