"An assistive home and nurse call system provides security and protects privacy"

REHACARE.com talked to Christoph Jo. Müller, Executive Vice President of CSS MicroSystems GmbH about the AssistX product line and asked about the future of assistive call systems.

Mr. Müller, who can benefit from assistive call systems and in which environments are they most relevant and helpful?
Christoph Jo. Müller: Assistive home and nurse call systems are needed whenever patients are unable to make calls to caregivers or family members by using the typical call buttons. This pertains specifically to patients in intensive care settings or people with severe mobility impairments. Reliable alert systems are especially critical given the increasing number of domestic care scenarios.

What makes the AssistX product line so unique?
Müller: The AssistX product line has two basic elements, which meet the requirements set down in the DIN VDE 0834 standard: AssistX Mobile is a reliable, flexible, wireless nurse call system that doesn’t require a landline connection. AssistX Call is a landline interface that allows users to link control devices to permanently installed call structures. Both systems are equipped with a patented Assist X port, where all control elements can be connected and automatically identified and tracked to avoid errors.

How can users trigger medical alerts?
Müller: There are a number of ways to actively trigger the alert. Proximity sensors detect even minute movements. Other options include suction/blow sensors, switches, adaptive acoustic sensors to detect human voices, as well as infrared and wireless sensors, which can be controlled by using communication devices such as eye control and tracking.

What kind of feedback do you get from your customers?
Müller: Our customers appreciate the security and peace of mind the AssistX products provide. They can rely on it working and the fact that the system immediately triggers an alarm in case of error. Caregivers also value the simple and fault-tolerant use and operation. Charging stations and magnetic mounting brackets make it easy to use the system.

What other ways do you see that might enhance and improve assistive alert systems in the future?
Müller: Artificial intelligence and the use of vital signs will enhance the monitoring options and make them even more reliable in the future, even if the patient is temporarily unable to trigger the alarm. This will include ways to track unusual user behavior patterns, low blood oxygen saturation levels or elevated heart rates.

AssistX systems are already being used today to securely and reliably transmit alarms sent from patient monitoring systems such as pulse oximeters or respiratory equipment over long distances inside buildings.

How can assistive call systems support a self-determined and independent lifestyle?
Müller: An assistive home and nurse call system provides security and protects privacy. For those in need, the feeling of being able to reliably and independently activate an alarm is very important and gives a greater peace of mind. Your privacy is protected if you don’t require constant monitoring and observation and want to make phone calls for example.