Abstract
This process improvement project aimed to improve the early identification of clinically deteriorating hematology-oncology patients in order to prevent the development of critical illness and to facilitate timely intensive care unit (ICU) transfers. Using failure modes and effects analysis, a protocol employing the Modified Early Warning Score and serum lactate level was implemented to identify deteriorating patients who required the attention of the rapid response team. Control charts revealed a significant decrease in codes and preventable codes, while ICU transfers remained stable. A retrospective analysis to control for age, sex, race, severity of illness, and do not resuscitate status was performed, yielding a codes odds ratio of 0.51 (95% confidence interval = 0.31-0.85) and a preventable codes odds ratio of 0.25 (95% confidence interval = 0.07-0.82). At the study team’s institution, implementation of this protocol reduced codes and preventable codes without an associated increase in ICU transfers.
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