'Smart beds' can improve safety

New beds help patients stay safe, while 'smart' capabilities help nurses analyze information and improve patient care

By Healthcare Facilities Today


Hospital beds are where most patients spend the majority of their time, after all, and new "smart beds," help patients stay safe, while "smart" capabilities help nurses analyze information and improve patient care. The beds connect to EMR networks to send patient data and help nurses monitor patient statistics such as movement and weight changes, according to an article on the DotMed website. 

Technology companies are joining in the smart bed trend, too, offering useful tools that can work in harmony with the beds to yield even more valuable data, the article said. 

Innovations are giving the industry a boost. Thanks to the rise of the “smart bed,” the industry is slated to grow at a rate of 4.2 percent over the next few years. The industry was worth $2.5 billion in 2012, according to an IBISWorld market research report. 

One major focus of “smart bed” advances is improving patient safety and comfort throughout a potentially lengthy hospital stay. Though patient safety has always been a focus, the Affordable Care Act has made patient satisfaction and comfort even more important. 

Falls in particular are a point of concern. Smart beds use a sensor, placed under the mattress, to help prevent patient falls. Rather than just letting nurses know when a patient is getting out of bed, the technology also creates reports of patient movement that nurses can look at for patterns. 

Read the article.

 

 



January 22, 2014


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Design Plays a Role in the Future of Healthcare

With no healthcare facilities popping up, designers need to create spaces that will stand the test of time.


Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center GW Health Officially Opens

It is the first freestanding, full-service hospital to be constructed in Washington, D.C., in over 25 years.


Designing Healthcare Facilities for Pediatric and Geriatric Populations

Understanding the nuanced needs of both age groups is essential to creating supportive multi-generational environments.


Kaiser Permanente Announces New Hospital Tower at Sunnyside Medical Center

It plans to open this new facility on the campus in 2029.


Building Disaster Resilience Through Collaboration

The ability to respond quickly and recover effectively depends on the strength of an organization’s external bonds.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.