Feasibility of real-time location systems in monitoring recovery after major abdominal surgery

Abstract

Real-time location systems are a novel technology capable of objectively and accurately monitoring patient movement and provide an innovative approach to promoting early mobilization after surgery.

Mapping Healthcare Spaces: A Systematic Scoping Review of Spatial and Behavioral Observation Methods

“…While this review did not focus on technology-aided observation, it is worth noting the benefits and limitations of technology in this context. Real-time location tracking, wearable technology, and movement sensors may be cost-effective and appropriate methods for addressing some targeted research questions in healthcare contexts (Castner & Suffoletto, 2018; Dorrell et al, 2017). Video recording too may allow for observation to be conducted outside of visiting hours and without a researcher present.…”

What will perioperative geriatric assessment for older cancer patients look like in 2025? Advantages and limitations of new technologies in geriatric assessment

“…Wake Forest Baptist Health used RTLS to track the location of patients after major abdominal surgeries in ten patients. The RTLS was able to identify all of the movement of these patients through different locations correctly [41]. Healthcare institutions experience a high incidence of geriatric events following major cancer surgery among older patients which prolongs hospitalization, incurs higher cost, and increases the mortality of these patients [42].…”

Development of a Remote Monitoring Application to Improve Care and Support Patients in the First 30 Days Following Colorectal Cancer Surgery

“…However functional status is an important aspect of surgical care and physical and functional limitations are common after major abdominal surgery 29,30 . Real-time location systems have been used in the in-patient setting to track post-operative patient mobilisation 31 while combining wristband pedometers with online patient reported outcomes has been shown to be feasible as well as having potential to identify high-risk populations requiring additional interventions to support post-operative functional and symptom recovery 32,33 . The health professionals in our study did identify wearable outcome measures as a potentially useful addition for future apps, identifying increased heart rate and temperature as key measures that would be helpful in clinical assessments.…”