A medical early warning system is a clinical tool used in healthcare to anticipate patient deterioration by tracking the cumulative variation in a patient's vital signs and level of consciousness. Also known as between-the-flags or track-and-trigger charts, these systems became prominent in the 1990s after research showed that deterioration was often preceded by abnormal vital signs, and they are now standard practice in many health systems, with some jurisdictions requiring their use.
Facts
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundationhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_warning_system_(medical), lead sectionQuote, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_warning_system_(medical), lead section
An early warning system (EWS), sometimes called a between-the-flags or track-and-trigger chart, is a clinical tool used in healthcare to anticipate patient deterioration by measuring the cumulative variation in observations, most often being patient vital signs and level of consciousness.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.