International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 10 Issue: 05 | May 2023
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Smart Prevention: Utilizing Design Thinking and IoT Technology to Prevent Pressure Ulcers in Healthcare Dr. B. Sivasankari 1, S. Sathish 2, Sasikumar. S 3, Mohit. S 4, Santhosh Kumar. R 5 UG Student, Dept. of Electronics and Communication Eng, SNS College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu- India -----------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------ABSTRACT: - This paper aims to address the prevalent
According to a study conducted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), pressure ulcers are a significant problem in U.S. hospitals, affecting approximately 2.5 million patients each year. The study found that pressure ulcers were associated with longer hospital stays and increased healthcare costs, with an estimated cost of $9.1 to $11.6 billion per year. The study also noted that certain patient populations, such as older adults, those with limited mobility, and those with chronic medical conditions, were at higher risk for developing pressure ulcers. The AHRQ recommends several strategies to prevent pressure ulcers, including implementing a pressure ulcer prevention program, using pressurereducing support surfaces, and training staff on proper patient positioning and turning.
issue of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (HAPUs) in India, which affects a significant proportion of hospitalized patients. HAPUs commonly occur in patients who are immobile and unable to shift positions independently, leading to pressure sores. Although repositioning patients every two hours and using pressure-relieving mattresses can prevent HAPUs, the compliance of caregivers with these guidelines is often inadequate in healthcare facilities. In addition, there are challenges in continuously monitoring patient positions and alerting caregivers of necessary turns. The proposed solution involves a Design Thinking method that tracks the patient's position by means measuring their Temperature, Pressure, Sensory perception, Mobility, Activity and communicates wirelessly with a tablet to alert caregivers of necessary turns, following hospital policies. The IoT technology allows for centralized monitoring, recording and updating of patient positions and turning operations. In a controlled environment, the system successfully tracked patient positions and identified common poses. an IoT-based approach to prevent HAPUs is a promising solution that can significantly improve compliance with turning guidelines, reduce the workload on caregivers, offer centralized monitoring, minimize the risk of HAPUs, and offer a non-invasive and patient-friendly solution to HAPU prevention
To prevent pressure ulcers, healthcare providers employ various strategies, such as repositioning the patient or using pressure-relieving pillows or mattresses to reduce the duration or magnitude of pressure at the skin's surface. Intrinsic factors, such as the patient's skin's ability to resist damage and remain intact, also play a role in pressure ulcer prevention. In addition to pressure ulcer prevention, maintaining adequate nutrition, circulation, and hydration can help reduce the risk of pressure injury. Malnutrition has been found to be positively correlated with the frequency and severity of pressure ulcers. Reduced calorie intake, dehydration, and decreased serum albumin levels can make the skin and underlying tissues less resistant to pressure, friction, and shearing force, increasing the risk of skin disintegration and delaying wound healing.
Keywords: Pressure Sores, Pressure Ulcers, Repositioning, Prevention, Design Thinking, Internet of Things
1. Introduction: A pressure ulcer, also known as a pressure sore, decubitus ulcer, or a bedsore, is a type of injury to the skin and underlying tissue caused by pressure, shear, or friction. The application of pressure to a particular area of the body can result in reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the tissues, leading to tissue ischemia and cellular damage. Elderly individuals with reduced mobility, impaired mental capacity, and increased skin friction and shear are at a higher risk of developing pressure ulcers.
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Pressure ulcers are associated with poor health outcomes, high treatment costs, and future legal judgments. Therefore, the use of appropriate support surfaces and repositioning schedules are crucial preventive strategies for pressure ulcers. Traditionally, hospitals have employed a 2-hourly schedule for repositioning patients, but patients in a prolonged state of unconsciousness may not move positions independently, making it challenging for caregivers to adhere to this schedule.
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