Rapid Response System Components and In-Hospital Cardiac Arrests Rates 21 Years After Introduction Into an Australian Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Objectives The aims of the study are: (1) to evaluate the epidemiology of in-hospital cardiac arrests (IHCAs) 21 years after implementing a rapid response teams (RRTs); and (2) to summarize policies, procedures, and guidelines related to a national standard pertaining to recognition of and response to clinical deterioration in hospital. Methods The study used a prospective audit of IHCA (commencement of external cardiac compressions) in ward areas between February 1, 2021, and January 31, 2022. Collation, summary, and presentation of material related to 8 “essential elements” of the Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Health Care consensus statement on clinical deterioration. Results There were 3739 RRT calls and 244 respond blue calls. There were 20 IHCAs in clinical areas, with only 10 occurring in general wards (0.36/1000 admissions). The median (interquartile range) age was 69.5 years (60–77 y), 90% were male, and comorbidities were relatively uncommon. Only 5 patients had a shockable rhythm. Survival was 65% overall, and 80% and 50% in patients on the cardiac and general wards, respectively. Only 4 patients had RRT criteria in the 24 hours before IHCA. A detailed summary is provided on policies and guidelines pertaining to measurement and documentation of vital signs, escalation of care, staffing and oversight of RRTs, communication for safety, education and training, as well as evaluation, audit, and feedback, which underpinned such findings. Conclusions In our mature RRT, IHCAs are very uncommon, and few are preventable. Many of the published barriers encountered in successful RRT use have been addressed by our policies and guidelines.