Patient Movement Detection System and Method

Abstract

A monitoring system and method tracks a patient's position over time and ensures that proper turning or other manipulation is done within the time prescribed. Preferably, the techniques herein continuously monitor patient position and alert medical or other personnel of the need for turning or other patient manipulation. The system may be implemented within a medical or other care facility, or within a patient's home.

1 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A monitoring system for monitoring a patient's orientation with respect to a support surface, for patients who have conditions that require monitoring of their body position, comprising:
 a sensor configured to output information representative of a patient's orientation with respect to a support surface; and   a base adapted to be wearable by a patient and configured to retain the sensor such that the sensor is coupled to the patient when retained on the base, the sensor and base further being configured to permit the sensor to be removed from the base and replaceable thereon.   
     
     
         11 . The monitoring system of  claim 10  wherein the base is disposable. 
     
     
         12 . The monitoring system of  claim 10  wherein the base is water-resistant. 
     
     
         13 . The monitoring system of  claim 10  wherein the base is sweat-resistant. 
     
     
         14 . The monitoring system of  claim 10  wherein the base comprises molded portions for retaining the sensor. 
     
     
         15 . A monitoring system for monitoring a patient's orientation with respect to a support surface, for patients who have conditions that require monitoring of their body position, comprising:
 a sensor adapted to be physically wearable by a patient and outputting information representative of the patient's body orientation with respect to a support surface; and   a base adapted to be coupled to a patient's skin for a period of time by means of a first type of adhesive, and adapted to be coupled to the sensor by means of a second type of adhesive, wherein the sensor is physically wearable by the patient when the base is adhered to the patient and the sensor is adhered to the base, and the sensor can be removed from and re-adhered to the base or replaced as needed.