The use of a bed sensor can prevent falls and bedsores. This is the result of research carried out as part of Anders Werken in de Zorg (AgeTech Works), a Dutch programme in which regional organisations work together to test various technologies to better prepare healthcare for the future.
The bed sensor that was tested is the Momo BedSense. This is a sensor in the form of a bed plate that is placed under the mattress at chest height. By means of pressure and motion sensors in the plate, the care worker receives information via a smartphone app about who is in bed, who is on the edge of the bed, who is out of bed, who is restless and who needs to be repositioned. In addition to an overview for night care, the bed sensor has even more features. For example, the application provides a day or week report, which contains information about night-time sleep patterns over a longer period. These reports can be used by therapists and analysed to provide targeted advice for interventions.
Soft benefits
The AgeTech Works study draws some preliminary conclusions regarding the impact of using the bed sensor. In general, the verdict on the bed sensor is positive. The soft costs, such as learning to use the technology, redesigning the care process and informing the client and family are not seen as major barriers. Hard costs are mainly in the initial phase and are expected to decrease over time as the bed sensor is used. Looking at the soft benefits, the use of the bed sensor provides the client with a better night’s sleep and more personalised (morning) care. Employees experience more rest during the shift and care workers can use more targeted interventions and can also monitor these more effectively.
Hard benefits
The hard benefits lie mainly in the time saved because fewer control rounds have to be made (during the night and morning) and fewer false alarms occur. Caregivers also save time by being able to identify the right intervention for a care issue more quickly and also evaluate the effect of the intervention quicker. Deployment can also lead to prevention of bedsores, which in addition to the soft benefits can also save money and time.“About AgeTech Works
