Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie implemented a new technology that's adding another layer of safety for patients. The Masimo Patient SafetyNet™ system is allowing clinicians to intervene more quickly when certain vital signs begin to drop.
"The Masimo Patient SafetyNet System continuously monitors SpO2 levels and pulse rates for patients in all 51 of our non-ICU beds," explains Cindy Murray, RN, MBA, MHA, CNOR, chief operating officer and chief nursing officer at Baylor Waxahachie.
A drop in SpO2–also called blood oxygen–can lead to heart failure, which is why early intervention is so critical. "It's almost like having a nurse that never leaves the room," says Murray.
Masimo Patient SafetyNet is a centralized monitoring system that utilizes a non-invasive sensor clipped to a patient's finger. The sensor is tied to a network that is monitored by a tech 24/7. At the first sign of trouble, whether it's a declining Sp02 level or pulse rate, the nearest bedside nurses are notified to take action. The goal is to stop adverse events before they escalate.
"Studies have shown that the system greatly reduces ICU transfers because the earlier detection the quicker we can get the patient treatment. It allows us to be more proactive than reactive," says Michael Minor, a biomedical equipment technician at Baylor Waxahachie who helped install the system.
In one study, the Masimo Patient SafetyNet system was credited with a 48 percent decrease in ICU transfers. A reduction in ICU transfers can mean less days in the hospital, less days of a family worrying if their loved one is going to make it, and less of a drain on health care resources. And with the recent health reform's focus on positive clinical outcomes, technology like the Patient SafetyNet system has never been more important.
"Baylor Waxahachie is continuously improving the quality of care we provide to the patients of Ellis County and the Masimo Patient SafetyNet system is the latest piece of technology that is helping us to do that. This technology is just one more way we are able to provide the patients with services that would typically only be found in a much larger hospital," says Murray.
Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie is a 57-bed acute care hospital located in Ellis County, one of the fastest growing areas in North Central Texas. Baylor Waxahachie has been nationally recognized for the last two years with the MIDAD Platinum Award for Excellence in Clinical Performance. The hospital was honored for its achievement in quality outcomes, care efficiency and consistent delivery of evidence-based best practices. Out of 600 hospitals across the country, Baylor Waxahachie was the only hospital in its category in Texas to receive this honor.
In addition to Baylor Waxahachie, five other facilities associated with Baylor Waxahachie serve this area: Red Oak Imaging & Diagnostic Center, BaylorWorx at Waxahachie, BaylorWorx at Midlothian, and Baylor Waxahachie Sleep Center.
About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White is empowering customers to live well by reimagining traditional healthcare — creating more convenient, personalized and informed experiences. It serves more than three million customers through 53 hospitals, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple; the Baylor Scott & White Research Institute; 1,300+ access points; 59,000+ team members; and its leading digital platform — MyBSWHealth. The system's award-winning employer solutions include Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and Levanto — a company offering digitally enabled health products. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White's mission is to promote the health and well-being of all individuals, families and communities. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com