Design, testing and performance optimization of pressure ulcer prevention bed for neonates

Abstract

In neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), the occurrence of pressure ulcers (PUs) among preterm infants is a significant clinical concern. These infants, often immobile for extended periods due to their critical conditions, are susceptible to developing PUs as a result of continuous pressure exerted by their own body weight against the bed surface. This issue is further exacerbated by the fact that neonatal skin is approximately 60% thinner than adult skin, making it more prone to damage and hampering blood flow from subcutaneous areas. Traditional methods of preventing PUs involve manual repositioning of infants by nursing staff, which is labor-intensive, inconsistent, and offers limited effectiveness, leading to additional workload and potential caregiver burnout. To address these challenges, an innovative anti-PU bed has been developed and rigorously tested. This bed is designed to automatically vary the contact pressure on the infant’s body, thereby reducing the risk of PU formation. The bed surface, made of silicone, incorporates a system of multi-channel fluid pressure actuation. This mechanism alternates between inflation and deflation cycles in different regions of the bed, effectively redistributing pressure away from any single point on the infant’s body. The contact pressure is monitored using an array of force-sensing resistors (FSRAs), which detect areas of high pressure. Data from these sensors are processed through a microcontroller using an electronic circuit based on the voltage divider principle. This setup enables real-time identification of high-pressure points, which are visualized through heat maps generated using MATLAB software. Comparative studies were conducted to evaluate the performance of the anti-PU bed against conventional bed systems currently used in NICUs. The results indicated a significant reduction in the incidence of PUs when using the anti-PU bed, highlighting its effectiveness in pressure management. The alternating pressure channel design not only mitigates the development of PUs but also significantly reduces the physical burden on nursing staff, allowing them to focus on other critical aspects of neonatal care. The anti-PU bed’s performance was further validated through finite element modeling (FEM) using Abaqus, which simulated the interaction between the infant’s body and the bed surface under varying pressure conditions. These simulations provided a robust understanding of how the bed design influences pressure distribution and skin integrity. In addition to the experimental and modeling efforts, a comprehensive analysis of clinical data was undertaken, along with feedback from nursing staff who interact with these systems daily. Statistical analysis of clinical outcomes demonstrated a marked reduction in PU cases among neonates using the anti-PU bed compared to those using traditional methods. Feedback from nursing staff reinforced these findings, emphasizing the bed’s role in improving the overall well-being of infants in NICUs. This study provides valuable insights into enhancing neonatal care by implementing advanced technological solutions to common clinical problems. The anti-PU bed represents a significant advancement in the prevention of pressure ulcers in vulnerable populations, offering a promising solution that combines clinical efficacy, caregiver efficiency, and improved patient outcomes. The findings from this research have profound implications for neonatal care practices, suggesting that integrating automated pressure management systems like the anti-PU bed could become a standard preventive measure in NICUs. Future work will focus on optimizing the design for widespread clinical implementation, exploring long-term outcomes of PU prevention, and potentially expanding this technology to other at-risk patient populations. The development and deployment of such innovative solutions are critical steps toward improving the quality of care and ensuring the safety and comfort of the most vulnerable patients in our healthcare systems.