Smart-bed with Internet of Things for Pressure Ulcer

Abstract

AIM: The purpose of this study was to develop prototype smart-bed based on Internet of Things that consisted of automatic patient mobilization every 2 h as well as monitoring patients. Stroke patients experience pressure sores that result in increased mortality within 30 days after a stroke. Pressure sores are injuries caused by continuous pressure. Patient mobilization is the primary prevention and treatment technique for patients with pressure sores.

METHODS: The proposed medical bed is designed to resolve both concerns through a revolutionary design that rotates the patient and offers an advanced patient monitoring system. Using an Android smartphone or tablet connected to the Arduino microcontroller through Bluetooth, the caregiver can rotate the bed in either direction to shift the pressure away from the back of the patient and to monitor the critical risk of ulcer pressure.

RESULTS: The bed functions in two modes: manual mode, which engages the caretaker in the rotation process, and automatic mode, which rotates the bed every 2 h. The overall rotation angle is calculated by calculating the patient’s weight by means of loading cells distributed across the bed. In addition, the smart bed features sensors for certain vital signs, such as heart rate, body temperature, oximetry, humidity, and blood pressure.

CONCLUSION: A novel, efficient, smart medical bed is presented to ease the lives of patients and caregivers, both of whom have difficulties using conventional beds. The proposed system automatically rotates patients as planned and tracks them for any unexpected changes in their viral signs. The proposed novel bed is fitted with a range of safety measures to ensure proper functionality and prevent any danger to patients. The patients’ vital signs are assessed.