Imperfect implementation of an early warning scoring system in a Danish teaching hospital: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In 2007, the initiation of a patient safety campaign led to the introduction of Ward Observational Charts (WOC) and Medical Early Warning Score (MEWS) at Naestved Regional Hospital. This included systematic measuring of vital signs of all patients in order to prevent patient deterioration and assure timely and correct initiation of treatment. The aim of this study was to assess to what degree WOC guidelines being followed by ward staff.

Design and setting

A 7-day prospective, observational, randomised, cross-sectional, point prevalence study of WOC guideline compliance in hospitalised patients on twelve wards at Naestved Hospital.

Results

The study included 132 patients. Of these, 58% had been observed and managed correctly according to WOC guidelines. 77%

SUBMITTER: Niegsch M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3724921 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature