Development, implementation, and evaluation of a pilot workshop on clinical deterioration using an early warning score

Halley, Grace (2022) Development, implementation, and evaluation of a pilot workshop on clinical deterioration using an early warning score. Practicum Report. Memorial University of Newfoundland. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Background: Early identification of acute clinical decline is critical to improve patient outcomes. Nurses work closely with patients and have an opportunity to identify early signs of clinical deterioration. Unfortunately, signs of clinical deterioration are often missed, resulting in potentially serious adverse events. The National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) is an early warning score (EWS) implemented in the inpatient setting to aid nurses and other health care providers in the recognition of acute decline. No such scoring system exists in the tertiary care centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Purpose: To develop and evaluate a multimodal pilot workshop to improve the early recognition of clinical deterioration through introduction of the NEWS2 tool. Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted to identify barriers and facilitators nurses experience when using EWS systems, as well as, to identify educational initiatives and outcomes. Knowles Theory of Andragogy informed the development of the workshop. Informal consultations were completed with key stakeholders of Eastern Health’s medicine program to provide the setting and specific criteria for the workshop. The workshop was delivered to ward nurses, and evaluation surveys were completed. Results: The literature review identified the effectiveness of a multimodal educational workshop for ward nurses. Results from the evaluation survey indicated an overall positive response for both the delivery of the workshop and NEWS2 tool. Conclusion: An evidenced-based pilot workshop was developed that can aid nurses in the early detection of clinical deterioration, and improve patient outcomes. The workshop and evaluation results have been shared with members of Eastern Health with a plan to implement the workshop and NEWS2 tool in the near future.

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