Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026
08:22
A Novel Single Animal Motor Function Tracking System Using Simple, Readily Available Software
Published on: August 31, 2018
A review, and performance evaluation, of single-parameter "track and trigger" systems
Gary B Smith1, David R Prytherch, Paul E Schmidt
1Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Bournemouth, United Kingdom. gary.smith@porthosp.nhs.uk
Resuscitation
|July 16, 2008
Summary
Physiologically-based, single-parameter track and trigger systems (SPTTS) show high specificity but low sensitivity for predicting in-hospital mortality. These systems, despite variations, may not reliably identify at-risk patients using admission vital signs.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Physiologically-based, single-parameter track and trigger systems (SPTTS) are widely used for patient monitoring.
- There is a lack of current literature reviews on SPTTS and limited data on their predictive accuracy for adverse outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and describe existing SPTTS in clinical practice.
- To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of SPTTS in predicting in-hospital mortality using admission vital signs.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted to identify and describe various SPTTS.
- Sensitivity and specificity were measured using a database of 9987 admission vital signs datasets.
Main Results:
- 39 unique SPTTS classes were identified, with 30 evaluated.
- Significant variation was observed in physiological variables, trigger values, sensitivity (7.3-52.8%), specificity (69.1-98.1%), and predictive values.
- The number of triggered calls varied widely (234-3271).
Conclusions:
- A broad range of similar SPTTS are in clinical use.
- While specificities were high, sensitivities were insufficient to confidently identify patients at risk of in-hospital death.
- Institutions should carefully consider these findings when selecting or implementing SPTTS.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Transient and Steady-state Response
In control systems, test signals are essential for evaluating performance under various conditions. The ramp function is effective for systems undergoing gradual changes, while the step function is suitable for assessing systems facing sudden disturbances. For systems subjected to shock inputs, the impulse function is the most appropriate test signal.
These test signals are integral in designing control systems to exhibit two key performance aspects: transient response and steady-state response.
These test signals are integral in designing control systems to exhibit two key performance aspects: transient response and steady-state response.
01:26Feedback control systems
Feedback control systems are categorized in various ways based on their design, analysis, and signal types.
Linear feedback systems are theoretical models that simplify analysis and design. These systems operate under the principle that their output is directly proportional to their input within certain ranges. For instance, an amplifier in a control system behaves linearly as long as the input signal remains within a specific range. However, most physical systems exhibit inherent nonlinearity...
Linear feedback systems are theoretical models that simplify analysis and design. These systems operate under the principle that their output is directly proportional to their input within certain ranges. For instance, an amplifier in a control system behaves linearly as long as the input signal remains within a specific range. However, most physical systems exhibit inherent nonlinearity...
01:24Effects of feedback
Feedback in control systems plays a critical role in shaping various operational parameters, extending beyond simple error reduction to influence stability, bandwidth, gain, impedance, and sensitivity. Understanding these effects requires examining a basic feedback system characterized by defined input, output, error, and feedback signals.
Feedback significantly modifies the gain of a control system. The gain of a system without feedback is altered by a factor of one plus GH, where G represents...
Feedback significantly modifies the gain of a control system. The gain of a system without feedback is altered by a factor of one plus GH, where G represents...
01:21First Order Systems
First-order systems, such as RC circuits, are foundational in understanding dynamic systems due to their straightforward input-output relationship. Analyzing their responses to different input functions under zero initial conditions reveals significant insights into system behavior.
When a first-order system is subjected to a unit-step input, its response is characterized by its transfer function. By applying the Laplace transform of the unit-step input to the transfer function, expanding the...
When a first-order system is subjected to a unit-step input, its response is characterized by its transfer function. By applying the Laplace transform of the unit-step input to the transfer function, expanding the...
01:10Control Systems
Control systems are everywhere in contemporary society, influencing diverse applications from aerospace to automated manufacturing. These systems can be found naturally within biological processes, such as blood sugar regulation and heart rate adjustment in response to stress, as well as in man-made systems like elevators and automated vehicles. A control system is essentially a network of subsystems and processes that collaboratively convert specific inputs into desired outputs.
At the heart...
At the heart...
01:22Multi-input and Multi-variable systems
Cruise control systems in cars are designed as multi-input systems to maintain a driver's desired speed while compensating for external disturbances such as changes in terrain. The block diagram for a cruise control system typically includes two main inputs: the desired speed set by the driver and any external disturbances, such as the incline of the road. By adjusting the engine throttle, the system maintains the vehicle's speed as close to the desired value as possible.
In the absence of...
In the absence of...