Key result
Wireless continuous monitoring after discharge cuts major complications by ~54% versus regular monitoring.
Why the study?
Data were needed on the clinical-economic impact of post-discharge continuous wireless vital parameter monitoring compared to regular monitoring in complex internal medicine patients.
Does wireless vital parameter continuous monitoring reduce major complications in complex patients discharged from internal medicine units?
RCT (n=110)
Single-blind
randomized
No
Does wireless vital parameter continuous monitoring reduce major complications in complex patients discharged from internal medicine units?
Absolute Event Rate: 22% vs 48%
Continuous wireless monitoring of vital parameters after discharge significantly reduces major complications in complex internal medicine patients.
Supports post-discharge wireless monitoring to cut major complications in complex patients; extends remote monitoring evidence to internal medicine discharges.
BACKGROUND: Wireless vital parameter continuous monitoring (WVPCM) after discharge is compared to regular monitoring to provide data on the clinical-economic impact of complex patients (CPs) discharged from Internal Medicine Units of Ospedale dei Castelli, Lazio. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Major complications (MC) reduction. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: Patients who reached discharge criteria within the 7th day from admission; difference in MC incidence at the conclusion of the standard telemonitoring/clinical monitoring phase, 5 and 30 days after discharge; and conditions predisposing to MC occurrence. METHODS: Open label randomized controlled trial with wearable wireless system that creates alerts on portable devices. Continuous glycemic monitoring is performed for patients with diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: There were 110 patients enrolled (mean age: 76.2 years). Comorbidity: Cumulative Illness Rating Scale CIRS-CI (comorbidities index): 3.93, CIRS SI (severity index): 1.93. About 19% scored a BRASS (Blaylock Risk Assessment Screening Score) ≥20 indicating need for discharge planning requiring step-down care. Globally, 48% of patients in the control group had major complications (27 out of 56 patients), in contrast to 22% in the intervention group (12 out of 54 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Since WVPCM detects early complications during the post-discharge CPs monitoring, it increases safety and reduces inappropriate access to the Emergency Room, preventing avoidable re-hospitalizations.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Pietrantonio et al. (2021) conducted an RCT in Complex patients discharged from Internal Medicine (n=110). Wireless vital parameter continuous monitoring (WVPCM) vs. regular monitoring was evaluated on Major complications (MC) reduction. Wireless vital parameter continuous monitoring after discharge reduced major complications compared to regular monitoring (22% vs 48%).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: