GB2570280A

GB2570280A - Monitoring apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2570280A
Application number: GB1718700.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Saggers Christopher
Original assignee: Medismart Tech Ltd
Current assignee: Medismart Tech Ltd
Priority date: 2017-11-13
Filing date: 2017-11-13
Publication date: 2019-07-24
Anticipated expiration: 2037-11-13
Also published as: GB2570280B; GB201718700D0

Abstract

Patient monitoring apparatus 101, placed between a bed and mattress, comprises chambers 3a-3d and a sensor for detecting fluid pressure in the chambers (40, fig. 1), pressure data being compared to detect subject movement. Chambers 3a, 3b of the uppermost quadrants may be placed beneath regions of a cushioning element such as a mattress 13 receiving a patient’s shoulders. A position identifier may be assigned based on the fluid pressures. A carer may be alerted or a dynamic air mattress system operated when no movement is detected within a certain time, possibly wirelessly to a remote device 11, 12, which may be a mobile telecommunications device. The apparatus may comprise a pad of opposed sheets welded together to form isolated cavities, which each chamber including a port fluidically connected to the sensor. The apparatus may mitigate the likelihood of decubitous ulcers or bed sores, caused by rubbing at weight-bearing areas.

Description

MONITORING APPARATUS

This invention relates generally to monitoring apparatus for monitoring the movement of patients. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to a patient monitoring apparatus, system and method for preventing or at least mitigating the likelihood of decubitous ulcers.

Decubitous ulcers, also called pressure sores or bed sores, are caused by pressure, rubbing and/or friction at weight-bearing, bony areas of the body (such as elbows, hips, heels and the like). Decubitous ulcers often result from an inability to move so as to relieve pressure points and occurs most commonly in vulnerable and/or elderly patients, or individuals who are immobile, either when in bed or sitting. These pressure points typically occur in the area of a bony protuberance which results in a cut-off of the blood flow in the skin and soft tissue adjacent to the protuberance when distortion of capillary blood vessels curtails blood flow. When the blood flow in the capillaries is blocked due to excessive external interface pressure, the cells in that area begin to die and may result in a wound. This issue does not occur in healthy individuals because they reposition themselves continuously, even when asleep.

Repositioning, or turning, is a strategy used commonly alongside other preventative strategies to relieve pressure in these areas by moving the individual into a different position in order to redistribute pressure away from a particular area of the body. Patients deemed at risk of decubitous ulcers are turned at regular intervals, such as every two hours. However, current practices are deficient in that there tends to be little or no patient-specific consideration given to the turning regimen and the practice requires carers to be available, and indeed remember, to turn each patient at each interval, which can be problematic.

Another strategy involves the use of dynamic inflation of a multi-chamber support system, which includes a plurality of parallel cells that are inflated alternately to prevent decubitous ulcers. Whilst effective, such systems can be expensive to purchase and to operate, particularly across all beds in a hospital or care home.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a solution that mitigates the issues associated with the aforementioned known strategies.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a monitoring apparatus for an individual, such as a patient, the monitoring apparatus comprising sensor means for use between a patient and a substrate and control means operatively connected to the sensing means, wherein the control means is configured to receive, in use, from the sensing means temporally spaced data and to compare the temporally spaced data to detect movement of a patient.

By sensing movement of the patient, the monitoring apparatus is able to determine a lack of movement and either alert a carer or cause another system, such as a dynamic air mattress system, to take action to prevent decubitous ulcers from developing. It will be appreciated that the use of the term “patient” is not limited to patients in, for example, hospitals or nursing homes, but may also include individuals who reside in their own home, who may be at risk of decubitous ulcers. Similarly, the term “carer” is not limited to traditional carers, such as hospital or nursing staff. Indeed, although less preferable for obvious reasons, the aforementioned alert could be used to alert the patient themselves, for example by an audible or sensory alarm to wake them sufficiently to cause them to turn or reposition themselves.

