Early recognition of the deteriorating patient

[CO2emission]

Evidence suggests that patients show signs of deterioration up to 8 hours before they actually become unstable and proceed on to cardiac arrest if not treated in that 10 minute window of instability.

How do you know your patient is deteriorating before this period of instability?

What barriers in the workplace and culture inhibit early recognition of deterioration?

Thanks for your thoughts.

[heamck]

We have done some work on this topic & have made all of our tools etc free on our website once you register:

http://www.compass.act.gov.au

[CO2emission]

Thank you for the ACT link. I have checked it out.This is fantastic. Many many thanks