A fundamental conflict of care: Nurses ’ accounts of balancing patients' sleep with taking vital sign observations at night

ConclusionIn this study, we found an early warning score algorithm focused on deterioration prevention did not account for long‐term management or palliative care trajectories. Nurses were therefore less inclined to wake such patients to take vital sign observations at night. However, the perception of widespread exceptions and lack of evidence regarding optimum frequency risks delegitimising the early warning score approach. This may pose a risk to patient safety, particularly patients with dementia or chronic conditions. Relevance to clinical practiceNurses should document exceptions and discuss these with the wider team. Hospitals should monitor why vital sign observations are missed at night, identify which groups are under‐monitored and provide guidance on prioritising competing expectations. early warning score protocols should take account of different care trajectories.
Source: Journal of Clinical Nursing - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research