The sensor means may comprise a movement or pressure sensing means, preferably a fluidic pressure sensing means. The sensor means may be configured, operable or suitable for sensing a pressure or movement at one or more, preferably a plurality of, different locations between the patient and the substrate. In an embodiment, the different locations comprise two or more, such as three or four or more locations. The apparatus may comprise pad or substantially planar member, which may include four quadrants, for example wherein the sensor means is configured, operable or suitable for sensing a pressure or movement at each quadrant.

The sensor means or apparatus may comprise one or more chambers, e.g. for use between a patient and a substrate. The sensing means may be for sensing a fluid pressure within the or each chamber. The apparatus may comprise control means, which may be operatively connected to the sensing means. The control means may be configured to receive, in use, from the pressure sensing means temporally spaced datasets and to compare the datasets to detect movement of a patient.

Another aspect of the invention provides a monitoring apparatus, e.g. a patient monitoring apparatus, comprising one or more, e.g. a plurality of, chambers for use between a patient and a substrate, pressure sensing means for sensing a fluid pressure within the or each chamber and control means operatively connected to the pressure sensing means, wherein the control means is configured to receive, in use, from the pressure sensing means temporally spaced data or datasets and to compare the data or datasets to detect movement of a patient.

The use of chambers with fluid pressure is a simple, yet effective means of measuring average pressure across predetermined regions. The size, shape, configuration and position of the chambers can be reconfigured easily to suit different applications.

The control means may be configured to generate a signal, for example in response to data or datasets received from the sensing means or to a comparison of the data or datasets. The signal may be indicative of movement or a lack of movement of a patient, for example within a predetermined time period and/or at one or more, e.g. a plurality of, predetermined times or time intervals. The control means may be configured to capture data or a dataset from the sensing means at predetermined time intervals, which are preferably regular or consistent time intervals. The predetermined time period may comprise or be measured in hours, minutes or seconds. The predetermined time intervals may comprise or be measured in minutes, seconds, tenths of a second, hundredths of a second or milliseconds.

At least one or each of the predetermined time period and/or the predetermined time intervals may be configurable or programmable or adjustable. In embodiments, the monitoring apparatus comprises an input means or input, which may be operatively connected to the control means. The input or input means may be configured or operable to receive, in use, a desired time period and/or a desired time interval from a user or carer. The control means may be configured or operable to receive a desired time period and/or a desired time interval from the input or input means and to adjust the predetermined time period and/or the predetermined time interval to correspond or correspond substantially to the desired time period or the desired time interval, respectively. In embodiments, the same input or input means may be used to input both the desired time period and the desired time interval. In other embodiments, the monitoring apparatus comprises a different input or input means for inputting each of the desired time period and the desired time interval.

The or each input or input means may comprise a hardware or software input, such as a dial, knob, slide bar or any other suitable input or input means.

The apparatus or control means may comprise an alert means. The alert means may be operatively connected to the control means or part thereof. The alert means may be configured to generate the or a further signal. The alert means may be configured, operable or suitable for alerting a carer, for example when the signal is generated.

In embodiments, the control means comprises the alert means and the generated signal comprises an alert signal. In embodiments, the alert means is separate or an independent module, e.g. software or hardware module, unit or device, which may receive the generated signal and, for example, generate an alert signal. The alert signal may comprise an audible or visual or sensory, e.g. vibratory, signal. The alert means comprises an audible and/or visual alarm or alarm device.

Additionally or alternatively, the or a further alert signal generated by the alert means may comprise a wired or wireless communication signal, which may be sent to a remote device, such as a mobile device, server or personal computer. The alert means may comprise a wireless communication means, e.g. for sending an alert signal to a remote device, such as a mobile device, server or personal computer, for alerting the carer.

The control means may be configured to send the or a further signal to another device, such as a dynamic air mattress system. The apparatus may comprise the dynamic air mattress system or may form part of a dynamic air mattress system. At least part of the monitoring apparatus, for example the pad, sensing means and/or chambers may be located in or adjacent a torso region of the mattress.

