PATIENT-TURNING INTERVENTIONS ADDRESSING PRESSURE ulceRS

We are Team UTurn and the goal of our project was to create a low-cost solution to preventing bedsores among bedridden at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and at home. Aimed at preventing bedsores, we have designed a cost-effective and sustainable wound care intervention that will work to increase the efficiency of turning patients in the form of a patient-turning device coupled with an electronic turning reminder system. We have three main objectives:

1. To increase the efficiency of turning patients by developing zero-cost solutions for both patients and nurses.

2. To have these innovations accessible to all, ultimately ensuring comfort and well-being for all patients.

3. To create clear instructions that allow people from different literacy levels to construct our solution.

1. Repurposed T-Shirt Patient-Turning Tool

This innovative patient-turning device, crafted from repurposed t-shirts, improves the efficiency of patient repositioning in both hospital and home environments. It boasts a user-friendly design that is simple to construct, customizable, and easy to operate. We tested various t-shirt materials to find optimal strength properties. Comprehensive visual and video instructions are provided to facilitate the assembly and utilization of this device.

2. Repurposed T-Shirt Pillow

The t-shirt pillow is a creative solution made from used t-shirts and employs easily accessible recycled stuffing materials. Its primary function is to offer patient support and contribute to the prevention of pressure injuries. Written and visual instructions are provided for the simple construction of the device.

1. Bedsheet Patient-Turning Solution

This community intervention provides valuable guidance to home caregivers on the proper technique for repositioning/turning a patient using a household bedsheet. It serves as a resource for patient families and nurses seeking to enhance their patient-turning skills and maximize efficiency.

2. WhatsUp Electronic Turning Reminder System

The electronic turning reminder was inspired by the concept of "nudges." Nudges are subtle environmental changes known to influence behaviors. Our device provides nurses or families with a reminder, in this case an LED light, that will light up every two hours to encourage regular patient turning.