24Oct

What Medical Equipment Can’t Be Missing in a Nursing Home?

October 24, 2025 equimed 221

Geriatric care requires a comprehensive and specialized approach that guarantees not only the health, but also the well-being and dignity of older adults. In this context, having the appropriate medical equipment becomes a fundamental pillar to ensure a safe, effective and humanized care.

At Equimed, we understand that having high quality medical equipment not only facilitates the daily work of the health personnel, but also significantly improves the quality of life of the residents, promoting their comfort, autonomy and safety.

Essential equipment in nursing homes

Modern nursing homes are not mere care spaces: they are therapeutic environments where the integral health, dignity and participation of the elderly are promoted. To achieve this, it is essential to have medical equipment that allows timely diagnosis, constant monitoring and proper management of chronic conditions.

The following is a list of the most important equipment in a nursing home:

Diagnostic and monitoring equipment

Medical scales the SECA 287
These are essential for monitoring body weight and early detection of decompensation. The SECA 287 is a wireless digital measuring station for recording height, weight and body mass index (BMI) with voice-guided assistance. This model redefines the standards of accuracy in medical measurement and can be connected to the Welch Allyn CSM vital signs monitor, facilitating the integration of clinical data in real time.

Connex® Spot Monitor Integral Monitor
Designed for fast, accurate and centralized vital signs measurement, this comprehensive monitor allows you to record temperature, oxygen saturation, heart rate and noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) in less than a minute. Its advanced technology and connectivity make it an essential tool for healthcare facilities.
- Intelligent connectivity: Fully integrated with facility management systems (ERP), such as GDR, ResiPlus and SCV files. Allows automatic identification of the resident through their electronic record and the sending of data via WiFi or Ethernet connection.
- Time optimization: Improves workflow by eliminating manual tasks, significantly reducing the time spent on vital signs recording.
- Accuracy and reliability: Ensures accuracy of measurements and automatic and secure recording of data in the clinical system.
- Increased safety for the resident: Measures PANI in as little as 15 seconds during ascent, minimizing the risk of ischemia and increasing patient comfort.
- Compact and efficient design: All-in-one device that integrates thermometer, pulse oximeter and blood pressure monitor, reducing the loss of accessories and facilitating daily use.

ELI™ 280 electrocardiographs
Equipment designed to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart and detect arrhythmias or cardiac disturbances with high accuracy.
- VERITAS interpretation algorithm: Advanced system that offers a reliable interpretation of the 12-lead ECG. It uses an age-, sex- and race-specific database capable of identifying various arrhythmias, including supraventricular arrhythmias, facilitating accurate diagnosis in the resident.
- Intuitive touch screen: Allows easy navigation and operation of the device.
- Optimized capture: Automatic recording of the best 10 seconds of ECG for more accurate analysis.
- DICOM connectivity: Compatible with hospital management and integration systems for efficient data flow.
- Optional wireless module: Enables wireless data acquisition, increasing convenience and flexibility during the exam.
- Electrode connection confirmation: System that verifies in real time the correct contact of the electrodes, ensuring the quality of the signal (electrocardiograph image).

Blood Pressure Holter (ABPM 7100):
Ambulatory device for continuous 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, designed to facilitate the diagnosis and control of hypertension. It allows obtaining accurate measurements both during the day and during sleep, which contributes to a better personalization of pharmacological treatment according to the patient’s individual needs.
- Advanced oscillometric technology: Compact, lightweight and silent device that improves patient comfort during monitoring.
- High-quality cuffs: Manufactured without latex and natural rubber, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.
- Advanced CardioPerfect software®
  - Provides detailed statistical summaries, including systolic, diastolic, mean and pulse rate, with standard deviations, minimums, maximums and averages.
  - Clear graphical representations of the blood pressure profile by means of diagrams, histograms and correlation graphs, differentiating between daytime and nighttime readings.
  - Trend analysis tool for long-term evaluation and optimization of antihypertensive therapy.

Basic clinical instrumentation

Digital and aneroid sphygmomanometers: essential for routine blood pressure monitoring.
Stethoscopes: for cardiopulmonary auscultation.
Axillary or digital thermometers: for temperature control, key in the detection of infections.
Pulse oximeters: to monitor oxygen saturation, especially in patients with respiratory pathologies.

Neurological and sensory evaluation

Neurological hammers and tuning forks: for evaluation of reflexes and sensitivity.
Otoscopes and ophthalmoscopes: necessary for ear and eye assessment.

Specialized diagnostics

Portable ultrasound: useful in quick evaluations without the need to move the patient.
Spirometry: to assess respiratory capacity and diagnose pulmonary conditions.
Glucose tests: for the control of diabetes, a common disease at this stage of life.
Blood analysis equipment: to monitor metabolic, nutritional and hematological parameters.
Thyroid function tests: necessary for symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes or mood alterations.

