Human-Technology Interface

 

Patient Sensors Improving Patient Outcomes

            Passive Sensor Technology is being used by clinicians to monitor activity levels of the elderly.  The elderly have special needs that need addressing and the use of sensor technology can assist in these matters (Alexander, Wakefiedl, Rantz, Skubic, Aud, Erdelez, & Ghenaimi, 2011).  For example in independent living centers, sensors can detect when reduced activity has occurred, and early intervention can take place.  Robert Jennings, 86 has a system in his home which monitors a host of things, from motion in particular rooms to whether he has taken his medicine.   This information is collected about his daily habits and condition, and then relay that in real-time to doctors or family members (Sutter, 2010).  This technology enables early intervention when for example an elderly person has fallen and can't get up or reach a telephone to call for help.  Decrease movement by an elderly person can alert family members that something may be wrong. 



            A study was performed to determine the perception of elderly individuals and the idea of using sensors.  The study found that any system or technology that could prolong an elderly persons independence was well received (Steele, Lo, Secombe, & Wong, 2009). 

Elderly individuals felt they could remain independent, yet know that their healthcare providers are there if they are needed.  A nurturing and caring relationship can be maintained with healthcare providers and family because the elderly individuals remains independent, yet they know if something happens their family and healthcare providers will be alerted.   A trusting and caring relationship can  form between nurse and patient if the nurse relates to the patient in the here and now and interacts with technology after the patient assessment is completed.  Patients need a caring, and unquestioning relationship with the nurse that allows for optimal health and wellness. Maintaining focus on the actual patient while integrating technology as a tool to provide safe and competent care is vital in meeting the needs of the patient (Hill, 2013).  Through the use of a sensor for elderly patients, this relationship can be maintained.

 



 

References 

Alexander, G., Wakefield, B. Rantz, M., Skubic, M., Aud, M., Erdelez, S., & Ghenaimi, S. (2011).     Passive sensor technology interface to assess elder activity in independent living.  Nursing Research, 60(5), 311-325.

 

Hill, T. (2013). Invited Editorial: Caring and Technology. Online Journal of Nursing Informatics, 17 (3). Available at  http://ojni.org/issues/?p=2856.



Sutter, D. (2010).  Sensors monitor older people at home.  Information obtained February 4, 2015 from, http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/innovation/11/19/sensors.aging/. 

 

Steele, R., Lo, A., Secombe, C., Wong, Y. (2009).  Elderly persons' perception and acceptance of using wireless sensor networks to assist healthcare.  International Journal of Medical Informatics, 78, 788-801.