Emfit - Sensing what matters

SafeBed IP consists of Emfit’s patented flexible sensor installed under the mattress or between two mattress layers, a monitor device that utilizes advanced digital signal processing, a standard data network (LAN or WLAN) that serves as the media for all communications, one or more monitoring computers with Emfit’s sophisticated DVM Suite software, and optionally for example DECT phone system for delivering alarm messages to nurses. It is also possible to use remote terminals installed in passageways showing all main status information and alarms. A conventional nurse call button, along with nurse-present, nurse-request-for-help and code-blue buttons are also included.

SafeBed IP uses Emfit’s DVM™ (discreet vitals monitoring) technology for measuring basic physiology (e.g. heart rate, respiration rate, movement activity) passively, from below the patient’s mattress, without any electrodes, leads, cuffs or cannula. SafeBed IP can be used for recording and visualizing in real time a sleeping person heart rate, BCG signal, respiratory rate and respiratory movement signal. It has other possible use too such as recording sleep time movements for sleep quality research. BCG and respiratory movement strength, HRV (heart rate variability), apnea periods and movement activity are also calculated and strored into SQL database. When needed the system can even give notification of faster continued movements such as muscle jerkings associated with tonic-clonic epileptic seizure.

SafeBed IP is integrated with basic nurse-call system functions: Wired patient nurse-call button, nurse present, nurse needs helps and code-blue button. It can be used for delivering patient nurse-call and giving information of person's presence in bed, notification of absence from bed (also with delay and timing), visualization of respiration movement and BCG, and calculated heart and respiratory rate.

The DVM™ technology was developed to enhance the care environment for both the customers and personnel. There are always patients who need special attention, who should not leave their beds without assistance and are not able to use a nurse-call button. In addition, nursing staff may be required to check a sleeping patient's status and are forced to wake the individual in order to do so. The DVM technology lowers the workload of nurses, alerts of patient falls and wanderings. It also provides better rest for patients by eliminating the need for night-time interruptions of sleep. Emfit SafeBed IP system increases the quality and efficiency of patient care, brings new safety and reduces staff work load. Technology can be used for adults and children in various care environments.

The Emfit sensor responds to small pressure changes caused by patient’s ballistocardiographic (BCG) and respiration movements, and generates a respective output voltage signal. Digital data acquisition and a signal processing monitor device use special algorithms developed by Emfit (patents pending) to among others calculate heart and respiration rates and movement activity from the sensor signal. The system transmits all alerts, events, and monitoring data over a standard data network, using standard IP protocol.

System utilizes standard structured cabling, which can carry not only IP based nurse-call system, but data, telecommunications, security, video and even entertainment. Therefore installation costs are low due to the multiple use of cabling and system is easy to expand. Bed-side devices need only access point to the standard cabling and installing new devices or making replacement is easy and fast unlike traditional nurse call systems. This keeps costs down through its scalability, flexibility and reliability.

The ability to manage and monitor all of the systems on the network remotely offers significant advantages and cost-savings for the maintenance. Any concerns can be easily resolved by organization IT specialists or by remote service.

All calculated values, among with all events such as nurse present button activation, are stored into SQL database and can be used for example for vitals trend tracking and nurse response time and work load reports.

The needs vary and Emfit SafeBed IP system is easily customized to meet the desired requirements. The system can cover one ward, building, or inter-connect several even over internet. It is possible to connect home care situations to one larger system too. Establishments like hospitals and elderly, mentally/physically disabled and psychiatric care facilities can benefit it. It can also be used in home care. System main software can be in another location and information can be delivered over internet. It is possible also build large systems with thousands homes connected to main software and database over internet. This can be useful in many kind research and home monitoring. System is scalable and easy to expand.

Emfit SafeBed IP system including bed-side device, bed sensor or floor sensor and DVM Suite software, complies with the essential requirements of EMC directive 2004/108/EC and CE mark directive 93/68/EEC and carries the CE marking accordingly. The whole system (hardware, embedded firmware and software) is designed to meet IEC 60601-1 3rd ed. medical device standard. System has already passed relevant EMC tests.

Currently system is sold as a non-medical hardware and software system for use with healthy persons only and is specifically not intended for diagnostic use, or for monitoring of vitals signs where the nature of variations could result in immediate danger to the person monitored. It is planned that after clinical validation by second half of 2010, system will be offered as Medical Device Class 2b, conforming with Medical Device Directive 93/42/EC. At that point new types of alerts e.g. of a prolonged high/low heart rate and high low respiratory rate will be included.