A multi-faceted approach to the physiologically unstable patient

The international journal of healthcare improvement Qual Saf Health Care 2010;19:1-6 doi:10.1136/qshc.2008.031807 Gillian Robb1,2, Mary Seddon2

1Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

2Quality Improvement Unit/Te Pai Huanga, Counties Manukau District Health Board, Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand Correspondence to Ms Gillian Robb, Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; g.robb{at}auckland.ac.nzAccepted 31 August 2009 Published Online First 29 July 2010 Background Patients on general hospital wards who deteriorate clinically are often not recognised as needing an escalation in care, and effective interventions are delayed. This study reviews a multifaceted approach to the identification and management of these patients in a large metropolitan hospital in Auckland, New Zealand.

Strategies for change Four interventions were combined into the Physiologically Unstable Patient (PUP) programme. These were: (1) redesign of the vital sign observation chart; (2) introduction of an early warning scoring system; (3) deployment of a nurse-led rapid response team; and (4) a comprehensive ward-based education programme.

Key measures for improvement Completeness and accuracy of routine observations; actions taken in accordance with the algorithm; impact on medical emergency team callouts, cardiac arrest calls and unplanned intensive care unit admissions.

Effects of change The PUP programme was implemented in 16 wards over 15 months. Vital sign recording improved, and the PUP score became a recognised metric for prioritising patients for review. Consistent with others' experience, there was a reluctance to call for help. Raised PUP scores prompted action around 30% of the time on average. Medical emergency team calls increased significantly from a median of 27.5 calls per month to 70.5. There was no significant change in unplanned transfers to intensive care unit or in cardiac arrest calls.

Lessons learnt A multifaceted programme to identify physiologically unstable patients on general wards can be introduced and can improve the recognition of such patients, but there are still barriers to ensuring that these patients receive the extra care that they require. These systemic failings need to be investigated and addressed for real change to occur.

Funding Counties Manukau District Health Board.

Competing interests None.

Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.

This recent issue is free to all users to allow everyone the opportunity to see the full scope and typical content of BMJ Quality & Safety.
View free sample issue >>

View the original article here

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.