Pediatric Early Warning Systems aid in triage to intermediate versus intensive care for pediatric oncology patients in resource‐limited hospitals. Issue 8 (10th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Agulnik, Asya; Nadkarni, Anisha; Mora Robles, Lupe Nataly; Soberanis Vasquez, Dora Judith; Mack, Ricardo; Antillon‐Klussmann, Federico; Rodriguez‐Galindo, Carlos
• Is Part Of: Pediatric blood & cancer. Volume 65:Issue 8(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-04-10
• Subjects: global health -- intermediate care unit (IMCU) -- Pediatric Early Warning System (PEWS) -- pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) -- pediatric oncology -- quality improvement; Tumors in children -- Periodicals; Blood -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Cancer in children -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27076
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1545-5009

Abstract

Abstract: Pediatric oncology patients hospitalized in resource‐limited settings are at high risk for clinical deterioration resulting in mortality. Intermediate care units (IMCUs) provide a cost‐effective alternative to pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Inappropriate IMCU triage, however, can lead to poor outcomes and suboptimal resource utilization. In this study, we sought to characterize patients with clinical deterioration requiring unplanned transfer to the IMCU in a resource‐limited pediatric oncology hospital. Patients requiring subsequent early PICU transfer had longer PICU length of stay. PEWS results prior to IMCU transfer were higher in patients requiring early PICU transfer, suggesting PEWS can aid in triage between IMCU and PICU care.