The effect of Rapid Response System revision on standard and specific intensive care unit outcomes in a regional hospital.

Hospital systems for the recognition (afferent limb) and management (efferent limb) of deteriorating patients, or Rapid Response Systems (RRSs), are being mandated worldwide, in spite of conflicting evidence regarding their efficacy. We have evaluated the impact of an Adult Deterioration Detection System (Q-ADDS)-based RRS specifically on illness severity at intensive care unit (ICU) admission and ICU length of stay (LOS), as well as previously studied endpoints. We undertook a retrospective, single-centre observational study comparing equivalent 18-month periods before the Q-ADDS-based RRS, and after implementation. The primary endpoints of the study were illness severity of unplanned ICU admissions from the ward, ICU length of stay, and ICU mortality. Secondary endpoints were RRS call numbers, rate of unplanned ICU admissions, and ward-based cardiorespiratory arrests. Following the introduction of the new RRS, Acute Pain and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II (17 versus 21, P <0.001), APACHE III (64 versus 68, P=0.011) and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (35 versus 38, P=0.044) scores at ICU admission from the ward were reduced. Fewer patients were in the >50% predicted mortality range of APACHE II (16% versus 32%, P <0.001), APACHE III (18% versus 28%, P=0.012) and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (14% versus 24%, P=0.006). ICU mortality was unchanged (13.7% versus 13.8%, P=0.93). ICU LOS was reduced (3 versus 4 days, P=0.02); prolonged stay (>7 days) was not significantly changed (19% versus 27%, P=0.055). Unplanned ICU admissions, cardiorespiratory arrests and hospital mortality were unchanged. The frequency of RRS activation (48 versus 11 per 1,000 admissions, P <0.001) was markedly increased. This Q-ADDS form-based RRS has resulted in lower illness severity at ICU admission from the ward, and fewer patients with scores associated with a >50% predicted mortality. Overall, ICU length of stay was reduced. These specific outcomes may reliably reflect RRS efficacy, even in smaller centres.

A re-audit of pulmonary function laboratories in the West Midlands.

In 1991 the West Midlands Pulmonary Function Audit Group examined the consistency between pulmonary function laboratories in the West Midlands. Three healthy subjects visited 22 centres and performed a standard set of pulmonary function tests. Demographic data on nine hypothetical subjects was also supplied for the laboratories to produce predicted values. Equipment was checked for accuracy using standard methods. The 1991 audit revealed significant inter-laboratory variability. Sources of error were identified and after consultation, recommendations were made to improve consistency. In addition, national and regional training workshops were organized for laboratory staff. In 1995 the audit was repeated using the same three subjects. Significant differences continued for all predicted results except for residual volume (RV) and forced vital capacity (FVC) and for all measured results except for functional residual capacity (FRC). However, improvements in the coefficient of variation were seen compared with 1991 for predicted forced expiratory volume (FEV1), total lung capacity (TLC), gas transfer (TLCO), FVC, FRC and RV. Similar improvements were seen in measured results for FEV1 and FVC. Increased variation was seen for predicted corrected transfer factor (KCO) and actual RV. The majority of variables in the 1995 audit had a coefficient of variation of less than 5% between laboratories. Analysis of the predicted results from the hypothetical subjects continued to show unacceptable variation reflecting continuing computer algorithm inconsistency. The improvements seen are encouraging and suggest that a regular audit programme is worthwhile.

An audit of pulmonary function laboratories in the West Midlands.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary function testing has become an integral part of the assessment and follow-up of patients with pulmonary disease. Many factors can influence the results produced by a laboratory. This audit was performed to examine the extent of variation in the pulmonary function test results amongst all laboratories in the West Midlands. This was followed by an attempt to determine the cause of this variation. METHODS: Phase 1. Three normal healthy subjects each underwent a set of pulmonary function tests in all 22 laboratories in the West Midlands. Information regarding technicians' qualifications, training and seniority, protocol and equipment used were obtained in the form of a questionnaire. Phase 2. All 22 laboratories were asked to calculate the predicted values on the same nine sets of demographic data. These data included both sexes, ethnic minorities and range of ages. In addition technical aspects of each laboratory were investigated including the assessment of volume and gas analysers with standard gases containing known concentrations of helium and carbon monoxide. RESULTS: Phase 1. Significant variations (P < 0.05) were observed in all measured values of pulmonary function tests of the three subjects. Significant variations (P < 0.05) were also observed in all predicted values except total lung capacity. Phase 2. There were significant variations (P < 0.05) amongst laboratories in calculating the predicted values of all components of pulmonary function tests. No significant differences were observed in the measurement of volume or concentration of carbon monoxide or helium.