Abstract Details

Sleep disruption is commonly experienced by hospitalized patients and is associated with adverse patient outcomes including delirium. Remote vital sign monitoring is an emerging alternative to nurse-collected vitals that could reduce sleep disruptions for hospital patients. No studies have assessed the impact of these devices on sleep in hospitalized patients. This study assesses patient attitudes toward a remote vital sign monitor (Caretaker)—which collects blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature—including its impact on comfort and sleep.

This study aims to assess the impact of a continuous vital sign monitoring device on patient comfort and sleep.

Data was collected on an inpatient neurosciences unit. English-speaking, self-consenting patients were recruited. Questionnaires were administered after each night patients wore the device. Patients also received routine manual vital checks by nurses during the study period. The patient questionnaire included Likert scales ranging from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (5).

13 patients enrolled in the study over 1.5 months. Participants wore the device for an average of 1.7±0.8 days. Patients tended to agree with statements about device comfort including: “I found the device comfortable” (average score 3.2±1.0) and “At times, I forgot I was wearing the device” (average score 3.2±1.4) but slightly disagreed with: “the device was pleasant to wear during the night” (average score 2.9±1.2). Patients found using this device less disruptive (average score 4.2±0.9) and more efficient (average score 4.0±1.0) than nurse vital checks. The most common causes of sleep disruption related to the device were wrist device weight (n=6), pulse oximeter discomfort (n=4), and finger cuff discomfort (n=4).

Patients are interested in remote vital sign monitoring as a more efficient and less disruptive alternative to manual vital sign checks, but improvements in the form factor could make the Caretaker more comfortable and increase its potential to improve sleep.