The importance of geriatric equipment

Geriatric equipment encompasses a wide range of devices, supplies and tools designed specifically to meet the needs of the elderly. Their use is essential to meet the challenges of aging, such as:

Reduced mobility: technical aids for safe movement, preventing falls and accidents.
Urinary incontinence: hygienic products that ensure comfort and prevent skin lesions.
Skin fragility: soft and protective materials that prevent skin deterioration.
Respiratory problems: equipment that facilitates oxygenation and lung function.

Using these resources not only improves clinical care, but also creates a more respectful, humane and efficient environment for both the professionals and the residents themselves.

Medical equipment in a nursing home should not only cover basic health needs, but also facilitate preventive, continuous and personalized care. Investing in quality medical technology is not only an operational decision, but an expression of commitment to the life, dignity and well-being of those who have come a long way and deserve the best care.

23Jul

Advanced Care for Geriatric Patients: Innovation, Humanization and Technology at the Service of Geriatrics

July 23, 2025 equimed 232

Discover the most innovative techniques in the care of geriatric patients: telemedicine, remote monitoring, advanced rehabilitation and personalized attention. Improve the quality of life of the elderly with a comprehensive and ethical approach.

The aging of the population is one of the most significant social and healthcare phenomena of the 21st century. More and more elderly people require specialized care, which is a constant challenge for health systems and professionals in the sector. Faced with this reality, new forms of care are emerging that combine technological innovation with person-centered care. These advanced techniques in the care of geriatric patients not only seek to prolong life, but also to improve its quality in a comprehensive manner.

Remote Monitoring: Technology at the Service of Daily Control

Remote monitoring devices-such as wearables, smart watches and biometric sensors-allow constant tracking of key vital signs: blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen and glucose levels.

These systems offer multiple benefits:

Early intervention in the event of decompensation.
Increased safety thanks to automatic alerts in case of emergency.
Empowerment of the patient, who can actively participate in the control of his or her health.

Real-time connectivity between patient, caregivers and medical professionals contributes to more agile, precise and personalized care.

One of the main revolutions in this field is the use of remote monitoring devices. These technologies make it possible to follow the patient’s vital signs in real time from the patient’s home. This information, when recorded and shared with healthcare professionals and family members, provides continuous monitoring that facilitates a rapid response to any clinical change. Beyond their medical functionality, these devices provide peace of mind to caregivers and autonomy to the elderly, reducing the need for unnecessary hospitalizations and promoting more active and safe aging.

Advanced Rehabilitation: New Technologies for Functional Recovery

Cutting-edge rehabilitation therapies are transforming the way older adults regain their physical autonomy. Technologies such as assistive robots, exoskeletons and immersive virtual reality programs enable:

Cognitive and motor stimulation.
Guided exercises with real-time feedback.
Increased patient motivation during the recovery process.

These tools are especially useful for treating sequelae of stroke, fractures or major surgeries, shortening recovery times and reducing hospital readmission rates.

But it is not only prevention that has benefited. Rehabilitation therapies have also evolved significantly thanks to these tools, which allow the design of personalized and guided exercises, promoting not only mobility, but also patient motivation and commitment. Rehabilitation ceases to be a mechanical process and becomes an interactive and stimulating experience, with tangible results in less time.

Holistic Care and Personalized Care: Key to a Full Life

Holistic care focuses not only on the physical aspects, but also on the emotional, social and spiritual factors that influence the well-being of the older adult.

Individualized care plans should include:

Effective chronic pain management.
Specific nutritional assessments.
Psychological support and emotional companionship.
Encouragement of social interaction and meaningful activities.

This humanized approach reinforces the patient’s dignity, autonomy and quality of life, adapting to their changing needs. Understanding the patient as a whole being – with physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs – makes it possible to design truly effective care plans. This involves adapting nutrition, managing pain compassionately, promoting mental health, fostering social relationships and always respecting individual autonomy.

Ethics also occupies a central place in this scenario. As new technologies are incorporated into healthcare, necessary questions arise: how can patient privacy be protected, how can the dehumanization of care be avoided, what measures should be taken to ensure equitable access to these advances?

It is not just a matter of having state-of-the-art devices, but of ensuring that all patients can benefit from them without discrimination and with full respect for their dignity.

In this sense, the continuous training of healthcare professionals is essential. Technical knowledge must go hand in hand with human skills: empathy, active listening, respect for diversity and the ability to adapt to new challenges. Personnel working in geriatrics need tools, but also sensitivity. Only in this way is it possible to offer care that truly transforms the lives of elderly patients.

Telemedicine: Access, Convenience and Continuity of Care

Telemedicine has gained prominence in geriatric care, especially in rural or mobility-impaired areas. Through videoconsultations, remote monitoring and digital prescriptions, it achieves:

Greater continuity of care.
Reduction of unnecessary trips.
Better control of chronic diseases.

Although it represents an undeniable advance, it is also necessary to address the associated challenges, such as the digital divide and the lack of technological familiarity in some elderly patients.

