Table 4 Impact of Pediatric Early Warning Score– before implementation (T = 0)
Theme | Sublevel | Effect |
|---|---|---|
SA level 1 | Individual | Increased awareness of vital signs Aged-based reference range for vital signs Importance of gut feeling nurse/parents (position and usage disputed among interviewees) |
Upon arrival | During handover a PEWS-trend can provide insight on the course of a patient’s condition during the hospitalization PEWS enforces decision making regarding transport safety and proper team composition | |
During transport | PEWS helps creating a trend on patients’ condition during transport Provision of clear agreements on escalation of care | |
SA level 2 | Individual | PEWS can aid in objectifying clinical judgment by assigning numeric value to clinical situations PEWS helps in the interpretation of vital signs |
Chain of care | Uniformity | Lasting desire for uniformity between ambulance service and hospitals Speaking the same language with nurses from PMC (using the same PEWS-system) |
Communication and handovers | PEWS not always automatically mentioned during handovers, but when used it provides added value to efficient and clear handovers | |
General | Protocol adherence | Guidance on and adherence to protocol Helps in the decision and execution of escalation of care based on protocol |