Scripps Launches Monitoring Pilot

San Diego-based hospital operator Scripps Health has launched a brief pilot project that will allow for remote monitoring of some of its most fragile patients through the smartphones and other devices carried by its medical staff.

AirStrip, a Texas-based mobile healthcare firm, has agreed to provide its miniaturized monitoring devices  to place on Scripps heart surgery, intensive care, trauma and other critically ill patients. 

The Airstrip device sends a wide array of vitals data to physicians and nurse providers through their smartphones, tablets or other electronic devices. The providers do not have to be on the hospital premises to receive the data, and can send their clinical advice back to caregivers on-site. 

“The pilot project focuses on critical care patients that require the most advanced care available,” said AirStrip Chief Executive Officer Alan Portela. 

Scripps spokesperson Keith Darcé said the most closely monitored vitals would include heart rates, blood oxygen levels, respiratory rates and blood pressure signs.

The 60-day pilot project will be conducted at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and involve five physicians, an advanced practice nurse and a nurse practitioner, according to Scripps spokesperson Keith Darce. AirStrip is underwriting the costs of installing the hardware and software.

“This system gives doctors near real-time access to a wide range of patient vital signs from wherever they happen to be,” said Scripps Chief Medical Officer James LaBelle, M.D. “AirStrip...has the potential to enhance patient outcomes by speeding the delivery of care.”

Scripps officials said that if the pilot project is a success, use of the device would likely be implemented at its other hospitals. Scripps operates four hospitals in the San Diego area.