In conclusion, technological and methodological advances in geriatric care not only respond to a demographic need, but to a paradigm shift in the way we understand aging.

It is no longer just a matter of living longer, but of living better. The key is to integrate innovation with empathy, precision with respect, and efficiency with human warmth. At Equimed, we believe that this is the path to a more dignified and healthy future for our elders.

30Jun

Geriatric care: why it is key in elderly care and what challenges it faces

June 30, 2025 equimed 246

In a world where life expectancy continues to increase, geriatric care has become a strategic priority for healthcare systems. This medical specialty, focused on providing specific care for the elderly, is today facing major challenges: the increase in chronic diseases, scarcity of resources and lack of professionals.

At the same time, this scenario opens the door to new opportunities. The incorporation of emerging technologies and the development of more personalized and comprehensive care models are revolutionizing the way our elderly are cared for. These innovations not only improve quality of life, but also offer sustainable and efficient solutions for healthcare systems.

“Geriatrics is not only a specialty of the future, but an urgent need of the present, the aging of the population is already a consolidated reality in Spain.”

_ Rafael Sánchez-Ostiz. Geriatrician and President of CEAPs.

Current state of geriatric care: limitations and urgent needs.

In recent decades, the accelerated growth of the elderly population has exposed major structural deficiencies in health systems worldwide. Geriatric care has had to adapt to a growing demand, marked by complex chronic diseases and the need for a more humane, continuous and patient-centered approach to care.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are expected to be more than 2 billion people over the age of 60 in the world by 2050. This demographic change requires a profound transformation of the current healthcare model.

Main challenges of geriatric care today

1. Lack of specialized professionals

The shortage of geriatricians, nurses and therapists with specific training is one of the greatest obstacles. Many professionals do not have the necessary training to care for conditions such as frailty, polypharmacy or cognitive impairment, leading to inadequate diagnoses and inefficient treatments.

2. Limited resources and pressure on healthcare systems

Current healthcare resources are not sized for the magnitude of the aging population. This results in long waiting lists, unequal access to specialized services and fragmented care. The lack of investment in geriatrics is a problem that requires urgent attention.

3. Fragmented care models

Traditional geriatric care is often dispersed among multiple specialties without adequate coordination. This lack of integration leads to clinical errors, duplication of tests and less safe and effective care.

4. Limited innovation and technological infrastructure

The use of technology in geriatrics remains limited. Despite the potential of tools such as telemedicine, remote monitoring devices or artificial intelligence, their adoption is still low, especially in regions with fewer resources or low connectivity.

Post-pandemic geriatrics COVID-19

Five years after the state of emergency caused by the pandemic, the effects of a crisis that exposed major weaknesses in the healthcare system, especially in the area of care for the elderly, are still being felt. Nursing homes, in particular, were the epicenter of an alarming reality: the lack of integration between health and social services.

During the emergency, it became clear that the geriatric care model was in urgent need of transformation. Previous poor coordination between hospitals and nursing homes made it difficult to respond to critical situations. As a result of this experience, structural changes that have had a lasting impact were promoted.

The incorporation of geriatrics into healthcare systems was necessary and urgent before the pandemic, although it is true that the sector points out that this contributed to accelerating the process.

“The pandemic forced a change in health care in general during the whole time it lasted and, of course, many of these changes have been maintained over time; for example, in the Community of Madrid, coordination between the hospital environment and the residential homes was something punctual or anecdotal; and with the pandemic a coordinated care plan was developed that communicates the residential environment with the geriatric professionals of the hospitals and that has allowed to improve communication. Overall, we can say that geriatric care has improved, since the pandemic focused on the elderly patient as the most vulnerable, and this has made this need more visible, but there is still a long way to go.”

_ President of Semeg.

A new approach: towards more humane, technological and personalized geriatric care

The current context calls for a paradigm shift from a reactive and generalist model to a preventive, personalized and multidisciplinary one. Modern geriatric care must incorporate technology, promote teamwork and ensure continuous training of healthcare personnel.

Technological innovation is playing a transformative role:
Remote monitoring devices allow real-time monitoring of vital signs.
Telehealth and virtual consultations improve access to specialized care.
Artificial intelligence and big data help detect risks before complications occur.

In addition, the development of user-centered solutions, such as those proposed by technology startups, allows the creation of more accessible, intuitive and affordable devices and platforms for the elderly and their caregivers.

An opportunity to rethink elder care

Geriatric care is not only a medical necessity, but also a social and economic imperative. With the right approach, it is possible to offer older people a more dignified, healthy and autonomous old age. To achieve this, it is essential to move towards person-centered models of care, integrating technology, training and collaboration between all actors in the healthcare system.

Investing today in quality geriatrics is to ensure a fairer and more humane future for all.

