Early recognition of patient clinical deterioration followed by a prompt and effective response can minimise the occurrence of adverse events and may reduce the level of intervention required when delays occur. Failure to escalate care for a deteriorating patient can have devastating consequences, especially when the patient is a child.
The ESCALATION Project has developed an evidence-based practice approach to the early recognition and response to clinical deterioration in the WA health paediatric setting.
Benefits of the ESCALATION System include:
reduction in practice variations
allows nurses and doctors and families to effectively use the system
enables safer patient monitoring
standardises handover communication within and between hospitals
enables clinical staff to easily work across WA health facilities
provides a uniform pathway for families to escalate care
