RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Feasibility and Initial Clinical Impressions of Predictive Monitoring Integrated With the RACE Team

This study is exploring a new way to help hospital teams identify patients who might be getting sicker sooner. Hospitals already have 'rapid response teams' to help patients quickly, and they use 'early warning scores' (EWS) to spot problems. This new system, called the Visensia Safety Index (VSI), uses continuous monitoring and smart computer programs to predict when someone might be deteriorating. The aim is to give healthcare staff an earlier heads-up, so they can step in quickly to prevent serious problems like needing intensive care. In this study, doctors are looking at how well this new portable monitoring system works and how helpful it is for patients at The Ottawa Hospital.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

Enrolment target

140

Start

19 Sep 2023

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2025

Deterioration, Clinical

What is this study about?

When you're in hospital, doctors and nurses constantly check on you to make sure you're recovering well. Sometimes, a patient's health can take a turn for the worse quite quickly. To help with this, hospitals often have special teams called 'rapid response teams' (RRTs). These teams are ready to step in quickly if a patient shows signs of getting sicker, helping to prevent more serious problems.

To help these RRTs, hospitals use tools called 'early warning scores' (EWS). These scores look at things like your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure to give a quick idea if you might need extra attention. This study is looking at a new, advanced EWS system called the Visensia Safety Index (VSI). This system uses continuous monitoring – meaning it constantly checks your vital signs – and uses clever computer programs (machine learning) to spot patterns that might show you're at risk of getting worse.

The main aim of this study is to see if using this new VSI system in a real hospital setting is possible and helpful. Previous research suggests that VSI could help identify problems earlier, potentially leading to quicker care and better outcomes for patients. The researchers want to know if this system can give doctors and nurses a head start, possibly preventing patients from needing intensive care or facing more serious health issues.

Key takeaways

The study tests a new system (VSI) to spot early signs of patient deterioration.
It aims to help hospital rapid response teams act quicker.
VSI uses continuous monitoring and clever computer programs.
The goal is to potentially prevent serious health problems and intensive care stays.
It's being tested in a real hospital setting to see how well it works.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adult patients (age 18 or older) who are receiving full medical care at the hospital. This includes patients who have had certain high-risk surgeries (like complex abdominal or blood vessel operations), or those with serious blood or cancer conditions where there's a higher chance of their health worsening.

It also includes patients admitted from the emergency department with an infection who are now on a regular ward. The care team might also suggest other high-risk patients for the study. The important thing is that these patients are expected to receive all necessary treatments should their condition change.

However, some patients cannot take part. This includes those already in very high-level care areas like intensive care units or specific monitoring units. Also, patients who have chosen a 'comfort care' approach, meaning they will not receive aggressive life support, are not able to join the study.

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 currently receiving full medical care in the hospital?
Are you not in an intensive care unit (ICU) or advanced monitoring unit?
Are you a patient who has had high-risk surgery, a serious blood/cancer condition, or an infection from A&E?
Are you willing to have a portable monitor continuously check your vital signs?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you would have a portable monitor continuously checking your vital signs (like heart rate and breathing) while you are in the hospital. This monitor would connect to the new VSI system, which would alert the rapid response team if it detects signs that your health might be getting worse. The study team would then observe how this system helps the hospital staff to respond. You would continue to receive your usual medical care from your doctors and nurses. The duration of your participation would depend on how long you remain in the hospital and are eligible for the study.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part could include earlier detection of any changes in your health, leading to quicker medical attention if needed. This might help prevent your condition from becoming more serious. As this is a new system being tested, there are no guaranteed benefits. The main risk is that the monitoring equipment might be a bit uncomfortable, and there's always a small chance of skin irritation from sensors. Your personal information will be kept private. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

The Ottawa Hospital
Verified postcode
Ottawa, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the Visensia Safety Index (VSI)?

It's a new system that uses continuous monitoring of your vital signs and smart computer programs to help doctors predict if you might be getting sicker earlier than usual.

Will this replace my usual care?

No, you will continue to receive all your usual medical care from your doctors and nurses. This system is designed to support and enhance that care, not replace it.

Who operates the monitor?

Hospital staff, like nurses, would manage the portable monitor, ensuring it's working correctly and that the information is being sent to the rapid response team.

What if my health gets worse during the study?

If the system detects signs of deterioration, it's designed to alert the rapid response team so they can assess and intervene quickly, just as they normally would, but potentially sooner.

How long would I be in the study?

Your participation would last for the duration of your hospital stay, as long as you meet the study requirements.

How to find out more

Andrew JE Seely, MD, PhD, FRCSC

aseely@toh.ca 613-737-8899 Official trial record

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