16Jun

Connex Spot Monitor: Revolutionizing Vital Signs Monitoring with Accuracy, Security and Connectivity

June 16, 2025 equimed 244

In today’s clinical environment, where efficiency, accuracy and data security have become fundamental pillars for providing quality medical care, having intelligent tools that adapt to the needs of medical staff is more essential than ever.

In this context, the Connex Spot Monitor is positioned as an advanced, comprehensive and highly adaptable solution for vital signs monitoring.

Este dispositivo ha sido diseñado para brindar una experiencia sin complicaciones tanto para el personal clínico como para los pacientes. Su enfoque gira en torno a tres ejes fundamentales: simplicidad en el uso, seguridad en el manejo de datos y una conectividad robusta con los sistemas de historia clínica electrónica (RME).

A Comprehensive Solution for Vital Signs Monitoring

The Connex Spot Monitor goes far beyond a conventional vital signs device. Its ability to capture a complete set of physiological data in less than a minute makes it a crucial tool for improving clinical productivity and patient outcomes. Thanks to its intuitive design and vivid touch screen, the device enables fast, accurate and user-friendly interaction, even in high-demand environments.

The data it captures includes:

Blood pressure
Heart rate
Respiratory frequency
Body temperature
SpO2 (oxygen saturation)
Height, weight and BMI
Early warning scores (EWS)

These parameters are essential not only for the initial assessment of the patient’s condition, but also for continuous monitoring to detect subtle changes that could indicate clinical deterioration.

Simplicity: User-Friendly Technology

One of the most outstanding features of the Connex Spot Monitor is its design focused on ease of use. The color touch interface allows healthcare professionals to navigate intuitive menus and record data in record time, without the need for lengthy technical training. This simplicity reduces the possibility of human error during the data collection process, resulting in more reliable care.

Vital data capture can be performed on an ad hoc or interval basis, adapting to different clinical scenarios such as emergency rooms, intensive care units, general rooms and outpatient clinics.

Real-Time Medical Accuracy

In time-critical clinical settings, accurate data is imperative. The Connex Spot incorporates SureBP technology® , which allows blood pressure to be measured in just 15 seconds, even when the patient is on the move, maintaining accuracy without compromising patient comfort.

Blood pressure averaging provides a more complete and reliable picture of the patient’s hemodynamic status, which is key to identifying cases of hypertension with greater certainty. This approach reduces false positives and improves the quality of clinical decisions.

The device also offers a choice of industry-leading thermometers, such as the SureTemp® Plus and the Braun ThermoScan® PRO 6000, providing flexibility and accuracy in temperature measurement.

For pulse oximetry, the Connex Spot offers compatibility with recognized brands such as Masimo®, Nellcor® and Nonin® , global leaders in SpO2 measurement. In addition, Masimo® RRp® technology allows respiratory rate to be measured directly from the oximeter signal, without the need for additional sensors, simplifying the process and reducing the risk of cross-infection.

Security: Military Level Data Protection

Protecting patient data is a critical concern in today’s digital world. The Connex Spot is equipped with advanced security features that meet the highest healthcare industry standards and are approved by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). These features include:

Data encryption
Single Sign-On (SSO)
Integration with authentication platforms such as Imprivata®
Secure authentication between devices and servers

These security measures ensure that patient data is protected against unauthorized access, while simplifying legitimate access by authorized personnel. This allows for a perfect balance between protection and operational efficiency.

Total Connectivity: From Patient to RME in Seconds

One of the greatest benefits of the Connex Spot Monitor is its ability to send collected data directly to the facility’s Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. Thanks to its multiple connectivity options-WiFi®, Ethernet, Bluetooth® or Bluetooth Low Energy-the device can be seamlessly integrated into the existing technology infrastructure.

This integration eliminates the need for manual transcription of data, reducing human error and improving the accuracy of clinical information. By avoiding duplication of tasks, healthcare professionals can devote more time to patient care.

Connectivity facilitates remote monitoring and real-time analysis by multidisciplinary teams, fostering faster and more informed decision making.

Workflow Customization and Adaptability

Every clinical environment is unique and has specific needs. The Connex Spot Monitor responds to this reality by offering a highly adaptable design, both in terms of hardware and software. Customizable options include:

Wall mounting or mobile support
Selection of thermometers and oximeters
Integration with medical scales such as Scale-Tronix®, Detecto®, Health o meter® and SECA®.
Modification of workflows to record additional observations and vital sign modifiers

This flexibility ensures that the monitor can be easily integrated into a variety of medical departments, from emergency rooms to outpatient clinics to long-term care facilities.

Early Detection of Patient Impairment

The incorporation of early warning scores (EWS) is one of the most innovative aspects of the Connex Spot. This functionality enables the identification of patterns that could indicate clinical deterioration before obvious signs become apparent. Using automated algorithms and predefined clinical rules, the monitor helps to prioritize care and trigger preventive interventions in a timely manner.

This not only improves clinical outcomes, but also reduces the number of complications, prolonged hospitalizations and costs associated with preventable adverse events.

