Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell launches real-time surgical patient tracking system

Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell has introduced an advanced monitoring and traceability system for surgical patients designed to improve communication with families and optimise coordination among surgical staff. The technology uses a Bluetooth-enabled wristband to identify and track patients in real time, providing continuous updates on their location and procedural stage.

Each patient receives an anonymised identification code to protect confidentiality. On arrival—whether for scheduled or urgent surgery—patients are given an information sheet with their code and instructions to download an app. Families and companions can follow the patient’s progress via the mobile app or on screens installed in waiting areas, receiving automatic notifications whenever the patient moves between stages, from admission through post-anaesthesia recovery.

For ambulatory surgeries, waiting-room screens display clearly when each patient should enter the operating theatre. Inpatient pathways are explained to patients in detail, and relatives can monitor progress remotely, which the hospital says reduces uncertainty and stress.

Internally, the system provides a real-time view of all scheduled patients in the surgical and obstetric areas. Staff can filter lists by specialty, procedure type or process stage, access up-to-date summaries, and view automated task assignments. Automation triggers operational actions—for example, at the end of a procedure an automatic alert is sent to porters to transfer the patient to recovery, eliminating the need for phone calls and shortening waiting times.

The traceability data are integrated with Andorra’s Shared Clinical History, ensuring continuity of care and avoiding duplicate data entry. Collected information also feeds statistical analyses on patient flow, procedure duration, operating room occupancy and use of human and material resources. These indicators are intended to support objective decision-making and process optimisation.

The hospital highlights improved safety, greater transparency for families and more efficient internal coordination as principal benefits. Staff time spent on administrative tasks is expected to decrease, allowing more focus on direct patient care. The deployment is framed as part of a broader commitment to modernise and humanise care processes through digital tools.