I've been following the development of ICU "smart monitoring systems", such as the eICU system profiled in tonight's “Bill of Health” report, for quite some time. Often, the first response from many in or out of the medical field who are unfamiliar with the technology is, "Oh, this means hospitals can spend more on 'smart monitoring' technology so they don't have to spend as much on hiring real nurses or physicians."

It’s an easy conclusion to jump to because we're all so used to hearing how computers have replaced people in nearly every other kind of business. However, my research shows that isn't the case when hospitals add eICU systems to their mix of intensive care. Staffing levels at ICUs stay the same after the technology is implemented. At the hospital I visited in the “Bill of Health” report, the ratio remains one nurse for every 2 patients in the ICU. In fact, it's really a misnomer to say that the technology "saves money" for hospitals. The savings really comes in a roundabout, long-term way. Studies show that smart monitoring systems improve patient safety and lower death-rates inside ICUs. That means hospitals can get more use out of their intensive care beds, where the largest expenditures occur to stabilize a patient's "crashing" vital signs.