An Ally in Improving the Quality of Care

The quality of care depends not only on the expertise of the medical team, but also on the tools at their disposal. Connex Spot represents a significant evolution in the way vital signs are managed, facilitating decision-making based on objective, real-time data.

Thanks to its multiple strengths – accuracy, connectivity, simplicity of use, personalization, security and adaptability – this device becomes a strategic ally for any medical institution seeking to improve its standards of care.

Connex Spot Monitor Benefits Summary

Feature	Benefit
Intuitive touch screen	User-friendly interface, ideal for clinical staff of all levels
BP measurement with SureBP®	Fast and accurate results even with patient movement
High precision oximetry	Compatible with Masimo®, Nellcor® and Nonin®.®
Reliable temperature capture	Choice between SureTemp® Plus and Braun ThermoScan®
Versatile connectivity	WiFi, Ethernet, Bluetooth standard and Low Energy
RME Integration	Elimination of transcription errors, data available instantly
Encryption and authentication	DoD-approved military-grade security
Modular and adaptable design	Customized assembly, compatible with multiple workflows
Early detection with EWS	Improved clinical intervention and risk reduction

Connex Spot, Beyond a Vital Signs Monitor

The Connex Spot Monitor is not simply a device for capturing vital signs; it is an intelligent platform that integrates seamlessly into the modern clinical ecosystem. It delivers the right data at the right time, strengthens the security of patient information and improves the efficiency of healthcare teams.

Whether in high complexity hospitals, private clinics or primary care centers, the Connex Spot is the ideal solution for those institutions looking for state-of-the-art technology with a patient-centered approach.

23Apr

The impact of technology on elderly care: a revolution in the geriatric sector

April 23, 2025 equimed 248

The aging population is one of the greatest social and health challenges of the 21st century. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE, 2022), in Spain there are more than 3.2 million people with disabilities or limitations in their daily lives, of whom 677,300 are over 80 years old. This reality raises the urgent need to rethink care systems and commit to more efficient, personalized, and sustainable models. In this context, technology has become a great ally.

The World Health Organization (WHO), in its World Report on Ageing and Health (2015), defines healthy ageing as the process of promoting and maintaining functional capacity that enables well-being in old age. However, not all older people age under equal conditions. Many face risks of frailty, dependence, and isolation. This is where technology can make a difference.

Aware of this situation, the WHO has promoted the Global Action Plan on Dementia Response 2017-2025, which proposes a comprehensive approach that includes not only people with dementia but also their caregivers, highlighting research and innovation as fundamental pillars.

Technology at the service of care: an unstoppable transformation

In recent decades, advances in digital technologies have completely transformed the way we live and care for ourselves. The integration of tools such as artificial intelligence, robotics, telemedicine, and smart devices in the geriatric field is redefining care models.

1. Artificial Intelligence: detection, prediction, and personalization

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer science fiction. Its ability to process large volumes of data in real time enables the development of predictive systems that detect health risks, monitor chronic diseases, and assist in clinical decision-making. In geriatric care, AI is applied for:

Early diagnosis (e.g., early detection of Alzheimer’s disease).
Analysis of behavior patterns to prevent falls or disorientation.
Personalization of treatments and care based on patient profiles.

In addition, AI integrated into mobile applications and health platforms has opened the door to self-management of health by users themselves.

2. Comprehensive Person-Centered Care (AICP): humanism and technology

Technology cannot, and should not, replace human interaction. That is why it must always be implemented within the framework of Comprehensive Person-Centered Care (AICP), which prioritizes individual values, preferences, and needs.

In nursing homes, new technologies allow for:

Learn about each resident’s life history (apps such as Envita4).
Design personalized therapeutic activities.
Promote social interaction with tools such as interactive tablets (Yeti tablets) or virtual reality.
Maintain ties with family members by sharing important moments or reporting changes in health status.

The Connex Spot Monitor (CSM) from Equimed is a modern, easy-to-use tool designed for fast and accurate patient monitoring, especially for older adults. Its main features include:

Quick and secure login: One-click login, compatible with systems such as Imprivata®.
Blood pressure in just 15 seconds: Thanks to SureBP® technology
More accurate measurements: Averages results for better detection of hypertension.
Integrated thermometers: Compatible with SureTemp® Plus and Braun ThermoScan® PRO 6000.
Blood oxygen measurement (SpO2): With Masimo®, Nellcor®, or Nonin® SpoO2 sensors.
Respiratory rate: Uses Masimo® RRp® technology, no additional sensors required.
Easy connection to clinical system (EMR): Via Wi-Fi, Ethernet®, Bluetooth®, or Bluetooth Low Energy.
Automatic entry of height, weight, and BMI: With scales such as SECA.
Early alerts: Helps detect potential patient complications early.
All-in-one: Captures all vital signs in less than a minute, from a clear and easy-to-use touchscreen.
Adaptable design: Adapts to the needs of the medical center with different configurations.

