Development of an evidence-based ESCALATION system for recognition and response to paediatric clinical deterioration (26 October 2021)

Summary

The aim of this study in Australian Critical Care was to develop an evidence-based paediatric early warning system for infants and children, that takes into consideration a variety of paediatric healthcare contexts and addresses barriers to escalation of care.

The development process resulted in an agreed uniform ESCALATION system incorporating a whole-system approach to promote critical thinking, situational awareness for the early recognition of paediatric clinical deterioration as well as timely and effective escalation of care. Incorporating family involvement was an important and new component of the system.