Introduction Pressure ulcers or bedsores are injuries to underlying tissues or skin usually caused by long term pressure. A research done by experts shows that pressure ulcers is prevalent in older adults and bedridden patients. Atleast one out of 10 elderly patients has or is at a higher risk of getting pressure ulcers, if they are hospitalized for more than a week (Khalik, 2016) According to prevalence study done Rasero et all (2015), 50.75% of the elderly population accessed are at higher risk of developing pressure ulcers and 24.66% of the study population was found to have already developed pressure ulcers.
Cont… In a bid to reduce the development of pressure ulcers in bedridden older adults and patients, we have developed an idea to create a device known as smart moisture device detector that will reduce patient’s exposure to moisture.
Aims With the help of this device, caretakers are alerted to change diapers in time, this significantly improve patient’s quality of life Work of caretakers and nurses is reduced as there is no need for manual check of patient’s moisture conditions To reduce development of pressure ulcers resulting from moisture
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METHODOLOGY A survey on prevalence of pressure ulcers was done and data was collectedand among the many factors that contributes to the development of pressure ulcers, moisture being main source/factor. Prevalence of pressure ulcers was 57.1% for the elderly.The diapers require to changed frequently to ranging from 4-6 times per day. In addition, nurses and caretakers need to conduct regular checks so as to change them as soon as they are soiled A survey was done on 144 nurses and caregivers, and it was discovered that highest percentage (91%) of pressure ulcer cases was due to moisture. Other factors include delay in turning, nutrition, dehydration, protection and improper lifting(Penn, Ward, Strande, & Maurer, 2018)
Cont… The common sources of moisture being urine perspiration and faeces, the device will be able to detect presence of faeces and urine in the diapers as well as moisture. The device’s key features are the Microbits, buzzer and LED lights The prototype was tested in the presence of 50 participants, this was achieved by exposing the device to moisture and the sensor worked pretty well. The participants would consider buying a price set at $40. The device is user friendly, and its operating frequency is stronger within a distance of 17 meters.
Prototype description The device comprises of moisture detector, buzzer, LED and Microbits. The moisture sensor can either be incorporated into the diapers during is manufacturing or used as a strap-on on already manufactured diapers. When moisture content in the diapers reaches set content levels, the sensor becomes an energy source feeding the Microbits. The microbits then transmit the signal to the receiver (located near nurses and caregiver work station), which in turn produce a buzz of sound and a flashing LED lights, or any alert system of the ward. Once the nurses and caregivers receive the alarm, they will respond to it and change the diapers immediately.
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Benefitsand limitations of the device The device will significantly raise the quality of care given to the patients The device will increase work efficiency of a nurse or a caregiver The device increases caregiver/nurse’s work satisfaction The device will reduce workload of caregivers and reduces occupational hazards The device will improve patient’s comfort , satisfaction, skin and life quality The device’s radio wave coverage is lower, approximately 17m and poses a risk of transmitting infections when re-used.
Conclusion The smart moisture detector presented isoptimized for a low cost, it is user friendly, it promotes quality of care given to patients among other benefits. The target market for this product is the hospitals and care units for the elderly. The device will help in reducing the development of pressure ulcers which has high prevalence among the elderly patients With increased funding and adequate professional support, the smart moisture can be developed further and this will significantly improve services offered in care units and more benefits to the user
References Khalik, S. (2016).Hospitals ramp up battle against bed sores. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/hospitals-ramp-up-battle-against-bed -sores . Accessed January 18, 2020. Penn, R., Ward, B. J., Strande, L., & Maurer, M. (2018). Review of synthetic human faeces and faecal sludge for sanitation and wastewater research.Water Research,132, 222–240. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.12.063. Rasero, L., Simonetti, M., Falciani, F., Fabbri, C., Collini, F., & Dal Molin, A. (2015). Pressure ulcers in older adults: a prevalence study.Advances in skin & wound care,28(10), 461-464.