Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has become the first to buy the Patientrack system to collect recorded patient observations.
The “track and trigger” software has been designed to alert clinicians of any deterioration in a patient’s condition.
The Manchester trust is introducing the patient observation system to improve patient safety and reduce lengths of stay in hospital.
Patientrack first began work at the trust in 2004. The procurement follows a successful clinical trial, the results of which are due to be published later this year.
The trial showed that the Patientrack system helps improve the calculation used to identify acutely ill patients and to improve the speed and effectiveness of the clinical response to their needs.
The resulting improvements have helped to reduce cardiac arrests and to shorten both the length of time patients spend in critical care and their overall length of stay in hospital.
Over the next two years, the trust will progressively introduce the new patient observation system to each of its five Manchester hospitals.
Data is recorded by clinicians using smart phones, PDAs and computers on wheels, with the software integrated into the hospital’s McKesson patient administration system.
Once clinical observations have been taken, the system allows them to be inputted into a hand-held device. The observations are immediately evaluated by the system in accordance with the trust’s policy and any deterioration in the patient’s condition is highlighted immediately.
The software checks that all observations are taken at the required times and that healthcare professionals respond to alerts generated and managed by the system within the timescale set out by the trust.
Sam Hollander, managing director of Patientrack, told E-Health Insider: “Patientrack automatically manages the communications required to make things happen.”
He added: “The benefits stem from knowing the observations required took place, being able to track a patient’s condition, and know whether hospital procedures are being complied with.”
Sarah Ingleby, the lead nurse of the acute care team at the trust, said: “What makes this system so valuable and effective is not just the early identification of a deteriorating condition, but the process of alerting the appropriate clinician which continues until the condition has been addressed.
"Patientrack will now become an integral part of a trust-wide commitment to the safety of patients in our care."
Hollander, added: “Our system will make a real difference to patient safety in Manchester. The trial improved ward processes which in turn will save money for the trust.”