Improving rapid response system performance in a Chinese Joint Commission International Hospital

Abstract

Objective To assess the impact of a regional rapid response system (RRS) implemented in a Chinese Joint Commission International Hospital on the timely treatment of patients with serious adverse events (SAEs). Methods Clinical SAEs, activation periods, reasons for RSS activation, and patient outcomes were assessed using SAE response sheets at admission to the hospital and over 31 months of follow-up. Results We found that 192 events were called by medical staff and 6 were called by auxiliary staff. Reasons for the 385 RRS activations included: unconsciousness (133; 34.5%), and airway obstruction and absent carotid pulse (49 each; 12.7%). The average arrival time of the medical emergency team was 2.4 ± 0.1 minutes. There were 123 (62.1%) RRS activations during daytime working hours (8:00–17:00); CPR was performed in 86 (43.4%) cases. Outcomes of RRS were: vital signs stabilized in 82 (41.4%) patients and 61 (30.8%) patients were transferred to ICU. Conclusion Our experience showed that the regional RRS has led to better integrated multidisciplinary cooperation and reduced time for treating patients with SAEs, resulting in success of the RRS.