Ascom introduces 'Digistat Vitals', enabling single-entry vitals registration and scoring at the bedside

BAAR, Switzerland, Oct. 09, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ascom (SWX:ASCN.SW), a world-leader in Clinical and Care ICT solutions, has announced the launch of a new application called Ascom Digistat Vitals. The new application enables bedside single-entry registration of vitals and clinical scores in an Electronic Medical Record (EMR).

With the application, clinicians register vital signs and clinical scores in an Ascom Myco smartphone or selected Android(TM)* smartphones while at the patient's bedside. The data is then uploaded to the EMR. This single-entry registration eliminates double documentation and its associated high frequency of errors, which according to one review of studies is "between 4.4% and 15.2%" for vitals that are first recorded on paper then transcribed into an EMR. Paper-based documentation can also result in an average delay of 40 minutes between the initial taking of vitals and scores and their availability in the EMR.**

"Errors and omissions in vitals and scores-and their slow availability in EMRs-can compromise patient safety," says Gabriele Unterberger, Managing Director of Ascom UMS. "Single-entry registration, combined with automated scoring, helps ensure the correct data are made available sooner in the EMR, providing a solid foundation for appropriate and timely clinical responses."

The new application also offers guided automated calculation and bedside registration of clinical scores such as the Aldrete Score and the UK's National Early Warning Score. The application comes pre-loaded with scoring templates that hospitals can customize to best meet their specific needs and goals.

"The new application also underscores the success of the integration between Ascom hardware and software and the Digistat platform of clinical software," adds Unterberger. "Digistat Vitals is an exciting standalone innovation. But its true value to hospitals lies in its integration with the extensive and growing Ascom healthcare platform of nurse call and mobility solutions."

For more information, please visit: https://www.ascom.com/vitals

*Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

**Fieler, K. Vickie; Jaglowski, Thomas; Richards, Karen (2013) Eliminating Errors in Vital Signs Documentation, CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing. Vol. 31, NO. 9, 422-427. Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Ascom Digistat Vitals is not available in the USA and Canada.

ABOUT ASCOM

Ascom is a global solutions provider focused on healthcare ICT and mobile workflow solutions. The vision of Ascom is to close digital information gaps allowing for the best possible decisions - anytime and anywhere. Ascom's mission is to provide mission-critical, real-time solutions for highly mobile, ad hoc, and time-sensitive environments. Ascom uses its unique product and solutions portfolio and software architecture capabilities to devise integration and mobilization solutions that provide truly smooth, complete and efficient workflows for healthcare as well as for industry and retail sectors.

Ascom is headquartered in Baar (Switzerland), has subsidiaries in 15 countries and employs around 1,300 people worldwide. Ascom registered shares (ASCN) are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange in Zurich.

Ascom Group Media Office, Daniel Lack, Company Secretary & CCO 
+41 41 544 78 10, daniel.lack@ascom.com