Today we headed to the school of engineering right after breakfast. We started the day listening to a presentation and demonstration about different customizations to wheelchairs to make them better suited for patients who require them long term. The wheelchair had special pressure sensors to try and prevent falls, tracking the center of mass of the patient. Additionally, the presenter showed us an application that tracks patients progress regaining mobility and balance after a stroke. Since the doctor can only see the patient ever three to four months the application ensures the patients progress is checked, and if there is an issue the patient can be seen sooner.
After the presentation we split into groups mixed with engineers and nurses to work on a project to try to invent a device that solves a common issue seen in the hospital environment. My group was tasked to try and create a device that mitigates bed sores. We reviewed the materials given to us and many of the existing products. Also, we pretended that a member of our group was the patient and saw the difficulties involved in rotating the patient laterally to try to relieve pressure. Our initial idea was to invent a mattress that could cool, monitor pressure areas in patients, and adjust to relieve the areas under a lot of pressure. We soon discovered that this is already an existing product. Through our research we found many innovations to mattresses and sheets to try and prevent pressure sores. While there are products created many are expensive or not totally helpful in preventing bedsores. My group came up with a different idea which involved modifying hospital gowns to equip them with temperature sensors. Our product would ideally be used in conjunction with the existing mattress technology so that the nurses would be notified if there is an area of the patients body under a lot of pressure and with a high temperature, indicating a high risk for bed sours especially in immobile patients. We were able to find specific sensors that were already on the market the could be coated in special material and double lined in cotton to make these gowns. Once each group came up with their idea and made a miniature model of it using clay and other resources we all presented our proposed products to each other. Since all of the groups were given different issues to try and solve it was very interesting to see them describe the issue and see their proposed solution. Additionally, working in teams of engineering students and nursing students was very interesting as it gave us an opportunity to combine our knowledge about each of these areas, allowing us the learn and build off of each other.
After the presentations we headed to the Fine Arts Museum in Bilbao. Unfortunately, we got stuck in a rain storm on our walk over. While we were at the museum we saw many different pieces of art including designs from Denise Scott Brown who was a famous architect who designed many buildings in Philadelphia, which is very close to where I am from. Also, we were able to see artwork from Andy Warhol who is a famous artist from Pittsburgh. It was very cool to get to see two artists who lived very close to where I am from in a museum in Spain. Additionally, we were able to see many local and European artists who had their work displayed in the museum. All in all, it was another amazing day in Spain, I am excited to see what tomorrow holds (hopefully less rain)!