Korean J Adult Nurs.  2020 Oct;32(5):539-549. 10.7475/kjan.2020.32.5.539.

Influence of the Rapid Response Team Activation via Screening by Nurses on Unplanned Intensive Care Unit Admissions

• Huh YJ
• Moon Sm
• Eun EK
• Kim My

• KMID: 2508305
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7475/kjan.2020.32.5.539

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to identify the influence of the activation of the Rapid Response Team (RRT) through screening unplanned Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admissions.
Methods
A total of 539 cases in which the RRT was activated, from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017, were analyzed. Data were collected by reviewing rapid response team activity reports and electronic medical records and analyzed using the Chi-squared test and multiple logistic regression analysis. The analyzed types of RRT activation were electronic medical record-based screening and activation through direct call.
Results
Patients admitted to the ICU following RRT activation through direct call were twice as likely to experience an unplanned ICU admission than patients for which the RRT was activated through electronic medical record screening (Odds Ratio [OR]=2.05, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]=1.27~3.30). Other variables, including the medical department, activation duration in minutes, total national early warning score, and respiratory distress as the reason for activation (compared to sepsis or septic shock) predicted unplanned ICU admissions.
Conclusion
Electronic medical record screening by RRT may facilitate the early detection and monitoring of physiological deterioration in patients in the general medical ward. This strategy may help prevent unplanned ICU admissions and potentially reduce mortality.

Keyword

Hospital rapid response team; Intensive care units; Electronic medical records; Early warning score