Improving hospital culture and nursing escalation processes in relation to the deteriorating patient.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: With the increasing complexity of healthcare, 10-15% of all hospitalized patients experience an adverse event during their hospital stay. These adverse events are largely due to the patient’s deterioration not being recognized or acted upon in a timely manner. Recognition and response systems rely on the ability of bedside nurses to appropriately monitor, assess and escalate care. The process for escalating care needs to be ingrained into an organisations culture and supported without fear or retribution.