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

Yang Xiong; Weiwei Dai; Renhe YU; Lingling Liang; Lingli Peng

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

Author: Yang XIONG ¹ ; Weiwei DAI ¹ ; Renhe YU ² ; Lingling LIANG ³ ; Lingli PENG ⁴
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1. Paediatric Ward, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, China.
2. Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Hunan, China.
3. Orthopedics Department, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, China.
4. Orthopedics Department, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, China.
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: attitude; early warning score systems; physicians; unnoticed clinical deterioration
MeSH: Adult; Attitude; Clinical Deterioration; Cross-Sectional Studies; Early Warning Score; Humans; Physicians
From:Singapore medical journal 2022;63(3):162-166
CountrySingapore
Language:English
Abstract: 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.