The control means may be configured to assign to the temporally spaced data, e.g. the data received at each interval, a position identifier, which may be indicative of a patient position or resting position. In embodiments, the control means may be configured to determine and/or assign to the or each dataset a position identifier, which may be indicative of a patient position or resting position. The position identifier may comprise any suitable identifier, such as an alphanumeric identifier or binary string. The position identifier may be determined and/or assigned based on an aggregate of sub-identifiers. Each sub-identifier may be determined and/or assigned based on the data associated with a respective one, or in some instances subgroup, of the locations or chambers. Each sub-identifier may be selected, determined or assigned from a plurality of predetermined sub-identifiers. Each of the predetermined sub-identifiers may be associated with a range of values, for example a pressure range. Each sub-identifier may be selected, determined or assigned based on the range within which it falls. The position identifier may be determined and/or assigned by combining the sub-identifiers or by applying an algorithm to calculate a unique identifier.

The control means may be configured to generate the signal if the position identifier of the data or dataset associated with the beginning of the predetermined time period is similar to, or the same or substantially the same as, the position identifier of the data or dataset associated with the end of the predetermined time period. The control means may be configured to generate the signal if, e.g. only if, the position identifier of at least one further dataset during, for example received or measured during, the predetermined time period is the same as the position identifier of the datasets associated with the beginning and end of the predetermined time period.

Additionally or alternatively, the control means may be configured to generate the signal if, e.g. only if, the position identifier of two or more, for example a plurality or a predetermined number of, datasets during, for example received or measured during, the predetermined time period are the same. The control means is configured to generate the signal if, e.g. only if, the position identifiers of all data datasets during, for example received or measured during, the predetermined time period are the same.

The apparatus may comprise a pad, which may be formed of opposed sheets. The sheets may comprise a flexible material, such as a plastics material. The sheets may be welded together, for example to form isolated cavities. Each cavity may comprise or provide one, e.g. a respective one, of the chambers. The apparatus may comprise a flat member or element in at least one or each cavity or chamber. The apparatus may comprise a plate in at least one or each chamber. The flat member or element or plate may be rigid or at least more rigid than the opposed sheets. The apparatus may comprise a cushion member or element in at least one or each cavity or chamber. The or at least one or each cushion member or element may comprise foam or a foam material. The or at least one or each cushion member or element may be received or rest on one of the flat members or elements or plates. The or at least one or each flat member or element or plate and/or cushion member or element may extend across a substantial portion of the chamber, e.g. in plan.

The substantial portion may comprise at least half or at least two thirds or at least three quarters or more of the chamber, e.g. in plan. In some embodiments, or at least one or each flat member or element or plate and/or cushion member or element is coextensive with the chamber, e.g. in plan.

This arrangement inhibits folding or artificial segmentation of the chambers in use, thereby ensuring relatively even compression across the chamber.

The chambers may comprise hydraulic chambers, but preferably comprise pneumatic chambers. The apparatus may comprise a control unit, which may include the control means and, optionally, the pressure sensing means. The pressure sensing means may comprising one or more pressure transducers. The or at least one or each chamber may include a port, which may be fluidly connected to the pressure sensing means.

The pad may include quadrants, e.g. four quadrants, each of which may comprise one of the chambers. In embodiments, the chambers are adjacent one another. In other embodiments, the chambers are spaced from one another. The control unit may be mounted to the pad, for example in a space between two of the chambers. The apparatus may comprise a line, which may be hydraulic or pneumatic such as a pipe or tube that may be flexible, fluidly connecting at least one or more or each of the chambers to the pressure sensing means. The or at least one or each line, e.g. at least a portion thereof, may extend in the or a space between two of the chambers.

By positioning the control unit and lines in the space between chambers, the chambers protect them from being crushed when the pad is placed between a support, for example a mattress or seat cushion, and a supporting substrate.

Another aspect of the invention provides a monitoring system. The monitoring system may comprise at least one, for example a plurality of, monitoring apparatus as described above. The monitoring system may comprise a remote monitoring means, which may be operatively connected to and/or for communicating with the or at least one or each monitoring apparatus, e.g. for receiving data and/or signals therefrom.

The remote monitoring means may comprise a portable device or a server or personal computer. The or a further remote monitoring means comprises a portable mobile telecommunications device, such as a mobile telephone or smartphone or a tablet computer.

