Abstract
Background: Patients
undergoing esophagectomy are at serious risk of developing postoperative
complications. To support early recognition of clinical deterioration,
wireless sensor technologies that enable continuous vital signs
monitoring in a ward setting are emerging.
Objective: This
study explored nurses’ and surgeons’ expectations of the potential
effectiveness and impact of continuous wireless vital signs monitoring
in patients admitted to the ward after esophagectomy.
Methods: Semistructured
interviews were conducted at 3 esophageal cancer centers in the
Netherlands. In each center, 2 nurses and 2 surgeons were interviewed
regarding their expectations of continuous vital signs monitoring for
early recognition of complications after esophagectomy. Historical data
of patient characteristics and clinical outcomes were collected in each
center and presented to the local participants to support estimations on
clinical outcome.
Results: The
majority of nurses and surgeons expected that continuous vital signs
monitoring could contribute to the earlier recognition of deterioration
and result in earlier treatment for postoperative complications,
although the effective time gain would depend on patient and situational
factors. Their expectations regarding the impact of potential earlier
diagnosis on clinical outcomes varied. Nevertheless, most caregivers
would consider implementing continuous monitoring in the surgical ward
to support patient monitoring after esophagectomy.
Original language | English |
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Article number | e22387 |
Journal | JMIR Perioperative Medicine |
Volume | 4 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 12 Feb 2021 |