November 9, 2009
TAFETA Receives $20,000 in Bruyère Academic Medical Organization (BAMO) Funding for Nocturia Study

TAFETA has been awarded $20,000 from the Bruyère Academic Medical Organization to launch a pilot study utilizing pressure-sensitive mat technology in the homes of Geriatric Day Hospital patients. The project entitled "Pressure-Sensitive Mat Technology: The Use of Bed Transfer Data in the Monitoring of Nocturia in Geriatric Day Hospital Patients" will evaluate the acceptance and feasibility of this technology as a device to help manage nocturia amongst older adults. Nocturia is defined as the is the need to get up during the night in order to urinate which interrupts sleep. Its occurrence is more frequent in the elderly and can lead to increased chance of falls. By providing accurate information about bed entry/exit in this population, clinicians have increased opportunity to adjust medications to address the problem, help reduce falls risk amongst these people and ultimately contribute to the development of a smart home monitoring system contributing to community-centric care. The research team includes Dr. Veronique French-Merkley (PI), Dr. Frank Knoefel, Dr. Jeff Jutai and Dr. Rafik Goubran.