Smart Alert System for Hospital Care

This trial tests a smart alert system that assists doctors in the ICU by providing real-time alerts about unusual patient care behavior. The trial aims to determine if these alerts can enhance decision-making at the bedside. It includes two groups: one where doctors receive the alerts (Revealed Alerts) and another where they do not (Unrevealed Alerts). Patients currently in the Presbyterian and Montefiore ICUs can participate in this trial. As an unphased trial, it offers patients the chance to contribute to innovative research that could improve ICU care for future patients.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Research has shown that alert systems in hospitals can enhance patient care safety and quality. For instance, a large study involving 13 million patients found that safety improved when healthcare staff used these alerts. However, while alerts contribute to safety, they can sometimes overwhelm staff, leading to "alert fatigue." This occurs when too many alerts make it difficult for staff to focus on the most critical ones.

Researchers are excited about the Smart Alert System for Hospital Care because it aims to revolutionize how hospitals manage patient alerts. Unlike traditional systems that often overwhelm staff with too many alerts, this system differentiates between "Revealed Alerts" and "Unrevealed Alerts," potentially offering a more efficient way to prioritize critical patient information. This approach could significantly reduce alert fatigue among healthcare professionals, allowing them to focus on the most urgent cases and ultimately improving patient outcomes. By enhancing the clarity and urgency of alerts, this system could streamline hospital workflows and ensure timely medical interventions.

This trial will compare two types of digital alert systems: Revealed Alerts and Unrevealed Alerts. Research has shown that digital alert systems can significantly improve hospital care by shortening hospital stays and aiding doctors in better patient management. For instance, studies have found that automated alerts assist in managing conditions like sepsis by providing timely warnings, leading to improved health outcomes. One study discovered that electronic alerts helped doctors recognize and begin treating acute kidney injury (AKI) earlier, although it did not directly improve kidney function. These findings suggest that such systems can make a real difference by quickly notifying healthcare providers, potentially enhancing patient safety and care efficiency.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