Evaluating Continuous Vital Sign Monitoring Using Wearable Sensors in a Norwegian Surgical Ward Effects on Patient Outcomes, Safety Culture, and Nursing Staff Experiences

What this Trial Is About

Unsafe patient care is a major cause of illness and death worldwide. In surgical wards, patients after surgery are usually monitored intermittently with the National Early Warning Score NEWS-2, which can miss signs of worsening health between checks. This study evaluates the use of continuous vital sign monitoring CVSM with wearable sensors to detect patient deterioration earlier in a gastro-surgical ward. The study introduces CVSM using 16 wearable sensors in a 29-bed gastro-surgical ward starting September 2025. These sensors continuously track respiratory rate, heart rate, and oxygen levels, sending data to electronic health records. Alerts are sent to nursing staff smartphones and monitors if vital signs cross preset limits. CVSM is used alongside usual intermittent monitoring with NEWS-2, following hospital protocols. The implementation is a hospital-led pilot supported by management, with research teams evaluating its effects and healthcare staff experiences. Participants include all patients admitted to the ward during the 12-month CVSM implementation and healthcare professionals working there. Patient outcomes and staff perceptions of safety culture, turnover intention, and work satisfaction are studied. Assessments occur up to 12 months after implementation, including surveys and focus groups with nursing staff. The research team collects and analyzes data on patient safety alerts, unplanned care transfers, hospital stay length, and staff experiences to understand the impact of CVSM.

Continuous Vital Sign Monitoring in a Surgical Ward