An electronic physiological surveillance system implemented at two hospitals in the U.K. led to a 15 percent decline in all-cause mortality, according to a study in BMJ Quality and Safety.
The VitalPAC software used monitors patients' vitals and notifies nurses of any deterioration. At the two hospitals studied, the surveillance system replaced a paper-based vital sign charting and warning system.
Following the implementation of the surveillance system, mortality at the two hospitals fell from 7.75 percent and 7.57 percent to 6.42 percent and 6.15 percent, respectively.
Researchers concluded electronic patient surveillance led to more accurate vital sign readings and quicker responses to worsening patient conditions, resulting in a sustainable lower mortality rate.
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