RecruitingObservational

Use of facial monitoring technology for recording vital signs in the emergency department waiting room: a feasibility study

Doctors and nurses need to check vital signs (like heart rate, breathing, and oxygen levels) when you visit the emergency department. Sometimes, due to how busy it is, these checks can be delayed. This study wants to see if patients can use a special app on their own smartphone to record their vital signs while waiting. This could help speed up the process and free up nurses for other urgent tasks. The research will compare how well the smartphone app works compared to traditional vital sign checks. It will also ask patients and staff what they think about using this technology. The aim is to make emergency care more efficient and explore new ways technology can help improve your experience.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

10,000

Start

18 May 2025

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2026

Adult walk-in patients in the Emergency Department (ED) and ED staff

What is this study about?

When you go to an Emergency Department (ED), also known as A&E, medical staff need to check your 'vital signs'. These are important measures like your heart rate, how quickly you're breathing, and your oxygen levels. They help doctors and nurses understand how you are and if you're getting better or worse. Because EDs can be very busy, checking these vital signs can sometimes be delayed, which isn't ideal for patients.

This study is looking into a new idea: could you, as a patient, check your own vital signs using a special app on your smartphone while you're waiting? Many people in the UK already use their phones for various health tasks, and this study wants to see if this method could work well in an emergency setting. The goal is to make sure vital signs are checked quickly and regularly, freeing up nurses to focus on patients who need their immediate attention. The researchers also want to find out if patients and staff would find this technology useful and acceptable.

Ultimately, this research hopes to find a good new way to use everyday technology, like your smartphone, to make emergency care more efficient and potentially improve your experience when you visit the ED. They will compare the smartphone results with traditional checks to make sure the technology is accurate and reliable.

Key takeaways

This study explores using smartphones to check vital signs in the emergency department.
It aims to make vital sign checks quicker and more efficient for patients.
Patients will use an app on their own smartphone to record vital signs.
The study also asks patients and staff for their opinions on this technology.
Taking part involves a quick vital sign check and a short survey.
Your feedback could help improve emergency care for everyone.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for two main groups of people to take part: patients and staff.

For patients: You can join if you are 18 years or older and visit certain urgent care centres at St George's University Hospitals (like the Emergency Department, Urgent Treatment Centre, or Enhanced Primary Care Hub). You'll need to have your own smartphone and be happy to give your permission to be part of the study. However, if your medical condition needs immediate attention, you won't be able to take part as your care comes first.

For staff: If you work in the Emergency Department at St George's and your job involves checking patients when they first arrive, you might be able to take part. You just need to be willing to fill out a questionnaire.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you visiting the Emergency Department, Urgent Treatment Centre, or Enhanced Primary Care Hub at St George's?
Do you have your own smartphone with you?
Are you able to agree to take part in the study?
Are you not in a condition requiring immediate medical assessment?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you're a patient taking part in the study, you'll be asked to use an app on your smartphone to record your vital signs. Don't worry, the research team will show you exactly how to do it by scanning a special code. After you've done this, a research nurse will also take your vital signs in the usual way, so they can compare the results. You'll then complete a short online questionnaire about your experience, which should take about 5 minutes. You can use your phone for this, or the team can provide a tablet. There are no extra visits needed for the study, it all happens during your time at the urgent care centre. For staff, participation involves completing a short online survey, which takes about 5-10 minutes.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct personal benefits for taking part in this study, but your contribution could help improve how emergency care works for everyone in the future, possibly making it quicker and more efficient. The researchers don't expect any risks from taking part. You are free to decide not to take part or to withdraw from the study at any time, and this will not affect the care you receive.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
London, England

Common questions

What are 'vital signs'?

Vital signs are basic health measures like your heart rate, how often you breathe, and your oxygen levels. Doctors and nurses use them to understand your health.

What is 'facial monitoring technology'?

It's a way to use your smartphone's camera to look at your face and work out your vital signs, like your heart rate, without touching you.

Will my personal health information be kept private?

Yes, all your information will be handled carefully and kept confidential, following strict privacy rules.

How long will the study go on for?

The study is running from October 2024 until October 2026.

Who is paying for this research?

The study is being funded by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine in the UK.

How to find out more

Kathryn Willis

kathryn.willis@stgeorges.nhs.uk +44 7926088415 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.