ReliefP, an automated bedsore prevention device, primary benchtop evaluation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20220846Keywords:
Pressure ulcer, Bedsore, Prevention, Benchtop testingAbstract
Background: Few disease states ever present themselves to an attainable and near-term solution as pressure ulcers. Bedsore develops when blood supply to the skin is cut off for more than 2 to 3 hours. As the skin dries, bedsore first starts as a red, painful area, which eventually turns purple. Left untreated, skin can break open and the area can become infected.
Method: A set of 50 subjects were identified who are willingly volunteering in the test. As the COVID-19 pandemic has extensively limited access to the hospital and patients, it was decided to conduct the experiment in-house.
Results: For all the 50 volunteers, the device was able to relieve the high-pressure point under the patient heel within 20 mins. The mean time taken is 11 mins 6 sec.
Conclusions: This preliminary study provides some initial data supporting the hypothesis that the RelifP device can identify and relieve the high-pressure area and equalize the pressure throughout. This technology can positively impact prevention in bedsores and reduce the pain and distress borne by the affected patient and caregivers.
References
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