Pressure ulcers (bedsores) pose a huge burden to healthcare, costing approximately €1 billion annually in the Netherlands alone. Currently, detecting these wounds is very difficult because it depends on what a healthcare provider can see with the naked eye. This is especially challenging for people with darker skin, meaning that early damage is often overlooked. Precubitus is developing a handy scanner that uses light measurements to objectively determine the condition of the tissue, even before a wound is visible.
In this project, TU/e, in collaboration with TU Delft and clinical partners, is bringing a prototype into daily clinical practice. The team builds upon the scientific foundation by comparing measurements from highly accurate laboratory equipment with handy sensors. The device seamlessly integrates with the work of nurses, without any additional administrative burden. The ultimate goal is to provide scientific substantiation and a technical dossier for medical certification, ensuring a reliable and fair solution for every patient.