Data analysis by The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) is enabling the organisation to measure the amount of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that is likely to be needed day by day by frontline staff caring for possible and confirmed COVID-19 patients.
Using its TeleTracking patient and staff tracking solution in combination with Real-time Location System (RTLS) sensors; TeleTracking UK’s data analysts have been able to audit the number of interactions between staff and patients over each 24-hour period since 10 March.
Mapped against NHS guidance on the use of PPE, and modelled in line with the predicted trends of the COVID-19 virus; The trust has been able to measure and predict, in advance, the amount of PPE it is likely to require.
The data from 10 March to the 9 April shows that, across five wards, there are, on average, 21 staff interactions per COVID-19 patient each day.
The data also showed a trend which suggested that the requirement for PPE would increase by a factor of 1.5 every seven days, so the requirement on any day will be 50% higher than was needed seven days previously.
Clare Nash, senior nurse for clinical procurement, said: “Given the demands on the NHS overall, we need to be able to more reliably predict PPE use based on staff contacts with patients.
“We knew that we had the capability to do this within our existing reporting, but no time to do it. The TeleTracking team has been able to run the initial analysis across our affected wards, which gave us an indication of PPE usage. We have then been able to map this and look at predicted required numbers to keep staff and patients safe.
“This analysis has both local and potentially-wider importance; because not only is it vital in ensuring the safety of our staff locally, but it can help ensure we do not over order PPE that is much needed across the NHS.”
Neil Griffiths, managing director at TeleTracking UK, adds: “The team here has been working around the clock to support our clients and the NHS in whatever way we can.
“We are proud to be able to contribute by giving insight that is going to help keep frontline staff across the NHS safe by having the right equipment at the right time.”