scholarly journals Longitudinal In-Bed Pressure Signals Decomposition and Gradients Analysis for Pressure Injury Monitoring

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (13) ◽  
pp. 4356
Author(s):  
Nasim Hajari ◽  
Carlos Lastre-Dominguez ◽  
Chester Ho ◽  
Oscar Ibarra-Manzano ◽  
Irene Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord Injuries ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
The Body ◽  
Support Surface ◽  
Interface Pressure ◽  
Analysis Pipeline ◽  
Clinical Method ◽  
Longitudinal Measurements ◽  
Pressure Injury ◽  
Life Threatening

Pressure injury (PI) is a major problem for patients that are bound to a wheelchair or bed, such as seniors or people with spinal cord injuries. This condition can be life threatening in its later stages. It can be very costly to the healthcare system as well. Fortunately with proper monitoring and assessment, PI development can be prevented. The major factor that causes PI is prolonged interface pressure between the body and the support surface. A possible solution to reduce the chance of developing PI is changing the patient’s in-bed pose at appropriate times. Monitoring in-bed pressure can help healthcare providers to locate high-pressure areas, and remove or minimize pressure on those regions. The current clinical method of interface pressure monitoring is limited by periodic snapshot assessments, without longitudinal measurements and analysis. In this paper we propose a pressure signal analysis pipeline to automatically eliminate external artefacts from pressure data, estimate a person’s pose, and locate and track high-risk regions over time so that necessary attention can be provided.

A Pressure Modulating Sensorized Soft Actuator Array for Pressure Ulcer Prevention

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Carrigan ◽  
Pavan Nuthi ◽  
Charu Pande ◽  
Caleb P. Nothnagle ◽  
Muthu B. J. Wijesundara
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Ulcer ◽  
Time Pressure ◽  
Soft Materials ◽  
Pressure Profile ◽  
The Body ◽  
Support Surface ◽  
Ulcer Formation ◽  
Interface Pressure ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Pressure Modulation

Pressure ulcers are a serious reoccurring complication among wheelchair users with impaired mobility and sensation. It is postulated that external mechanical loading, specifically on bony prominences, is a major contributing factor in pressure ulcer formation. Prevention strategies mainly center on reducing the magnitude and duration of external forces acting upon the body. Seat cushion technologies for reducing pressure ulcer prevalence often employ soft materials and customized cushion geometries. Air cell arrays used in time-based pressure modulation techniques are seen as a promising alternative; however, this approach could be further enhanced by adding real-time pressure profile mapping to enable automated pressure modulation customizable for each user’s condition. The work presented here describes the development of a prototype support surface and pressure modulation algorithm which can monitor interface pressure as well as automatically offload and redistribute concentrated pressure. This prototype is comprised of arrays of sensorized polymeric soft air cell actuators which are modulated by a pneumatic controller. Each actuator’s pressure can be changed independently which results in a change to the interface pressure allowing us to offload targeted regions and provide local adjustment for redistribution. The pressure mapping, redistribution, and offloading capabilities of the prototype are demonstrated using pressure modulation algorithms described here.

scholarly journals Towards the Development of an Alternating Pressure Overlay for the Treatment of Pressure Ulcers Using Miniaturised Air Cells

Proceedings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Malindu Ehelagastenna ◽  
Ishan Sumanasekara ◽  
Hishan Wickramasinghe ◽  
Indrajith D. Nissanka ◽  
Gayani K. Nandasiri
Keyword(s):  
Pressure Ulcers ◽  
High Pressures ◽  
Integrated Control ◽  
Control Unit ◽  
Back Pressure ◽  
The Body ◽  
Support Surface ◽  
Interface Pressure ◽  
Tissue Pressure ◽  
Actuator System

