Philips partnership with Western Australia Health delivers significant patient care and cost improvements through remote monitoring innovation

The study, published in Anesthesia & Analgesia, evaluates the economic and clinical impact of the “Health in a Virtual Environment” (HIVE) service. Enabled by Philips’ advanced patient monitoring technologies, the HIVE model reduced intensive care unit (ICU) hours by 69% and saved AU$2,682 per patient in overall hospital costs, all without compromising patient safety [1].

This achievement marks a significant milestone in Australia’s journey toward a smarter, more connected health system.

Transforming Care for High-Risk Surgical Patients

Traditionally, patients undergoing spinal surgery for scoliosis require intensive post-operative monitoring in ICUs or high-dependency units (HDUs). This places considerable strain on hospital resources and limits the number of elective procedures that can proceed—especially when ICU beds are unavailable.

The HIVE model, implemented in 2020 at Royal Perth Hospital, offered a transformative alternative: equipping general ward beds with Philips MX400 bedside monitors, high-resolution medical-grade cameras, and a fully integrated clinical command centre powered by the Philips IntelliSpace Critical Care and Anaesthesia (ICCA) and eCareManager platforms [2]. These technologies enabled 24/7 remote surveillance of patients by a dedicated clinical team, creating an additional safety net while allowing recovery in a less intensive and more familiar ward environment.

The results were compelling: of the 288 patients assessed in the study, those managed post-HIVE implementation spent nearly 17 fewer hours in ICU on average than those in the traditional care group. Importantly, there was no increase in hospital length of stay, emergency readmissions, or hospital-acquired complications—reaffirming the safety and reliability of continuous remote monitoring in surgical wards.

Partnership-Driven Innovation

The success of the HIVE program is a testament to the power of collaboration between healthcare providers and technology partners. Philips provided not just equipment, but a holistic solution, integrating bedside, audiovisual, and digital platforms into a unified monitoring system that streamlined workflow and improved decision-making.

The remote monitoring centre was equipped to live-stream vital signs, apply machine learning algorithms continuously assessing patient risk, and maintain virtual communication with bedside teams. Using artificial intelligence and continuous data analysis, early warning signs could be detected and escalated faster, improving the chances of timely intervention.

Easing Pressure on Critical Care

Australia’s ICU resources are limited and expensive. With ICU care costing an estimated AU$2.1 billion annually [3], the need for smart, sustainable solutions is growing. By allowing suitable patients to recover safely on general wards, the HIVE model frees up ICU beds for those who need them most, while reducing cancellations of elective surgery due to bed shortages.

Moreover, the cost-effectiveness analysis in the study found that the HIVE model was not only more effective, with the time a patient spends in ICU reduced by 17 hours, but also less expensive, with a cost saving of $2,682 AUD per patient [4], a rare and powerful combination in healthcare transformation. Most Importantly the study showed no increase of complications or readmissions.

The study’s findings align with global trends highlighting the value of remote monitoring in hospitals. Philips’ recent work with health systems across North America, the Middle East and Japan has shown similar gains in early detection, workflow efficiency, and reduced clinician workload.

The Future of Virtual Care

As Australia continues to evolve its digital health infrastructure, the HIVE program offers a blueprint for extending high-acuity care beyond traditional boundaries. With Philips’ support, Royal Perth Hospital has demonstrated that hospitals can harness remote technologies to deliver safer, smarter, and more patient-centric care—even in resource-constrained environments.

To read the study, click here.