Development and Evaluation of a Digital Nursing Monitoring Application Based on a Best Practice Protocol for Intensive Care Patients
Abstract
Background
Intensive care units (ICUs) represent a central sector of critical care, where the quality of nursing monitoring directly conditions the survival of critically ill patients. Despite technological advances and the development of clinical protocols, significant disparities persist in the application of best practices, compromising patient safety and care efficiency. In resource-limited settings such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, these challenges are amplified by insufficient infrastructure, lack of specialized training, and restricted access to digital technologies.
Objective
This study aimed to identify the needs, constraints, and perceptions of ICU nurses regarding patient monitoring, and to evaluate the potential of a digital nursing monitoring application based on a standardized best practice protocol.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Wangata General Reference Hospital, Democratic Republic of Congo. A total of 50 ICU nurses participated in the study. Data were collected using a structured 22-item self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, current practices, perceived constraints, and expectations regarding a digital monitoring application. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for data analysis.
Results
The sample was predominantly female (56.0%), aged 24-33 years (44.0%), with a majority holding a bachelor's degree in nursing (56.0%). Most participants had 5-9 years of professional experience (44.0%). The majority (72.0%) considered current monitoring tools insufficient. All participants (100.0%) reported that material and organizational constraints limited care quality and traceability. Only 32.0% considered current practices harmonized, and 56.0% believed practices did not comply with international recommendations. Automated alerts (54.0%) were the most desired functionality, and the smartphone was the preferred support device (60.0%). All participants (100.0%) unanimously agreed that a digital application would reduce errors, improve care quality, and enhance the nursing role in ICUs. Significant associations were found between age (χ²=15.296, p<0.05), education level (χ²=7.225, p<0.05), and perception of compliance with international recommendations.
Conclusion
ICU nurses face significant material, organizational, and procedural challenges that hinder optimal patient monitoring. Despite these constraints, there is strong acceptance and readiness for digital solutions. The development of a smartphone-based application featuring automated alerts, care checklists, and patient history tracking represents a promising intervention to harmonize practices, reduce errors, and align care with international standards in resource-limited ICU settings.
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How to cite
Yoka Botsili (2026). Development and Evaluation of a Digital Nursing Monitoring Application Based on a Best Practice Protocol for Intensive Care Patients. SDF Journal of Public Health. https://sfoundation.one/articles/sdf-2026-0045-development-and-evaluation-of-a-digital-nursing-monitoring-application