Philips Visual Patient Avatar is an innovative approach to patient monitoring. Computer-based simulation studies have shown that it can improve diagnostic accuracy and confidence while reducing perceived workload. Following its integration into clinical practice, we conducted a single-centre qualitative study at the University Hospital Zurich to explore the views of anaesthesia, post-anaesthesia and intensive care providers on their experience with the technology. We used an online survey to assess its contributions in different clinical situations. We analysed the data thematically to identify key themes. Of the 510 healthcare providers contacted, 131 (25.7%) completed the survey and 154 comments were collected. Key themes included the detection of specific vital sign changes, focusing on temperature and oxygen saturation (41.9%, 34/81 comments in the operating room; 38.6%, 17/44 comments in the intensive care unit; 10.3%, 3/29 comments in the post-anaesthesia care unit). Additionally, the technology was perceived to support daily routines and situational awareness (28.4%, 23/81 comments in the OR; 9.1%, 4/44 comments in the ICU; 10.3%, 3/29 comments in the PACU). The study provides early, but strong evidence that the Philips Visual Patient Avatar assists healthcare providers in specific clinical situations in the perioperative and critical care settings.
Keywords: Patient monitoring; Philips Visual Patient Avatar; Qualitative research; Situation awareness; User-centred design.
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