Desert Valley Medical Center in Victorville, Calif., has implemented a wireless sensor wearable device that helps providers in its ED prevent patients' pressure ulcers.
The sensors, part of the Leaf Patient Monitoring System produced by Pleasanton, Calif.-based Leaf Healthcare, monitor a patient's position and movements. The sensors communicate the information wirelessly to central stations or mobile devices and provide alerts when necessary so providers can repositions patients on a turning schedule to prevent pressure ulcers, according to a news release.
The 148-bed hospital deployed the system earlier this month. The system is still being evaluated, and if it shows success, it will become part of the institution's safety protocols, according to the news release.
"Preventing even one pressure ulcer case can save a patient from excruciating pain and prevent tens of thousands of dollars from being spent on medical care to cure a preventable condition," said Patrick Reinhard, Desert Valley's CNO in the news release.