Bedsores, or pressure injuries, are more than just a medical issue; they represent a significant challenge with physical, emotional, and financial implications for residents, staff, and healthcare facilities. These wounds, caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, highlight the urgent need for effective prevention and management strategies.
One innovative solution gaining traction is the use of under-sheet mats with sensors. These advanced tools can transform how facilities monitor residents and prevent pressure injuries, offering benefits that reduce the physical, emotional, and operational costs associated with these wounds.
The resident’s perspective and the physical and emotional toll
For residents, pressure injuries can be debilitating. They cause intense pain, limit mobility, and increase the risk of infection. Beyond the physical consequences, the emotional impact can be devastating. Residents may feel anxiety, frustration, or a sense of neglect, especially if their condition worsens over time.
How sensor mats can help residents
Under-sheet mats with sensors are designed to monitor a resident’s movements and position in real time. These mats alert caregivers when a resident has been in the same position for too long, enabling timely repositioning to relieve pressure on vulnerable areas.
By proactively preventing pressure buildup, sensor mats reduce the likelihood of pressure injuries, helping residents maintain healthier skin and a higher quality of life. These mats can be critical in ensuring effective healing for those already managing existing wounds.
The staff’s burden with increased workload and emotional strain
Caregivers often face significant challenges when managing pressure injuries, requiring ongoing attention, treatment, and documentation. This can increase stress and contribute to burnout, especially in healthcare facilities with limited staff.
How sensor mats help staff
Sensor mats act as an extra set of eyes, continuously monitoring residents and alerting staff to potential issues before they escalate. By providing precise, data-driven insights, these tools allow caregivers to prioritise their efforts more effectively.
For instance, the system can flag residents at higher risk due to prolonged immobility, ensuring staff intervene only when necessary. This reduces unnecessary strain, improves efficiency, and boosts morale by empowering staff with actionable information.
The facility’s operations’ financial and reputational costs
The cost of treating pressure injuries can be steep. Advanced wound care, hospitalisations, and legal repercussions can strain a facility’s budget. Pressure injuries also pose reputational risks, as families may perceive them as signs of neglect, potentially leading to loss of trust and negative reviews.
How sensor mats assist facilities
Sensor mats not only prevent costly medical interventions but also demonstrate a commitment to innovation and high-quality care. Healthcare facilities that invest in this technology can significantly reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers, minimising associated treatment costs and bolstering their reputation for proactive resident care.
Additionally, the data collected by sensor mats can generate reports demonstrating compliance with care standards, supporting accreditation and enhancing transparency with families.
A cost-effective and ethical prevention solution
Preventing pressure injuries is more affordable and ethical than treating them. While traditional methods like regular repositioning, proper nutrition, and pressure-relieving equipment remain essential, sensor mats represent a groundbreaking addition to the prevention toolkit.
The key benefits of sensor mats:
- Early alerts: Caregivers are notified before pressure ulcers develop, allowing for timely action.
- Continuous monitoring: The mats ensure no resident is overlooked, even during nighttime or busy shifts.
- Improved efficiency: Staff can focus their time and energy where needed most.
- Data-driven insights: Facilities gain valuable information to refine care strategies and demonstrate compliance.
The bottom line
Pressure injuries come with steep physical, emotional, and operational costs that innovation can significantly mitigate. Under-sheet mats with sensors offer a proactive solution that benefits everyone involved: residents experience less pain, staff work more efficiently, and facilities avoid pressure ulcers’ financial and reputational pitfalls.
Healthcare facilities can create safer, healthier environments and set a new standard for resident care by adopting technologies like sensor mats alongside traditional preventative measures. The cost of prevention, especially when backed by modern solutions, is always less than the price paid when pressure injuries are allowed to develop.