Philips Completes First Implementation of Wearable ECG Monitors

December 15, 2011 — Philips has implemented IntelliVue MX40 technology to Hurley Medical Center, a 443-bed public, non-profit, teaching medical center located in Flint, Mich.  

Each year, more than 20,000 people choose Hurley Medical Center for their inpatient hospital care. Many are required to spend multiple nights in varying sections of the hospital throughout their stay, which can pose challenges when it comes to monitoring. Clinicians at Hurley, early adopters of Philips telemetry offerings, were quick to turn to Philips again to address those challenges with IntelliVue MX40 technology.

The device provides a view of vital patient information at the patient's side, whether that patient is in bed or up and moving. The mobile monitors are about the size of a deck of cards; they help clinicians spend more time with patients since the display allows them to check ECG rhythm, rate, pulse oximetry, trends and monitoring status. Additionally, the monitors can stay with the patients even if they are moved to a different floor or area of the hospital.

“Allowing our clinicians to get closer to those they care for by providing this kind of monitor to patients underscores our mission: clinical excellence, service to people,” said Syed I. Ahmed, M.D., F.A.C.C., medical coordinator, department of cardiology, Hurley Medical Center. “Moreover, while the monitors allow mobility for patients, Philips has taken steps to help ensure data will be available when we need it with technology designed to maintain a signal and only switch frequencies when a clear one is available.”

Hurley is the first installation among multiple orders for the IntelliVue MX40 systems in the Midwest. It will be used across four floors of the hospital, allowing flexible assignment of monitoring throughout a patient’s experience. The patient journey begins in the coronary care unit and continues to the progressive care unit, with the remainder of the stay in the medical surgical units. 

For more information: www.healthcare.philips.com, www.hurleymc.com