This paper presents a study on design and development of an alternating pressure overlay consists of inflatable mini air bladders, which could be used in relieving and reducing tissue pressure for the treatment of pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers, which are predominant in the bony prominences of the body, is a skin deformity due to the limitation of blood circulation to the muscle tissues as a result of high pressures applied on the skin for longer duration. This research aims to design miniaturised air bladders which could provide alternating pressure sequences for the treatment of the pressure ulcers. The optimally designed air bladders provide proper envelopment of the patient’s body and create a high resolution of pressure distribution. The optimum geometry and the 3-D deformation profile of the air bladders are analysed using the finite element method. Based on the interface pressure the pressure overlay has been divided into five pressure zones. Furthermore, the real-time interface pressure profile between the body and the overlay is mapped by using the back pressure of mini air bladders. The actuator system includes an integrated control unit that regulates the internal pressures via electropneumatic valves operated based on the back pressure sensor feedback. This actuator system provides the alternating pressure patterns required for inflation and deflation of the mini air bladders controlling the airflow of the support surface, providing proper pressure distributions to heal the ulcers.

scholarly journals Internet of things issues related to psychiatry

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Monteith ◽  
Tasha Glenn ◽  
John Geddes ◽  
Emanuel Severus ◽  
Peter C. Whybrow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internet Of Things ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Emotional Reactions ◽  
The Body ◽  
Psychiatric Research ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Personal Safety ◽  
Healthcare Organizations ◽  
Iot Devices

Abstract Background Internet of Things (IoT) devices for remote monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment are widely viewed as an important future direction for medicine, including for bipolar disorder and other mental illness. The number of smart, connected devices is expanding rapidly. IoT devices are being introduced in all aspects of everyday life, including devices in the home and wearables on the body. IoT devices are increasingly used in psychiatric research, and in the future may help to detect emotional reactions, mood states, stress, and cognitive abilities. This narrative review discusses some of the important fundamental issues related to the rapid growth of IoT devices. Main body Articles were searched between December 2019 and February 2020. Topics discussed include background on the growth of IoT, the security, safety and privacy issues related to IoT devices, and the new roles in the IoT economy for manufacturers, patients, and healthcare organizations. Conclusions The use of IoT devices will increase throughout psychiatry. The scale, complexity and passive nature of data collection with IoT devices presents unique challenges related to security, privacy and personal safety. While the IoT offers many potential benefits, there are risks associated with IoT devices, and from the connectivity between patients, healthcare providers, and device makers. Security, privacy and personal safety issues related to IoT devices are changing the roles of manufacturers, patients, physicians and healthcare IT organizations. Effective and safe use of IoT devices in psychiatry requires an understanding of these changes.

From strongyloidiasis to disseminated mucormycosis: the story of an HTLV-1-infected migrant

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brice Autier ◽  
Adélaïde Chesnay ◽  
Claire Mayence ◽  
Stéphanie Houcke ◽  
Hélène Guégan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Deficiency ◽  
Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽  
The Body ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Disseminated Strongyloidiasis ◽  
Disseminated Mucormycosis

Strongyloidiasis manifestations range from asymptomatic cases to the life-threatening disseminated strongyloidiasis in case of immune deficiency: larvae migrate throughout the body, disseminating germs from the digestive flora to various organs. Here, we described a case of disseminated mucormycosis consecutive to Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfestation in a Surinamese migrant infected with HTLV-1.

Design and fabrication of anisotropic textile brace for exerting corrective forces on spinal curvature

2021 ◽  
pp. 152808372110326
Author(s):  
Queenie Fok ◽  
Joanne Yip ◽  
Kit-lun Yick ◽  
Sun-pui Ng
Keyword(s):  
Medical Condition ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Case Series ◽  
The Body ◽  
Spinal Curvature ◽  
Radiographic Examination ◽  
Interface Pressure ◽  
Pressure System ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Point Pressure

This study focuses on the fabrication of an anisotropic textile brace that exerts corrective forces based on the three-point pressure system to treat scoliosis, which is a medical condition that involves deformity of the spine. The design and material properties of the proposed anisotropic textile brace are discussed in detail here. A case series study with 5 scoliosis patients has been conducted to investigate the immediate in-brace effect and biomechanics of the proposed brace. Radiographic examination, three-dimensional scanning of the body and interface pressure measurements have been used to evaluate the immediate effect of the proposed brace on reducing the spinal curvature and asymmetry of the body contours and its biomechanics. The results show that the proposed brace on average reduces the spinal curvature by 11.7° and also increases the symmetry of the posterior trunk by 14.1% to 43.2%. The interface pressure at the corrective pad ranges from 6.0 to 24.4 kPa. The measured interface pressure shows that a sufficient amount of pressure has been exerted and a three-point pressure distribution is realized to reduce the spinal curvature. The obtained results indicate the effectiveness of this new approach which uses elastic textile material and a hinged artificial backbone to correct spinal deformity.

