evaluating smart monitoring in surgical wards


the SWITCH study on implementing Philips Healthdot for enhanced patient monitoring


collaboration with:

Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, The Netherlands (CZE) and Philips Healthcare


study overview:

The SWITCH study (NCT05956210) explores the real-world implementation of continuous patient monitoring in surgical wards using the Philips Healthdot, a validated smart monitoring device. Conducted at the Catharina Hospital in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, this observational, single-center clinical trial evaluates the system’s adoption, feasibility, and impact on patient care over a 6-month period.

study design and participants


key participants:

500 Surgical Ward Patients


study duration:

Start: November 2022

Status: Ended


primary objective:

The study assesses the effectiveness of transitioning from manual spot-check monitoring to continuous monitoring with Healthdot, focusing on its impact on workflow efficiency, patient outcomes, and overall feasibility in a busy surgical ward setting.


key results and clinical impact:

  • 40% reduction in manual spot-checks, saving approximately 5.5 minutes per check per patient.

  • After the initial 3-month trial, surgical ward staff opted to fully transition to Healthdot for patient monitorins.

  • Successful adoption led to the decision to extend the use of Healthdot for an additional year.

  • Publication of study results is in progress, with positive early feedback on the system’s role in enhancing workflow efficiency and patient outcomes.


Read about the trial