Abstract: Quality and safety of care remains a priority for the NHS but approximately 5% of deaths in English hospitals are preventable, and attributed to poor quality of care. Patients who are admitted to hospital towards the end of their lives can experience inadequate decision making, poor communication and suboptimal treatment and there is the need for clinical staff to recognise as soon as possible that a person is dying and to communicate this clearly to others. Over a two year research study in two NHS hospitals, a suite of four automated risk scores was developed that use routinely collected electronically stored data to provide clinicians with estimates of patients’ risk of death and sepsis during their stay in hospital. These scores rely on two key clinical data sources – the patients vital signs data as defined and monitored by the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) and routine blood test results. Staff and patient involvement has been integral to the development of the scores. In this presentation, we outline the findings of 8 focus groups involving 11 service users and carers, and 45 health care practitioners, and explain how these have contributed to an understanding of value and potential use of the scores in practice.
Biography: Dr Judith Dyson is a registered general and mental health nurse, a health psychologist and her research focuses on the use of psychological theory in supporting practitioners in implementing best practice.
Dr Claire Marsh is a research fellow in quality, safety and patient experience and also leads patient and public engagement for the Yorkshire & Humber Improvement Academy.