LIGHTING SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF

Abstract

Provided herein are lighting devices, systems, and methods. In particular, provided herein are lighting systems configured for use in a variety of medical settings to improve patient and health care worker health, performance, and well-being.

Claims

1. A lighting system for use in a facility, comprising: a) a first lighting zone comprising a plurality of tunable and/or non-tunable lighting components; b) a second lighting zone comprising a plurality of tunable and/or non-tunable lighting components; and c) a controller configured to independently control the intensity, time, and wavelength of said first and second lighting zones.

2. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said facility is selected from the group consisting of a building and a vehicle.

3. The lighting system of claim 2, wherein said building is selected from the group consisting of a tent, a portable building, and a temporary building.

4. The lighting system of claim 2, wherein said vehicle is a truck or a plane.

5. The lighting system of claim 2, wherein said facility is a medical facility or a non-medical facility.

6. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said first lighting zone is a patient care zone or a non-patient care zone.

7. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said patient care zone is a patient room.

8. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said second lighting zone is selected from the group consisting of a hallway and a staff area.

9. The lighting system of claim 1, further comprising at least one third lighting zone.

10. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said first lighting zone comprises a plurality of lights over a patient bed, and a plurality of additional room lights.

11. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said lighting system comprises one or more uplights with a melanopic/photopic (M/P) ratio of 0.85 to 1.1 and one or more downlights with a M/P ratio of 0.2 to 0.35.

12. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said lighting system comprises a plurality of room lights with a M/P ratio of less than 0.35.

13. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said lighting system comprises a plurality of bathroom lights with a M/P ratio of less than 0.35 at night and more than 0.7 during the day.

14. The lighting system of claim 11, wherein said first lighting zone is configured to turn on said uplight at a pre-selected time when waking is desired and turn off said uplight at a pre-selected time where a sleeping state or transition to sleeping state is desired.

15. The system of claim 5, wherein said medical facility is selected from the group consisting of a skilled nursing facility, an assisted living facility, a long-term care facility, a hospital, a hospice, a clinic, a correctional facility, and an outpatient surgery center.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein said lighting components adjust their intensity and/or wavelength automatically based on the time of day.

17. The system of claim 8, wherein said hallway lights have a M/P ratio of 0.7 to 1.2 during the day and 0.2 to 0.5 in the evening and night.

18. The system of claim 8, wherein said staff area lights have a M/P ratio of 0.7 to 1.2.

19. A method of controlling lighting in a facility, comprising: operating the system of claim 1 in a facility.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 shows exemplary layout and specifications of dining room lighting.

[0029] FIG. 2 shows exemplary layout and specifications of hallway lighting.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows a) a top view and b) side view of exemplary layout and specifications of nursing station lighting.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows exemplary layout and specifications of resident room lighting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Provided herein are lighting devices, systems, and methods. In particular, provided herein are lighting systems configured for use in a variety of medical settings to improve patient and health care worker health, performance, and well-being.

[0033] The lighting systems described herein are customizable, programmable, and adaptable. The lighting systems provide optimum timing, intensity, and spectrum for each location. In some embodiments, such as a medical setting, individual lighting settings are utilized for specific patients or zones containing certain types of patients to provide optimized lighting for a specific category of patient (e.g., based on disease or condition type, age, stage of healing, etc.). In some embodiments, specific times of day and/or locations utilize specific protocols based on historic incidents of fatigue-related problems or injuries.

[0034] In some embodiments, the optimization of lighting results in one or more positive outcomes, for example, improving and speed of healing, reducing medical errors, increasing staff alertness, reducing falls, reducing sundowners, and reducing the need for psychotropic medication.

[0035] The biological and behavioral effects of light are influenced by a distinct photoreceptor in the eye, melanopsin containing intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), in addition to the conventional rods and cones (See e.g., Lucas et al., Trends Neurosci. 2014 January; 37(1): 1-9). Accordingly, in certain embodiments, light spectrum is measured using the melanopic/photopic (M/P) ratio. The M/P ratio does not describe color but rather how much blue content (light at 480 nm) is in the light.

[0036] The M/P ratio is measured at eye level facing the direction the occupant would normally face when completing their tasks during a typical day. A calibrated spectrometer is utilized to measure the light spectrum in μW/cm.sup.2/nm (micro watts/centimeter squared/nanometer) at typical eye levels. This data is then collected and analyzed to determine the 5 measurement output values, corresponding to the human retinal photoreceptor complement. The photoreceptor complement includes Cyanopic, Melanopic, Rhodopic, Chloropic, and Erythropic values. Upon determining the μW/cm.sup.2/nm for the melanopic value, it is compared to the photopic value yielding an M/P ratio. An M/P ratio above 0.9 is a light source that will suppress melatonin and increase alertness.

