National Intelligence Report: Early warning scores to detect deterioration in Covid-19 inpatients
Provides insight into investigation conducted in response to referral highlighting over reliance on early warning scores used in isolation from other indicators of deterioration in a number of NHS trusts when patient admitted to general ward with suspected/confirmed Covid-19
Source:
Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch
SPS commentary:
The RCP released a statement on its website relating to revised guidance on the use of early warning scores for Covid-19 inpatients. It suggests that all staff should be aware that any increase in oxygen requirements should be an indicator of clinical deterioration as the early warning score might not significantly increase.