A University of Applied Sciences final thesis study has been conducted on the product, and various organisations have carried out pilot monitoring studies during the commissioning of the solution.1,2,3,4,5,6
In a health economics study, the nursing staff using the product (216 nurses, from 6 hospitals, 15 wards) assessed its effects on routine room visits, the time spent using the product, and its effectiveness in the prevention of complications. 56.3 % of the nursing staff estimate that the product will save employee time. The product reduced routine room visits, saved approximately 5 minutes per shift for healthcare staff, and made it easier to notice when the infusion fluid was coming to an end. The financial evaluation showed that the product recouped itself 2.6 times over.2
The final thesis study followed the commissioning of the product on two wards in TYKS (Turku University Hospital). The thesis evaluated the benefits of the product through electronic feedback surveys (for every shift) and interviews with staff. The employees assessed that using the product saved them time in the monitoring of intravenous fluid treatment. The employees estimate that the product (drip counter and remote monitoring application) is easy to use. The staff estimated that during commissioning, the product helped to implement fluid therapy and detect abnormalities (incorrect drip rate or cannula blockage). With regard to the thesis, it should be noted that all evaluations were subjective assessments by the staff and no objective measurements were made.3
Pilots
In the pilots, the nursing staff have evaluated the use of the product in their normal operations. Based on the pilot studies, the product facilitates the monitoring of IV infusions (drip rate and amount of fluid administered), reduces visits to patient rooms, and reduces adverse events. The reduction of adverse events is a positive thing for all parties. With remote monitoring, changes in drip rate were noticed faster (e.g. clogging of cannula, or significant changes in drip rate). In particular, the staff considered the possibility of remote monitoring as a good option after they had learned to use it.1,4,5
The nursing staff’s assessment of time savings varied widely between organisations and even wards. One reason for this may be the difficulty in estimating time savings, another the differences between wards. Wards with a large number of patients in isolation have benefited more from remote monitoring. In the pilots, the time savings were assessed during a one-week period. Although the product saves time for nursing staff, this time saving accrue from small savings of just minutes per shift and do not allow for staff reductions, for example.4,5,6 In the organisations that have tracked adverse effects reports during the pilots, there have been no adverse effects notifications about the product.1
Literature review
The aim of the literature review was to find similar products and research on them. A similar type of product that would monitor the drip rate and allow remote monitoring was not found in the literature review.
In general, it can be said that the implementation of fluid therapy is one of the key actions of nursing. In the implementation of fluid therapy, errors can occur at several points, and they may cause harm to the patient. Various studies have highlighted that the setting of the desired drop rate and remaining at that level is one of the most common points for error.7,8,9
