Desert Valley Medical Center (DVMC) is deploying the wireless Leaf Patient Monitoring System in its emergency department to help clinicians prevent hospital acquired pressure ulcers.

The FDA-cleared Leaf system is comprised of a small, wearable sensor that electronically monitors a patient’s position and movements. Data collected by the sensor is sent wirelessly to central monitoring stations or mobile devices so that caregivers can check on patient position and movement. The system provides alerts when necessary to ensure that all patients wearing a Leaf Sensor are repositioned according to their prescribed turning schedules to reduce incidence of pressure ulcers.

Using the Leaf Patient Monitor in the hospital’s emergency department enables the clinical staff to monitor patients who are being observed.Located in Victorville, California, Desert Valley is a community hospital serving some higher risk populations, including elderly and bariatric patients. Using the Leaf Patient Monitor in the hospital’s emergency department enables the clinical staff to monitor patients who are being observed.

The hospital deployed Leaf technology throughout its 148-bed facility on March 3, 2015. During the first 30 days of use, hospital staff will assess how best to use the technology to protect patients. Afterward, the system’s use will become part of the institution’s patient safety protocols.

“At any hospital, patients are being taken care of by humans and humans can make mistakes,” said Patrick Reinhard, chief nursing officer. “We believe the Leaf system can help us identify those mistakes before they compound to create a medical problem for our patients.”

One study found that using Leaf sensor increased compliance with hospital turn protocols – a standard of care to prevent pressure ulcers – from a baseline of 64% at the start of the trial to 98% after the monitoring system was deployed.