Purpose:

Can the implementation of a Medical Response Team prevent cardiopulmonary arrests in the in-hospital setting?

Significance:

Research indicates that the risk of death with in-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest is between 50% and 80%. "Unexpected" cardiac arrests in hospitals are usually preceded by signs of clinical instability, typically beginning 6 to 8 hours prior to the arrest.

Design/Background/Rationale:

Charts were retrospectively reviewed for out-of-ICU cardiopulmonary arrests occurring over a 3-month period to establish organization-wide baseline data for the study.

Methods/Description:

Good Samaritan Hospital developed a Medical Response Team. Processes were developed for team activation. Team response includes assessment/management of the patient in collaboration with the patient's nurse. The patient's nurse maintains responsibility for the care of the patient. Physician contact is made as needed to obtain orders for diagnostics and treatment. The team assists, if needed, in providing the ordered care and staff education related to patient management.

Findings/Outcomes:

Postimplementation, out-of-ICU cardiopulmonary arrests have been reviewed and indicate significant decline in cardiopulmonary arrest.