Sleepsense: Implementing SleepSense Technology for Hospitalized Older Adults
The team aims to explore the feasibility and acceptability of SleepSense® technology in an in-patient subacute geriatric and psychiatric setting. SleepSense® is a non-wearable, unobtrusive sleep monitoring sensor, different from the currently in place visual checks and nursing documentation, which uses a Somnolog. This study will be guided by the Collaborative Action Research framework, ensuring a comprehensive approach.
The findings from this study will provide insight as to whether a sleep sensor placed under the foot of the bed is an effective, objective, and feasible means of sleep monitoring. This study aligns with the VCH collaborative care model to facilitate improved patient care and outcomes and is supported by the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) as part of VCHRI 2023 Team Grant Awards.
Research Design and Progress
The study will be guided by Collaborative Action Research (CAR). It will be conducted in 24 months in 3 phases, between 3 and 4 months each.
Phase 1: 16-20 frontline staff and 1-4 patient partners and family partners will be recruited; a pre-intervention focus group to review current sleep monitoring practices and determine gaps in data. Complete ethics application.
Phase 2: Industry partner to train frontline staff and demonstrate the use of the Sleepsense bed sensor. Staff huddles of a maximum of 20 minutes, including check-ins and follow-ups from the knowledge translation team.
Phase 3: Since March 2024, focusing on the placement of sensors across 16 beds at the STAT Inpatient Unit. This phase is a critical step for data collection, enhanced by our recent approval for digital sensor access in a clinical setting by VCH Data Governance & Policy. We are currently awaiting security assessments for the 16-bed sensors and the assignment of credentials.
Knowledge Translation
Our team actively prepares to upcoming conferences. Abstracts had been submitted to:
1) The Canadian Academy of Geriatric Psychiatry (CAGP) Annual Scientific Meeting 2024, Vancouver
2) The Gerontological Society of America’s Annual Scientific Meeting 2024, Seattle, WA.
Research Team Activity Update
At our Sleepsense meeting in May 2024, we explored our interdisciplinary, intergenerational, and patient-oriented research using the Sleepsense sensor to enhance care for older adults. Committed to JEDI principles—justice, equity, diversity, inclusiveness—and intercultural inclusivity.
Interested in learning more? Interested in taking part in the study as a staff participant?
Please contact any of the/the following contacts:
Co-investigator/primary contact: Cromwell G. Acosta, RN, at cromwell.acosta@vch.ca
Co-investigator: Joanna Lawrence, PT, at joanna.lawrence@vch.ca, or at 604.827.0891
Co-investigator: Michelle Towell, OT, at michelle.towell@vch.ca, or at 604.362.1823
Team membership update
Welcome two new volunteers to the SleepSense project team – Amanda and Amir.
In addition, Yayan Ye and Peter help in transcription and writing tasks