Whilst I was working at the Eastern AHSN I was also Regional Lead for the National Patient Safety Strategy tasked with creating a common language of deterioration across all care
sectors.
I became a champion for the National Early Warning Score (NEWS2), soft signs and SBAR to non-acute care settings extending a common language that could be used by care staff and clinicians.
We commissioned many pilots, looking at home remote monitoring in care homes using a digital system taking NEWS2 scores could improve outcomes and patient safety.
The technology we chose was the Whzan Blue Box. A portable remote monitoring system designed to take vital signs and NEWS2 scores - a digital version of a previously paper-based system.
Included in the Whzan box are all the components to take vital signs; these are Bluetooth enabled reducing the risk of transcribing errors. The data stored in each resident’s personal profile is securely accessible to clinical decision-makers to initially validate readings and view photographic images, whilst monitoring trends, supporting the virtual ward rounds and early intervention.
If a resident deteriorates this saves valuable time and a potential conveyance to secondary care.
For one pilot in the East of England, we worked across 33 residential care homes in 7 clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), representing 1,600 beds They took part in a pilot to measure the impact of using the Whzan Blue Box across the region.
The findings were encouraging, demonstrating financial savings in excess of £200,000 over a six-month period. Staff reported improvements in responsiveness of clinical teams through use of the digital equipment, and an increased feeling of empowerment to support residents remaining in their place of choice.
You can read the full report here.
In addition, we were featured in The Ergonomist talking about our experiences of The Blue Box and the impact on care staff and residents. You can download and read that article here.
Please get in touch if you'd like to discuss implementing digital systems in your region.
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