Development and Evaluation of a Protocol For a Pediatric Rapid Response Team

Abstract

Pediatric rapid response teams (RRT) are utilized to quickly intervene on a child whose health is declining in the hospital setting. These teams can decrease chances of an arrest occurring and decrease the number of those patients who must be urgently transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit. Mortality rates have dropped after introduction of these RRTs. Hospitals can also see a financial benefit, as there are fewer patients who require prolonged care following deterioration and transfer. The use of these teams helps meet national goals that have been established by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and Joint Commission. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing project was to utilize data gathered following survey of PRRT members to assist in making alterations or changes to an already developed, but not yet implemented, pediatric rapid response team.|Keywords: pediatric-rapid response team (RRT)