Key result
Abnormal vital signs at ED departure linked to ~315% higher odds of early rapid-response activation.
Why the study?
Identifying patients at risk of rapid-response team activation within 12 hours of emergency department admission based on vital signs is important for improving outcomes and resource allocation.
Do abnormal vital signs at emergency department arrival or disposition predict Rapid-Response Team activation within 12 hours of admission in adult patients?
Case-Control (n=948)
No
Do abnormal vital signs at emergency department arrival or disposition predict Rapid-Response Team activation within 12 hours of admission in adult patients?
Odds Ratio: 4.15 (95% CI 2.44–7.07)
Absolute Event Rate: 16% vs 5%
p-value: p=<0.001
Abnormal vital signs at emergency department arrival and disposition strongly predict the need for early rapid-response team activation, which is associated with significantly higher short-term mortality and ICU admission rates.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Abnormal ED vital signs may flag risk for early RRT activation; leaves open whether they should alter disposition decisions.
Walston et al. (2016) conducted a case-control in Patients admitted to a non-ICU setting from the emergency department (n=948). Abnormal vital signs (e.g., respiratory rate in the highest 10%) vs. Normal vital signs (middle 80%) was evaluated on Rapid-response team activation within 12 hours of admission (predicted by last respiratory rate in the highest 10% at ED departure) (OR 4.15, 95% CI 2.44-7.07, p=<0.001). Patients with abnormal vital signs at emergency department departure, such as a respiratory rate in the highest 10%, were significantly more likely to trigger rapid-response team activation within 12 hours of admission (OR 4.15).
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