As such, the invention may provide a monitoring system that enables a carer or group of carers to monitor remotely the movement of patients. The monitoring system, e.g. the remote monitoring means, may be configured to compile data or datasets from the or at least one or more or each monitoring apparatus. The monitoring system or remote monitoring means may be configured to generate and/or display a dashboard or schedule, which may collate or summarise expected repositioning or turning requirements for the or each patient monitored by the system.

Another aspect of the invention provides an item of furniture, such as a seat, sofa or bed. The item of furniture may comprise a substrate. The item of furniture may comprise a cushioning element, which may be on the ora substrate. The item of furniture may comprise a patient monitoring apparatus, e.g. as described above. The or a plurality of chambers of the patient monitoring apparatus may be between the cushioning element and the substrate.

Where the item of furniture is a bed, the cushioning element may comprise a mattress and at least part of the monitoring apparatus, e.g. the pad, sensing means and/or chambers, may be located in or beneath the mattress and/or in or adjacent a torso region of the mattress. The mattress may comprise a base, which may be rigid or relatively rigid such as a rigid foam, and patient receiving portion, which may be soft or relatively soft such as a foam that may be less rigid or softer than the base. At least part of the monitoring apparatus, e.g. the pad, sensing means and/or chambers, may be located between the base and patient receiving portion or beneath the base and/or in or adjacent a torso region of the mattress. The mattress may be received on a frame or base of the bed and at least part of the monitoring apparatus, e.g. the pad, sensing means and/or chambers, may be located between the base of the mattress and the frame or base of the bed and/or in or adjacent a torso region of the mattress.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of monitoring patient movement. The method may comprise sensing temporally spaced data from sensor means between a patient and a substrate. The method may comprise comparing the temporally spaced data to detect movement of a patient.

Another, more specific aspect of the invention provides a method of monitoring patient movement, the method comprising sensing two or more temporally spaced fluid pressures in each of a plurality of chambers received between a patient and a substrate and comparing the temporally spaced fluid pressures to detect movement of the patient.

The method may comprise alerting a carer, for example when no movement of the patient is detected, such as within a predetermined time period. The method may comprise operating a dynamic air mattress system, for example when no movement of the patient is detected, e.g. within a predetermined time period.

The method may comprise determining or assigning one or more position identifiers, for example a position identifier as described above. The or each position identifier may be indicative of a patient resting position based on the fluid pressures sensed at each of a plurality of time intervals. The determining or assigning of the position identifier(s) may comprise aggregating sub-identifiers as described above and it will be appreciated that the method may comprise any one or more steps for implementing the aggregation of subidentifiers as described above.

The method may comprise alerting a carer or operating the dynamic air mattress system if the position identifier of the fluid pressures sensed at the beginning of the predetermined time period is the same as the position identifier of the fluid pressures sensed at the end of the predetermined time period. The method may comprise alerting a carer or operating the dynamic air mattress system if, e.g. only if, the position identifier of the fluid pressures sensed at each of one or more further time intervals during the predetermined time period is the same as the position identifier of the fluid pressures sensed at the beginning and end of the predetermined time period.

The method may comprise alerting a carer or operating the dynamic air mattress system if, e.g. only if, the position identifiers of the fluid pressures sensed at two or more, e.g. a predetermined number of, time intervals during the predetermined time period are the same. The method may comprise alerting a carer or operating the dynamic air mattress system if, e.g. only if, the position identifiers of the fluid pressures sensed at all time intervals during the predetermined time period are the same.

For the avoidance of doubt, any of the features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention. For example, the system or item of furniture may comprise any one or more features of the apparatus relevant thereto or vice versa and/or the method may comprise any one or more features or steps relevant to one or more features of the apparatus, item of furniture or system.

Another aspect of the invention provides a computer program element comprising and/or describing and/or defining a three-dimensional design for use with a simulation means or a three-dimensional additive or subtractive manufacturing means or device, e.g. a threedimensional printer or CNC machine, the three-dimensional design comprising an embodiment of any one or more components of the apparatus described above.

A further aspect of the invention provides a computer program element comprising computer readable program code means for causing a processor to execute a procedure to implement one or more steps of the aforementioned method.

A yet further aspect of the invention provides the computer program element embodied on a computer readable medium.

A yet further aspect of the invention provides a computer readable medium having a program stored thereon, where the program is arranged to make a computer execute a procedure to implement one or more steps of the aforementioned method.

A yet further aspect of the invention provides a control means or control system or controller comprising the aforementioned computer program element or computer readable medium.

For purposes of this disclosure, and notwithstanding the above, it is to be understood that any controller(s), control units and/or control modules described herein may each comprise a control unit or computational device having one or more electronic processors. The controller may comprise a single control unitor electronic controller or alternatively different functions of the control of the system or apparatus may be embodied in, or hosted in, different control units or controllers or control modules. As used herein, the terms “control unit” and “controller” will be understood to include both a single control unitor controller and a plurality of control units or controllers collectively operating to provide the required control functionality. A set of instructions could be provided which, when executed, cause said control I er(s) or control unit(s) or control module(s) to implement the control techniques described herein (including the method(s) described herein). The set of instructions may be embedded in one or more electronic processors, or alternatively, may be provided as software to be executed by one or more electronic processor(s). For example, a first controller may be implemented in software run on one or more electronic processors, and one or more other controllers may also be implemented in software run on or more electronic processors, optionally the same one or more processors as the first controller. It will be appreciated, however, that other arrangements are also useful, and therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to any particular arrangement. In any event, the set of instructions described herein may be embedded in a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory storage medium) that may comprise any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a machine or electronic processors/computational device, including, without limitation: a magnetic storage medium (e.g., floppy diskette); optical storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM); magneto optical storage medium; read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM ad EEPROM); flash memory; or electrical or other types of medium for storing such information/instructions.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. For the avoidance of doubt, the terms “may”, “and/or”, “e.g.”, “for example” and any similar term as used herein should be interpreted as non-limiting such that any feature so-described need not be present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not these are expressly claimed. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a monitoring apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1 taken along line A-A of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a mattress incorporating the monitoring apparatus of Figures 1 and 2; and

Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating a further arrangement in which the monitoring apparatus of Figures 1 and 2 is placed beneath a mattress.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a monitoring apparatus 1 for an individual (not shown), such as a patient. The monitoring apparatus 1 includes a pressure sensing pad 2 with four isolated pneumatic chambers 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, each fluidly connected to a control unit 4 by a respective pneumatic line 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, and an alert device 6 operatively connected to the control unit 4.

As shown more clearly in Figure 2, the pad 2 is formed of a pair of plastics sheets 20a, 20b. These sheets 20a, 20b are preferably formed of a polyurethane, polyvinylchloride, aliphatic or semi-aromatic polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene-vinyl acetate or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene based material. The sheets 20a, 20b are welded together along a series of weld lines 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d to form the chambers 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d. Each pneumatic line 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d is fluidly connected a respective chamber 3a, 3d, 3c, 3d by a fluid connector 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, which is welded to the uppermost sheet 20a adjacent an innermost corner of its respective chamber 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d.

Each chamber 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d is formed in a respective quadrant 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d of the pad 2. The chambers 3a, 3b of the uppermost quadrants 22a, 22b are for placement beneath shoulders of a patient (not shown) and the chambers 3c, 3d of the lowermost quadrants 22c, 22d are for placement beneath buttocks of the patient. In this embodiment, the chambers 3a, 3b of the uppermost quadrants 22a, 22b are separated from the adjacent chambers 3c, 3d of the lowermost quadrants 22c, 22d by spaces Si. The chambers 3a, 3b formed in the uppermost quadrants 22a, 22b are separated from one another by a space S2, as are the chambers 3c, 3d formed in the lowermost quadrants 22c, 22d.

The controller 4 and pneumatic lines 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d are all received within the space S2 between the chambers 3a, 3b formed in the uppermost quadrants 22a, 22b in this embodiment. As such, the chambers 3a, 3b prevent the controller 4 and pneumatic lines 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d from being crushed when pressure is applied to the pad 2.

