Preventing Pressure Injuries with Innovative Technology
Pressure injuries pose a significant risk in intense care settings, and once visible, they are harder to treat. Bruin Biometrics has developed a device that aims to prevent these sores from forming in the first place.
The Provizio SEM scanner is being used in the UK to detect pressure injuries at an early stage, allowing for timely intervention. CEO Martin Burns emphasizes the importance of addressing pressure injuries before they become a serious issue.
In the UK alone, over 700,000 individuals are affected by pressure ulcers annually, with a significant number occurring in individuals over the age of 60. These injuries commonly develop on bony areas of the body and are linked to health conditions or immobility.
By detecting pressure injuries early, the Provizio SEM scanner can help prevent the development of severe ulcers, reducing the need for complex treatments and lowering healthcare costs. Monitoring patient positions and implementing timely interventions can significantly reduce the incidence of pressure injuries.
Improving Health Outcomes and Saving Nursing Time
A study conducted by nurses at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde trust showed that the SEM scanner reduced pressure damage, enhanced nurses’ knowledge, and decreased the need for patient repositioning. This led to a substantial drop in pressure ulcer rates and a more efficient care pathway for wound management.
Furthermore, the technology has shown promise in addressing racial inequities in pressure injury diagnosis by effectively detecting early-stage damage in patients with darker skin tones. The device’s ability to identify at-risk patients early on has the potential to eliminate disparities in healthcare outcomes.
