Physician awareness and attitudes regarding early warning score systems in mainland China: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION@#The purpose of this study was to assess the application of the early warning score system (EWS-S) and gauge physician awareness, perceptions of necessity and attitudes regarding these tools based on previously experienced unnoticed clinical deterioration (CDET).@*METHODS@#A cross-sectional survey was carried out via an online questionnaire at a large 3,500-bed Class 3A general hospital in China. A total of 299 physicians of adult general wards were asked to answer a translated questionnaire that was localised from the original version. Demographic profiles of patients were included as well as three other sections assessing awareness of CDET/EWS-S and gauging attitudes towards and perceptions of the necessity of EWS-S at our hospital.@*RESULTS@#A high level of physician awareness of the CDET problem was observed. Most physicians knew about the existence of a systematic assessment tool for clinical application. Physicians with previous experience in reanimation, unplanned transfer to intensive care unit (UTICU) and/or death tended to consider EWS-S necessary in attentive and well-trained staff (p < 0.05). Physicians who had previous experience with UTICU were more likely to recommend implementing EWS-S in their wards compared with those without such experience (p < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Most physicians have positive attitudes towards EWS-S. However, their awareness should be further heightened. Physicians who had previous experience with CDET/UTICU were more likely to employ EWS-S in their clinical practices. To better facilitate the implementation of EWS-S in Chinese hospitals, existing facilities, policy supports, standardised managements and the development of information systems should be strengthened.

Case study on a patient with hypothyroidism induced by amiodarone / 药学实践杂志

Objective To explore the methods and ideas of pharmaceutical care by analyzing a case of amiodarone induced hypothyroidism.Methods Through participating in the treatment for an atrial fibrillation case with hypothyroidism, the cause of hypothyroidism was analyzed by literature searching, patient′s clinical and medication history review and other related examinations.Results Clinical pharmacists proposed that the patient′s hypothyroidism was due to the long-term use of amiodarone.Conclusion Clinical pharmacists worked closely with physicians to provide rational medication treatment, improve therapeutic efficacy and reduce adverse drug reactions.