Taking score of Early Warning Scores

Early warning scores (EWS) and similar decision aids that rely on patient vital signs to predict patient risk of deterioration may play an important role in mitigating costs incurred as a result of the need to escalate care. Their use on medical and surgical wards as well as in emergency departments has become increasingly common. In these settings EWSs show potential in being able to alert medical staff to patients at high risk allowing for early intervention and increased monitoring in their care. Beyond the predictive ability of EWSs, factors such as institutional capacity, patient characteristics, and staff training on EWS protocols may also play an important role in determining the effectiveness, and consequently the cost effectiveness, of EWSs. If executed appropriately, the preventive opportunities created by EWSs may have substantial benefits for both patients and the healthcare system as a whole. Prudent implementation is therefore essential when introducing new EWSs and future assessments should evaluate these components as well.