Introduction

This document outlines a study conducted by Midmark to examine and improve the efficiency of vital signs acquisition in patient care. The research identifies key areas for workflow optimization, aiming to reduce patient and caregiver interaction time and enhance overall healthcare delivery.

Problem Statement

Traditional vital signs acquisition processes are often time-consuming and can be inefficient. This study addresses the need for improved integration of electronic medical records (EMR), new technologies, and automated devices to significantly impact the efficiency of these critical patient interactions.

Project Aim and Focus

Midmark partnered with a research firm to analyze potential workflow efficiencies in vital signs acquisition. The project focused on various healthcare settings, including independent practices and integrated delivery networks, evaluating both automated and manual acquisition methods.

Key Findings and Outcomes

The study observed that implementing streamlined workflows, such as those utilizing automated vital signs capture and centralizing acquisition in exam rooms, can reduce conveyance and acquisition time by up to 36 percent. These findings provide a foundation for modernizing vital signs workflows, leading to improved accuracy and patient satisfaction.

Data and Observations

The research involved observing 667 patient interactions across 12 non-acute care facilities, totaling 277 observation hours. Key data points included workflow sequences, time required for acquisition, and the location of vital signs capture. Observations highlighted opportunities for improvement in EMR data entry, ergonomics, data transfer, and procedural accuracy.