Early warning system (medical)
| Early warning systems | |
|---|---|
A sample of an Adult Deterioration Detection System designed for Australia | |
| Synonyms | ADDS; NEWS |
| Reference range | Physiological normal observations will generate a score of zero |
| Purpose | to predict the risk of an adverse event or patient deterioration |
| Test of | variation in physiological measures |
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. EWSs emerged in the 1990s with research finding deterioration was often preceded by abnormal vital signs. Early warning systems are heavily utilised internationally with some jurisdictions mandating their use.
Early warning systems are principally designed to identify a deteriorating patient earlier, allowing for early interventions and the prevention of adverse outcomes. EWS scores give a standardised classification to the degree of physiological abnormality, with higher scores representing a higher risk of deterioration.