Waikato tenders for eVitals system

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eHealthNews.nz editor Rebecca McBeth

Waikato District Health Board has gone to tender for an electronic observations solution, saying a manual system  is “subject to human error, and might trigger wrong escalation decisions”.

Often called eVitals, the board is looking for a system to automatically calculate early warning scores and escalate these as necessary, as well as provide reminders for when vital signs are due to be taken.

The solution also needs to integrate with Waikato DHB’s internal systems, including the Patient Management System (iPM), Clinical Workstation and Patient Flow Manager.

The tender documents say Waikato DHB currently uses a manual system for calculating EWS, but this poses challenges for the clinical teams, as the process is time consuming and the paper assessments can be difficult to find.

“The manual system relies heavily on accurately measuring a full set of vital signs, on doctors making necessary patient modifications, on nurses correctly calculating the EWS and prompting follow-up actions based on the written EWS protocol.

“Manual calculations are subject to human error, and might trigger wrong escalation decisions,” it says.

The RFP says Waitemata, Counties Manukau and Canterbury DHBs have already implemented eVitals solutions and “have reported time saving benefits through improved visibility outside the ward of the patient’s physiological status, automatic calculation of the patient’s EWS, plus no longer having to look for paper notes, as well as improved responsiveness”.

The right solution could also provide better data for managing acuity, it adds.

“The alternative is that Waikato DHB risks criticism from the Health and Disability Commissioner if an adverse event occurs that links to the DHB’s non-investment in patient vital sign tracking technology.”

A Health and Disability Commissioner inquiry in 2004 recommended that DHBs implement early warning score systems.

The deadline for proposals is 2 November 2018 and the board aims to have a final shortlist of suppliers by early December.

The contract will be for five years with two one-year extensions available.

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