How do nurses use early warning system vital signs observation charts in rural, remote and regional health care facilities: A scoping review

Wendy Augutis; Tracy Flenady; Danielle Le Lagadec; Elaine Jefford

doi:10.1111/ajr.12971

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How do nurses use early warning system vital signs observation charts in rural, remote and regional health care facilities: A scoping review

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

How do nurses use early warning system vital signs observation charts in rural, remote and regional health care facilities: A scoping review

Wendy Augutis, Tracy Flenady, Danielle Le Lagadec and Elaine Jefford

Australian Journal of Rural Health, Vol.31(3), pp.385-394

2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.12971

PMID: 36802114

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Abstract

rural remote and regional health care settings

patient deterioration

early warning systems

Introduction: Physiological signs of clinical deterioration are known to occur in the hours preceding a serious adverse event. As a result, track and trigger systems known as early warning systems (EWS) were introduced and routinely implemented as patient observation tools to trigger an alert in the presence of abnormal vital signs. Objective: The objective aimed to explore the literature pertaining to EWS and their utilisation in rural, remote and regional health care facilities. Design: The Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework was used to guide the scoping review. Only studies reporting on rural, remote and regional health care settings were included. All four authors participated in the screening, data extraction and analysis process. Findings: Our search strategy yielded 3869 peer-reviewed articles published between 2012 and 2022, with six studies ultimately included. Collectively, the studies included in this scoping review examined the complex interaction between patient vital signs observation charts and recognition of patient deterioration. Discussion: Whilst rural, remote and regional clinicians use EWS to recognise and respond to clinical deterioration, noncompliance dilutes the tool's effectiveness. This overarching finding is informed by three contributing factors: documentation, communication and challenges specific to the rural context. Conclusion: The success of EWS relies on accurate documentation and effective communication within the interdisciplinary team to support appropriate responses to clinical patient decline. More research is required to understand the nuances and complexities of rural and remote nursing and to address challenges associated with the use of EWS in rural health care settings.

Details

Title: How do nurses use early warning system vital signs observation charts in rural, remote and regional health care facilities: A scoping review
Authors: Wendy Augutis (Corresponding Author) - Central Queensland University
Tracy Flenady (Author) - Central Queensland University
Danielle Le Lagadec (Author) - School of Nursing & Midwifery, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia
Elaine Jefford (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Midwifery
Publication details: Australian Journal of Rural Health, Vol.31(3), pp.385-394
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Date published: 2023
DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12971
ISSN: 1440-1584
PMID: 36802114
Copyright note: © 2023 The Authors. Australian Journal of Rural Health published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of National Rural Health Alliance Ltd. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non-commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made.
Grant note: Commonwealth Government's Research Training Program/Research Training Scheme Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship; Australian Government; Department of Industry, Innovation and Science Australian Government
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Midwifery
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99706796302621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Nursing; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

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