Optimising intensive care unit efficiency: A touchscreen-based bedside dashboard for real-time data management

Abstract

Critical care patients require continuous monitoring of vital signs and test results, yet efficiently collecting and using this data poses challenges in the intensive care unit (ICU). Usability limitations in electronic health records (EHRs) within critical care settings can delay access to essential information, potentially jeopardising patient safety. To address these issues, we developed a bedside display system that provides ICU staff with real-time, accurate access to critical data. Our system extracts and reorganises key ICU data from the existing EHR, thus avoiding costly and time-consuming upgrades. By automatically updating information such as laboratory results, blood gas analysis, lactate levels, ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fractional inspired oxygen, fluid balance and body temperature in real-time, the display allows rapid access to essential information for managing critically ill patients without the need for personal computer-based EHR logins. Post-implementation surveys with physicians, nurses and clinical engineers showed predominantly positive responses, recognising improvements in workflow and care quality. Survey results also highlighted the need for customising the display format to meet the unique requirements of each professional role, thereby maximising the system’s effectiveness in critical care. This bedside display system offers four key benefits. It enhances data reliability during multidisciplinary rounds, enables physicians with busy schedules to access critical information efficiently, helps nurses detect changes in patient status early and allows a complete transition from paper-based to digital data collection. This approach offers a fresh perspective and has the potential to encourage further research into optimal information presentation methods in critical care settings.