 Motivated by findings concerning the adverse impact of lighting conditions on patients, TRUMPF has developed the AmbientLine. With applications in both the OR and the ICU, AmbientLine uses LED lighting to aid the patient’s feeling of well-being, as well as improving working conditions for clinicians.
Battling ICU Syndrome
According to a study conducted at the Friedrich-Wilhelm University in Bonn, Germany, lighting situations that exist in many critical care units may hinder patient recovery. Bright lights are often on even at night which disturbs the patient’s circadian (day-night) rhythms. Frequent checking of patient vital signs which often requires turning on room lights, a lack of privacy and the inability to be alone can all contribute to “ICU Syndrome”. Symptoms of ICU Syndrome include depression, anxiety and confusion.
Driven by these findings, developers at TRUMPF used their understanding of the biological and psychological effects of light to design the new TRUMPF AmbientLine. Integrated into TRUMPF ceiling-mounted Equipment Management Systems, AmbientLine uses indirect LED ceiling and floor lights and intelligent control of lighting characteristics. The patient’s circadian rhythms can be supported which is of enormous importance for the temporal orientation of the patient, a feeling of well-being, and healing. AmbientLine’s colored, glare-free lighting can create a more pleasant environment, which supports relaxation for patients and visitors, as well as hospital staff. AmbientLine can also provide the patient with lighting-defined personal space that allows the life-saving technology to slip into the background.
Additional AmbientLine options include the capability to deliver projected images on a “sail” attached above the bed, offering the patient information, communication and entertainment.
Optimal Working Conditions
Clinicians and hospitals can also benefit directly from AmbientLine. Doctors and nurses can enjoy the improved working conditions afforded by the relaxing atmospheric lights. Floor lights can be switched on at the door allowing clinicians to move into and around the ICU room safely without feeling their way around or turning on all room lights. Special lighting modules support exam and patient care procedures. In the interest of speed, an emergency button can switch on all lights at once. Useful extras include LED drawer lights that help clinicians locate supplies easily.
In the OR, AmbientLine’s ability to vary the color of floor and ceiling lights is especially useful for minimally invasive surgery. The soft ambient light is easy on physicians whose eyes do not have to constantly adjust from bright room lights to the darker screen images. This allows them to see their monitors more clearly and with better contrast.
Advantages to the hospital include the ability to equip rooms with only a few basic lighting elements. Because facilities can upgrade at any time costs can be controlled. The AmbientLine’s atmospheric lighting can also be used as an advantage when recruiting both staff and patients in today’s competitive environment.
The AmbientLine will be shown at the 2008 AORN Congress at TRUMPF Booth 2800 in Anaheim California during exhibit hall hours from April 1 - 3 and at the NTI, TRUMPF Booth 3047 in Chicago, May 6 – 8. For further information call 1-888-474-9359 or email: info@US.TRUMPF-Med.com.
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