The CSM Monitor is a practical, fast, and reliable solution to improve patient care and facilitate the work of medical staff.

3. Telemedicine: healthcare without barriers

Telemedicine has established itself as an essential tool, especially in the wake of the pandemic. In geriatrics, it enables:

Virtual consultations without the need to travel.
Monitoring of chronic diseases.
Coordination between healthcare centers and nursing homes.
Electronic prescription and renewal of treatments.

Several studies have shown that online interventions improve cognition, mental health, and quality of life in older adults.

4. Robotics and home automation: digital caregivers

Robotics is revolutionizing elder care through two main types of solutions:

Service robots: they help with household chores, medication reminders, and mobility.
Companion or therapeutic robots: they improve mood, stimulate cognition, and combat loneliness.

These robots are already being used successfully with people with Alzheimer’s disease, helping with sensory stimulation and social participation. Therapeutic robotics represents a high value-added solution to the increasing demand for care.

Home automation, meanwhile, allows elements of the home such as lights, blinds, and climate control systems to be automated, facilitating the autonomy of older people and providing comfort and safety.

5. Smart devices: health at your fingertips

Wearables, such as watches, bracelets, or sensors integrated into clothing or footwear, allow continuous monitoring of parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, glucose levels, and sleep quality. These devices:

Promote self-care.
Synchronize with apps and medical centers.
Alert you to anomalies or falls.

In addition, virtual assistants such as Alexa are also present in many homes, helping to manage appointments, remind you to take medication, or simply entertain you.

One of the greatest desires of older people is to grow old in their own homes, surrounded by their memories and routines. Thanks to technology, this is now possible.

This model not only improves quality of life, but also reduces healthcare costs and relieves pressure on public healthcare systems. However, for it to be viable, it is essential to guarantee internet access, digital literacy, and respect for privacy.

6. Remaining challenges: the digital divide and privacy

Despite progress, there is still a significant digital divide that particularly affects older women, people with low levels of education, and residents of rural areas. Digital inclusion is key to ensuring that technology leaves no one behind.

It is also essential to guarantee data protection and digital security. Systems must respect the dignity and privacy of older people, avoiding any kind of vulnerability.

Benefits and future of technological care

The benefits of integrating technology into geriatric care are numerous:

Greater autonomy and independence.
Improved quality and speed of care.
Reduction in unnecessary hospitalizations.
Prevention of risks and emergencies.
Promotion of active and healthy aging.

Public health also benefits “Technologies make it possible to monitor the emergence of outbreaks, promote healthy habits, and better manage healthcare resources. Tools such as electronic health records and big data systems improve coordination between services and avoid duplication.”

Technology is here to stay, and in the field of geriatrics, its impact is profound and transformative. From artificial intelligence to robotics, telemedicine, and smart devices, we are witnessing a revolution that puts older people at the center of the care system.

However, this change will only be effective if equitable access is guaranteed, privacy is respected, and a human approach is always maintained. The combination of technological innovation with the Person-Centered Comprehensive Care model offers us the possibility of building a fairer, more humane, and more connected future for our older people.

17Oct

The NEWS scale: what it is, how it works and its benefits

October 17, 2022 equimed 166

The NEWS scale measures the physiological parameters that classify the patient’s risk for adverse outcomes in the intrahospital setting.

Origin and meaning of the NEWS system

The taking of vital signs in patients and the use of scales for triage is a trend present in many health systems. This is a highly relevant activity because of the information it offers us about the hemodynamic status of the patient.

These scales have been especially valued in the United Kingdom, where numerous scales for the detection and assessment of acutely ill patients began to be created. First they were called EWS or “ Early Warning Scores ”, and when the process was standardized, in 2012 the Royal College of Physicians created a system called the National Early Warning Score ( NEWS ), led by the National Health System (NHS) and aimed at Adults over 16 years of age.

Its objective currently remains the same: to maintain periodic information on the patient ‘s physiological and mental state in order to detect in advance the risk of physiological deterioration. As? Standardizing the monitoring registration process and patient management to obtain an early , timeless and competent detection of the acute patient or in the process of deterioration.

News 2, the most up-to-date version

NEWS2 is the latest and most current version of the National Early Warning Score (NEWS), first standardized in 2012 and updated to NEWS2 in December 2017. This new update was intended to

Specify how the NEWS can be used to detect patients with sepsis and high risk of clinically worsening.
Emphasize that a score of 5 or more is the threshold that should be used as a clinical alert.
Improve the recording of the use and the scores for the saturations of patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure.

For its part, NEWS2 is scheduled to be reviewed in 2023.

What does the News scale measure?

The NEWS is based on a simple aggregate scoring system in which physiological measurements, already recorded in routine practice, are assigned a score when patients present or are being monitored in hospital. Six physiological parameters form the basis of the scoring system:

Respiratory rate (RR)
Oxygen saturation (SpO2)
Temperature
Systolic blood pressure (SBP)
Heart rate (HR)
Conscience level

Each of these indicators has certain thresholds/parameters to which values from 0 to 3 are assigned depending on the variation of the values obtained and a sum of this aggregate is made to calculate the NEWS.

