New Product Battles Pressure Ulcers

Start-up vendor Wellsense USA is developing a decision support system to enhance the effectiveness of repositioning of patients to prevent pressure ulcers.

The M.A.P. System (Monitor, Alert and Protect) is a bed pad with embedded pressure sensors. The system identifies areas of pressure and produces a color-coded live image on a bedside monitor, according to the Nashville, Tenn.-based company. The system monitors pressure build-up at preset intervals and issues an alert when repositioning is due.

Early tests at a hospital and long-term care facility show more effective management of efforts to reduce pressure ulcers and improved repositioning skills by caregivers, according to the company.

Wellsense expects this summer to conduct clinical trials at two large private and three government hospitals. Future enhancements include moisture and temperature sensors, and an early warning system to reduce bed falls by identifying patient movements that precede an unassisted bed exit. More information is available at themapsystem.com.

--Joseph Goedert