Use of rapid response system afferent limb to recognize and respond to deteriorating patients: An action research study

Abstract

Failure to recognize the deterioration of hospital patients has led to the implementation of a system known as the Rapid Response System. The aim was to explore nurses’ use of the afferent limb of the Rapid Response System to recognize and respond to deteriorating patients. Data were collected via video recordings with observations of 20 registered nurses (RNs) from general wards performing scenarios in a simulation laboratory with focus group interviews. Data were analyzed using systematic text condensation. COREQ were followed. In the first scenario, nurses did not apply ABCDE or ISBAR, and the use of NEWS was insufficient. Completing an education program led to evident improvement in the use of the tools during the second scenario. Nurses initially viewed their new competency as useful, but it was not sustained a year later. Customized education programs and fidelity-scale simulations are suited but not sufficient to change clinical competency without management anchoring.