From Papers to Pixels

By Grace Lim

The Telemetry Unit in the inpatient ward plays a crucial role in caring for cardiac patients. Through a wireless system, patients’ electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythms are transmitted in real time to centralised monitors. This allows nurses to monitor patients round the clock and identify any abnormal heart rhythms, so that the healthcare team can respond swiftly.

Using paper to record ECG events increases the risk of inaccuracies and takes up considerable physical space.

Traditionally, ECG events were manually recorded. While the approach worked well for daily use, information was often spread across many documents. The variations in handwriting, terms and repeated entries resulted in added documentation workload. The need to keep the records for audit purposes also led to large volume of physical files that needed space and organisation. As a result, retrieving past ECG information data sometimes took longer than expected.

Seeing the potential to improve workflows and better support patient care, Team Smart Care Wizards stepped up with a new approach. Using digital tools, they aimed to streamline documentation, reduce repetitive tasks, manage resources more efficiently and ultimately, enhance patient safety. “When record-keeping is more efficient, our telemetry nurses can focus fully on their core responsibilities. Improving our processes helps ensure timely reviews of ECG information and supports better care for our patients,” shared Assistant Director of Nursing, Jasmine Lee, Nursing Administration.

(Left to right) Members of Team Smart Care Wizards: Kimbell Tan (Senior Staff Nurse, Nursing Administration), Eugene Wee (Senior Staff Nurse, Ward 44), Mya Sandar Hlaing (Senior Staff Nurse, Ward 44), Jasmine Lee (Assistant Director, Nursing), Low Huiling (Acting Senior Nurse Manager, Ward 44), and Julia Francesca Villar Angel (Senior Staff Nurse, Ward 44).

Offline Issues, Online Solutions

The team improved the workflow in three ways. Firstly, they created a user-friendly Excel sheet to reduce the risk of errors from manual entries. The digital document features automated fields and buttons to allow faster and more accurate data entry of ECG events. Next, the team utilised cloud storage solutions such as Microsoft OneDrive to enhance security and reduce the need for physical storage space. Lastly, they streamlined data retrieval and review by using virtual real-time alerts and automated summaries. This allows information to be reviewed more quickly and efficiently.

Digital solutions have enhanced efficiency and care practices in the Telemetry unit.

Driving Excellence with Digitisation

This project has delivered exceptional results since its implementation. Documentation time per shift was reduced from two hours to just 48 minutes. Retrieving data now takes just five minutes instead of two hours, a 95% reduction from previously. The transition away from manual record‑keeping has significantly improved efficiency and accuracy for staff.

Additionally, the need for printed records and physical storage has been eliminated, contributing to substantial cost savings and more efficient operations.

Most importantly, better data management and automated alerts allow the healthcare team to respond faster to patient needs. This supports early interventions and helps lower the risk of symptoms worsening.

Scaling Successes with AI

The efforts of the team did not go unnoticed. Out of 108 submissions, their project was one of the 24 showcased solutions at the Citizen Developer Community Day 2026, a SingHealth event that highlights innovative and sustainable digital solutions. While this recognition is meaningful, the team sees it as just the beginning. Leveraging insights from the project, the team plans to scale the system across institutions. They are also exploring the development of a predictive AI platform that uses machine learning to analyse trends and help forecast cardiac events. 

“As healthcare continues to evolve, we must constantly look for ways to improve our care processes through technology,” said Acting Senior Nurse Manager Low Huiling, Ward 44. “Ultimately, our goal is to support our staff, so they can provide the best possible care for our patients.”

Kudos to Team Smart Care Wizards – your passion and creativity truly make a meaningful difference to care at NHCS!