Wearable Patch Vital Sign Monitoring Project

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Optimising the identification of acute deterioration and sepsis through wearable sensors and digital alerting.

  • IRAS ID

    222979

  • Contact name

    Meera Joshi

  • Contact email

    meera.joshi03@imperial.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Imperial College London

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    2 years, 1 months, 0 days

  • Research summary

    This study aims to see whether patient deterioration and sepsis for ward based patients may be identified sooner via the use of continuous wearable sensor technology. The study also aims to explore the experience of those involved, including patients and the healthcare team through quantitative and qualitative research methodology.

    There has been lots of research in physiology scores which try to identify patients at risk of clinical deterioration on the wards. Unfortunately patients are still being identified late causing patient morbidity and mortality.

    In this study, patients will have their normal observations measured via nurses on the wards and these will be recorded either in paper observations charts at West Middlesex Hospital or on the electronic health record at St Marys Hospital (care as usual). In addition the Sensium sensor will be placed on the patient via self adhesive ecg electrodes. This is a light weight, disposable sensor which measures heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature. The sensor can continuously monitor a patients observations on 2 minute cycles, this is in stark contrast to current practise where observations may be performed anywhere from 4 to 8 hours apart. If patients deteriorate in the interim this may be easily missed. However with the Sensium sensor we hypothesise that patient deterioration identified through baseline observations will be identified much sooner.

    This study will provide further evidence for the use of continuous monitoring sensors in ward based patients. It may show earlier identification of patient deterioration via sensors can be found when compared to current practice. This may result in an improvement in patient morbidity and mortality. The study will review through qualitative and quantitative research methods the opinion of patients and staff using the new technology. End user feedback is invaluable to ensure the success of any new technology in clinical practice.

  • REC name

    Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    17/YH/0296

  • Date of REC Opinion

    1 Sep 2017

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion