A
system for monitoring medical conditions including pressure ulcers, pressure-induced
ischemia and related medical conditions comprises at least one sensor adapted to detect one or more patient characteristic including at least position, orientation, temperature, acceleration,
moisture, resistance, stress,
heart rate,
respiration rate, and
blood oxygenation, a host for
processing the data received from the sensors together with historical
patient data to develop an assessment of patient condition and suggested course of treatment. In some embodiments, the
system can further include a
support surface having one or more sensors incorporated therein either in addition to sensors affixed to the patient or as an alternative thereof. The
support surface is, in some embodiments, capable of responding to commands from the host for assisting in implementing a
course of action for
patient treatment. The sensor can include bi-axial or tri-axial accelerometers, as well as resistive, inductive, capactive, magnetic and other sensing devices, depending on whether the sensor is located on the patient or the
support surface, and for what purpose.