Lumps and Bumps in Children

1992 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 371-378
Author(s):  
Thomas C. Putnam
Keyword(s):  
The Body ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Subcutaneous Tissues

Many lesions involving the skin or subcutaneous tissues alarm parents and, often fearing cancer, they bring their child to a physician. Most lesions are benign and rarely life-threatening. The physician faces the problem of determining which characteristics suggest only observation of a lesion and which make biopsy necessary. Because many lesions have a predilection for certain areas of the body, this is a useful form of categorization (Table 1). On first inspection of a superficial lesion, several questions must be asked, including the known duration, change in size, presence of pain or other signs of inflammation, and any noted multiplicity. The examination includes an accurate measurement of the size and, most importantly, a determination of the level of the lesion. This will help establish the diagnosis and help to determine whether the possibility of malignancy exists. Essentially all lesions originating in the skin of children are benign. Some are obvious, such as a wart, while others may not be so clear-cut, especially if the epidermis is not altered in appearance. Upon palpation of a cutaneous mass, the skin does not move over the surface and puckers when the adjacent skin and tissues are compressed and elevated. If the skin moves freely over the mass, the nature of the lesion is not so readily apparent.

Abstract WP404: Stroke Cognitive Recovery Model

Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Alderman
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Belief Systems ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
The Body ◽  
Patient Needs ◽  
Coordinated Care ◽  
Recovery Model ◽  
Cognitive Recovery ◽  
Transitional State

Background: After an acute stroke, 90% of patients have cognitive deficits; 50% remain impaired and 30% develop dementia within one year. Cognitive recovery may not occur without early and coordinated care. Many cognitive deficits, i.e. memory and neglect, are not addressed early, care is not coordinated, and depends on each institution’s guidelines. Nurses must consider all patient needs yet no holistic cognitive recovery model exists to guide them. Purpose: To create a holistic, post-stroke, patient-centered cognitive recovery model capable of guiding care. Methods: Concept synthesis is a new way of grouping or ordering information when relevant data is unclear or unknown. A concept synthesis was performed due to limitations in prior biomedical models, specifically in psychology and rehabilitation, which resulted in ill-defined terms and bias. Results: Cognitive recovery is defined as a transitional state in which a person’s cognitive abilities can be modified to approach pre-injury levels, by the interactions of personal capabilities and four encompassing Environments. Personal capabilities (acceptance, agency and congruence) are internally oriented forces which control self-care behavior. The Environments (resources or forces interacting to help/hinder recovery) are depicted as the Physical (the body), External (social support, therapists, etc.), Internal (psychiatric or emotional forces), and Created (belief systems, attitudes, etc.). Conclusions: When interactions between personal capabilities and Environments are adequate cognitive recovery will progress. Recovery should be comprehensive and nurses are uniquely qualified to ensure all aspects of the person are addressed. This model promotes collaboration among healthcare providers and guidance in identifying and addressing patient needs.

Effect of interface pressure and skin surface temperature on pressure injury incidence: a turning schedule pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (8) ◽  
pp. 632-641
Author(s):  
Sumiati Tarigan ◽  
Saldy Yusuf ◽  
Yuliana Syam
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Surface Temperature ◽  
Clinical Trial Design ◽  
Randomised Clinical Trial ◽  
Skin Surface ◽  
Injury Incidence ◽  
Skin Surface Temperature ◽  
Interface Pressure ◽  
High Dependency ◽  
Pressure Injury

