A Feasibility Study Assessing a Novel Ambulatory Monitoring System in General Ward Areas: Pilot Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim To assess the clinical staff and patient acceptance of a novel ambulatory monitoring system in general medical and surgical inpatient wards. Design This was a cross‐sectional feasibility study undertaken in a single hospital site. Methods Patients and the nursing staff were asked to provide feedback on a monitoring system via structured questionnaires while enrolled in an observational monitoring system study. Patient recruitment occurred in the general ward areas (both surgical and medical). Patients were asked to wear the ambulatory monitoring system, and physiological data were sampled, whereas staff were asked to train on the monitoring system and utilise it in clinical care. Results Questionnaire feedback collected from 27 staff surveyed showed that 96% of responses reported the system was good or very good to use. Thirty‐four participants wore the monitoring system for an average duration of 21 h, and 91% reported it was comfortable to wear. Patient or Public Contribution Patients participated in the design of this feasibility study.