The requirement for continuous health care monitoring, combined with a shortage of specialists, presents an opportunity for vital sign monitoring innovation. There are dynamic innovation ecosystems in the sensor and microelectronic technology areas that are working to improve sensitivity, multi-parametric sensing, and wireless sensing.
For decades, clinical monitoring systems have been used in the inpatient hospital setting, with little attention paid to system analysis or assessing the impact on clinician workflow or patient care. A study demonstrates how system-level design and analysis can be used in this domain, with a particular emphasis on early detection of patient deterioration to reduce failure to rescue events. Wireless patient sensors and pulse oximetry-based surveillance system monitors with advanced display and information system capabilities were installed in two units, totaling 71 general care beds. The nursing workflow was redesigned to incorporate the new system and its features into patient assessment activities.
Data on patient characteristics, vital sign documentation, monitor alarms, workflow, and system utilization were collected and analyzed for the five months preceding and following implementation. For the same time periods, comparison unit data were also collected and analyzed. Following implementation, a survey on staff satisfaction and system performance was conducted. The differences between the before and after data for the target and control units were examined statistically. The improved monitoring system received high staff satisfaction ratings and significantly improved key clinical elements related to the early recognition of changes in patient state, such as reducing average vital sign data collection time by 28%, increasing patient monitoring time (rate ratio of 1.22), and improving patient information availability and accuracy.
Some of the most notable advancements in vital sign monitoring include:
- Wireless sensors that can be worn on the body to continuously monitor multiple vital signs without the need for a bulky machine or attachment;
- Sensors that are more sensitive to detecting adverse changes in the body, such as an increase in heart rate or blood pressure;
- Sensor technology that can monitor multiple vital signs at the same time and wirelessly transmit the data to a central location for analysis;
- By improving the sensitivity and accuracy of vital sign monitoring, hospitals can reduce patient safety risks and improve workflow efficiency. By better understanding how each individual patient is reacting to their illness or injury, hospitals can make better decisions about treatment options and provide the best possible care for their patients.
The utilization of vital sign monitoring in hospitals has led to enhanced patient safety and improved operational flow. Which vital signs are measured in the hospital setting, and why are they monitored? Here are some key points:
Heart Rate Monitoring
Heart rate, also known as pulse, is one of the easiest vital signs to measure in hospitals. It is an indicator of the heart's function and health, but can also indicate physical or emotional changes. A normal heart rate for adults ranges from 60-100 beats per minute, but it can vary depending on a person's age, activity level, and overall health. A heart rate that is too high or too low can be a sign of a serious medical issue, such as a heart attack, stroke, or cardiac arrest. Monitoring heart rate is critical for early detection and prompt treatment of such issues, but is more valuable when assessed alongside the other vital signs discussed below.
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Blood pressure is another vital sign that is regularly checked in hospitals. Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood against the walls of the blood vessels. A normal blood pressure reading is around 120/80 mmHg, but it can vary depending on a person's age, sex, and overall health. A trend of high blood pressures, also known as hypertension, can put a person at a higher risk of developing serious health issues such as heart disease, kidney failure, and stroke. Therefore, monitoring blood pressure is crucial for early detection and management of hypertension.
Temperature Monitoring
Temperature is another important vital sign that is monitored in hospitals. A normal body temperature for most adults is around 98.6°F (37°C), but it can vary depending on a person's age, activity level, and overall health. A high body temperature, also known as fever, can be an indicator of infection or inflammation. Therefore, monitoring body temperature is important for early detection and prompt treatment of infections and fever.
Respiratory Rate Monitoring
Respiratory rate, also known as breathing rate, is the number of times a person takes a breath in one minute. A normal respiratory rate for adults ranges from 12-20 breaths per minute. An increased respiratory rate can be an indication of an emergency such as a pulmonary embolism, development of sepsis or an asthma attack. Therefore, monitoring respiratory rate is important to detect and respond to any emergency quickly.
Oxygen Level Monitoring
Oxygen level, also known as oxygen saturation, is an indicator of how much oxygen is bound to hemoglobin and available for the tissues to use. Normal oxygen levels are greater than 92% on room air and can be impacted by elevation and overall health status. A low oxygen saturation can indicate many disease processes or a complication of opioid administration that can slow a patient’s respiratory rate. Therefore, monitoring oxygen levels is important for the early detection of opioid-induced respiratory depression and the prevention of failure to rescue events.
Vital Signs Monitoring Designed for Patients' Safety
Sotera Digital Health can be integrated into an electronic health record (EHR), giving clinicians access to patient vital signs via a smart handheld device, mobile workstation, or nurse's station. If a patient's vital signs deteriorate, the system generates alerts and alarm signals.
- Continuous surveillance monitoring, which is used on all patient care units, eliminates the guesswork that is inherent in condition monitoring.
- Condition monitoring is the use of a patient monitoring system that is limited to clinical targets based on a patient's unique and recognizable risk profile.
- Surveillance monitoring is the use of a patient monitoring system with continuous, broad clinical targeting that is not based on a patient's unique, recognizable risk profile. This is because not all risks can be prioritized.
Takeaway
Vital signs play an important role in patient safety and workflow efficiency in hospitals. By continuously monitoring multiple vital signs, hospitals can reduce the risk of adverse events and provide better care for their patients.
Today, emergency departments (EDs) and general care wards rely heavily on vital signs to identify patients at risk of deterioration. Even when changes in vital signs accurately predict it, clinical deterioration is frequently unrecognized or detected too late to be effectively treated. This is primarily due to inaccurate recording of vital signs and inadequate response to abnormal values. Therefore, innovations in vital sign monitoring safety are extremely advantageous for hospital workflow efficiency and patient safety.
Want to improve patient safety and workflow efficiency in your hospital? Learn more about how Sotera Digital Health's innovations in vital sign monitoring can help you achieve better outcomes for your patients. Contact us today and see the benefits of our technology firsthand!
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29993903/