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. 2021 Jan-Mar;36(1):32-37.
doi: 10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000484.

Development of a Standardized System to Detect and Treat Early Patient Deterioration

Rebecca Ashbeck  1 , Courtney Stellpflug, Eriana Ihrke, Scott Marsh, Marit Fraune, Ashley Brummel, Chelsea Holst
Affiliations

Development of a Standardized System to Detect and Treat Early Patient Deterioration

Rebecca Ashbeck et al. J Nurs Care Qual. 2021 Jan-Mar.

Abstract

Background: Inpatient nurses identified the need to recognize clinical deterioration earlier, including rapid response team (RRT) activations and transfers to the intensive care unit. Surveys identified the need for better interdisciplinary communication.

Local problem: A system was needed to detect early clinical deterioration with structured responses promoting multidisciplinary collaboration.

Methods: An early warning score (EWS) identified patients at risk. The system ensured timely and accurate actions were taken when scores reached 3 or above.

Interventions: Collaborative, graded responses to EWSs and nurse-led rounds promoted communication and timely interventions.

Results: Mortality decreased (-27%) as did multiple RRT activations on a single patient (-15%). Nurses are aware of early vital sign changes (+45%) and resident responsiveness has improved. There has been an increase in nurse/resident communication satisfaction (+31%).

Conclusions: The system implemented reinforces the importance of patient assessment, collaboration among the multidisciplinary team, and promotes early interventions.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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