The purpose of this study was to describe and explore differences between rapid response system events in a Midwestern community hospital through context, mechanism, and outcome factors. The design was… Click to show full abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe and explore differences between rapid response system events in a Midwestern community hospital through context, mechanism, and outcome factors. The design was a retrospective review of 1,939 adult inpatient events that occurred on medical (62.8%) and surgical units (37.2%) over 92 months. The immediate outcomes of the events were stabilization (59.0%), transfer to a higher level of care (39%), and cardiopulmonary arrest (2%). Nurses activated 94% of all rapid response events; respiratory (38.8%) and cardiac (29.2%) symptoms were the most common triggers, and worry alone triggered 23% of all events. Medical and surgical events were significantly different with regard to antecedents to unit arrival, most common triggers, immediate clinical outcomes, and occurrence during resource-limited times. Understanding rapid response events and differences between medical and surgical units is important to improve early identification of deterioration and thus intervention for vulnerable patients.
               
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