Pulse Oximetry Automation Study
Assessment of Automation of Paediatric Triage using Pulse Oximetry in a Kenyan Public Hospital is a study that used a device called pulse oximeter, which is recommended for routine use and produces a signal that it automatically reads to show a heart rate and oxygen saturation. This study will extend the use of the pulse oximetry device in two ways; first by obtaining a respiratory rate from the wave; and secondly by reading the signal further, to assess whether it can predict the triage category (emergency, priority, non-urgent), whether the child is admitted or not, and how long the child takes to recover. The former objective will be done using an analysis method called machine learning, which uses computing systems to recognise patterns. Currently, it’s uncertain how many patients present with various triage categories in hospitals and this study will also investigate the proportion of patients in various triage categories presenting to the outpatient department of this hospital. This study has the potential of finding out if there are ways reducing triage time and problems of having inadequate triage staff if successful.
The study took place at Mbagathi Hospital in Nairobi, which is currently one of 14 Clinical Information Network (CIN) health facilities taking part in an approved study examining compliance to guidance and investigating ways to improve inpatient care practices.