Electrical & Computer Engineering, CenSSIS, Northeastern University, & Susan H. Ventura, PT, PhD, ATP, Physical Therapy, Northeastern University
ABSTRACT:
The Pressure Ulcer Risk Evaluation System (PURES) is an interdisciplinary research project being conducted by physical therapy (PT), electrical engineering, and computer engineering students with a goal of improving existing technology in pressure ulcer risk assessment. To investigate what areas of improvement would be most beneficial in a clinical setting, a focus group involving eight clinicians (PTs and OTs who are also ATPs) was conducted. The two questions posed to the focus group were: 1) What improvements or expansions in pressure mapping technology would be most beneficial for assessing which cushion meets the needs of a particular individual? 2) What type of data would be most beneficial in justifying the cost the cushion prescribed?
KEYWORDS:
pressure mapping; pressure ulcers; risks factors; assessment; technology.
Author Contact Information:
Celia M. Rodrigues, PTS, Northeastern University, Department of Physical Therapy, 360 Huntington Avenue, 301K RB, Boston, MA 02115, EMAIL: rodrigues.ce@husky.neu.edu