Abstract
Monitoring vital signs in neonates, particularly in resuscitation and intensive care, is crucial for effective neonatal management. Accurate blood oxygen saturation and heart rate measurements are essential for guiding therapeutic interventions and optimizing outcomes. Traditional pulse oximetry devices often face challenges in application speed, ease of use, and the risk of skin injury, especially in preterm infants. This study introduces a newly designed pulse oximeter to enhance the efficiency and safety of neonatal monitoring in clinical settings. It is engineered for fast and convenient attachment without adhesive or abrasive fasteners, reducing skin injury risks. It is compatible with standard bedside monitors and can measure hemoglobin oxygen saturation, heart rate, electrocardiography, and temperature. This pilot observational study in the postpartum unit assesses the new pulse oximeter’s performance against conventional devices. Results show a significant reduction in the time to attach the device and obtain stable and reliable readings for blood oxygen saturation and heart rate from the pulse oximeter’s sensors. Additionally, the nursing team’s satisfaction is enhanced with the redesigned device compared to the conventional one. These findings offer substantial insights into the new pulse oximeter’s effectiveness, potentially leading to a shift in neonatal vital signs monitoring towards a more rapid, safe, and comprehensive approach.
