Whitepaper – Early Detection of Clinical Deterioration
The Critical Role of Continuous Vital Sign Trend Monitoring in Low- to Medium-Acuity Settings
Abstract
Many deteriorating patients on general hospital wards are not identified in time for appropriate escalation of care. The European Surgical Outcomes Study found that 73% of in-hospital deaths occurred on general wards without prior ICU admission, highlighting the need for earlier detection. Current vital sign monitoring relies on intermittent, manual spot checks every 4–12 hours, leaving extended periods where deterioration can go undetected.
Respiratory rate, the most predictive indicator of deterioration, is often missing or inaccurately recorded. Heart rate, the second most predictive sign, is similarly limited by intermittent assessment. Continuous remote trend monitoring systems offer a transformative solution by providing automated, objective, and continuous tracking of key vital signs, including RR, HR, and, depending on the device, SpO₂. These systems can enable earlier detection of clinical deterioration while reducing nursing workload.
In a recent implementation study on a surgical ward at Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, the viQtor wearable was combined with an adapted early warning system. Manual measurements of blood pressure and body temperature were performed only when clinically indicated. Early feedback from nurses has been highly positive: they reported saving valuable time, especially during morning rounds, without feeling loss of control over patient monitoring, allowing them to deliver more efficient and meaningful care.
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