System and methods for monitoring caregiver performance

• US 20100057543A1
• Filed: 06/01/2009
• Published: 03/04/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/19/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Proacticare LLC
• Original Assignee: Proacticare LLC
• Inventors: Ross, John, Dring, Barton
• Granted Patent: US 8,154,413 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/11
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/043 in a linear array
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/002 Monitoring the patient using a local or closed circuit, e.g. in a room or building A61B5/0017 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0022 Monitoring a patient using a global network, e.g. telephone networks, internet
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1115 Monitoring leaving of a patient support, e.g. a bed or a wheelchair
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1118 Determining activity level
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1126 using a particular sensing technique
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/447 specially adapted for aiding the prevention of ulcer or pressure sore development, i.e. before the ulcer or sore has developed
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6892 Mats
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/20 for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities, e.g. managing hospital staff or surgery rooms

Abstract

Systems and methods for monitoring the performance of a caregiver are disclosed. The systems may be configured to monitor the movement of each subject in a network of subjects. One such system includes a plurality of strips adhered in spaced-apart relation on a mattress pad, upon which a subject is positioned. One or more transmitter is provided coupled to the plurality of strips. A processor is connected to the one or more transmitter. The processor is provided with operating software to record and report caregiver activity or both caregiver activity and subject activity.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring performance of a caregiver, the system comprising:

one or more sensors, wherein each of said one or more sensors is capable of sensing movement of a subject and capable of generating a signal resultant from the movement of the subject, wherein said one or more sensors includes a conductive paint;

a processor in communication with said one or more sensors, said processor being provided with computer readable code for tracking information relative to the caregiver and generating a report related to the performance of the caregiver.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a subject support device having said one or more sensors attached thereto.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said one or more sensors are adhered to said subject support device.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein said one or more sensors are embedded inside said subject support device.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein said one or more sensors is capable of detecting a change of orientation or position of the subject.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a transmitter for transmitting signals generated by said one or more sensors and conveying said signals to said processor.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein said transmitter is wireless.

8. A system for sensing a change of position or status of a subject, the system comprising:

a subject support device for supporting the subject;

a sensor array placeable below the subject, wherein said sensor array includes a conductive paint material having an active capacitance electrical field sensitivity and capable of creating signals based on the electrical field sensed directly received from the subject positioned on said subject support device;

a plurality of transmitters, each of said plurality of transmitters being coupled with said sensor array; and

a processor in communication with said plurality of transmitters, wherein said processor is provided with computer readable code for tracking information.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein said processor receives signals from said plurality of transmitters at a frequency of at least two signals per second.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein said processor is configured to provide a customized report relating to the performance of a caregiver.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein said processor is configured to provide a customized report relating to the subject.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein said plurality of transmitters transmit said information to a database.

13. The system of claim 8, wherein said processor time and data stamps said information.

14. A method for monitoring a subject, comprising the steps of:

providing one or more active capacitance sensors, wherein the one or more sensors include conductive paint;

periodically querying the one or more active capacitance sensors for signals drawn directly from the subject;

converting the signals drawn directly from the subject to data related to the subject;

transmitting the data to a processor;

processing the data to determine whether a change of position or status of the subject has occurred;

tracking information relative to a caregiver; and

outputting the data and information in a user-selected manner related to performance of the caregiver.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said providing step further comprises the step of supplying a subject support device.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the one or more active capacitance sensors are positioned inside the subject support device.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the one or more active capacitance sensors are positioned on top of the subject support device.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more active capacitance sensors are queried approximately twice per second.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein said transmitting step occurs through at least one protocol selected from the group comprising LAN-based data transmission, wireless data transmission, infrared transmission, Bluetooth™

transmission, and RF transmission.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein said outputting step further comprises the step of generating a report relating to the performance of a caregiver.