Comparison of policies for recognising and responding to clinical deterioration across five Victorian health services.

Conclusions Current guidance documents related to the frequency of observations and escalation of care omit the vital role of nurses in these processes. Inconsistencies between health services may lead to confusion in a mobile workforce and may reduce system dependability.What is known about the topic? Recognising and responding to clinical deterioration is a major patient safety priority. To comply with national standards, health services must have systems in place for recognising and responding to clinical deterioration.What does this paper add? There is some variability in terminology, definitions and specifications of physiological observations and medical emergency team (MET) activation criteria between health services. Although nurses are largely responsible for physiological observations and escalation of care, they have little authority to direct frequency of observations and triggers for care escalation or tailor assessment to individual patient needs. Failure to identify nurses' role in policy is concerning and contrary to the evidence regarding nurses and MET activations in practice.What are the implications for practitioners? Inconsistencies in recommendations regarding physiological observations and escalation of care criteria may create patient safety issues when students and staff work across organisations or move from one organisation to another. The validity of other parameters, such as appearance, pain, skin colour and cognition, warrant further consideratio...

Source: Australian Health Review - May 25, 2017 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Considine J, Hutchison AF, Rawson H, Hutchinson AM, Bucknall T, Dunning T, Botti M, Duke MM, Street M Tags: Aust Health Rev Source Type: research