MEWS Tool
Code Sepsis Team and Rapid Response Committee
http://news.unchealthcare.org/empnews/code-sepsis
Why are We Doing This?
• UNC Hospitals has a mortality problem, we are ranked in
the bottom 10% for large academic medical centers.
• Research shows that there are signs of deterioration for
6-8 hours before a significant event.
• The 100,000 lives campaign encourages hospitals to
utilize rapid response teams at the first sign of decline
• Failure to Rescue is a national concern that affects all
types of patients.
What’s New?
• MEWS Score available in Epic
• Updates constantly, trends Q2
• Information in patient lists and patient charts
MEWS Scoring Algorithm
• Uses vital signs to generate an acuity score
• No process change or manual entry
• An additional tool to help identify deterioration
Color Coded Scores
0
1-4
5-6
7+
Clinical Response to MEWS Scores
(may vary by unit)
MEWS Tool
• Scores trend every 2 hours to monitor changes
in MEWS
• Scoring components detail each components
score
• Comment field to communicate with ARRT
• Available on patient lists and services
Next Steps
• Staff Training
– Champions for each unit
– Traveling Road Show
– News for Managers and News for Employees
Suggestions for Training Opportunities?
What do we Need from You?
• Unit champions!
• Mention MEWS in staff meetings and weekly
update
• Share training opportunities (unit meetings,
leadership meetings, NA meetings)
Contact Meridith Pumphrey or Ila Mapp with
any questions, comments, team members, or
training opportunities!
[email protected]
(984) 974-0280
http://news.unchealthcare.org/empnews/code-sepsis