Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to assess the views of parents and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
health care providers (HCPs) on current wired vital signs monitoring and future wireless
alternatives.
Study Design
Prospective cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and July 2023, targeting
three groups: (1) NICU parents, (2) physicians, and (3) nurses and respiratory therapists
(RT) and physiotherapists (PT). A 17-question survey was developed to assess several
perspectives with current vital signs monitoring and a possible wireless monitoring
system. NICU parents completed paper surveys and HCPs participated via an anonymous
electronic survey. The original English survey was tailored for different respondent
groups, translated into French, Spanish, and Portuguese, and distributed through neonatal
research networks. Responses from each group were analyzed as totals (%), with within-group
comparisons assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Additionally, between-group
comparisons were conducted using the chi-square test of independence or Fisher's exact
test, as appropriate.
Results
A total of 1,141 responses were included (25 parents, 438 physicians, and 678 nurses,
RTs, and PTs). Only 52% of parents were satisfied with current wired systems; 68%
reported wires hindered infant handling, and 52% cited interference with skin-to-skin
care. Both physicians and HCPs expressed low satisfaction with the current system.
Common concerns included tangling, skin irritation, and workload. Support for wireless
technology introduction was high across all groups (parents = 60%, physicians = 91%,
and nurses, RTs, and PTs = 87%), with main perceived benefits including improved kangaroo
mother care (KMC), reduced patient discomfort, and enhanced bonding. All groups expressed
accuracy, safety, battery life, and cost concerns of a possible wireless system.
Conclusion
Parents and HCPs are generally dissatisfied with the current NICU vital signs monitoring
systems, primarily due to concerns with wires and cables and interference with KMC.
Wireless technologies were mostly supported, but data on reliability, safety, and
economic feasibility will be critical for development and successful implementation.
Key Points
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Parents and HCPs dislike wired systems due to tangling, skin irritation, and interference
with care.
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Support for wireless monitoring was viewed positively by parents and very positively
by HCP.
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Wireless systems were seen as beneficial for KC, reducing patient discomfort, and
improving bonding.
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However, each group expressed concerns about a potential future wireless monitoring
system.
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Accuracy, battery life, radiation, and cost must be addressed before wireless systems
can be adopted.
Keywords
patient monitoring - wireless technology - survey - parents - health care providers
