Pediatric Early Warning Score Systems, Nurses Perspective - A Focus Group Study.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric healthcare
• Nursing informatics
• Patient safety

Background:

• Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) systems are crucial for monitoring vital signs in children at risk of deterioration.
• Effective implementation of PEWS is vital for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore nurses' experiences with PEWS tools in clinical practice.
• To identify factors that facilitate or impede the effective use of PEWS.

Main Methods:

• An exploratory qualitative design was employed.
• Focus group interviews were conducted with nurses across three hospitals.
• Qualitative meaning condensation analysis was used to interpret the data.

Main Results:

• Seven themes emerged, including challenges with interdisciplinary awareness and tool inflexibility.
• Nurses perceive PEWS as a tool that supports a professional language and visualizes the need for escalating care.
• Clinical judgment and PEWS are viewed as complementary, with supportive tools enhancing the nursing experience.

Conclusions:

• Nurses' perceptions highlight the importance of integrating clinical judgment with PEWS for accurate patient assessment.
• Lack of interdisciplinary awareness, particularly among medical doctors, can impede PEWS utilization.
• Addressing challenges related to tool design and interdisciplinary communication is essential for optimizing PEWS effectiveness.