HIRAID: A Solution-Focused Framework for High-Quality and Safe Emergency Care

Area of Science:

• Emergency Nursing
• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Critical safety and quality gaps exist in emergency care.
• Variability in emergency nursing assessment and management practices is longstanding.
• Standardization of emergency nursing is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Health Response Information Assessment Intervention and Documentation (HIRAID) framework.
• To evaluate the impact of HIRAID on emergency nursing practice and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• The HIRAID framework was developed based on evidence.
• A trial involving over 1300 Australian emergency nurses was conducted.
• The framework was implemented across more than 130 Australian emergency departments.

Main Results:

• HIRAID demonstrated reduced patient deterioration.
• Enhanced documentation and improved clinical handover were observed.
• Patient experience in emergency departments was significantly improved.

Conclusions:

• The nurse-led HIRAID framework effectively standardizes emergency nursing assessment and management.
• HIRAID supports the delivery of timely, high-quality emergency care.
• The framework is expanding into aged care and inpatient settings.