Measurement and comparison of thermal and in-bed pressure data towards the prevention of pressure ulcers

摘要

This paper begins an examination of at-risk older adult patient data (pressure and thermal) to identify patterns that may related to pressure ulcer development. This paper examines one patient's pressure data resulting from one night of sleep and one set of thermal images captured the following morning. Thermal images were examined using contour and area calculations. The left heel was significantly colder; this was visually identifiable and confirmed by area comparisons. Pressure data was subjected to calibration and filtering by means of a threshold before temporal sensor averages and standard deviations (representing movement) were calculated. The sensors residing under the left heel experienced higher average pressure and less movement when compared to the right heel, which exerted less pressure and more movement. These results were visually identifiable and quantitatively confirmed. The results of this paper suggest that a relationship may exist between the sleeping behavior of patient and the long term temperature distribution of the feet. Future work involves exploration and quantification of a possible relationship between pressure patterns and thermal images, examination of all patient data as well as the introduction of posture recognition to account for patients who don't sleep in a supine position.