Can Rapid Response Systems in Children's Hospitals Reduce Unplanned ICU Transfers?

Deploying an early warning system and a rapid response team reduced critical deterioration events.

Critical deterioration in clinical status with emergent transfer from a general pediatric floor to the intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with increased mortality risk. Investigators retrospectively examined the effect of a rapid response system (RRS) at a large U.S. urban children's hospital between 2007 and 2012. The RRS was implemented in 2010 and involved a bedside early warning score of clinical deterioration and deployment of a rapid response team (within 30 minutes).

During the 5-year study period, there were 1810 unplanned ICU transfers and 370,500 non-ICU in-patient days. Among unplanned transfers, critical deterioration was associated with a significant 4.97-fold increased risk for death. Implementation of the RRS was not asso…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Can Rapid Response Systems in Children's Hospitals Reduce Unplanned ICU Transfers?

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Reviewing Author