Chelsea does e-obs on mobile

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital staff are using the ThinkVitals electronic observations tool on mobile devices for faster detection of deteriorating patients.

The hospital has started rolling out 100 Samsung Galaxy TAB Active devices to staff in its acute assessment unit after completing a six-month trial within the department.

The e-observations tool was developed in collaboration with clinicians at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to help in early detection of patients at risk of developing sepsis, or of deterioration and unexpected cardiac arrest.

Nurses enter vital signs on the devices and clinicians are automatically alerted if these indicators pass a certain threshold or breach the National Early Warning Score.

As part of the trial, staff have been using mobile devices and large electronic whiteboards to see a ward view of patients and their conditions, allowing easier and quicker identification of those at risk of deterioration.

Dr Gary Davies, consultant in respiratory and acute medicine, said: “By listening to clinicians and adapting an intuitive, user-friendly system to meet their needs, we now have a tool that can deliver significant improvements to patient care, and reduce mortality rates associated with sepsis. 

“The complex nature of healthcare means there are challenges in implementing new technologies in hospitals, but by talking to the nurses and doctors using the technology, this has allowed clinical engagement to happen quickly and effectively.” 

After rolling out the system across the AAU, Chelsea and Westminster plans to extend use of the system into paediatrics and maternity over the coming months.

The software is able to draw real-time data from multiple sources so staff can access a range of clinical observations and lab results in charts and reports.

ThinkVitals director Tim Taylor said: “Doctors and nurses can now deliver responsive, patient-centred care by knowing who most needs their help, and where they are on the ward. Staff can be assigned to the right place at the right time.

“And by capturing data electronically, the hospital can help reduce errors and achieve its paperless ambitions.”