In this way, the NEWS is classified into different degrees of risk:

LOW RISK (score of 0-4)
MEDIUM-LOW RISK (score of 3 in some parameter)
MEDIUM RISK (score of 5-6)
HIGH RISK (score of 7 or more).

Depending on the rating, a degree of risk is assigned and, consequently, a monitoring frequency and a maximum time for a clinical response.

What does the result of the NEWS scale tell us?

Based on the scoring result, the report provides recommendations on the frequency of monitoring, the urgency of clinical review, and the competency requirements of the medical team necessary to carry out an immediate response and with specific interventions.

The result is also a very clear indicator of the importance of guaranteeing that immediate response teams are available 24/7/365, especially in hospitals that care for serious or critical patients, focusing on their decisive role in the first minutes of arrival of the patient in the emergency room.

Benefits of the NEWS scale

As we said, the fundamental objective of these NEWS scales was to facilitate the recognition and management of acutely ill patients who suffered a deterioration in their vital signs, since this is related to a better prognosis, lower costs , etc.

At the same time, it was created to identify, by means of an objective score, the so-called “early warning points” (EWS), that is, those manifestations based on clinical parameters in the patient that can be useful to help determine their state of severity, and the need to undergo immediate clinical interventions.

However, the creation of the NEWS as a standardized scale provides many other advantages:

Facilitate the movement of health personnel between different hospital centers.
Reduce errors.
At present, this scale has become a useful tool for the emergency physician since it has been established as a useful tool to carry out the initial triage.
Its simplicity, since it does not need laboratory tests or others that require a lot of time.
You only need the necessary instruments to calculate it -in addition to clinical judgment- such as a blood pressure monitor, thermometer, pulse oximeter and a stethoscope.
A great immediacy to assess the patient.
And thanks to this score , it is much easier to recognize those patients who are in a potential risk situation.
Prompt recognition makes the chances of treatment success much higher, and the chances of adverse events (cardiorespiratory arrest, admission to the ICU, death…) are lower.

Practical cases

The success of this scale has been demonstrated in numerous studies . Currently, there is evidence that this score should be used to assess exacerbations in acute patients, in prehospital evaluation (in emergency services), to monitor the clinical status of patients in hospitals, nursing homes, to warn of possible deterioration in hospitalized patients and in departments. There are also studies that have evaluated other scales such as the qSOFA scale, although this offers worse results.

At present and after its update to its second version, numerous publications worldwide and various clinical studies have advocated its use, especially focused on emergency services, finding, at the same time, clinical importance in relation to the prognosis of seriously ill patients. through its application from the prehospital setting.

In Spain, this study from the University of Córdoba stands out, on the validation of the “National Early Warning Score 2” (NEWS 2) scale adapted to the Spanish environment , for the early detection of patients at risk of deterioration in emergency services.

Their conclusion is very clear: the NEWS2 scale, after the translation and validation process into Spanish, has proven to be a valid scale for use in the triage consultation of hospital emergency services . In the study setting, the psychometric properties of the NEWS2 scale adapted to Spanish are adequate and have a high predictive capacity to detect adverse events and hospital admissions.

Therefore, the NEWS2 scale adapted to Spanish is presented as a useful triage support tool that can increase or improve the safety of patients in the emergency department and, consequently, the quality of care.

Conclusion

The EWS aims to provide a clinical response by alerting any abnormality in physiological parameters when they are considered to be outside the set range.

The NEWS scale is an effective system for the prevention of mortality, sepsis, hospital cardiac arrest, and a great help in making decisions about the patient’s needs.

In turn, it is a notable predictor in all settings, including primary, hospital, and pre-hospital care. Its impact on nursing is also very positive, since it allows an increase in the autonomous role with the support of this objective tool.

Therefore, with the NEWS system we achieve a globalized categorization in the monitoring of the aforementioned basic physiological parameters.

The best hospital equipment as accompaniment

To prolong the success of the NEWS scale and help in decision-making, it is necessary to have the best medical equipment , the most modern and advanced technology from the leading brands in the medical, clinical and surgical sector.

Connex^®Spot Monitor

Especially with regard to the monitoring of vital signs, at Equimed we bet on Connex Spot Monitor, a comprehensive monitoring system from basic capture of vital signs up to the early warning score and interval or continuous monitoring.

Connex^®Vital Signs Monitor

Or the Connex Vital Signs Monitor , a simple solution for continuous, interval and spot check monitoring, designed to make it easy to capture a patient’s vital signs.

If you want more information about monitoring systems, or request a personalized quote, do not hesitate to contact Equimed.

29Jul

Respiratory rate: what it is, how to control it and equipment to monitor it

July 29, 2022 equimed 199

Evaluating the respiratory rate is one of the main elements to control the health of patients in hospitals. For this, we need to have systems and monitors capable of monitoring what is one of the main vital signs, either manually or automatically.