[0037] In some embodiments, the M/P ratio is altered in different locations in a facility in order to optimize patient and staff performance and well-being. For example, in some embodiments, patient rooms are provided with light with lower M/P ratios in the evening in order to promote relaxation and decrease alertness of patients. In some embodiments, the M/P ratio is increased during the day to increase alertness. In general, staff areas such as a nurse's station, hallways, break rooms, and medical procedure rooms (e.g., operating rooms) are kept at a higher M/P ratio at all times to increase staff alertness. In the present disclosure, M/P ratios of lights used in the described systems range from 0.2 to 1.2 (e.g., 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, 0.80, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1.0, 1.2 or fractions thereof) plus or minus no more than 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 5%, 10%, or 20%, depending on the time of day or subject population. Exemplary lighting protocols for different areas of a facility are provided below.

[0038] In some embodiments, lights are “tunable.” For example, as used herein a “tunable” light source is a light source (e.g., light emitting diode or other light source or lamp) configured to be tuned to alternative wavelengths of light (e.g., using a controller). Examples of light source suitable for use in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, light sources with a plurality of LEDs of different wavelengths that can be turned on and off via a controller, broad spectrum lights (e.g., DC arc lamps) with filters or diffraction gratings to tune the wavelength of light emitted, and the like. In some embodiments, tunable commercial lights sources available from a large number of suppliers (e.g., Acuity Brands (Atlanta, Ga.); Lighting Science (West Warwick, R. I.) and Elite Lighting (Los Angeles, Calif.) are utilized in the present disclosure.

[0039] In some embodiments, light sources comprise dimmers to adjust the intensity of the light (e.g., measured in lux). The lux is the International System of Units derived unit of illuminance and luminous emittance, measuring luminous flux per unit area. In some embodiments, lux values are lux values at the eye level regardless of the individual's position. In some embodiments, the height is the average height of an individual present in the particular region of the facility receiving the light. In some embodiments, the height is the actual height of the individual, as measured by a sensor or pre-programmed based on a known height of the individual.

[0040] In some embodiments, lighting systems comprise a controller (e.g., comprising a computer processor, computer software, and optionally a user interface such as for example, a computer monitor, a tablet, a smart phone, or smart watch). The controller serves to control all or a portion of the lights in the system. In some embodiments, lights are wired via electrical wires to the system. In other embodiments, lights are controlled wirelessly (e.g., via Bluetooth, near field, WiFi, or a combination thereof). Various different configurations (e.g., a combination of wired and wireless interfaces) are envisioned by the present disclosure.

[0041] In some embodiments, the controller is programmed to automatically adjust lighting based on the region of the facility or time of day. In some embodiments, a user manually controls the lighting. In some embodiments, the user interface (e.g., voice, touch, or keypad interface) allows a user to alter the automated protocol. In some embodiments, a plurality of protocols is stored in memory and are selected by a user interface. Such protocols include zone-specific protocols, patient specific protocols (based on patient categories such as health status, age, and the like), room specific protocols, and the like. In some embodiments, the processor is located at a site remote from the facility or on-site. For example, in some embodiments, a service provider manages the lighting systems of two or more different facilities remotely. In some embodiments, patient and staff outcome data is collected from one or more such facilities to allow further optimization based on tracked outcomes (e.g., across a large number of facilities using data pooled from the facilities). In some embodiments, experimental protocols are run to identify improved protocols.

[0042] In some embodiments, a facility is divided into zones with different lighting needs. For example, in some embodiments, facilities comprise first, second, and optionally third (or more) zones. In some embodiments, within a zone, lighting is uniform (e.g., all lights of a given type within a zone are set to the same M/P ratios and lux values), although each zone may include different types of lighting components that vary from other types of lighting components. For example, in a zone comprising a patient room, all of the bed lights in the zone are set to the same parameters bed overhead lights in the rooms are set to different parameters.

[0043] The present disclosure is not limited to particular lighting zones. In some embodiments, lighting systems comprise a first zone comprising patient care zones (e.g., patient bedrooms, patient apartments, or common areas). In some embodiments, lighting systems comprise a second zone comprising staff areas (e.g., one or more of nurse's station, hallways, staff rooms, or medical procedure rooms). A facility may have any number of different zones depending on the needs of a given facility (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more zones per facility).

[0044] The present disclosure is not limited to particular facilities. Examples include, but are not limited to, skilled nursing facilities, long term care facilities, hospitals, hospices, assisted living facilities, clinics, correctional facilities (e.g., prisons, jails, youth facilities, etc.) and outpatient surgery centers.

[0045] By way of example, the below description provides exemplary zones and lighting protocols illustrated for a skilled nursing home or long-term care facility. The description is for illustrative purposes and does not limit the disclosure.

