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Technology Innovations
The area of focus of the Technology Innovations Division of the Patient Safety Center of Inquiry targets safety related to mobility for vulnerable patient populations, including persons with physical disabilities and the frail elderly. Our biomechanics laboratory enables us to research patient falls, safe wheelchair transfers, prevention of pressure ulcers, wheelchair posture, among other contemporary issues.
Mission
The mission of the Biomechanics Research Laboratory is to improve the quality of life for aging and disabled patients and their caregivers by applying biomechanical analysis, design, and development to patient care techniques and equipment.
Key Objectives
- To conduct applied biomechanics research that addresses current healthcare needs of VA patients and their caregivers.
- To make available a biomechanics laboratory environment for developing practical solutions to patient care problems.
- To disseminate the information.
- To transfer new technologies to the marketplace.
Intellectual Property
Our technology division has placed a strong emphasis on negotiating in advanace for intellectual property rights related to equipment design. It is our intent to negotiate Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) with all of our key partners. As a precursor to the CRADA, the Regional Counsel has assisted us in developing a Proprietary Information Agreement, negotiated at the local level to clarify ownership of new intellectual property arising from contracted endeavors. We have had greater success at initiating collaborative vendor partnerships using this simplified instrument. In addition, we have successfully patented technology solutions developed at the Patient Safety Center with the VHA Patents and Licensing Office.
Patient Safety Simulation/Communication Laboratory
Measurement technologies include: video technologies and a series of instrumented mannequins to standardize patient interactions, including a mannequin that contains unobtrusive sensors capable of quantifying the joint position (over-extension), joint force/torque, skin shear/friction, skin pressure distribution, and dignity monitors, capable of simulating combative behaviors and muscle spasms characteristic of unpredictable patient movements. Staffed with a nurse scientist and graduate students, the lab supports projects related to patient/provider communication, safe use of technology, and the safety, comfort and dignity of both patients and caregivers during patient tasks. This lab is useful to the PSCI in examining provider and organization level defenses for preventing multiple adverse events.
Gait and Balance Laboratory
Measurement technologies include: physiologic measures of gait patterns, balance reactions, and postural control using a Neurocom motion analysis system as well as a research-quality electromagnetic motion tracking system, which will be used to record and assess dynamic gait and movement patterns. Staffed with a PT, OT, a biomechanical engineer, and graduate students, this lab examines patient-level defenses for preventing adverse events related to falls.
Patient Safety Engineering and Modeling Laboratory
Measurement technologies include: Impact test instrument, milling machine, lathe, grinder, drill press, welder, compressor, and a wide assortment of metalworking and woodworking hand tools. Staffed with a mechanical engineer, technician and graduate students, this lab can evaluate existing technologies and construct prototypes of new technologies. This lab is useful to the PSCI in examining technological defenses to prevent falls, bedrail entrapments, wandering, and pressure ulcers, while promoting safe patient handling and movement.
Product Safety Evaluation Laboratory
This lab was established for testing and evaluating occupational health and safety technologies with the goal of standardization to determine optimal devices. This will, in turn, allow the medical surgical user group to standardize purchases and achieve cost savings while assuring the safest devices are being used. This lab will be useful to the PSCI by providing protocols and devices for testing technology defenses to prevent adverse events.
Safe Patient Room of the Future
View preliminary designs of a "Safe Patient Room of the Future " implementing the best current and future technologies to provide a safe environment for patients and caregivers. This concept room was designed to be a home environment, as part of an existing structure, or as an added space to accommodate patients up to and including those with spinal cord injury.
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