What is respiratory rate?

Respiratory rate is the number of breaths, inspiration followed by expiration, that any person takes per minute. It is one of the main vital signs, along with blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. The respiratory rate changes depending on many factors of health and activity, and also differs in adults and children.

When a person inhales, oxygen enters their lungs and travels to their organs. As you exhale, carbon dioxide leaves the body. A normal respiratory rate plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body.

Respiratory rate in adults

The normal respiratory rate for an adult person is between 12 and 20 breaths per minute. At this respiratory rate, carbon dioxide leaves the lungs at the same rate that the body produces it. Respiratory rates lower than 12 or higher than 20 can mean an alteration of the normal respiratory processes, which we will talk about in this article later.

The respiratory rate during rest is about 15 inspirations (inhalations) and expirations (exhalations) per minute.

Generally, it is measured while at rest. It simply involves counting the number of breaths in one minute by counting the number of times the chest rises.

Of course, this respiratory rate is increased by exercising, having a fever, being sick, or having other medical conditions.

How is respiratory rate measured?

To take an accurate measurement, the easiest thing to do is to sit down and relax, preferably on the bed or on a chair. You can then measure your respiratory rate by counting the number of times your chest or abdomen rises in one minute. A full breath comprises an inhalation as the chest rises, followed by an exhalation as the chest falls.

Why is it so important to measure respiration?

Measuring the respiratory rate of a person at rest is essential to basically determine if it is within normal limits. Because a high or low respiratory rate can be a sign of an underlying problem.

Causes and problems in respiratory rate

If we talk about causes of high respiratory rate , doctors call tachypnea a respiratory rate greater than 20 breaths per minute.

The most common causes are:

Anxiety
Fever
respiratory conditions
COPD, asthma, or pneumonia
carbon monoxide poisoning
pleural effusions
pulmonary embolism
Heart problems
dehydration
Allergic reactions
Diabetic cetoacidosis

In the case of low respiratory rate, doctors call a respiratory rate less than 12 breaths per minute bradypnea. Among its causes are:

Airway obstructions and cardiac arrest
Drug overdose
Obstructive sleep apnea
Head injury

Thus, if anyone experiences abnormal breathing rate, they should contact their doctor, and especially seek immediate medical help if they notice abnormal breathing rate, chest pain, bluish skin, gurgling sounds during breathing, or if breathes very few times per minute.

Control respiratory rate in hospitals and health centers

Healthcare facilities have devices and machines, such as respirometers and vital signs monitors, that measure respiratory rate by assessing the ratio of oxygen to carbon dioxide exchange.

In hospitals, the procedure of taking the respiratory rate is very common and frequent. The goal is usually:

Part of the routine taking of a patient’s vital signs and detecting changes in them.
Assess breathing before and after the administration of a medication.
Control patients with risks of respiratory alteration.
Detect changes in breathing to act accordingly and prevent further damage.
Usually, this is done only with a watch with a second hand and notepad to record said frequency. Another method is auscultation with a stethoscope, it is the recommended method in pediatrics.

In this case, we are talking about specific measurements, whether they are routine or not. But what happens when we need constant measurement of respiratory rate and other vital signs?

When a patient is admitted, either in the ICU, UVI, day ward, operating room, etc. Health professionals need to have devices that measure the patient’s respiratory rate 24/7. Whether it is for digital respiratory rate measurement in routine vital signs monitoring, or comprehensive monitoring —from basic vital signs capture to early warning scoring and interval monitoring.

EQUIMED equipment to measure and monitor respiratory rate

At Equimed, we have the best solutions for the automatic measurement of respiratory rate. By combining the Connex Control Monitor with Masimo RRp technology , digital respiratory rate measurement can be included in routine vital signs monitoring with the option of incorporating them into the early warning scale protocol.

Connex^® Spot Monitor

The Connex Spot Monitor is a comprehensive monitoring system, ranging from basic vital sign capture to early warning scoring and interval or continuous monitoring. It enables full vital signs in less than a minute, vivid, easy-to-use touchscreen, and is customizable to the user’s needs with an upgradable design and custom settings.

With this device, omissions and transcription errors are reduced with the automatic transfer of the vital signs of the patients, and it is designed by and for healthcare personnel in order to increase the efficiency and satisfaction of the users. In turn, the optional clinical login screen that allows you to restrict access and protect health information. And it has automatic deletion of patient data after sending it to the RME system.

Connex^® Vital Signs Monitor

For its part, Connex Vital Signs Monitor is a simple solution for continuous monitoring, by intervals and spot check, designed to facilitate the capture of the patient’s vital signs. This device allows you to wirelessly send vital signs from the patient’s bed to your EMR without intermediary steps.

If you want more information about monitoring equipment, or request a personalized quote, do not hesitate to contact Equimed.