Early warning scores: unravelling detection and escalation

Authors: Smith, G.B., Prytherch, D.R., Meredith, P. and Schmidt, P.E.

Journal: International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance

Volume: 28

Issue: 8

Pages: 872-875

ISSN: 0952-6862

DOI: 10.1108/IJHCQA-07-2015-0086

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.

Source: Scopus

Early warning scores: unravelling detection and escalation.

Authors: Smith, G.B., Prytherch, D.R., Meredith, P. and Schmidt, P.E.

Journal: Int J Health Care Qual Assur

Volume: 28

Issue: 8

Pages: 872-875

ISSN: 0952-6862

DOI: 10.1108/IJHCQA-07-2015-0086

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.

Source: PubMed

Early warning scores: unravelling detection and escalation

Authors: Smith, G.B., Prytherch, D.R., Meredith, P. and Schmidt, P.E.

Journal: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH CARE QUALITY ASSURANCE

Volume: 28

Issue: 8

Pages: 872-876

eISSN: 1758-6542

ISSN: 0952-6862

DOI: 10.1108/IJHCQA-07-2015-0086

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

Early warning scores: unravelling detection and escalation.

Authors: Smith, G.B., Prytherch, D.R., Meredith, P. and Schmidt, P.E.

Journal: International journal of health care quality assurance

Volume: 28

Issue: 8

Pages: 872-875

ISSN: 0952-6862

DOI: 10.1108/ijhcqa-07-2015-0086

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.

Source: Europe PubMed Central