A ZigBee-based wireless monitoring and automatic information pushing and caution system for pressure ulcer prevention

Pressure ulcer (PU) was caused by tissue necrosis due to long term pressure. We developed a ZigBee-based wireless monitoring and alarm system for pressure ulcer prevention. It uses pressure sensors in a ZigBee network to monitor pressured positions for patients. The system monitors the position in real time; makes position diagnosis; identifies a position at risk; and actively sends alarm messages to staff designated for PU management. The success rate of data collection was above 90% and the position diagnosis is 100% consistent with statistical clustering results and videotaping records. The alarm message was also successfully delivered to client devices. The pressure ulcer prevention system is therefore feasible for clinical use to assure the prevention of pressure ulcer and increase the quality of healthcare.