Abstract
BackgroundContinuous vital sign monitoring by using wearable sensors may result in the earlier detection of patient deterioration and sepsis. Few studies have explored the perspectives of surgical team members on the use of such sensors in surgical patients.ObjectiveThis study aims to understand the views of surgical team members regarding novel wearable sensors for surgical patients.MethodsWearable sensors that monitor vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) continuously were used by acute surgical patients. The opinions of surgical staff who were treating patients with these sensors were collated through in-depth semistructured interviews to thematic saturation. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed via thematic analysis.ResultsA total of 48 interviews were performed with senior and junior surgeons and senior and junior nurses. The main themes of interest that emerged from the interviews were (1) problems with current monitoring, (2) the anticipated impact of wearables on patient safety, (3) the impact on staff, (4) the impact on patients overall, (5) potential new changes, and (6) the future and views on technology.ConclusionsOverall, the feedback from staff who were continuously monitoring surgical patients via wearable sensors was positive, and relatively few concerns were raised. Surgical staff members identify problems with current monitoring and anticipate that sensors will both improve patient safety and be the future of monitoring.
Highlights
The failure to recognize and respond to patient deterioration is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and is predominantly caused by human monitoring factors [1,2,3]
This study aims to conduct a comprehensive exploration of interdisciplinary staff views on wearable sensor technology for surgical patients
Semistructured interviews were held for a subgroup of surgical health care staff to explore their experiences with and perceptions of wearable sensors in detail
Summary
The failure to recognize and respond to patient deterioration is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and is predominantly caused by human monitoring factors [1,2,3]. Patients undergoing major surgery are at risk of life-threatening complications. The detection of deterioration occurs by measuring vital signs routinely every 4 to 6 hours or more frequently in patients who are identified as unwell. Continuous monitoring has only been feasible in higher dependency settings via invasive methods. Continuous vital sign monitoring by using wearable sensors may result in the earlier detection of patient deterioration and sepsis. Few studies have explored the perspectives of surgical team members on the use of such sensors in surgical patients
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