Feasibility and validation of a novel mobility monitoring sensor in hospitalized patients: A prospective cohort study

Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) are a preventable source of patient harm, contributing to morbidity, mortality, and billions in healthcare costs. Risk assessment tools rely on subjective evaluation and may not accurately capture real-time mobility. Existing technologies have not been widely adopted and have failed to significantly reduce HAPI rates. Our study explores the feasibility of a novel, wireless mattress-attachable motion sensor designed for continuous mobility monitoring in hospitalized patients.

Sensor accuracy was first validated against video analysis in three healthy volunteers. A single-arm prospective cohort study was then conducted in hospitalized patients. A motion sensor was attached to each patient's bed to continuously record movement. Sensor-derived mobility data were compared with nursing-assessed mobility scores and other patient characteristics. Simulated immobility alerts were generated based on periods of inactivity.

The sensor's movement detection strongly correlated with video-based analysis in three healthy volunteers (r = 0.89, 95% CI [0.51, 0.99]). Forty-seven patients were enrolled with an average of 9.7 movements/hour and average recording duration of 22.9 hours. No significant differences in age, comorbidities, or nursing mobility scores were observed between high- and low-movement groups. Simulated immobility alerts identified 15 patients who would have triggered a notification, predominantly those with lower movement and BMI.

The sensor system provides objective mobility data and overcomes limitations of current assessment tools. These findings support its potential role in pressure injury prevention and highlight key areas for future clinical integration.