[0046] FIGS. 1-4 show exemplary layouts and specifications of certain rooms described below. FIG. 1 shows a layout of a dining room ceiling lighting with an M/P of greater than 0.85. FIG. 2 shows a layout of a hallway ceiling lighting with a daytime M/P of greater than 0.85 and a nighttime M/P of less than 0.35. FIG. 3 shows a) top and b) side views of a nurse's station with ceiling lighting of an M/P of 0.85 to 1.0 and task lighting of an M/P of 1.0 or greater. FIG. 4 shows a ceiling view of a resident or patient room with ceiling lights A with an M/P of less than 0.35, bed lighting B configured for an M/P of less than 0.35 during evening and night hours and an M/P of greater than 0.9 during the day, entry lighting C with M/P of less than 0.35, and bathroom lighting D with an M/P of less than 0.35. In some embodiments, lights change color (e.g., M/P ratio) automatically based on the time of day.

[0047] Patient Room Lights

[0048] Patient room lighting is enhanced throughout the 24 hour day to improve overall patient health and wellbeing. This results in, for example, reduction of falls, improved healing after illness or medical procedures, and a reduction in medications. In some exemplary embodiments, patient rooms comprise over the bed lights with 2 light sources, an uplight with a minimum M/P ratio of 0.9 and a down light with a maximum M/P ratio of 0.35. In some embodiments, any other resident lights, can lights, ceiling lights, floor lamps have an M/P ratio of 0.35 or below. In some embodiments, bathrooms comprise light with an M/P ratio of less than 0.5 at night and 0.9 during the day.

[0049] In some embodiments, patient room lights utilize the following protocol: In the morning (e.g., between 6 and 7 AM), the uplight is energized or turned on to start the resident's day. It immediately suppresses melatonin production and encourages cortisol production. This hormone makes the resident more alert and energetic and sets the resident's internal body clock or circadian rhythm. Every cell in the body has a clock and the signal from the photons at a minimum of 0.9 M/P ratio entering the pupil will send a signal to the cells that daytime has started and it is time to start their daytime mode. In some embodiments, the illuminance is 100 lux as measured on a vertical plane near the eye. At the evening meal time (e.g., between 5 and 6 PM), the uplight is turned off to signal the beginning of the night time mode. All the other low M/P (below 0.35) lights remain on all day and into the evening. At bedtime, all lights are turned off and measurable light should be 0 lux. If there is a night light, it should have an M/P ratio below 0.35 and should be directed at the floor. In general, the lighting in the resident rooms should match the color of the light in the hallway during daytime and evening hours.

[0050] Hallway Lights

[0051] Hallway lighting is optimized to the time of day, as many different individuals are exposed to the hallway lights. In some exemplary embodiments, in the morning (e.g., between 6 and 7 am), the hallway lights are turned up to 200 lux as measured on a vertical plane near the eye with an M/P ratio of at least 0.9. In some embodiments, at mid-morning (e.g., 10 AM) the hallway lights are increased to 400 lux* measured on a vertical plane near the eye. In some embodiments, mid-afternoon (e.g., 3 PM) illuminance is lowered to 200 lux* measured on a vertical plane near the eye. In some embodiments, at the time of the evening meal (e.g., between 5 and 6 PM), the M/P ratio is lowered to below 0.35 M/P with in an illuminance of 300 lux* as measured on a vertical plane near the eye. At bedtime (e.g. 9:00 PM), the illuminance is 150 lux* as measured on a vertical plane near the eye.

[0052] Activity Areas

[0053] In some embodiments, lights in activity areas (e.g., craft areas, game areas, social areas, etc.) are kept at a high M/P ratio at all times. In some embodiments, lights in activity areas are at 200 to 400 lux as measured on a vertical plane near the eye with an M/P ratio of at least 0.9 at all times they are in use.

[0054] Staff Lighting

[0055] The goal of enhancing lighting for staff locations is to reduce medical errors and accidents. In some exemplary embodiments staff areas (e.g., break rooms, nurse's stations, medical procedure rooms, etc.) provide rich blue light (e.g., M/P greater than 0.9). Exposing the staff to this light suppresses the production of melatonin and makes them more alert and energetic regardless of the shift they work. In some embodiments, the illuminance at the eye is a minimum of 100 lux as measured on a vertical plane near the eye. In some embodiments, patient areas are isolated from staff areas so that they are not exposed to the high M/P lights.

[0056] Using the described protocol, the following outcomes were observed: A reduction in the number of falls by 30%, a reduction in the number of sundowners by 35%, a reduction in the need for psychotropic meds by 10%, a reduction in harmful medical errors by 25%, and a reduction in energy consumption by 65%.

[0057] The foregoing description of illustrative embodiments of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and of description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosure. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the disclosure and as practical applications of the disclosure to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the disclosure be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.