Patient position detection using a detection and ranging system

A system for monitoring a position of a patient, the system comprising:

• a patient support apparatus having a frame and a mattress supported by the frame;
• at least one arm coupled to the frame and extending in height above the mattress;
• one or more detection and ranging sensors coupled to the at least one arm and configured to transmit a detection and ranging signal towards a patient and receive a reflection of the detecting and ranging signal from the patient;
• circuitry configured to receive data from the one or more detection and ranging sensors and determine each of the following:
• (i) whether the patient is lying on the mattress, (ii) whether the patient is off of the mattress and standing next to the patient support apparatus, and (iii) whether the patient is off of the mattress and lying on a floor next to the patient support apparatus;
• a communication interface configured to communicate a bed exit signal and a falls alert signal from the patient support apparatus;
• a nurse call system configured to receive the falls alert signal and the bed exit signal;
• and
• a status board configured to display a first indicator in response to receiving the falls alert signal and to display a second indicator in response to receiving the bed exit signal.

A method of monitoring a position of a patient, the method comprising:

• providing a patient support apparatus having a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, at least one arm coupled to the frame and extending in height above the mattress, and one or more detection and ranging sensors coupled to the at least one arm;
• transmitting a detection and ranging signal towards a patient;
• receiving a reflection of the detecting and ranging signal from the patient;
• using circuitry to receive data from the one or more detection and ranging sensors;
• and
• determining with the circuitry each of the following:
• (i) whether the patient is lying on the mattress, (ii) whether the patient is off of the mattress and standing next to the patient support apparatus, (iii) whether the patient is off of the mattress and sitting in a chair next to the patient support apparatus, and (iv) whether the patient is off of the mattress and lying on a floor next to the patient support apparatus.