The Importance of Accurate Monitoring to Improve Workforce Efficiency and Enhance Patient Safety
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has addressed a significant public health concern by releasing a medical device safety update regarding pulse oximeters. The update emphasizes the importance of accuracy in monitoring. Moreover, NHS England and NHS Improvement have implemented or are considering changes to introduce the virtual ward model. As part of this initiative, Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) have been requested to expand or establish virtual ward capacity equivalent to 40 to 50 virtual ward "beds" per 100,000 individuals. While this innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the NHS model and enhance capacity, it is crucial to prioritize accuracy in remotely monitoring patients. False positive results in monitoring could lead to severe patient safety issues, while false negatives may result in inefficiency within the workforce and unnecessary readmissions.