Problem

• Wheelchair users endure prevalent pressure injuries

• Modern tools do not adequately prevent pressure injuries

• Improved self-awareness can reduce pressure-injuy risk for many individuals

Solution

Wiggl helps users reduce the risk of developing pressure injuries by providing awareness and alerts on when wheelchair users need to shift their weight to prevent getting pressure injuries. By intelligently sensing the seated interface, the system communicates with a mobile application to send alerts. The system also supports remote monitoring and telehealth.

Impact

• According to the National Pressure Injury Advisory Council, pressure injuries are one of the five most common harms experienced by patients.

• 2.5 million American patients will develop a pressure injury every year.

• Pressure injuries cost the American healthcare system over $26.8 billion dollars in 2019.

• This device and therapy alone or in combination are investigational and not available for commercial use.

• Development for this system has been supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development along with collaborative efforts through a subaward with the University of Minnesota and the Minneapolis Veterans Healthcare Administration System’s RECOVER Center.