Implementation of the Bedside Paediatric Early Warning System (BedsidePEWS) for nurse identification of deteriorating patients

J Spec Pediatr Nurs. 2014 Oct;19(4):339-49. doi: 10.1111/jspn.12092.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose was to explore nurses' and physicians' recognition of signs of deterioration and management of symptoms.

Design and methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study used an electronic survey with 35 nurses and 17 physicians.

Results: Nurses using the Bedside Paediatric Early Warning System (BedsidePEWS) were significantly more likely to recognize risk for deterioration and respond with appropriate interventions. Physicians incorporating BedsidePEWS were more likely to choose reliable indicators of deterioration and reported significantly more effective communication from nurses to identify deterioration.

Practice implications: BedsidePEWS may improve nurses' and physicians' abilities to recognize early signs of patient deterioration, communicate findings to providers, and plan interventions.

Keywords: BedsidePEWS; deterioration; early warning sign; early warning system; pediatric.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Clinical Alarms*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interprofessional Relations
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nurse's Role*
  • Nursing Assessment / methods*
  • Pediatric Nursing / methods*
  • Physician's Role*
  • Point-of-Care Systems / organization & administration*
  • Population Surveillance
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Risk Management / methods*