Philips remote monitoring cuts hospital costs and ICU time by 69%

An innovative remote patient monitoring model has significantly improved post-operative care for patients, cutting ICU hours by 69% and saving $2,682 per patient, without compromising safety. The model, known as “Health in a Virtual Environment” (HIVE), was developed by Royal Perth Hospital in collaboration with Philips.

The study, conducted by East Metropolitan Health Service (EMHS), evaluated both clinical outcomes and economic benefits of continuous remote vital sign monitoring on general wards. Leveraging Philips’ monitoring technologies, the HIVE model delivered a safer, more cost-effective alternative to traditional high-acuity post-surgical care.

“By combining cutting-edge remote monitoring solutions with local clinical leadership, we’ve helped create a scalable model of care that improves outcomes, reduces pressure on scarce high acuity beds, and enhances the patient experience,” said Joe Cain Leader of Acute Care Informatics, Philips APAC.

Traditionally, scoliosis surgery patients require intensive monitoring in ICUs or HDUs – an approach that consumes scarce resources and often limits the capacity for elective surgeries. Implemented in 2020, the HIVE model reimagined this pathway by transforming general ward beds with Philips MX400 monitors, high-resolution medical cameras, and a command centre powered by IntelliSpace Critical Care and Anaesthesia (ICCA) and eCareManager platforms. This enabled 24/7 remote surveillance by a dedicated clinical team, supporting patient recovery in a less intensive environment.

The results were compelling. Among 288 patients in the study, those treated after HIVE’s implementation spent nearly 17 fewer hours in ICU on average compared to the traditional care group. Crucially, this reduction in high-acuity monitoring did not lead to longer hospital stays, higher readmission rates, or increased complications.

“The key to HIVE’s success has been the seamless integration of people, process, and technology. Philips’ technology was instrumental in enabling this new model of care, and our findings show the potential to deliver better outcomes at lower costs,” said Dr Kevin Trentino, lead author of the study and Manager of Research and Evaluation with Community & Virtual Care at EMHS.

As ICU costs in Australia exceed $2.1 billion annually, the need for sustainable, tech-enabled models is growing. The study found the HIVE model reduced ICU time by an average of 27 hours per patient and delivered meaningful savings, reinforcing its value in Australia’s strained health system.

“This partnership with Royal Perth Hospital shows what’s possible when innovation meets clinical excellence. Philips remains committed to supporting hospitals in their digital transformation journeys, ensuring that every patient, in every ward, receives the highest standard of care,” said Cain.

HIVE’s success aligns with a broader global shift toward virtual care and hospital-at-home models. As Australia expands its digital health capabilities, Royal Perth Hospital’s experience provides a credible framework for scaling remote monitoring across other clinical pathways and hospitals.

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