VCH sites launch Phase 2 of the first provincial Pediatric Early Warning System
After a successful implementation of Phase 1 of the Pediatric Early Warning System (PEWS) at Lions Gate, Richmond and Bella Coola hospitals in the fall of 2015, Phase 2 commenced in spring 2016.
Phase 2 VCH sites have now expanded to include Bella Bella, Powell River and Sechelt hospitals. Squamish General Hospital is expected to launch PEWS within the next few weeks, which will be the last remaining VCH site that admits pediatric patients to go live.
PEWS launched last year
PEWS was launched across B.C. last year to promote early identification and mitigation of deterioration in hospitalized pediatric patients in order to prevent serious adverse consequences including morbidity and death. The BC Pediatric Early Warning System is a four-part, evidence-informed, standardized system including:
- The PEWS Scoring tool embedded in an age delineated standardized pediatric assessment flow sheet
- Provincial Escalation Guide and Site Escalation Aids
- Resources to promote situational awareness factors (evidence based risk factors), and
- A communication framework
The phased-in approach has allowed Child Health BC, which is leading the initiative in partnership with health authorities across the province, to learn from the first wave of implementation, incorporate feedback, and make an informed progression to the next wave of implementation in the province.
Positive feedback to PEWS
Feedback from site champions and quarterly chart audit results indicate implementation has been well accepted by most sites, likely owing to the fulfillment of a perceived need.
Comments from the PEWS roll-out so far:
- “FINALLY a charting system I LOVE !!!
- “Takes the worry out of looking after peds as it is so systematic and love the assessment on the back for those of us that do not look after peds often.”
- “LOVE how easy it is to use and that it ensures I do not miss anything on my pediatric patients.”
- “Love that in the rural sites we are using the same system as the city as it makes talking over the phone so much easier with Children’s Hospital.”
PEWS scoring has achieved high levels of completion and accuracy at all sites within the first six months and has been reported to enhance confidence and communication in pediatric assessment.
A robust evaluation of Phase 1 sites will be undertaken as part of the initiative which will include pre and post PEWS chart audits, surveys and interviews of key leaders.