Implementing and evaluating a Paediatric Early Warning System (PEWS) at a National Referral Hospital in Botswana.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mortality among hospitalised children in low-resource settings remains much higher than in high-resource environments. Paediatric Early Warning Systems (PEWSs) have been shown to improve vital signs collection, strengthen interprofessional communication, lower healthcare costs and reduce paediatric hospital mortality in multiple low- and middle-income countries. Providers at Botswana's national referral center, Princess Marina Hospital (PMH), face significant challenges in identifying children at risk for clinical deterioration.

Methods

We used PEWS previously validated in resource-limited settings to create the PMH PEWS. We piloted the PMH PEWS from December 2022 to March 2023. We assessed (1) effectiveness of PEWS at reducing unplanned escalations of care by com

SUBMITTER: Hickson MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12581066 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature