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RecruitingACTRN12609000659202

Paediatric Early Warning Score and the frequency of vital sign measurement in paediatric patients.

Sponsor

The Canberra Hospital

Enrollment

3,500 participants

Start Date

Jul 3, 2009

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Early detection of deterioration in vital signs in paediatric inpatients

Summary

Early warning scores may be used to identify an individual’s deterioration by combining clinical parameters into a single score. Early warning scores compliment clinical decision making and assist in communication between health care professionals. The application of a Paediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) has the potential to identify the deteriorating child early and allow more time for intervention. This may make adverse outcomes less likely or reduce their severity. In this study new, age appropriate observation charts will be introduced into wards 4A and 4B at The Canberra Hospital. These charts will be used to calculate and record a paediatric early warning score for each child. High scores will automatically prompt the bedside nurse to call an appropriately qualified practitioner for timely review of the patient. This is expected to initiate earlier management.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 1 DaysMax Age: 17 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is looking at whether using a Paediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) — a system that gives a numerical score based on a child's vital signs — helps nurses spot when a child in hospital is getting worse before it becomes a crisis. The new age-appropriate observation charts being introduced will automatically flag children with high scores, prompting nurses to call a doctor for a timely check. The study compares children on wards using the new PEWS charts to those receiving standard monitoring, to see if early warning scores lead to faster treatment and better outcomes. You may be eligible if: - Your child is under 18 years old (from newborn to 17 years) - Your child is admitted as an inpatient to one of the study wards at The Canberra Hospital Your child may NOT be eligible if they are: - Receiving palliative (end-of-life) care - A chronic care patient Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.

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Interventions

The intervention is the introduction of the new, age appropriate observation charts on wards 4A and 4B with the ability to record an early warning score and an associated education package. 4 month tr

The intervention is the introduction of the new, age appropriate observation charts on wards 4A and 4B with the ability to record an early warning score and an associated education package. 4 month trial in 2009. The charts will be completed by nursing staff in the clinical inpatient areas when vital signs are done. The chart is different based on the age of the child, < 3months, 3-11 months, 1-4 years, 5-11 years, 12-17 years.

Locations(1)

Australia

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ACTRN12609000659202