Exploring bed sensor sleep technology: insights from an interdisciplinary team in a geriatric assessment inpatient setting

Sleep quality is a critical component of health and recovery for hospitalized older adults, yet current monitoring practices often lack the precision and detail required for effective intervention. This qualitative study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptance of implementing the Sleepsense bed sensor for sleep monitoring in a geriatric inpatient hospital setting. This qualitative study involved interviews with 22 patients and focus groups with 33 interdisciplinary staff members. Data were analyzed using an interpretive description approach, guided by the technology acceptance model and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, to explore the feasibility and acceptance of Sleepsense bed sensors in a geriatric inpatient setting. Key findings from thematic analysis emerged in three main themes representing the feasibility and acceptance of Sleepsense bed sensors among hospitalized older adults: user acceptance, integration with somnolog into clinical practice, and implementation barriers and practical challenges. Staff reported high acceptance of Sleepsense technology due to its nonintrusiveness and ability to reduce disruptive nighttime checks. However, challenges such as the need for consent, data interpretation and occasional inaccuracies were also identified. Integrating Sleepsense with existing care practices was recommended to enhance patient care while maintaining staff confidence. These findings underscore the potential of advanced sleep monitoring technologies in subacute care settings and highlight the importance of addressing implementation barriers for effective adoption. Author summarySleep is crucial for hospitalized older adults, but traditional monitoring methods, such as nighttime checks, can be disruptive and may not always provide accurate assessments. We wanted to find out if the Sleepsense bed sensor would be acceptable to patients and staff in a hospital setting. We interviewed 22 hospitalized older adults and held group discussions with 33 staff members from various departments. Patients and staff valued the sensors ability to monitor sleep without disturbing rest, and staff recognized its potential to reduce nighttime checks. However, they emphasized that routine checks provide unique benefits, such as observing patient behavior and delivering personalized care, which the sensor alone cannot replace. We found that staff suggested integrating the sensor with existing practices to combine technological benefits with human oversight. They also identified challenges, including obtaining patient consent, interpreting sensor data, and managing occasional reading errors. We believe addressing these concerns through staff training and improving data reliability could support the sensors adoption in hospitals. By combining the strengths of technology with hands-on care, we see the Sleepsense bed sensor as a valuable tool to enhance sleep monitoring and improve care for older adults in hospital settings.