A retrospective cross-sectional study showing wearable smartwatches enhance patient safety and efficiency in the intensive care unit
Abstract Background Wearable smartwatches present a novel approach to continuous patient monitoring in ICU settings, with the potential to enhance patient safety and clinical efficiency. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated the impact of smartwatch use on alarm response rates a...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Portfolio
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Communications Medicine |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s43856-025-01072-6 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background Wearable smartwatches present a novel approach to continuous patient monitoring in ICU settings, with the potential to enhance patient safety and clinical efficiency. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated the impact of smartwatch use on alarm response rates and clinical outcomes in a 27-bed ICU. Data were collected over two periods: pre-implementation (May 12, 2023, to July 11, 2023) and post-implementation (October 22, 2023, to December 22, 2023) of smartwatches worn by healthcare workers. Results Our findings indicate that the adoption of smartwatches significantly improves alarm response rates from 12.58% to 14.85% (p < 0.0001). In addition, the reduction in response time, fatal and high alert, medium alert, and low alert within 30 s response rates increased from 51.51%,70.42%, and 74.03% to 60.04%, 74.02%, and 76.71%, respectively (p < 0.0001), resulting in fewer high and fatal alerts. Moreover, the use of smartwatches is associated with reduced durations of mechanical ventilation and ICU stays, signifying improved clinical outcomes. Conclusions Wearable technology has the potential to simplify ICU operations, reduce alarm fatigue, and ultimately improve patient care and reduce adverse events. |
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| ISSN: | 2730-664X |