Following a successful two year partnership, Smith & Nephew, the global medical technology business, announced that it has agreed to acquire Leaf Healthcare, the developer of the unique Leaf Patient Monitoring System for pressure injury prevention and patient mobility monitoring. The deal is expected to close in Q2 2019.
The Leaf Patient Monitoring System is a small, lightweight, wearable sensor that wirelessly monitors a patient's position and their mobility whilst in hospital. The data from the sensor is able to document compliance with prescribed protocols for patients at risk of pressure injuries.
In January 2018, an independently conducted randomised controlled trial from Stanford University evaluated optimal patient repositioning. The results stated that the Leaf Patient Monitoring System induced a 43% relative increase in turning protocol compliance in high-risk patients, and that patients treated with the Leaf sensor were 73% less likely to develop a pressure injury.
“Consistent with our initial strategic investment, Smith & Nephew is focused on providing not just products to treat conditions, but also supporting clinicians with technologies designed for prevention as well as treatment, and helping healthcare facilities reduce the cost of care,” said Simon Fraser, president of advanced wound management, Smith & Nephew. “The Leaf Patient Monitoring System is highly complementary to Smith & Nephew’s existing wound portfolio and we are excited by the opportunities of expanding this product within our global portfolio.”
“The benefits of patient turning and improved patient mobility are well recognised, including the potential for shorter hospital stays,” said Barrett Larson, managing director, co-founder and chief executive officer, Leaf Healthcare. “We are proud of the impact our technology has already made through our existing relationship with Smith & Nephew. We are excited by this new opportunity to deploy our award-winning pressure injury prevention technology through Smith & Nephew’s extensive advanced wound management portfolio.”