Extrait

Background and study aims In current practice, each time a set of observations (blood pressure, heart rate etc) are performed they are recorded on a paper chart. Each result is given a score. The scores for each observation are manually summed, and the total score is recorded on the paper chart. If the total score is too high, the nurse at the bedside will respond by asking for help from a doctor or senior nurse. This method for helping doctors and nurses to recognise when patients are becoming unwell is called an Early Warning System. In 2007 the National Institute of Clinical Excellence advised that wards use an Early Warning System and recommended that the use of electronic systems to facilitate the process should be investigated. The study will test whether recording medical observations electronically can help doctors and nurses to improve outcomes for patients. Who can participate? Any patient over 16 years of age admitted to the John Radcliffe Hospital (wards 2A and 3A) in Oxford over an eight month period. What does the study involve? Whilst a patient is in hospital their medical observations will be recorded either using the paper-based system or using the electronic system. This will depend on which part of the ward a patient is initially admitted to. The nursing staff are guided to perform exactly the same observations on the patients regardless of whether the results of those observations are being recorded on paper or electronically. To investigate whether there are any differences between the paper-based and electronic methods of recording the observations we ask trained nursing staff to look at the patients' medical notes. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? The implementation of an electronic based track and trigger system may improve relevant patient outcomes in comparison to an optimised paper based version. There are no known risks for this study. Only data collected from the patients stay will be used. Where is the study run from? The study is being carried out on the Trauma unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital (wards 2A and 3A). When is study starting and how long is it expected to run for? The study started on 31 August 2011 and is planned to be running till 01 July 2012. Who is funding the study? The research is being funded by the Biomedical Research Council Who is the main contact? The main contact for any questions regarding this study is the OTEST study research team, who can be contacted on 01865 572282. Dr Peter Watkinson, Principal Investigator for the study and Intensive Care Consultant, can be contacted via The John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DU. Tel: 01865 741166.

Critère d'inclusion

• Patients admitted to a trauma ward

Liens

• isrctn
• ictrp