Australia's SIM system includes a sensor on an incontinence pad.

Australian medical device company Simavita has introduced a new “electronic brief,” reflecting a growing interest of skilled nursing providers to be able to electronically monitor residents’ incontinence episodes.

SIM® is a urinary incontinence system that includes a sensor on an incontinence pad. The pad gives caregivers more information about when the resident needs to be changed, supports staff in their decision-making, and increases resident dignity, the company said. 

Coding and managing incontinence is a challenge for many long-term caregivers. During the first 72 hours of a resident being in a long-term care setting, the SIM® system can provide data for a “live bladder chart” that gives information about what is triggering urinary discharge, as well as its timing and frequency. 

Simavita recently raised $14 million for marketing in North America, with plans for the product to be available throughout the U.S. by June 2014. Additionally, Simavita Limited, formerly Gtech International Resources Limited, announced the completion of the acquisition of Simavita Holdings Limited on Dec. 3. The company issued more than 56 million common shares to Simavita Holdings shareholders at $0.37 (U.S.) per share. 

Before the completion of the merger, Simavita Holdings carried out brokered equity financing worth $12.62 million (U.S.), the company said. 

The official consolidation also included the appointment of Philippa Lewis as CEO, Max Lloyd-Jones as chairman and Colin Christie as CFO.

Electronic incontinence monitoring is believed to help reduce pressure ulcers and create a better quality of life for residents. PointRF Solutions LLC debuted the Variable Wetness Sensing Wireless SafeTSense Diaper system in March, which alerts staff if a resident needs the brief changed. It is worn as a traditional adult diaper. Healthsense also offers a Wi-Fi incontinence sensor, which sends alerts to a computer or telephone.