Wireless Patient Bed Status Tracking System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient support apparatuses in healthcare facilities lose functionality when unplugged from power and data connectivity, making it difficult for caregivers to locate patients during emergencies, especially during transportation, leading to confusion and extended response times.
Innovation Solution
A patient-support status system with a user interface, location-detection system, and communication unit powered by a battery, enabling wireless communication of patient status and location data to a remote computer via RF, IR, or wireless transmission, allowing caregivers to quickly locate patients in emergency situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the call system is located on the patient support apparatus and connected to stationary power and data links, then the call system can function properly, but the call system loses functionality when the patient support apparatus is moved or unplugged
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static call system requiring stationary power connections to a dynamic system with mobile power supply (battery) and wireless communication capabilities, enabling functionality during patient transport throughout the healthcare facility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (physical power outlets and data cables) with wireless communication technology and battery-powered operation, eliminating the need for physical connections while maintaining call functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If the patient support apparatus is unplugged for transportation, then mobility is enabled, but the call system and location tracking become unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired data transmission with wireless communication technology, allowing location data and patient status information to be transmitted without physical connections to power or data networks
Solution Approach 2:
The battery-powered communication unit serves multiple functions: providing power to the call system, enabling wireless communication of patient status, and tracking location data, consolidating multiple critical functions into a single portable system
3Productivity
If caregivers must search for the nearest qualified caregiver during an emergency, then the emergency response process begins, but response time is extended due to unknown patient location
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously provides feedback regarding patient location and status to the remote monitoring system, enabling real-time awareness of patient position and condition without requiring manual searching or communication
Solution Approach 2:
The location-detection system and communication unit are pre-configured and continuously operational, establishing patient location tracking and emergency communication capabilities before emergencies occur, eliminating delays associated with locating patients during critical situations
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
Enables continuous communication and location tracking of patient support apparatuses during transportation, reducing response time and ensuring timely assistance in emergencies by providing accurate location information to caregivers.
Implementation Method 1
A battery is coupled to the patient support apparatus and configured to power the user interface, location detection system, and communication unit
Implementation Method 2
The communication unit communicates through a radio frequency (RF) transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A patient-support status system includes a patient support apparatus adapted to support a patient thereon. A user interface is coupled to the patient support apparatus to move therewith and configured to receive a user input associated with a status of the patient. A location-detection system is configured to provide location data associated with a location of the patient support apparatus in a healthcare facility. A communication unit is coupled to the patient support apparatus and configured to communicate the status and the location data to a remote computer in response to receipt of the user input.