Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Dec 30, 2024
Open Peer Review Period: Jan 6, 2025 - Mar 3, 2025
Date Accepted: May 19, 2025
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
Warning: This is an author submission that is not peer-reviewed or edited. Preprints - unless they show as "accepted" - should not be relied on to guide clinical practice or health-related behavior and should not be reported in news media as established information.
REmote monitoring by viQtor Upon implemEntation on a Surgical departmenT (REQUEST-trial); a prospective implementation study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Background Continuous monitoring of patients’ vital signs is critical for early detection of postoperative complications. Traditional manual monitoring by nursing staff is time-consuming and provides only intermittent data. Wearable devices offer continuous monitoring capabilities, potentially enhancing early warning systems, reducing nurse workload, and facilitating earlier patient discharge. However, research on their implementation and effectiveness in clinical settings remains limited.
Objective:
Objectives This study aims to evaluate the implementation and feasibility of continuous monitoring using PPG-sensor technology (viQtor device) in a surgical ward. It will also assess the impact on nursing workload and the usability of the technology.
Methods:
Methods The REQUEST study is a prospective observational study conducted over eight months in a surgical ward. The vital signs of 500 postoperative patients will be continuously monitored using the viQtor device, which measures heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygenation. The study will be conducted in two phases: a baseline period with manual spot-checks three times daily, followed by a phase where manual checks are conducted on demand. Outcomes will be evaluated using the Integrated Workload Scale (IWS) for nursing workload and a framework examining acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, adoption, penetration, implementation cost, and sustainability. Data collection will also include device performance metrics, questionnaires (Evidence-Based Practice Attitude and System Usability Scale), and thematic analysis of focus groups.
Results:
Results Enrollment will commence in October 2024. Training for staff is underway, and the full implementation of the viQtor device is expected by Month 5. Initial findings are anticipated in early 2025, with outcomes such as feasibility, nursing workload, and device usability under evaluation.
Conclusions:
Conclusions The REQUEST study will provide valuable insights into the practical implementation of continuous monitoring in a surgical ward, focusing on its impact on workload and overall feasibility. The findings aim to guide future integration of wearable technology into clinical practice, improving patient outcomes and optimizing resource allocation. Clinical Trial: Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06574867, Registered on 27 August 2024
Citation
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Copyright
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