Bed-Integrated Stroke Assessment Using Pressure and Motion Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stroke assessment methods, such as the NIHSS, are subjective and require clinician involvement, leading to variability in results and are time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An automated stroke assessment system using a patient support apparatus equipped with pressure sensors, motion detectors, a display unit, and an audio unit, which provides instructions to patients and objectively measures their responses to determine a stroke scale score without clinician intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated sensors and systems are used for stroke assessment, then objectivity and automation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides patient support (bed functions) while simultaneously integrating stroke assessment capabilities through pressure sensors, motion detectors, display units, and audio units. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve automated objective assessment without requiring entirely separate specialized equipment, thereby managing device complexity while improving measurement objectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple assessment modalities (pressure sensing, motion detection, visual display, audio instruction) into a single integrated system mounted on the patient support apparatus. By merging these components and their functions into one unified system, the patent achieves comprehensive automated stroke assessment while avoiding the complexity of coordinating multiple separate devices.
2Loss of time
If automated stroke assessment is implemented, then time required for assessment is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-assessment by the patient through automated instruction delivery via display and audio units, with sensors automatically detecting and recording responses. The patient independently completes assessment tasks (grasping, moving, speaking) while the system autonomously monitors and scores performance, eliminating clinician time requirements while managing complexity through automated self-service mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual clinician observation and scoring with automated sensor-based detection and computer-based scoring algorithms. Pressure sensors, motion detectors, and audio processors automatically capture patient responses and calculate stroke scale scores, substituting mechanical human assessment with automated electronic systems that reduce time while accepting increased device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and detection devices are integrated, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assessment system is divided into distinct functional modules: pressure sensing subsystem, motion detection subsystem, visual display subsystem, and audio subsystem. Each module independently performs specific detection functions, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive accurate assessment through segmented specialized components rather than a single complex undifferentiated system, thereby managing overall complexity while improving measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces subjectivity and time required for stroke assessment by objectively quantifying stroke symptoms, enabling automated scoring and integration with electronic medical records.
Implementation Method 1
one or more pressure sensors that can be grasped by a patient while the patient is supported on the patient support apparatus
Implementation Method 2
one or more motion detectors that detect movements of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A stroke scale system includes a patient support apparatus having one or more pressure sensors that can be grasped by a patient, one or more motion detectors that detect movements of the patient, a display unit, an audio unit; and a controller. The stroke scale system performs a series of stroke scale examinations. At least one stroke scale examination instructs the patient to grasp a portion of the patient support apparatus, and the pressure sensors determine compliance with the instructions by measuring an applied pressure to the portion of the patient support apparatus. The stroke scale system calculates a stroke scale score by combining scores determined from the series of stroke scale examinations.