Before implementing an automated scoring solution, such as the IntelliVue Guardian Solution, for supporting detection of potential clinical deteriorations, caregivers at Saratoga Hospital would take patients’ vital signs every four hours, and this information would be manually logged into the electronic medical record (EMR) to be further assessed by nurses. Using Saratoga Hospital’s modified early warning score (MEWS) algorithm, the IntelliVue Guardian Solution, as implemented, streamlines the manual process by automating the scoring that aids clinicians in identifying deviations in a patient's vital signs. It also incorporates an automated respiration rate into its EWS calculations to further enhance quality and accuracy. Respiration rate, which is not always captured correctly, is an important factor in accurately predicting both sepsis and cardiac arrest [3]. In most cases, this early identification occurs hours before a potential adverse event, giving Saratoga’s clinicians time to intervene prior to patient deterioration.
“Improving patient safety and reducing codes in the general ward is a top priority for our team,” said Diane Bartos, Administrative Director of the Intensive Care Unit, Saratoga Hospital. “In order to provide the best care possible, we must equip our caregivers with the technological resources they need to be successful. Our caregivers use the Philips IntelliVue Guardian Solution every day, helping them to make more confident care decisions and intervene earlier.”
“The general floor is busy with increased patient acuity due to chronic illness, so it’s critical to provide clinicians with technology that allows for more efficient workflows,” said Felix Baader, Business Leader, Monitoring and Analytics at Philips. “With our solution implemented, providers like Saratoga Hospital can have clinical insights they need to help improve patient care while enhancing their workflow. The results they’ve seen include reduction in patient codes and transfers to critical care. This shows the true impact and value of this type of collaboration, as well as how technology can help hospitals address the quadruple aim, by improving patient outcomes and staff satisfaction, enhancing patient experience, and lowering costs.”
Philips’ full suite of integrated patient monitoring solutions will be showcased at booth #3812 at the 2018 Annual HIMSS Conference & Exhibition taking place March 5-9 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas, NV. For more information on Philips’ presence at the event, please visit www.usa.philips.com/himss and follow @PhilipsLiveFrom for #HIMSS18 updates.
[1] James, JT. A New, Evidence-based Estimate of Patient Harms Associated with Hospital Care. Journal of Patient Safety: September 2013 - Volume 9 - Issue 3 - p 122–128.
[2] Hillman K, Chen J, Cretikos M, et al. MERIT study investigators Introduction of the medical emergency team (MET) system: a cluster-randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2005;365 (9477):2091–2097.
[3] Field D (2006) ‘Respiratory care’. In: Sheppard M, Wright M eds. Principles and practice of high dependency nursing 2nd edn. Bailliere Tindall, Edinburgh)
