Sensore: Summative Usability Study (v2.1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A summative usability study of Sensore: continuous pressure monitoring for wheelchair users
IRAS ID
365158
Contact name
Scott Dean
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sensore Ltd
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN93859782
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
Pressure ulcers affect around 700,000 people in the UK each year and cost the NHS over £2 billion. Many cases are preventable, yet current checks are manual, intermittent, and staff-intensive. Sensore is a smart fabric seat-cushion mat with an app that maps pressure continuously and prompts users when and how to reposition to reduce risk.
Research question: Can intended users (wheelchair users, carers, and clinicians) use Sensore safely and effectively in real-world settings, and does it fit existing routines and clinical workflows? Findings will close the “safe and effective use” evidence gap needed for UKCA Class Im submission.
Continuous monitoring may help users prevent ulcers, maintain independence, and reduce avoidable clinic visits and admissions. Services may benefit from standardised prevention, reduced workload, and better equity of care.
The study will answer questions such as: can users set up the system properly, understand the pressure display and alerts, and respond to them without confusion or undue burden? Is the system acceptable for regular use by wheelchair users, carers and healthcare professionals?
The study will take place at the Rehabilitation Engineering Unit at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, with some use of the system at home or in daily routines. Around 45 participants will take part, including adult wheelchair users, carers and healthcare professionals involved in pressure care. Participants will attend several study visits for training, observation, questionnaires and interviews. Reasonable expenses and time reimbursement will be offered subject to ethics approval.
This study is funded by NIHR (Ref: NIHR510280) and sponsored by Graphene Trace. Recruitment will occur through the Cardiff & Vale Rehabilitation Engineering Unit’s Special Seating Service and with support from public-involvement partners, including the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers and NIHR Devices for Dignity.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/YH/0050
Date of REC Opinion
9 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion