Heather Nolette
University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, USA
Title: Does a real-time surveillance warning tool promote timely intervention with deteriorating patient conditions?
Biography
Biography: Heather Nolette
Abstract
A real-time surveillance warning tool is an innovative application that is integrated within the electronic medical record. It utilizes established data sets from nursing assessments, labs and vital signs. The organization utilized an evidence-based scoring system that produces a Rothman Index Score to predict impending failure. The Rothman Index Score is then trended on a graph that can depict patient deterioration. The graphs were setup to display within the patient’s electronic medical record, computer workstations, and kiosk monitors. The fundamental goal of this qualitative study was to reduce the time between initial physiological signs of deterioration and recognition of that, thereby reducing incidence of cardio-respiratory failure. This was done using an evidence-based tool that incorporates existing clinical data into a score that alerts the clinicians to potential failure sooner. The outcomes can be co-related to the implementation and external services involved. In 2017, rapid response calls declined an average of 6.5 calls per quarter compared to 2016. They declined by 78 calls or 24% from 2016 to 2017. In 2017, cardio-respiratory failure declined an average of 5 calls per quarter compared to 2016. They were reduced by 61 cardio-respiratory failures or 84% from 2016 to 2017. The development of the sustainability practice model emerged from the literature review. It provides structure, sustainability, and management for a surveillance warning tool. Intellectual competence, expertise and scientific inquiry are not replaced. This is a tool that provides additional analytical considerations to prevent a “failure to rescue”.