Connected digital devices may help reduce the time required for common vital signs tasks. According to one study of 235 patients, automated blood pressure measurements, for example, take about 29 seconds, compared to 57 seconds with manual methods. Multiparameter vital signs tools combine BP, temperature, SpO₂, and pulse rate into one efficient workflow, helping to reduce the need for clinicians to juggle multiple pieces of equipment which may allow them to focus on the resident.
Connectivity can be a timesaver for clinicians. Routine, manual transcription workflows may produce up to an 18.75% transcription error rate. With connectivity, that error rate may be lowered by helping reduce the need to write vitals down and then type them into the EMR. A case study from Christian Living Communities also found that EMR integration reduced the time for a full set of vitals from 9 minutes per resident to just 4.5 minutes.
Automated vital signs devices can do more than capture numbers, they can help streamline entire bedside workflows. Recording additional data such as pain levels, weight, glucose, etc. at the bedside can mean clinicians don’t have to backtrack to input missing information later. One device that connects workflows and documentation.
Even with the most experienced clinicians, staff shortages and increased resident counts can put additional pressure on caregivers to complete time consuming or complex tasks. In fact, 60% of healthcare staff admit to using shortcuts in standard clinical workflows.
Guided workflows built into vital signs devices can help staff follow best practices consistently, improving accuracy and reducing variation across shifts and caregivers. This is one way to support staff while helping with the accuracy of clinical decisions.
Small technique variations may have an effect on the accuracy of the collected data. The American Medical Association (AMA) identifies seven steps for accurate blood pressure. A few measurement techniques to avoid that may impact BP readings include:
Standardized training can help staff understand that following the recommendations of the AMA and AHA are essential for proper blood pressure measurement.
As staffing challenges persist, long term care facilities may leverage connected technology to support staff workflows which may allow more time for resident focused care. By transitioning to automated, connected vital signs workflows, facilities may spend more time focusing on residents and provide the clinical accuracy necessary to support high quality resident care.
To learn more about how connected vital signs can transform your facility, contact your local Baxter representative or visit hillrom.com/longtermcare.
US-FLC45-260001 (v1.0) 01/2026
