Trial to determine whether a continuous monitoring system allows earlier detection of patient deterioration on the ward during recovery after bariatric surgery compared to standard of care 4-hourly vital signs monitoring

While recovering on the ward after bariatric surgery for up to 72 hours, participants are assigned to be monitored by either standard-of-care (SOC) 4-hourly vital signs monitoring by nursing staff, or using Portrait Mobile Monitoring System plus SOC 4-hourly vital signs monitoring. Any patient deterioration that occurs between the SOC 4-hourly vitals monitoring may be missed. Portrait Mobile is a wearable, wireless monitoring system that allows doctors and nurses to monitor vital signs continuously. Alarms based on pre-set criteria alert the medical staff and allow them to detect deterioration in health as it is happening so they can intervene and treat the patient before it gets worse. The Portrait Mobile monitoring system continuously monitors heart rate, breathing rate and oxygen saturation. Heart rate and oxygen saturation are measured by a sensor worn on the tip of the index finger and secured to a strap around the wrist. Breathing rate is measured by three electrodes attached to the chest using adhesive patches. The three electrodes are connected to each other and to a connector by wires. Then, a sensor and a battery are fitted to the connector. Portrait Mobile is a continuous monitoring system with patient vitals viewed and stored on a central viewing monitor located at the nurses’ station. Sensors are in situ at all times other than during showering and washing when they will be removed by the nursing staff (electrodes remain in place).