End-User Assessment of an Innovative Clothing-Based Sensor Developed for Pressure Injury Prevention: A Mixed-Method Study

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate a clothing prototype that incorporates sensors for the evaluation of pressure, temperature, and humidity for the prevention of pressure injuries, namely regarding physical and comfort requirements. A mixed-method approach was used with concurrent quantitative and qualitative data triangulation. A structured questionnaire was applied before a focus group of experts to evaluate the sensor prototypes. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and the discourse of the collective subject, followed by method integration and meta-inferences. Nine nurses, experts in this topic, aged 32.66 ± 6.28 years and with a time of profession of 10.88 ± 6.19 years, participated in the study. Prototype A presented low evaluation in stiffness (1.56 ± 1.01) and roughness (2.11 ± 1.17). Prototype B showed smaller values in dimension (2.77 ± 0.83) and stiffness (3.00 ± 1.22). Embroidery was assessed as inadequate in terms of stiffness (1.88 ± 1.05) and roughness (2.44 ± 1.01). The results from the questionnaires and focus groups’ show low adequacy as to stiffness, roughness, and comfort. The participants highlighted the need for improvements regarding stiffness and comfort, suggesting new proposals for the development of sensors for clothing. The main conclusions are that Prototype A presented the lowest average scores relative to rigidity (1.56 ± 1.01), considered inadequate. This dimension of Prototype B was evaluated as slightly adequate (2.77 ± 0.83). The rigidity (1.88 ± 1.05) of Prototype A + B + embroidery was evaluated as inadequate. The prototype revealed clothing sensors with low adequacy regarding the physical requirements, such as stiffness or roughness. Improvements are needed regarding the stiffness and roughness for the safety and comfort characteristics of the device evaluated.

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

“…The 4NoPressure project proposes the development of a new type of smart clothing based on a novel structural and system concept incorporating a unified matrix of sensors for the monitoring and detection of areas critical for PI occurrence in people with severely reduced mobility and/or who are bedridden [27,28]. Additionally, the project aims to study the use of fibres with distinct and complementary properties that act on the reduction of the coefficient of friction and maintenance of microclimate through the use of phasechange materials (PCMs) incorporated into the fibres.…”

“…Additionally, the project aims to study the use of fibres with distinct and complementary properties that act on the reduction of the coefficient of friction and maintenance of microclimate through the use of phasechange materials (PCMs) incorporated into the fibres. To the best of our knowledge, there is a lack of MDs (or similar) that possess the innovative properties such as microclimate thermoregulation control and antimicrobial properties, among others, that correspond to the clinical needs for PI prevention [27,28].…”

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

“…However, research shows that end users do not use wearable devices due to unfamiliarity with their premise and design interface, and a lack of short-term results [ 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Thus, usability evaluations from laboratory prototypes using user-centered design can be promising in device development and potential usefulness, ease of use and learning, and user satisfaction [ 9 , 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”

“…Studies aimed at modeling and designing clothing for people with reduced mobility or who are bedridden need to condition issues related to ergonomic comfort. The definitions of ergonomic and design parameters for this type of clothing imply knowing their physical, social, and psychological characteristics, their limitations, safety, mobility, and interaction with support surfaces, and their hygiene and health care needs [ 9 , 16 , 17 , 18 ].…”

“…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 ].…”