Applying the barometric formula, differences in height of a few centimeters can be recorded with high-resolution absolute pressure sensors attached to the patient. The position of a patient can also be controlled by relative pressure sensors affixed to beds or wheelchairs, for instance.
- Position monitoring
- Movement surveillance
Position monitoring
Patients who are hospitalized for a lengthier period often spend a lot of time in bed in a horizontal position. Pressure sensors can be built into hospital beds to ensure that patients have sufficient movement to prevent bed sores. Pneumatic mattress pads are often used which influence a patient’s lying position.
In applications like this the relative pressure must be measured in a range of up to 2 bar.
Patients in intensive care must often be kept in the same position (horizontal) – either because they are connected to medical equipment or as a result of their previous medical treatment. Sensitive pressure sensors attached to the patient’s body can detect whether the patient tries to sit up or not or whether his or her position is maintained.
In applications like this the absolute pressure must be measured in a range of up to 2 bar.
Movement surveillance
It may be necessary to monitor a patient’s movement for therapeutic reasons. Absolute or barometric pressure sensors which record the patient’s body position can be used to check whether the patient is lying down, sitting up, standing or walking. The same method of surveillance can be used with the frail and elderly who are in danger of suffering a fall.
In all of the above cases absolute or barometric pressure sensors with a high resolution of up to 2 bar are used.