Manx Care are trailblazing the implementation of the new national digital Paediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS).
NHS UK have only recently began rolling out the new system, which aims to allow for consistency in how deterioration in children is recognised.
Currently, many hospitals track deterioration differently and this can present in challenges for staff working across, or caring for children, who have attended different hospital sites.
Digitising Early Warning Scores through 'e-observations' helps reduce the risk of manual errors and enhances compliance with the policy, promoting evidence-based practice. Additionally, it offers a comprehensive overview of patient data, making it accessible to clinicians across the hospital, ensuring timely and co-ordinated care.
Louise Proudfoot, Senior Matron Paediatrics, commented:
'The implementation of PEWs in Noble’s has been a great success and colleagues have received thorough training and support. It has been embedded in paediatrics and Emergency Department, enabling and supporting in the early recognition of sick children, the management of deteriorating children and providing consistency in how deterioration in children is recognised.'
Rebecca Erani, Chief Nursing Information Officer, continued:
'This is an incredible step forward for Manx Care and the Isle of Man. We are ahead of many UK Trusts by implementing this system, and are able to do it by utilising software that we currently use. This system will enhance patient safety and enable the use of one, standardised communication tool should any child need to go off-Island.'
Harry Craig, Emergency Practice Development Nurse, added:
'The implementation of the National PEWS system at Noble’s Emergency Department has been beneficial in prioritising paediatric patient safety and reinforces the need for early senior medical review. The introduction of Martha’s Rule* and its impact on NPEWS has allowed us to provide better patient/family centred care by ensuring that the dialogue between healthcare professional and parent about the child’s condition is at the forefront when assessing children.'
*Martha’s Rule is a patient safety initiative providing patients and families a way to seek urgent review for their loved ones if their condition deteriorates or they are concerned.
