Following are links to relevant programs being undertaken by organisations in Australia.ACT Health - The Early Recognition of the Deteriorating Patient Program
The aim of the Early Recognition of the Deteriorating Patient Program was to implement a framework that ensured the early recognition of deteriorating patients, the initiation of an appropriate medical review and the instigation of timely medical management to reduce the morbidity and mortality of patients. The outputs of this project have included an adult modified early warning system observation chart which is accompanied by an extensive training package called COMPASS.
NSW Clinical Excellence Commission - Between the Flags
The Between the Flags project aimed to identify the safety parameters for patient well being on acute hospital wards, to trial processes for improved observation and communication, to understand the work processes that impact on this issue and interfere with team dynamics and to provide recommendations for statewide action. The project has sought to design, or adapt and implement a suite of solutions that would be effective in a range of acute care facilities.
Queensland Health Patient Safety Centre - Recognition and Management of the Deteriorating Patient
The aim of the Recognition and Management of the Deteriorating Patient program is to implement a number of state-wide strategies to improve both detection and response to clinical deterioration in patients, reduce mortality and morbidity, and minimise the flow-on effects of avoiding prolonged stay and preventing unplanned ICU admissions.
To assist Queensland Health determine the most appropriate response to this issue, taking into account current evidence, cost/benefit and available resources, the Patient Safety Centre prepared a discussion paper that was open for consultation until 10th April 2009.
Department of Human Services, Victoria - Safer Systems - Saving Lives
Safer Systems - Saving Lives (SSSL) was a national project funded by the former Australian Council on Safety and Quality in Health Care and coordinated by the Victorian Department of Human Services. SSSL was based on the Institute for Healthcare Improvements' 100K Lives Program and used six key interventions to facilitate improvement in health outcomes.
This project did not continue past the end of its funding in 2007; however information on the interventions and various resources are available from the website.
National Clinical Handover Initiative
Tools and solutions developed as part of the National Clinical Handover Initiative pilot program are being successively released during 2009 and will be available on the Commission's website. Links to the projects that relate to the identification and management of the deteriorating patient are below:iSoBAR for Inter-Hospital Transfers - West Australian Country Health Service and Royal Perth Hospital