Within each chamber 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d of the pad 2, there is received a plate 23 with a cushion element 24 thereon. Each plate 23 is in the form of a rigid plastics sheet having a thickness of approximately 2mm in this embodiment. Each cushion element 24 is coextensive with the plate 23 and is a foam sheet having a thickness of 6mm in this embodiment. The plate 23 and cushion element 24 are smaller in plan than the chamber 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d within which they are received, but extend across a substantial proportion, approximately 90%, thereof.

The control unit 4 includes a pressure sensing module 40 and a control module 41. The pressure sensing module 40 includes four pressure transducers (not shown) in this embodiment, each of which is fluidly connected to one of the lines 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d. The control module 41 includes a processor (not shown), memory (not shown) and antenna 42 for wireless communication with one or more remote devices, such as those shown in Figures 3 and 4 which include a mobile device 11, such as a smartphone or tablet computer, and a personal computer 12, such as a nurse’s station.

In this embodiment, the monitoring apparatus 1 also includes an alert device 6 connected to the control module 41 of the control unit 4 by a cable 60. The alert device 6 is configured to receive an alert signal from the control module 41 of the control unit 4 and to generate a visual and/or audible alarm therefrom. The alert device 6 includes a visual indicator 60 and audible alarm generator (not shown). However, the alert device 6 is optional, in particular given that the control module 41 is capable of wireless communication in this embodiment. It is equally envisaged that the monitoring apparatus 1 could be operatively connected to one of the remote devices 11, 12 by a cable (not shown) or that it may include only the alert device 6, with any wired or wireless communication means 42 being omitted altogether.

The pressure sensing module 40 is configured to measure the pressure in each chamber 3a, 3b, 3c. The control module 41 is configured, e.g. programmed, to receive pressure data from the pressure sensing module 40. In this embodiment, the control module 41 includes a timer and is configured to capture pressure data from the pressure sensing module 40 at regular time intervals, for example but without limitation every 1,2 or 5 seconds. The control module 41 is configured to compile the data captured at each interval into a dataset, thereby capturing temporally spaced datasets. The control module 41 is further configured to compare the temporally spaced datasets to detect movement of a patient.

More specifically, the control module 40 is configured to assign to each temporally spaced dataset a position identifier, which is indicative of a patient resting position. In this embodiment, the position identifier is a binary string that is based on an aggregate of subidentifiers, although it may comprise an alphanumeric string and/or may be assigned directly, without the need for sub-identifiers.

Each sub-identifier is assigned based on the pressure measured from a respective one of chambers 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d. The sub-identifier is allocated by comparing the measured pressure value to a series of pressure ranges, each having a respective sub-identifier associated with it. For example and without limitation, a first sub-identifier may be allocated to pressure values ranging from 0-2kPa, a second sub-identifier may be allocated to pressure values ranging from 2-4kPa and a third sub-identifier may be allocated to pressure values ranging from 4-6kPa. The position identifier is then determined by combining the sub-identifiers or by applying an algorithm to calculate a unique identifier associated with that particular position.

The control module 41 is also configured to generate an alert signal if the position identifier of the datasets remains unchanged for a predetermined number of time intervals, for example but without limitation 1,500 time intervals. As such, the control module 41 concludes that no movement, or at least no significant movement, was detected within a predetermined time period, that predetermined time period being the aggregate of the predetermined number of time intervals. By way of example but without limitation, the predetermined time interval may be 1 or 2 hours.

The control module 41 may alternatively be configured to compare the position identifiers in a more sophisticated manner. For example, the control module 41 may compare each position identifier with the position identifier captured a predetermined number of time intervals prior to that captured time interval and to conclude non-movement if these are found to be the same. As such, the control module 41 is able to conclude whether the position identifier associated with the beginning of the predetermined time period is the same as the position identifier associated with the end of the predetermined time period.

However, this approach could lead to unnecessary repositioning of the patient. As such, the control module 41 may be configured to generate the alert signal if, e.g. only if, the position identifiers of a predetermined proportion of the datasets captured during the predetermined time period are the same as those associated with the beginning and end of the predetermined time period. The proportion may, for example and without limitation, comprise or be measured as a percentage of the total number of datasets, e.g. 90%. As such, any short movements away from a particular position followed by a return to the same position would be classed as non-movement by the monitoring system 1.

