The motion of a patient is monitored 302, preferably while in a hospital bed. A sensor, e.g. a thermal camera 304, collects data and attributes one of a plurality of predetermined patient positions, and determines whether the person is moving 306. A risk level is categorised based on the person’s position and motion, i.e. the likelihood/probability they may fall out 310. If a predetermined risk threshold is exceeded, a change in environmental conditions is performed, such as a visual or audio alarm 312, or mechanical barrier/rail. The positional data may include sections of the bed, and/or body position with respect to the bed, such as laying prone, sitting centrally, or sitting with legs off the bed. Sound sensors or pressure mats may be used. A time of flight camera may be used to automatically generate 3D images. Canonical patient positioning may be determined by comparing the topography of the patient’s bed with a data set of known configurations.