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the interface pressure and skin surface temperature in relation to the incidence of pressure injury (PI) using three different turning schedules. Method: This was a pilot study with a three-armed randomised clinical trial design. Participants at risk of PI and treated in the high dependency care unit in a regional hospital in Makassar, Indonesia participated in this study. Patients were repositioned at three different turning schedules (two-, three- and four-hourly intervals). Interface pressure measurement and skin surface temperature were measured between 14:00 and 18:00 every three days. The incidence of PI was assessed during the two-week observation period. Results: A total of 44 participants took part in the study. A one-way ANOVA test revealed no difference in interface pressure among the three different turning schedule groups within two weeks of observations: day zero, p=0.56; day four, p=0.95; day seven, p=0.56; day 10, p=0.63; and day 14, p=0.92. Although the average periumbilical temperature and skin surface temperature were not significant (p>0.05), comparison between these observation sites was significant on all observation days (p<0.05). Regarding the incidence of PI, the proportional hazard test for the development of PI in the three groups was considered not different (hazard ratio: 1.46, 95% confidence interval: 0.43–4.87, p=0.54). Conclusion: No difference in interface pressure and incidence of PI on the three turning schedules was observed; however, there was a potential increase in skin surface temperature in comparison with periumbilical temperature for all three turning schedules.

scholarly journals Necrotizing fasciitis with group A Streptococci and Eggerthella lenta as a complication of Varicella in a child – case presentation –

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-39
Author(s):  
Cambrea Simona Claudia ◽  
Ilie Maria Margareta ◽  
Carp Dalia Sorina ◽  
Ionescu C.
Keyword(s):  
Necrotizing Fasciitis ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
The Body ◽  
Group A Streptococci ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Group A ◽  
The Right ◽  
Surgery Department ◽  
Short Time

ABSTRACT Necrotizing fasciitis is a life threatening condition that can be quickly spread through the flesh surrounding the muscle. The disease can be polymicrobial, or caused by group A beta hemolytic Streptococci, or by Clostridium spp. We present a case of a 7 years old girl, which was hospitalized in Children Infectious Diseases Department in a 7th day of chickenpox (hematic crusts all over the body), high fever, asthenia, vomiting, oligoanuria, and tumefaction, pain and functio lessa in the right thigh. In a very short time in the right thigh swelling, edema and congestion have increased gradually, and in the third highest middle thigh the ecchymotic areas appeared evolving towards bubbles and blisters which included the right thigh and calf. After excluding the diagnosis of thrombophlebitis was raised suspicion of necrotizing fasciitis. CT pelvic scan evidenced pelvic asymmetry by maximus and medium right gluteal muscles swelling with important inflammatory infiltrate extended laterally in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. In blood culture was isolated Eggerthella lenta, and from throat swab was isolated group A Streptococci. Treatment consists of a combination of antibiotics associated with intravenous immunoglobulin administration. Despite medical treatment evolution worsened and required transfer in a pediatric surgery department where emergent surgical debridement associated with intensive antibiotic therapy was done. After this intervention evolution was slowly favorable without major limb dysfunction. Polymicrobial necrotizing fasciitis is a severe disease, which if recognized early can have a favorable outcome.

The bidirectional mistrust

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 1336-1350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annica Björkman ◽  
Martin Salzmann-Erikson
Keyword(s):  
Demographic Data ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Online Communication ◽  
The Body ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Care Seeking Behavior ◽  
Seeking Behavior

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore and describe online communication about the experiences and attitudes toward Swedish Healthcare Direct, a national telephone advice nursing (TAN) service. Design/methodology/approach A descriptive research design was adopted using a six-step netnographic method. Three Swedish forums were purposefully selected and data from the virtual discussions were collected. Findings Three themes emerged: expectancy and performativity of the nurses, absurdity in accessibility and the scrutinizing game. The most prominent finding was the scrutinizing game, which included aspects of bidirectional mistrust from both nurses and callers. Another salient finding was the attitudes that callers held toward nurses who used a technique interpreted as “passing the buck.” Research limitations/implications The use of a nethnographic method is novel in this area of research. Consequently, the body of knowledge has regarding telephone advise nursing service has significantly been broadened. A limitation in this study is that demographic data for the posters are not available. Practical implications Bidirectional distrust is an important issue that must be acknowledged by TAN services, since it might damage the service on a fundamental level. Healthcare providers, politicians, and researchers should account for the power and availability of virtual discussions when seeking consumers’ opinions and evaluating the quality of the care provided. Originality/value This analysis of the ongoing discussions that take place on the internet provides insight into callers’ perceptions of a national TAN service. The bidirectional mistrust found from both the nurses and the callers might be a threat to callers’ compliance with the advice given and their care-seeking behavior.

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