[EICS (Extended Intensive Care Service): looking outside the ICU].

Area of Science:

• Clinical Medicine
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Technology

Context:

• Hospitalized adult patients require continuous monitoring to prevent adverse events.
• Effective early warning systems (EWS) are crucial for timely intervention.
• Current systems may not fully address post-ICU care or general ward deterioration.

Purpose:

• To implement and evaluate a novel early warning system (EWS).
• To improve patient outcomes by reducing morbidity and mortality.
• To provide structured guidance for care after intensive care unit (ICU) discharge.

Summary:

• The implemented EWS focuses on two key areas: post-ICU care management and early recognition of patient deterioration on general wards.
• It utilizes physiologically based early warning scores to identify at-risk adult patients.
• The system aims to facilitate prompt therapeutic and transfer actions.

Impact:

• Potential to reduce patient morbidity and mortality rates.
• Enhanced patient safety through proactive health monitoring.
• Improved quality of care for adult patients in general hospital wards.