Wearable devices could detect deterioration earlier while reducing repetitive nursing work
Singapore’s National University Hospital is expanding smartwatch-based monitoring after a pilot showed that wearable devices could identify abnormal vital signs earlier, reduce patient disruptions, and give nurses more time for direct care.
NUH Plans Wider Smartwatch Use
NUH aims to have wearable technology support up to 10 percent of suitable inpatient vital-sign monitoring over the coming year. The program will initially focus on surgical patients in general wards before potentially expanding to other patient groups.
Pilot Monitored 30 Surgical Patients
During a month-long pilot completed in June 2026, 30 patients wore Health Sciences Authority-approved smartwatches. The devices continuously measured blood pressure, pulse rate, and blood oxygen saturation while nurses continued routine bedside checks for safety verification.
Abnormal Signs Detected Earlier
The smartwatches identified 18 abnormal changes, including low and high blood pressure, a low pulse rate, and reduced blood oxygen saturation. Some readings were detected up to two hours earlier than scheduled manual observations, allowing nurses to review patients promptly before the episodes developed into clinical deterioration.
Patients Experienced Fewer Disruptions
Continuous monitoring allowed patients to rest without being repeatedly awakened for routine checks, particularly overnight. Participants also reported that wearing a smartwatch felt more comfortable and less intimidating than being connected to multiple conventional monitoring devices.
Digital Records Could Save Nursing Time
NUH plans to integrate smartwatch readings directly into its electronic medical record system, enabling automatic documentation. The hospital estimates this could reduce the time required for each vital-sign check from around two minutes to about 40 seconds, freeing nurses to focus on patients requiring closer observation and personalized care.
NUH’s smartwatch expansion shows how wearable technology can improve patient safety, comfort, and hospital efficiency when combined with professional clinical oversight. For Singaporeans and Indonesians, the program offers a practical example of how digital healthcare can help hospitals manage growing workloads while preserving direct human care.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , Tirto (2026)
Keywords: NUH Smartwatch Monitoring, Singapore Digital Healthcare, Wearable Patient Monitoring, Hospital Vital Signs, Patient Safety Technology, Healthcare Innovation
