Nurses in Hsinchu are singing the praises of a new innovation in hospital technology. A new smart bed pad uses fiber optics to monitor a patient''s condition while they lie in bed. It sends the information straight to nurses, helping them monitor many patients at a safe distance. The hospital in Hsinchu where it was launched hopes the invention could reduce risks for staff as well as patients.
It looks like a normal white bed pad laid beneath the pillow or sheet. It’s thin enough to go without notice when you lie down. But it’s no ordinary sheet.
Wu Chia-sui
NTU Hospital Hsinchu Branch nursing supervisor
We can see the state of the patient’s breathing in real time on our screen. We had a patient who said to us, “Goodness, your nurses are so incredible. You knew it as soon as I coughed or wasn’t sleeping soundly – so professional.” Our nurses were all delighted to receive such feedback.
This smart fiber optics bed pad works with a 24-hour automatic care system. The patient’s stats, including breathing, sleep, coughing and movement, all appear on the nurses’ screen, allowing them to spot abnormalities from far off and reducing the burden of continuous ward rounds.
Prof. Yu Chong-jen
NTU Hospital Hsinchu Branch head
It can reduce the requirements for nurses to go on and off wards to monitor patients, including the PPE they must put on and take off, as well as the infection risks involved in contact with the patients. At the same time, the patients are also receiving extremely prompt protection for their safety.
A technology company worked with NTU Hospital Hsinchu Branch to introduce the system. Doctors say it is a blessing for both patients and nurses.
Yang Shu-chen
Tech industry
Our smart fiber optics bed pad is only 2 centimeters thick. It’s a non-invasive fiber optics monitoring system, based on nFOPTR technology, and can continuously monitor the patient’s health and safety, providing an alert when there’s an irregularity. It doesn’t wait until the blood oxygen is already below 94% and it’s very serious. It warns you in advance.
The system is suitable for use in care homes as well as hospitals. It’s easy to install and remove, and doesn’t cause patients any discomfort. Nurses say it could become a great help for them, especially if patient numbers grow.
