Work

A retrospective evaluation of SwePEWS use in paediatric patients with COVID ‐19 and RSV infection

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: AIM: As early detection of deterioration is a challenge in children, the Swedish Paediatric Early Warning Score (SwePEWS) is used to systematically assess paediatric patients' clinical state. Here, we aimed to evaluate the use and predictive ability of SwePEWS. METHODS: Electronic health records of paediatric patients admitted due to respiratory syncytial virus infection or COVID-19 were reviewed retrospectively. Registered vital signs were compared to the assigned SwePEWS score and monitored vital sign values to identify discrepancies. Additionally, SwePEWS's ability to predict transfer to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) was assessed. RESULTS: Among 1374 SwePEWS assessments, one-third were either incomplete or contained errors. Incomplete SwePEWS assessments were more frequent during night-time. Single measurements of oxygen saturation presented lower values compared to average saturation from continuous monitoring. SwePEWS's ability to predict PICU transfer was low. CONCLUSION: There was a surprisingly high occurrence of underestimated SwePEWS scores. This study provides new insights into pitfalls when developing and implementing paediatric early warning scores for systematic re-evaluations in paediatric patients.

Source: Acta Paediatrica

DOI: 10.1111/apa.17450

Authors: Julia Stolpe, Albin Wimmerdahl, Antoine Honoré, Karin Pukk Härenstam, David Forsberg

Institution: Karolinska Institutet

Language: English

Topic: Healthcare Technology and Patient Monitoring

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,270