-This aim of this study was to assess the impact of the introduction of a standardised early warning scoring system (SEWS) on physiological observations and patient outcomes in unselected acute admissions at point of entry to care. A sequential clinical audit was performed on 848 patients admitted to a combined medical and surgical assessment unit during two separate 11-day periods. Physiological parameters (respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and conscious level), in-hospital mortality, length of stay, transfer to critical care and staff satisfaction were documented. Documentation of these physiological parameters improved (P<0.001-0.005) with the exception of oxygen saturation (P=0.069). The admission early warning score correlated both with in-hospital mortality (P<0.001) and length of stay (P=0.001). Following the introduction of the scoring system, inpatient mortality decreased (P=0.046). Staff responding to a questionnaire indicated that the scoring system increased awareness of illness severity (80%) and prompted earlier interventions (60%). A standardised early warning scoring system improves documentation of physiological parameters, correlates with in-hospital mortality, and helps predict length of stay. KEY WORDS: acute admissions, early warning scoring system, length of stay, mortalityAt point of entry to care, emergency medical and surgical referrals are often at their least clinically stable. 1,2 Early indicators of serious illness may not be recognised or acted upon, leading to rapid subsequent clinical deterioration with important implications for critical care, morbidity, and mortality. 3,4 These concerns have been given fresh emphasis by the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD). 5 In response to recommendations from the Royal Colleges and the Department of Health, 6,7 the Emergency Medical Admissions Scoping Group of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland was convened. Thereafter, an Illness Severity Scoring Subgroup was given the remit to develop a patient observation chart incorporating a standardised early warning scoring system (SEWS). Physiological parameters contributing to SEWS are respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, temperature, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and conscious level ( Table 1). The inclusion of oxygen saturation, shown to have a significant relationship with short-to medium-term mortality in emergency medical admissions, 8 distinguishes SEWS from a previously described modified early warning scoring system (MEWS). 9 The SEWS chart was designed to be visually striking and simple to complete. 10 It incorporates an escalation policy prompting more frequent observations and urgent medical assessment. On the reverse there are simple patient management guidelines for first responders. The early MEWS experience was that a score of ≥5 was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital death. Accordingly, the SEWS threshold for medical review was set at a score of 4, the aim being to intensify tr...

Although mentioned in the UK pandemic plan, essential service providers were not among the priority groups. They may be important targets of future influenza pandemic vaccination campaigns. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among 380 employees from West Midlands police headquarters and 15 operational command units in the West Midlands Area during December 2009–February 2010 to identify factors affecting intention to accept the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine. One hundred and ninety nine (52.4%) employees completed the questionnaire. 39.7% were willing to accept the vaccine. The most common reasons for intention to accept were worry about catching Swine Flu (n = 42, 53.2%) and about infecting others (n = 40, 50.6%). The most common reason for declination was worry about side effects (n = 45, 57.0%). The most important factor predicting vaccine uptake was previous receipt of seasonal vaccine (OR 7.9 (95% CI 3.4, 18.5)). Employees aged <40 years, males, current smokers, and those who perceived a greater threat and severity of swine flu were also more likely to agree to the vaccine. The findings of this study could be used to improve future pandemic immunization strategies. Targeted education programs should be used to address misconceptions; the single most important factor which might lead to a large improvement in uptake is to allay concern about side effects.

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