In this embodiment, both the predetermined time period and the predetermined time intervals are adjustable using one of the remote devices 11, 12 connected to the control unit 41. In other embodiments, the monitoring apparatus 1 may include a physical input device (not shown). The control module 41 is configured to receive a desired time period and/or a desired time interval from an input, which may be implement through hardware or software, and to adjust the predetermined time period and/or the predetermined time interval to correspond to the desired time period or the desired time interval, respectively.

The alert signal generated as described above is then sent to the alert device 6 and to one or both of the remote devices 11,12. Additionally or alternatively, the or a further alert signal generated by the alert means may comprise a wired or wireless communication signal, which may be sent to one or both of the remote devices 11, 12 for alerting the carer.

In use and as illustrated in Figure 3, the monitoring apparatus 1 may form part of a system 10 including the aforementioned remote devices 11, 12 and a mattress 13. The mattress includes a first, patient receiving portion 14 which is profiled and formed of a soft, foam material and a second, base portion 15 formed of a foam material that is more rigid than the patient receiving portion 14. The base portion 15 includes a central, longitudinal depression 15a that extends from one of its ends to the other and within which the patient receiving portion 14 is received such that the upper surface of the patient receiving portion is substantially flush with the sides of the base portion 15.

In this embodiment, the pad 2 of the monitoring apparatus 1 is placed beneath the mattress 13, under a torso region thereof, such that it lies between a lower surface of the base portion 15 and a substrate, for example a bed frame or base (not shown). As explained above, the pad 2 is placed such that the chambers 3a, 3b of the uppermost quadrants 22a, 22b are beneath the regions of the mattress 13 that receive shoulders of the patient and such that the chambers 3c, 3d of the lowermost quadrants 22c, 22d are beneath the regions of the mattress that receive buttocks of the patient.

In use, a patient’s bony protuberanceswill create high pressure regions across the mattress 13, which will be transmitted through the patient receiving portion 14 and the base portion 15 to the chambers 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d of the monitoring apparatus 1. The pressure in each of the chambers 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d is then read by the pressure sensing module 40 and the control module 41 carries out the process described above to monitor the movement, or nonmovement, of the patient and to generate the alert signals and alert one or more carers of the need to reposition or turn the patient. It is also envisaged that the data captured by the control module 41 may also be stored for later use or analysis and/or may be used to adapt one or more characteristics of the patient care requirements. As an example, the data may be used to determine whether or not the patient should be transferred to a bed incorporating a dynamic air mattress system.

Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a monitoring system 100 according to another embodiment of the invention, which is similar to that of Figure 3, wherein like references depict like features that will not be described further. The monitoring system 100 according to this embodiment differs from the monitoring system 10 of Figure 3 in that the alert device 6 is omitted from the monitoring apparatus 101 and the monitoring apparatus 101 is incorporated within the mattress 13, between the patient receiving portion 14 and the base portion 15. The positioning of the monitoring apparatus 101 in the torso region is, however, the same.

The monitoring system 10, 100 according to either embodiment may include a plurality of mattresses 13 and monitoring apparatus 1, 101. As such, carers may monitor multiple patients simultaneously and/or may be alerted automatically without the need to monitor them continuously. The monitoring system 10, 100 may also include multiple mobile devices 11 such that each of a plurality of carers, such as nursing staff, may simultaneously monitor one or multiple patients and/or be alerted automatically without the need to monitor them continuously. In such circumstances, the monitoring system 10, 100 will automatically detect repositioning of the patient and reset the time period without the need for the carer to take any further action.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations to the aforementioned embodiments are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the monitoring apparatus 1 could include more or less than four chambers 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d. Indeed, the chambers 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d may comprise hydraulic chambers and/or be replaced with any other suitable sensing means, although fluid pressure is preferred for the reasons given above and those that would be appreciated by the skilled person.

