Remote Monitoring With a Reusable Device Upon Implementation on a Surgical Department (REQUEST Trial)

Continuous monitoring of vital signs using wearable devices may improve early detection of postoperative complications and reduce nursing workload. Evidence from real-world clinical implementation remains limited. This study aimed to answer the question: does the implementation of wearable monitoring in surgical wards reduce nursing workload and is it feasible and acceptable to staff?

A prospective, single-center implementation study was conducted on a surgical ward in a large teaching hospital. Nursing workload was assessed using the Integrated Workload Scale (IWS), and usability was evaluated using the system usability scale (SUS). Additionally, staff attitudes were measured with the evidence-based practice attitude scale (EBPAS). Manual spot checks of vital signs were monitored before and after the implementation of wearable devices (viQtor) for continuous monitoring of heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation.

Nursing workload decreased significantly with mean IWS scores dropping from 5.46 ± 1.18 to 3.87 ± 1.38 (p < 0.001). A 62.7% reduction in manual spot checks was observed (from 4686 expected to 1748 performed, p < 0.001) corresponding to a time saving of 10.1 min per patient per day. The SUS score improved from 74.2 ± 10.1 to 86.0 ± 5.2 (p = 0.025). No significant differences were observed in EBPAS scores over time (p = 0.43).

Implementation of remote wearable monitoring in surgical wards is feasible, reduces nursing workload, and demonstrates high usability and acceptance among staff. These findings highlight the potential of wearable technology for more efficiency of postoperative care.

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06574867, prospectively registered on 27 August 2024.