TABLE 3.

Theme map

Theme One: Vital sign data as evidence for escalation

Nurses use vital sign data to support their concern and facilitate escalation, which may be challenged when patients do not reach the threshold for action but staff are worried about them. Where this occurred, nurses were willing to risk criticism from colleagues our ensuring patient safety.

Theme Two: Trustworthiness of vital sign data

Trustworthiness of data was identified as a key consideration in monitoring of vital signs. When nurses were worried about accuracy, they described instinctively returning to ‘manual’ measurements to ensure the data were reliable.

Theme Three: Finding a balance between continuous and intermittent monitoring

In this theme, three sub‐themes are explored. There are both benefits and limitations to continuous monitoring, including increased patient safety and reassurance, but reduced comfort and mobility. These aspects require careful balancing in the context of individualized patient care.