Vital signs survey participant information
Title of Study: Detecting clinical deterioration in hospital patients using machine learning
Sponsor: University of Nottingham
Chief Investigator: Sherif Gonem
What is the purpose of the study?
We are developing artificial intelligence (AI)-based risk prediction and decision support tools to detect deteriorating patients in hospital who need an urgent medical review. The purpose of this survey is to capture the clinical judgement that is used by experienced clinicians when interpreting vital signs, so that this can be incorporated into the tools we are developing.
Who can take part?
You are eligible to take part in this survey if you are a registered Doctor (Registrar or Consultant level) or Nurse (Band 6 or above), living and working in England or Wales, who looks after acutely unwell adults in hospital as part of your usual job role.
Do I have to take part?
No, taking part in this survey is entirely voluntary. There will be no record kept of whether or not you have taken part.
What will happen if I take part?
After completing the basic information below, you can start the survey straight away. The survey has three sections, each dealing with different aspects of vital sign interpretation. It should take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Please set aside sufficient time to finish the survey, as it needs to be completed in one sitting. The survey is completely anonymous and no personal information will be collected.
What if I want to withdraw from the study?
You can stop taking the survey at any time before submitting your final answers by simply closing the browser window. Submitting your final answers will be taken to indicate your consent to take part in the study. Once submitted, the answers cannot be withdrawn as they are anonymous and cannot be linked to a withdrawal request.
What will happen to the results of the research study?
We plan to collect survey results from at least 400 doctors and nurses throughout England and Wales. The results will be used to develop an early warning score that will align closely with the judgement of expert clinicians. We will test its accuracy against currently used scoring systems such as the National Early Warning Score-2 (NEWS-2). The results of the study will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals and presented at scientific meetings. They will be used to inform public policy and to develop the next generation of early warning scores to help keep patients safe in hospital.
Who is organising and funding the research?
This research is being organised by the University of Nottingham and is being funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre.
Who has reviewed the study?
All research in healthcare is looked at by an independent group of people, called a Research Ethics Committee, to protect your interests. This study has been reviewed and given a favourable opinion by the Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee.
Further information and contact details
If you would like further information about this study then you can contact the Chief Investigator:
Dr Sherif Gonem
Consultant Respiratory Physician and Honorary Associate Professor
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham
sherif.gonem@nottingham.ac.uk