Use of a Multi-Sensor Monitoring Device in an Early Post-operative Mobilization Program

Background The current study aimed to evaluate the validity and feasibility of using a multi-sensor device to monitor patient mobility in a large postoperative population. Methods In this IRB-approved study, postoperative patient posture was recorded using a multi-sensor monitoring device (ViSi Mobile®) and compared with direct observations of patient physical activity. Retrospective cohort analysis of postoperative patient posture data from January to December 2019 was then performed. Patterns of postoperative mobilization were evaluated. Results Multi-sensor real-time posture monitoring with the ViSi Mobile® system consistently differentiate between rest and upright posture (sensitivity and specificity, both 100%). During observation of ambulatory events, ViSi Mobile® system correctly recorded a patient’s position as upright at each validation time point in 72.7% (8 of 11) of walks. Clinical data from 562 postoperative patients were linked with posture monitoring data. Median duration of posture monitoring was 64 hours (IQR 52.5) and median number of posture positions recorded per patient was 15,370 (IQR 12,685). Median duration of upright position per day was 148.6 minutes (IQR 192.8). Duration in active upright position per day was not associated with risk of readmission ( P > .05). Conclusion Real-time posture data from a multi-sensor monitoring device (ViSi Mobile®) was shown to consistently differentiate rest and active upright position. This novel technology can provide useful insight into adherence and clinical benefit of early mobilization programs.