The benefits of using digital technology to enhance patient safety at Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) have been recognised at a national awards ceremony.
EPUT and Oxehealth were highly commended in the Best Patient Safety Initiative category of the Building Better Healthcare Awards for the use of Oxevision.
Clinical staff at EPUT use Oxehealth’s remote monitoring tool Oxevision to assist with carrying out routine observations to monitor the safety of patients being cared for on the Trust’s inpatient mental health wards.
The technology complements the therapeutic engagement and observations carried out by staff.
Staff can use the platform to remotely measure patients’ pulse and breathing rates, allowing them to monitor the health and safety of patients without disturbing them.
The technology also alerts staff if patients display activity or behaviour that may present a risk to their safety.
It can also track trends in patients’ pulse and breathing rates, which helps with monitoring any physical health issues.
EPUT has used Oxevision in its 24 inpatient and assessment wards since 2021.
Together with other measures to enhance patient safety, it has contributed to a reduction in patient safety incidents and 98.2% of patients and their families who use our services tell us they feel safe in our care.
We have had positive feedback from patients who feel safer as a result of the technology.
Feedback has included:
“I think Oxevision increases safety for patients because staff carry around the tablet… They can see an overview of what’s going on in the ward and it can alert if someone needs help.”
“Since Oxevision was installed, I’m disturbed much less at night.”
Nearly 70% of patients who participated in a survey said they felt Oxevision helped staff keep them safer, and 70% also reported an improved sense of wellbeing.
Staff have also said it frees up their time to concentrate on patient engagement.
Alex Green, EPUT’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are committed to providing the best and safest care possible for our patients and doing everything we can to continually improve patient safety.
“Innovative technology such as Oxevision is supporting our staff to deliver the safest possible care and to improve our patients’ experiences of care.”
Oxehealth’s Chief Executive Officer, Todd Haedrich, said: “Our partnership with EPUT demonstrates how advanced monitoring solutions can assist clinical staff in reducing incidents and supporting a safer, more compassionate experience for patients.
“We’re honoured to be part of EPUT’s commitment to innovation in mental health care.”
The Building Better Healthcare Awards recognise innovation in healthcare across four areas – technology, patient experience, estates and facilities management, and building design.
The awards ceremony was held on Wednesday 6 November.
