Deterioration

This programme supported the national deteriorating patient workstream which aims to improve the reliability of recognition, response and communication, by adopting standardised tools such as NEWS2 (National Early Warning Score). The programme  added RESTORE2 (Recognise Early Soft-signs, Take Observations, Respond, Escalate). This is a physical deterioration and escalation tool for care/nursing homes, incorporating structured communications through SBARD (Situation-Background-Action-Recommendation-Decision). These tools ensure common language is used across healthcare settings. We also supported the Covid-19 response through the Covid Oximetry @home initiative.

Sepsis is the number one cause of hospital mortality. It is under-recognised, under-estimated and under-treated. It is the most expensive admission diagnosis. The programme also focused on standardising sepsis management across the whole care pathway throughout the Thames Valley region.