It is also envisaged that the monitoring apparatus 1 may be used or incorporated in another item of furniture, such as a sofa, chair or any other suitable support device. In some cases, it may be beneficial to incorporate the monitoring apparatus 1 in a dynamic air mattress system, for example to control its operation.

It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

1. A patient monitoring apparatus comprising a plurality of chambers for use between a patient and a substrate, pressure sensing means for sensing a fluid pressure within each chamber and control means operatively connected to the pressure sensing means, wherein the control means is configured to receive, in use, from the pressure sensing means temporally spaced datasets and to compare the datasets to detect movement of a patient.

2. Monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means is configured to generate a signal indicative of a lack of movement of a patient within a predetermined time period.

3. Monitoring apparatus according to claim 2 comprising an alert means operatively connected to the control means and configured to alert a carer when the signal is generated.

4. Monitoring apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the alert means comprises an audible and/or visual alarm.

5. Monitoring apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the alert means comprises a wireless communication means for sending an alert signal to a remote device for alerting the carer.

6. Monitoring apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the control means is configured to send the signal to a dynamic air mattress system.

7. Monitoring apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the control means is configured to assign to each dataset a position identifier indicative of a patient resting position, the control means being configured to generate the signal if the position identifier of the dataset associated with the beginning of the predetermined time period is the same as the position identifier of the dataset associated with the end of the predetermined time period.

8. Monitoring apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control means is configured to generate the signal only if the position identifier of at least one further dataset during the predetermined time period is the same as the position identifier of the datasets associated with the beginning and end of the predetermined time period.

9. Monitoring apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the control means is configured to generate the signal only if the position identifier of all datasets during the predetermined time period are the same.

10. Monitoring apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising a pad formed of opposed sheets welded together to form isolated cavities each providing one of the chambers.

11. Monitoring apparatus according to claim 10 comprising a plate in each chamber which is more rigid than the opposed sheets.

12. Monitoring apparatus according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the pad includes four quadrants each comprising one of the chambers.

13. Monitoring apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein each chamber includes a port fluidly connected to the pressure sensing means.

14. Monitoring apparatus according to claim 13 comprising a control unit including the control means and the pressure sensing means, the pressure sensing means comprising one or more pressure transducers.

15. Monitoring apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the control unit is mounted to the pad.

16. Monitoring system comprising a plurality of monitoring apparatus according to any preceding claim and a remote monitoring means operatively connected to and/or for communicating with each monitoring apparatus for receiving data and/or signals therefrom.

17. Monitoring system according to claim 16, wherein the remote monitoring means comprises a server or personal computer.

18. Monitoring system according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the or a further remote monitoring means comprises a portable mobile telecommunications device.

19. A seat or bed comprising a substrate, a cushioning element on the substrate and a patient monitoring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the plurality of chambers of the patient monitoring apparatus are between the cushioning element and the substrate.

20. A method of monitoring patient movement, the method comprising sensing two or more temporally spaced fluid pressures in each of a plurality of chambers received between a patient and a substrate and comparing the temporally spaced fluid pressures to detect movement of the patient.

21. Method according to claim 20 comprising alerting a carer when no movement of the patient is detected within a predetermined time period.

22. Method according to claim 20 or claim 21 comprising operating a dynamic air mattress system when no movement of the patient is detected within a predetermined time period.

23. Method according to claim 21 or claim 22 comprising assigning a position identifier indicative of a patient resting position based on the fluid pressures sensed at each of a plurality of time intervals and alerting a carer or operating the dynamic air mattress system if the position identifier of the fluid pressures sensed at the beginning of the predetermined time period is the same as the position identifier of the fluid pressures sensed at the end of the predetermined time period.

24. Method according to claim 23 comprising alerting a carer or operating the dynamic air mattress system only if the position identifier of the fluid pressures sensed at a further time interval during the predetermined time period is the same as the position identifier of the fluid pressures sensed at the beginning and end of the predetermined time period.

25. Method according to claim 23 or claim 24 comprising alerting a carer or operating the dynamic air mattress system only if the position identifiers of the fluid pressures sensed every time interval during the predetermined time period are the same.