(CS-121) Healthy Seniors Aging in Place - The Impact of Remote Wound Monitoring for Seniors using Multispectral Imaging: A Case Series
Co-Author(s):
Tracey Smith, RN – University of New Brunswick, Horizon Health Network; Surajudeen Shittu, B.Pharm – University of New Brunswick; Chris Boodoo, MSc – MIMOSA Diagnostics; Karen Cross, MD, PhD, FRCSC – Founder, CEO, MIMOSA Diagnostics
Introduction: Seniors with lower extremity wounds who live in rural communities often experience limited mobility and lack access to appropriate healthcare1-3. In this study, a mobile person-centered footcare program was deployed in rural communities surrounding a mid-size city in New Brunswick, Canada. This program was deployed as a tool for engagement ultimately supporting safe aging-in-place and improving access to healthcare via remote monitoring. We describe findings of incorporating a mobile multispectral imaging system to aid seniors with lower extremity wounds.
Methods: This intervention study enrolled seniors 55 years and older (n=300) during the COVID-19 Pandemic between 2020-2022. A Registered Nurse and Social Worker initially assessed seniors and followed them monthly over eight months. Footcare included assessments using a mobile multispectral imaging device* measuring tissue oximetry and temperature, risk assessments using the mobile platform, InLow Diabetic Foot Risk screen, and physical assessments. With their permission, seniors at risk for lower extremity or wound complications were referred to specialized healthcare services, including wound and vascular clinics. As this study is ongoing, we included four cases to depict our experience with the program.
Results: Three individuals with lower extremity wounds and one without were selected for this case series. The three individuals with lower extremity wounds were risk profiled as high-risk limbs secondary to the foot wound. Through multispectral imaging of the lower extremity which measured tissue oximetry and temperature, individuals were identified with either adequate or compromised perfusion. Recommendations for further consultations were made as needed. Multispectral imaging of wounds identified cases where there was inadequate blood flow and debridement could be necessary. Longitudinal remote monitoring of these seniors resulted in increased access to appropriate care and engagement.
Discussion: The deployment of an outreach footcare program using mobile multispectral imaging is essential to support healthy aging-in-place for seniors. The impact is even greater for seniors living with lower extremity wounds. Seniors living in rural areas can receive footcare which involves the remote monitoring of tissue oximetry and temperature via mobile multispectral imaging and risk assessments which enables access to critical healthcare services.
Trademarked Items: *MIMOSA Imager; MIMOSA Diagnostics, Inc., Toronto, ON.
References: 1. Rickards, T., & Cornish, T. (2018). Reaching out to diabetic soles: Outreach foot care pilot project. SAGE Open Med, 6, 1. doi:10.1177/2050312118820030 2. Hill, J. (2017). Why supporting patients to self-manage their diabetes in the community is important. British Journal of Community Nursing, 22(11), 550. doi:10.12968/bjcn.2017.22.11.550 3. Elliott, J. (2015). Advocating for diabetic foot care change in Canada. Diabetic Foot Canada, 3(1), 9-10.
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