PATIENT SUPPORT APPARATUS WITH CAREGIVER REMINDERS

Abstract

A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, operating table, recliner, or the like, includes a patient support structure, a user interface, a display, a plurality of lights, and a controller. The user interface comprises a display and controls for configuring various components of the patient support apparatus. The controller uses the lights and/or display to issue one or more reminders to the caregiver to put the patient support apparatus in a desired configuration before the caregiver walks away from the patient support apparatus. The reminders help ensure that the caregiver properly configured the patient support apparatus. In some embodiment, the reminders include pulsing the lights in an unobtrusive, but easily seen, manner until the proper configuration is achieved. Reminders may also be implemented by prohibiting certain functionality until the patient support apparatus is properly configured.

IPC Classifications