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Early warning scores: unravelling detection and escalation
Gary B Smith1, David R Prytherch, Paul Meredith
1Centre of Postgraduate Medical Research and Education (CoPMRE), Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK.
Purpose:
The purpose of this paper is to increase understanding of how patient deterioration is detected and how clinical care escalates when early warning score (EWS) systems are used.
Design/Methodology/Approach:
The authors critically review a recent National Early Warning Score paper published in IJHCQA using personal experience and EWS-related publications, and debate the difference between detection and escalation.
Findings:
Incorrect EWS choice or poorly understood EWS escalation may result in unnecessary workloads forward and responding staff.
Practical Implications:
EWS system implementers may need to revisit their guidance materials; medical and nurse educators may need to expand the curriculum to improve EWS system understanding and use.
Originality/Value:
The paper raises the EWS debate and alerts EWS users that scrutiny is required.
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