Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to increase understanding of how patient deterioration is detected and how clinical care escalates when early warning score (EWS) systems are used.
Design/methodology/approach – The authors critically review a recent National Early Warning Score paper published in IJHCQA using personal experience and EWS-related publications, and debate the difference between detection and escalation.
Findings – Incorrect EWS choice or poorly understood EWS escalation may result in unnecessary workloads forward and responding staff.
Practical implications – EWS system implementers may need to revisit their guidance materials; medical and nurse educators may need to expand the curriculum to improve EWS system understanding and use.
Originality/value – The paper raises the EWS debate and alerts EWS users that scrutiny is required.
Design/methodology/approach – The authors critically review a recent National Early Warning Score paper published in IJHCQA using personal experience and EWS-related publications, and debate the difference between detection and escalation.
Findings – Incorrect EWS choice or poorly understood EWS escalation may result in unnecessary workloads forward and responding staff.
Practical implications – EWS system implementers may need to revisit their guidance materials; medical and nurse educators may need to expand the curriculum to improve EWS system understanding and use.
Originality/value – The paper raises the EWS debate and alerts EWS users that scrutiny is required.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 872-875 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance |
| Volume | 28 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| Early online date | 6 Oct 2015 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Nov 2015 |
Keywords
- Adverse events
- Cardiac arrest
- Early warning scores
- Intensive care unit admission
- National Early Warning Score
- Rapid response teams
- Death