Evaluation of a Breath-Indicating Device for Enhanced Respiratory Monitoring and Apnea Detection in Postoperative...

Accurate respiratory monitoring is crucial in post-anesthetic care settings due to increased risks of respiratory complications. This study evaluates the impact of a new breath-indicating device, ApnoLight (PEMDx Pty Ltd, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia), on medical staff's accuracy in recording respiratory rates and detecting apneic events, along with the device's acceptance among nurses.

Twenty-five nurses from a hospital in Brisbane, Australia, participated. A simulated patient was fitted with the ApnoLight device on an oxygen mask. Nurses conducted six respiratory rate observations at varying distances (bedside, two meters, and five meters), both with and without the device. The patient's respiratory rates varied from eight to 25 breaths per minute. The accuracy of respiratory rate recordings and the time to identify apnea events were compared between simple observation and device-assisted observations.

The ApnoLight significantly reduced error rates in respiratory rate recordings: 27.58% at the bedside (P = 0.09, t = 1.31), 90.99% at two meters (P = 0.02, t = 1.98), and 96.37% at five meters (P = 0.0002, t = 4.02). The mean time to identify apnea decreased from 12.96 ± 9.12 seconds (simple observation) to 7.42 ± 2.19 seconds (with ApnoLight device). All apnea events were identified with the device, whereas four were undetected without it. Feedback showed that 96% (N = 24) of nurses found the device improved respiratory rate accuracy, and 100% (N = 25) found it made apnea identification easier.

The ApnoLight device has the potential to enhance respiratory rate monitoring accuracy and apnea detection in postoperative settings. Its implementation could improve patient safety and streamline clinical workflows.