a nursing informatics toolbox

The urine bag is now Social…Introducing the iBag!

the ibag graphicLook what social media has done to this world. All of a sudden, everything wants to be connected. And Look who just joined the fray….the foley bag!

So move over Steve Jobs! If you think you are the only person who has the right to use the “i” vowel, well think again. iBag is here to save the day for people who needs it. Next to that iPhone, iPad, iPod and iCloud, you can also carry your  facebook updating and twittering urine- carrying “ibag” to the party.

The technology simply aims to alert the caregiver when the bag is full and needs emptying. As nurses, we all know that a backed up urine bag is one of the most common causes of urinary tract related sepsis for elderly and bed-ridden patients. The creator, however, added some related features to provide additional information such as temperature, etc. Here’s what the creator has to say about it:

The Future Path Medical iBag™ System revolutionizes urine management through an enhancement of patient safety and economics. iBag™ combines a low-cost fluid sensor, an optional thermistor-based catheter, software, and wireless communications to create intelligent urine monitoring.

 iBag™ enables reduced urine spills, reduced urine backup, early warning of bladder temperature increase, serving as early indicator for infection. iBag™ increases patient and caregiver confidence and independence.

The Future Path Medical iBag™ System consists of a disposable vinyl collection bag that has an innovative patented low-cost sensor in the container’s interior.

It looks like it’s a really good idea, but my question is, do we really need it? Is it really necessarry for a urine bag to be that sophisticated? Can we just all be more attentive with our patients?

So what’s  coming next? a twittering-commode and a facebook-updating bedpans?