Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust has developed a tool that predicts the need for PPE using its Teletracking technology.
The trust measured interaction with possible confirmed Covid-19 cases using its teletracking patient and staff system alongside its real-time location system (RTLS).
The data analysis allowed the trust to measure the amount of PPE likely to be needed day-by-day and week-by-week by frontline staff.
TeleTracking UK’s data analysts have been able to audit the number of interactions between staff and possible and confirmed Covid-19 patients over each 24-hour period since 10 March.
Clare Nash, senior nurse for clinical procurement, said: “Given the demands on the NHS overall, we need to be able to more reliably predict PPE use based on staff contacts with patients.
“We knew that we had the capability to do this within our existing reporting, but no time. The TeleTracking team have been able to run the initial analysis across our affected wards which gave us an indication of PPE usage.
“We have then been able to map this and look at predicted required numbers to keep staff and patients safe. This analysis has both local and potentially wider importance; because not only is it vital in ensuring the safety of our staff locally, but it can help ensure we do not over-order PPE that is much needed across the NHS.”
The technology revealed that between 10 March and 9 April there were an average of 21 interactions with Covid-19 patients each day.
The data also showed a trend which suggested he requirement for PPE would increase by a factor of 1.5 every 7 days, meaning requirement on any day will be 50% higher than was needed 7 days prior.
Neil Griffiths, managing director TeleTracking UK, added: “The team here has been working around the clock to support our clients and the NHS in whatever way we can. We are proud to be able to contribute by giving insight that is going to help keep front-line staff across the NHS safe by having the right equipment at the right time.”