Abstract
Dear Editor,
Various studies have compared different track and trigger systems for their ability to identify patients at risk of deterioration,1 however, an optimal system is yet to emerge.2 The aim of this study was to compare a multi-parameter track and trigger system (Modified Early Warning Score [MEWS]), used in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT),3 with a single-parameter track and trigger system (“Between the Flags” [BTF]) used in New South Wales (NSW)4 and assess their timeliness in detecting patient deterioration 24 hours prior to a Medical Emergency Team (MET) activation. Although the systems differ in their analysis of a patient’s physiological state, the parameters tracked are the same (temperature (T), respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and sedation/consciousness level). Assessing timeliness involved looking at each system’s ability to trigger a ward review prior to activating the MET.
Various studies have compared different track and trigger systems for their ability to identify patients at risk of deterioration,1 however, an optimal system is yet to emerge.2 The aim of this study was to compare a multi-parameter track and trigger system (Modified Early Warning Score [MEWS]), used in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT),3 with a single-parameter track and trigger system (“Between the Flags” [BTF]) used in New South Wales (NSW)4 and assess their timeliness in detecting patient deterioration 24 hours prior to a Medical Emergency Team (MET) activation. Although the systems differ in their analysis of a patient’s physiological state, the parameters tracked are the same (temperature (T), respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and sedation/consciousness level). Assessing timeliness involved looking at each system’s ability to trigger a ward review prior to activating the MET.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 7-9 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Resuscitation |
Volume | 154 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Sept 2020 |
Externally published | Yes |