Nursing recognition and response to signs of clinical deterioration

The suboptimal assessment of patients for signs of clinical deterioration and the subsequent response has led to the development of national guidelines and tools for tracking and responding to these situations. Such tools can provide guidance but ultimately the clinical skill, decision making and collaboration of professional practitioners determine optimal care. The use of track-and-trigger tools is insufficient to provide optimal care due to the many factors that affect patient journeys. The clinical knowledge and skill of nurses are important to this process and in achieving safe patient care. This article focuses on the clinical implications of the knowledge and experience of nurses, as well as their role in team working when recognising and responding to clinical deterioration.