Trial run of using thermal imaging to prevent the formation of pressure ulcers in care home residents

During the 4-week trial run, the care home workers (referred to as “users”) were able to conclude that the prediction of pressure ulcer formation will be relieved significantly with the help of thermal imaging. According to the care workers, they were not able to image all the residents the care workers had hoped for during the trial run, but the imaged sampling of residents was sufficient to prove the usability and advantages of using thermal imaging for predicting the forming of pressure ulcers in highly immobile residents. Feedback was collected by interviewing the users after the trial run.

Both care home workers participating in the trial run experienced thermal imaging to be highly informative, assisting and assuring the care workers in their risk assessment of pressure ulcers. Both users experienced the imaging method to be user friendly and both parties praised the system for its immediate image analysis capabilities. Due to the imaging system being user-friendly, both users experienced utilizing the system to be easy, time efficient and overall pleasant. Both users experienced that thermal imaging was easy to adapt into their own workflow. Both users experienced thermal imaging to be both cost efficient, saving both time and funds, as well being an addition to furthering the wellbeing of the care home residents. Both users were positive that thermal imaging will make risk assessment and prevention of pressure ulcers significantly easier.

Normally the risk assessment of pressure ulcers in this care home was done by
assessing the condition of the skin visually and by interviewing care home personnel and if possible, the resident in question. Both users estimated that the need for excessive consultation of differing care personnel (doctors, nurses, physical therapists) will reduce significantly with the help of thermal imaging, making risk assessment more time and cost-efficient, enabling immediate action in care adjustments. After the trial run was concluded, a customised imaging protocol was created for the care home in question, based on the experiences of the participating users. With the help of the imaging protocol, the care home integrated thermal imaging into their care routines, continuing imaging permanent residents as well as imaging every new resident, alleviating risk assessment of pressure ulcers upon arrival. Also new indications of use within the care home are explored, with a special interest in pain assessment as well as prevention of diabetic foot ulcers. The trial run was determined successful, which concluded in the care home purchasing the thermal imaging system for prevention of pressure ulcers.