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Project
Description
Narrative:
[Pollack, 2005] says “today, approximately 10 percent of the world’s
population is over 60; by 2050 this proportion will have more than doubled”
and “the greatest rate of increase is amongst the oldest old, people
aged 85 and older.” She follows by adding that this group is therefore
subject to both physical and cognitive impairments more than younger
people. These facts have a profound impact on how the world will keep
the elderly independent as long as possible from caregivers. Assistive
technology for the mobility impaired includes the wheelchair, lift aids
and other devices, all of which have been around for centuries. However,
the patient typically or eventually requires assistance to use the device;
whether to push the wheelchair, to lift themselves from the bed to a
chair or to the toilet or for guiding the patient through cluttered
areas. With fewer caregivers and more elderly in the near future, there
is a need for improving these devices to provide them independent assistance.
“Already today there are over 400,000 unfilled nursing positions
causing healthcare providers across the country to close wings or risk
negative outcomes. Over the coming years, the declining ratio of working
age adults to elderly will further exacerbate the shortage. In 1950
there were 8 adults available to support each elder 65+, today the ratio
is 5:1 and by 2020 the ratio will drop to 3 working age adults per elder
person.” [Wasatch Digital IQ, 2003] A rapidly aging population,
soaring healthcare costs and a projected shortage of healthcare professionals
are crucial problems faced by today's society. Traditional labor-intensive
services will no longer be affordable, yet demands for quality care
continue to increase. The application of robots and robotic technology
has the potential for overcoming these difficulties. [Richard Mahoney,
2004]
High
back injury rates among available nurses and caregivers adds to the
limited patient care issue and may be relieved by better tools as pointed
out by these points:
"Nursing
and personal care facilities are a growing industry where hazards are
known and effective controls are available," said OSHA Administrator
John Henshaw. "The industry also ranks among the highest in terms
of injuries and illnesses, with rates about 2 1 2 times that of all
other general industries..." - [OSHA Website]
1
in every 3 nurses become injured from the physical exertion put forth
while moving non-ambulatory patients; costing their employers $35,000
per injured nurse. [Blevins]
1 in 2 non-ambulatory patients fall to the floor and become injured
when being transferred from a bed to a wheelchair. - [U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics, 1994]
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Project
Goal
To
develop test methods and performance metrics, acquire and study sensor
data, and suggest standards and specifications necessary for intelligent,
assistive devices for the elderly, wheelchair dependents, and the blind.
The
project will develop core competencies in, and attempt to collaborate
with, robotic wheelchair standards organizations to further this research.
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Accomplishments
Healthcare
Devices Concepts
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Contact
Roger
Bostelman
Healthcare Mobility Project Manager
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Intelligent Systems Division
100 Bureau Drive, MS 8230
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8230
(301) 975-3426
email: Roger Bostelman
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isd-webmaster@cme.nist.gov
Date created: September 22, 2006
Last updated:
September 25, 2006
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