Standardized measurement of the Modified Early Warning Score results in enhanced implementation of a Rapid Response System: A quasi-experimental study

Purpose

To study the effect of protocolized measurement (three times daily) of the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) versus measurement on indication on the degree of implementation of the Rapid Response System (RRS).

Methods

A quasi-experimental study was conducted in a University Hospital in Amsterdam between September and November 2011. Patients who were admitted for at least one overnight stay were included. Wards were randomized to measure the MEWS three times daily (“protocolized”) versus measuring the MEWS “when clinically indicated” in the control group. At the end of each month, for an entire seven-day week, all vital signs recorded for patients were registered. The outcomes were categorized into process measures including the degree of implementation and compliance to set monitoring standards and secondly, outcomes such as the degree of delay in physician notification and Rapid Response Team (RRT) activation in patients with raised MEWS (MEWS ≥ 3).

Results

MEWS calculations from vital signs occurred in 70% (2513/3585) on the protocolized wards versus 2% (65/3013) in the control group. Compliance with the protocolized regime was presents in 68% (819/1205), compliance in the control group was present in 4% (47/1232) of the measurements. There were 90 calls to primary physicians on the protocolized and 9 calls on the control wards. Additionally on protocolized wards, there were twice as much RRT calls per admission.

Conclusions

Vital signs and MEWS determination three times daily, results in better detection of physiological abnormalities and more reliable activations of the RRT.