Development of Smart Clothing to Prevent Pressure Injuries in Bedridden Persons and/or with Severely Impaired Mobility: 4NoPressure Research Protocol

Abstract

Pressure injuries (PIs) are a major public health problem and can be used as quality-of-care indicators. An incipient development in the field of medical devices takes the form of Smart Health Textiles, which can possess innovative properties such as thermoregulation, sensing, and antibacterial control. This protocol aims to describe the process for the development of a new type of smart clothing for individuals with reduced mobility and/or who are bedridden in order to prevent PIs. This paper’s main purpose is to present the eight phases of the project, each consisting of tasks in specific phases: (i) product and process requirements and specifications; (ii and iii) study of the fibrous structure technology, textiles, and design; (iv and v) investigation of the sensor technology with respect to pressure, temperature, humidity, and bioactive properties; (vi and vii) production layout and adaptations in the manufacturing process; (viii) clinical trial. This project will introduce a new structural system and design for smart clothing to prevent PIs. New materials and architectures will be studied that provide better pressure relief, thermo-physiological control of the cutaneous microclimate, and personalisation of care.

Design of Innovative Clothing for Pressure Injury Prevention: End-User Evaluation in a Mixed-Methods Study

“…Another significant limitation is related to the images of the evaluated product. The study project [ 19 ] has filed a patent application and is awaiting the opinion of the regulatory agencies.…”

“…This approach aims to understand the needs and characteristics of the users to improve the product being developed. As part of this approach, an exploratory study was conducted to assess the need for potential pajamas to reduce PIs in persons with BRLM [ 16 , 19 ].…”

“…The research was conducted within the scope of the Health Sciences Research Unit: Nursing (UICISA: E), and data collection took place at the facilities of the Nursing School of Coimbra (ESEnfC) in Portugal. The recruitment of participants and the step-by-step implementation of the methodological approach (QUAN + QUAL) were started according to the planned strategy and protocol of the 4NoPressure project [ 19 ].…”

“…The 4NoPressure project [ 19 ] aims to investigate and develop a clothing typology of Smart Health Textiles for preventing PIs in people with reduced mobility or who are bedridden, with pressure, temperature, and humidity biosensors [ 16 , 19 ]. The project aims to develop the textile typology in eight phases, involving the application of clinical research and industrial and experimental processes [ 19 ].…”

Shaping the Future of Cardiac Wellness: Exploring Revolutionary Approaches in Disease Management and Prevention

“…Smart clothing can incorporate sensors that track the user's heart rate, breathing rate, and physical activity levels. Smart clothing can also monitor the user's posture and provide alerts if the user is sitting or standing in a way that could be harmful to their cardiovascular health [156]. [157].…”