Activerest: Design of a graphical interface for the remote use of continuous and holistic care providers

Abstract

One of the most prevalent physical limitations of both aging and accidents is immobility. Being bedridden requires great care to avoid the formation of pressure ulcers. Thus, the ‘ActiveRest’ project aimed to develop a textile mattress guard that will contribute to the prevention of pressure ulcers. This textile mattress guard integrates a monitoring system, based on a network of sensors (pressure, temperature, humidity), coupled with an intelligent non-invasive actuation system. The major innovation is that the actuation system only acts around high pressure loci, effectively relieving pressure in those critical areas. This system can operate autonomously and continuously adjusts its response to the data obtained by the real-time pressure sensor network. In addition, the system encompasses a mobile application that communicates in real-time with the mattress guard, and that enables caregivers to monitor the condition of a patient (and even receive an alert whenever their direct action is required). In the scope of ActiveRest, this paper describes the work pertaining to the digital technology component of the system, namely the graphic design and the development of the App necessary to convey the data to the caregiver. In this case, the main focus was the design of a graphic user interface, simple and customized towards distinct target audiences, which will facilitate the caregiver's work and interaction with the pressure ulcer prevention system.