Reducing cardiac arrests in the acute admissions unit: a quality improvement journey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In 2010, the acute admissions unit (AAU) at Stirling Royal Infirmary had the highest number of cardiac arrests of any ward. A quality improvement project was undertaken to reduce this to <1/1000 admissions by December 2011.

Methods

In January 2011, based on initial needs assessment, we selected three initiatives to improve cardiac arrest rate: (1) structured response to deteriorating patients; (2) analysis of adverse events; and (3) improved end-of-life decision-making. We performed a failure modes effects analysis to identify reasons for the failure of early recognition and response. Ward staff conducted weekly safety meetings to engage unit staff and promote a safety culture of continuous improvement. Additionally, in July 2011 the unit adopted a ward-based clin

SUBMITTER: Beckett DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3888590 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature